Chapter Text
Only two weeks remain until Valentine’s Day, and students have started making plans to ask their crushes out.
It’s been the highlight of the week, though occasionally interrupted by conversations about upcoming quizzes, exams, or pending projects. And who could blame them? After all, the event is happening within the school premises, which naturally, means that regular classes will be put on hold during that time.
The excitement lingered in the air, even though Valentine's Day was still days away. That didn’t stop the hearts of the youth from beating a little faster with anticipation. This was something they had long been looking forward to. As high school students, they’d been through events like this before, but back then, they were only juniors.
Only senior high school students were given the opportunity to set up booths and take on major roles in the event, which explains why this week’s trend revolves around them. It’s their moment to shine. Meanwhile, the younger students are just as excited, eager to enjoy the games and food the event has to offer.
Love, in all ways, is at its prime with these youngsters.
Yuuji Itadori is no exception. Just like everyone else, he's buzzing with excitement, so much that he's starting to break a sweat.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asked, rubbing his sweaty palms together. “It’s just… a lot of girls might’ve done the same thing…”
He’s not wrong. A lot of girls would probably do the same thing he’ll do. After all, his crush isn’t just any other student. He’s one of the most popular upperclassmen in the entire school. And that’s not the only thing going for him. He’s smart, too. A good-looking genius? Of course that would turn heads! On top of that, he’s talented! The captain of the volleyball team and the star player. With a face fit for modeling and the height to match, it’s no wonder students are drawn to him. His intelligence even rivals the top student in his year.
Satoru Gojo checks all qualities a girl would want. Even Yuuji’s.
He might be two years older, but that only makes him more appealing. With his humor, outgoing personality, and undeniable popularity, not to mention his immense wealth, he stands out. His family's fortune spans generations, and they hold a notable influence in the community.
“You’ve just got to beat them to it,” advises his close friend, Megumi Fushiguro, not even glancing up from the book in his hands. “It’s like a race. That guy’s so popular, I wouldn’t be surprised if girls start lining up at dawn tomorrow.”
“He’s right.” Another friend of his, Nobara Kugisaki, joins in as well. “You have to do it now. You’ve already written the letter, right?”
Yuuji certainly has. It’s a short letter, simple, but sincere. A quiet confession of love. It means so much to him that he keeps it buried deep in his bag, hidden away where no one would find it, even if they dared to snoop. It’s no secret among the three of them that Yuuji has been drawn to the school’s most charming boy. Nobara and Megumi have known since last year that Yuuji developed a crush on Satoru, and they've kept his secret safe ever since.
It’s all because of that fateful day in that hallway.
Just last year, Yuuji was casually going about his day. He was strolling down the hallway, on his way to the restroom, when out of nowhere, the sound of pounding footsteps came rushing up behind him. He barely had time to turn around before he was nearly tackled by none other than Satoru Gojo.
“W-What are you—” Yuuji stammered, caught completely off guard. He hadn’t even realized that Satoru Gojo was crouched behind him, using Yuuji as a human shield. His shock only deepened when another figure stepped forward, and it was none other than Gojo’s best friend, the long-haired and handsome Suguru Geto.
“Come on, my sweet little kohai, help me~” Gojo practically begged, hiding himself dramatically over Yuuji’s smaller frame, which did little with his taller height. “Suguru’s being mean to me again!”
A smile tugged at Geto’s lips, but it did little to hide the storm brewing beneath. His eyes were sharp, and a vein throbbed at his temple. Clear signs of his irritation with his best friend. “Apologies for his unruly behavior, kohai,” he said calmly, though his voice held a warning edge. “Satoru, quit acting like a child and let him go. Using him as a shield is more than a little rude.”
“And what, you’re going to drag me to practice? Like I said, I don’t waaaanna gooo,” Gojo complained, continuing to hold onto Yuuji, using him as a barrier between himself and the other person.
Yuuji was done with being dragged into this. He twisted his body to face Gojo, frustration boiling over. "Can you let go—"
His breath hitched at the sight.
The sunlight streaming through the windows falls on Gojo's face in such a way that he appears almost angelic. Yuuji's eyes widened in awe at the sight. The pure white of Gojo's hair seemed to enhance his beauty, and his blue eyes shone with a brilliance that made them resemble gleaming diamonds. Even though Gojo's face was already handsome, it had an ethereal glow, making him seem like a celestial being. He was stunning. Yuuji felt his cheeks warm. He had seen the famous Gojo before, but never in this light.
“—of me…” Yuuji barely managed to finish, his gaze fixed on his senior with clear admiration. But Gojo didn’t seem to notice Yuuji’s open awe.
“I promise to attend, but not today!” Gojo declares, then he lets Yuuji go and sprints away.
“Seriously?!” Geto's expression showed he was beyond frustrated with his friend's behavior. "Satoru, stop running!" After shooting one last look at Yuuji, he quickly bowed and apologized before darting off after Gojo.
It was exactly that. Just that moment when Yuuji realized he had a crush on Satoru Gojo.
Yuuji gave a small nod. "Yeah, the letter is tucked safely in my bag. But honestly, I'm more concerned that he won't even bother reading it."
Because where could he place the letter to make sure it's the first one Gojo sees? He can’t just put it in Gojo’s locker, since other girls will likely do the same, and soon, his letter would be lost among all the others. Plus, Gojo would probably end up tossing them all, just like he did last year, if they kept piling up in his locker.
Yuuji needs to act fast, and his friends are right. It has to be done now.
“I've got an idea," Megumi says, lowering his book and turning his attention to Yuuji with a serious gaze. "It's kind of an insane one, though. You might end up drawing the teacher's eye."
If Megumi was the one to have an idea, it was a given that it would be the best and most effective one, no matter the risks. Yuuji’s shoulders stiffened as he firmly responded, “Let’s hear it.”
With that, Megumi took out his phone. "I got a picture of his class schedule. And before you wonder how I got a picture, it was Mai’s.” Then he showed the photo to the two, “Anyway, in about an hour, we'll have our free time, but it’s also Gojo’s P.E. class. I’ve heard they’ll be in the gym, so it’ll be the perfect opportunity to sneak into his classroom and slip your letter right into his bag."
Nobara gasped in shock, her surprise unmistakable. “Holy crap, that almost sounded like it’s illegal!”
Megumi shrugged. "In a way, I guess. I mean, who knows what could have slipped into the room and hidden in other people's bags. Someone with bad intent, that’s for sure. Especially if it’s things that are strictly banned at school."
It's a great opportunity to set people up. Bullies at school would definitely seize the chance to start a fight and stir up trouble. But Yuuji saw it as an ideal moment for himself. It's a genius move. Then again, that's Megumi for you.
“All I need to do is sneak in without being seen,” Yuuji murmured, his voice thoughtful. “It’s a little trickier with the teacher’s office so close, but I think I can manage it.”
But someone else had a different perspective. “Are you sure?” The hesitation in Nobara’s voice was almost unlike her, as she’s always been so outspoken and confident. “Not that it’s a bad idea. I actually think it’s a great one. It’s just that… he’s in the same class as Gojo, too.”
Yuuji frowned.
Who’s he, you ask?
Well, Yuuji knows who exactly it is, and a wave of dread settles in his stomach. He nearly forgot. How could he have forgotten?
The source of all his misery. The tormentor of his every waking moment. The most dreadful person he’s ever encountered. His bully. Sukuna Ryomen.
“Damn…” Yuuji cursed.
Just thinking about him made Yuuji’s spirits sink. There’s a reason why he feels so down whenever that older boy is around or even just brought up. For Yuuji, Sukuna Ryomen is the constant thorn in his side.
He didn’t even know why it happened.
Yuuji couldn't help but remember, with a tinge of regret, how he met the upperclassman. It was just another ordinary, perhaps even accidental, occurrence. When Yuuji first entered high school, he was filled with excitement about meeting new people, so caught up in looking around that he didn’t notice what—or rather, who—was right in front of him.
“Oops! Sorry!” Yuuji accidentally collided with the person in front of him, bumping into their back. The individual didn’t even flinch, which says a lot about how strong or heavy they must be.
The student spun around, prepared to deliver a sharp reprimand and cast a fearsome scowl. However, as soon as his eyes landed on the sight before him, a brief flicker of emotion crossed his face, only for him to quickly mask it, replacing his furious rage with a sly, amused smirk.
“Oh? What’s a shortie like you doing out here, right in front of the student council’s office?”
Back then, Yuuji was young and naive, and he quickly flared up at the name he was given. "A shortie?!"
“Elementary school begins next week, just so you know. Today is the first day of classes for high school only.”
How. Dare. He. Doesn’t he see the uniform Yuuji’s wearing? At that moment, though, he had no idea he was being teased, falling right into the trap. “I’m a high schooler! And you're being such a jerk, senpai!”
But the other student simply grinned wickedly. “And you’re too cute to even start high school.”
Cute?! He's just degrading Yuuji even more! Yuuji can already hear it. The fact that he's being underestimated right now… Just because he's not tall yet doesn't mean he should be mistaken for an elementary schooler! This guy…! He already has a real intimidating aura! A true bully!
“Don’t call me cute! You... You—!" Unfortunately, Yuuji can't think of anything harsh to say, especially when he has no idea who this boy really is.
Suddenly, the gap between them closes as the older boy takes a step forward, looming over Yuuji. ‘Geez, this guy’s tall,’ Yuuji thinks, frustration and anger building up inside him. Yuuji tries to step back, but before he can, a firm hand grips his jaw, and another presses forcefully on his shoulder, keeping him in place.
“W-What are you—”
“You’ve got the sweetness of a peach, brat. You remind me of one.” The jerk smirks, licking his lips. "I’d devour you without a second thought."
Damn, that’s terrifying. Yuuji felt his heart skip a beat at the seriousness in the tone, but his attention was drawn to the glint in his senpai's eyes, something he couldn't quite place, though it seemed strangely familiar. The crimson eyes scanned Yuuji's face absently as he spoke, almost as if memorizing every detail. For some reason, Yuuji couldn’t quite understand. But he knew one thing for sure.
Yuuji got himself a bully.
And it’s the first student he came across with.
On the first day of high school too.
How wonderful.
“L-Let go of me!” Yuuji scraped at the hand clutching his jaw, shoving against it. He was usually strong for his age, but this guy didn’t move an inch.
For a boy with a slender build, he's surprisingly strong, no doubt about it. Who on earth is he?
“Hm,” the taller student showed no sign of concern as the younger one struggled, his fingers digging into Yuuji’s cheeks to forcibly tilt his head, studying him closely. It was utterly humiliating, causing Yuuji’s face to turn bright red. “With a juicy personality, too. A wild little thing, aren’t you?”
“I said let go of me!” With one last forceful shove, Yuuji broke free. He faltered, though, as the grip on him was unexpectedly strong.
Just as Yuuji straightens from his faltered position, he sees eager arms extending toward him once more, causing his heart to race at the sight.
“Lord Sukuna…”
The scene was interrupted by someone, and Yuuji couldn’t have been more thankful for the arrival of another student. A white-haired figure appeared from behind the bully.
Sukuna… A name Yuuji won’t ever forget. Yuuji shoots a glare at the older boy, whose face has shifted from one of mischievous joy and wild excitement to something more serious and frustrated. Sukuna lowers his arms and steps back from Yuuji—so unaware that the space between them has closed again—and exhales a deep sigh. “What is it, Uraume?”
“He’s not a toy, my lord.”
Yuuji clenched his jaw, glaring at Sukuna with a fierce scowl.
“Oh, but he just might be," Sukuna grinned. He then turned, casting a brief glance at Yuuji before walking off with confident strides. "Later, brat~"
And since that moment, Yuuji has been relentlessly tormented year after year. He’s lost track of how many times he’s been cornered. That’s why he never walks through the school alone anymore, always accompanies by Megumi and Nobara. But whenever the rare occasion arises that he’s alone, Sukuna will always be there.
Just the thought of Sukuna fills him with fury.
Yuuji remembered those moments in his first year of high school, when Sukuna would sneak up behind him, his fingers brushing over the nape of his neck as Yuuji leaned down to drink from the water fountain after gym class. The sudden touch would startle him, causing him to splash water all over the place and bump his head on the metal, all while Sukuna laughed loudly, making him feel humiliated.
There was also the time when Yuuji was sent to detention and was told to clean an entire room on his own. Somehow, Sukuna found out about it and made a mess or two, just so Yuuji would have to clean them up again. At that time, though, Yuuji had planned to ignore the older boy, refusing to speak to him. However, that decision led to unexpected consequences, and by the end of the day, Yuuji found himself staying late, forced to clean up even more chaos Sukuna had caused just to get him to talk.
Even back in his second year of high school, when Yuuji had fallen into a deep sleep in the library while cramming for an exam, he woke up to the unexpected feeling of Sukuna sitting beside him. The shock was enough to make him miss the fact that his damn bully was balancing a stack of books and random items on his head, which eventually tipped over and crashed to the floor, causing a huge racket. The librarian scolded him, and Sukuna took off, laughing all the way.
The last time he saw Sukuna was on a particularly rainy day, just yesterday, in fact. Satoru Gojo had forgotten his umbrella, and since his best friend would never share his, he was left to wait on the school grounds until his guardians arrived.
Yuuji saw it as the perfect chance to offer his umbrella to his senpai. With no other girls around, it seemed like the ideal moment to catch the attention of the popular student for himself.
However, just as Yuuji was about to approach Gojo, a firm hand yanked him away from the spot. Surprised, Yuuji was hauled outside, immediately getting soaked. But that grip… He knew it all too well. It was a hand he had felt countless times, trapping him, forcing him into corners.
It was Sukuna, his expression cold and menacing.
“Take your hands off me!” Yuuji immediately struggled, trying to shake off the arm wrapped around him.
They're both soaked. What on earth is this guy thinking? Ruining his powerful presence like this!
Because as much as Yuuji hates to admit it, Sukuna Ryomen is just as famous as Satoru Gojo.
This boy hailed from a privileged family. Not only that, but he's even more strikingly handsome than Satoru, who is already known for his good looks. Sukuna has broad, strong shoulders, typical of a captain in the archery club, and stands tall. While Gojo exudes a bubbly personality, this boy is his complete opposite; prim and proper, as befits someone with a lineage from old aristocracy. Although he can be blunt at times, it's only ever with Yuuji. To everyone else, he's seen as a true gentleman, almost royal in demeanor.
He's the brightest student of their class, a rival to Satoru Gojo. However, when it comes to intelligence, Sukuna ultimately outshines Gojo. Triumphing in numerous tournaments across literature, history, science, and mathematics competitions.
Popular with both boys and girls, attractive and charming, but these qualities mean little to someone like Yuuji. For Yuuji Itadori, he sees the darker side. A bully. Someone who takes pleasure in making his life a nightmare for Sukuna's amusement.
Many others also fell prey to his harsh words. He witnessed tough boys reduced to tears when he found Sukuna and a group of students in the secluded corners of the school. He saw students cower in fear at the mere presence of Sukuna whenever he happened to be around. He even saw teachers tremble when confronted by Sukuna, who, despite being their student, seemed to hold a terrifying power over them.
Months ago, Yuuji had reached out to a student who was being bullied by Sukuna. His intention was to gather supporters and get enough evidence and testimonies to report Sukuna to the principal, but unfortunately, his efforts were in vain.
The students were more terrified of Sukuna than brave enough to report him to the appropriate authorities.
Benjiro, a year older, had been a bully back then, but everything changed when he encountered a greater predator. When Yuuji asked him about what Sukuna had done to him, Benjiro’s face went pale.
“D-Did… did he threaten you too?” Benjiro stammered, his eyes wide and filled with unshed tears. “He’s terrifying, right? He hit me in the stomach so hard, it still hurts. P-Please, just stay away from him, Yuuji.”
Yuuji paused and nodded, a frown tugging at his expression. Sukuna hadn’t actually threatened him, not really. Everything that bully had done was doing childish antics, to the point where it was starting to annoy him. And while Sukuna had gotten physical, it was never in a truly harsh way. He'd tugged at Yuuji’s hair playfully, firmly grasped his jaw to make him look him in the eye, tackled him from behind, or held him forcibly by the waist just to make him late for class, ensuring a scolding from the teachers later. And, of course, he'd pinned him against a wall more times than Yuuji could count on both hands, all just to mess with him and prove his dominance.
But nothing about being punched and threatened.
Ah, but everyone’s bullying experience was a tad different, right?
On the same day, Yuuji had also inquired with the other victims, though some were too terrified to say anything.
Another willing student from the same year but a different homeroom, Ritsu, had once been Yuuji’s bully during their first year of high school, though the torment only lasted about a month. Now, Ritsu was painfully introverted, a far cry from the extroverted person he had once been. Yuuji remembered how Ritsu had once put dirt on his lunchbox in the cafeteria. At the time, Sukuna had been there as well, watching from afar, and Yuuji had thought Sukuna would find it amusing to see someone else picking on him. However, when Yuuji glanced at Sukuna, he was taken aback by the stormy, dark expression on his face.
“Ritsu, could you share what Sukuna did to you?" Yuuji wasn't ready for the chilling details that Ritsu revealed without hesitation. Sukuna, apparently, had trapped him, threatening his life and involving his family. The very next day, Ritsu lost friends, fell victim to blackmail, and was confined to an empty classroom for over an hour. The mastermind behind it all? Sukuna himself.
“I-I had no idea what I had done!” By then, Ritsu was in tears, and Yuuji could only give him gentle pats on the back. “I didn’t even get his attention back then! W-We’ve never... We’ve never crossed paths like that! B-But that’s Ryomen for you! So unpredictable, a true demon in human form! I know things were tough for you too, Yuuji…”
No. Not exactly. Yuuji’s encounters with Sukuna were an entirely different story. “I… I suppose,” was all he managed to say to poor Ritsu.
Even the chaos of yesterday couldn’t compare to what unfolded for the rest of the victims. Drenched by the downpour alongside Sukuna, Yuuji desperately tried to pry off the other’s arm, and all without success. Sukuna simply hauled him away, completely ruining Yuuji’s plan to share an umbrella with his crush, Gojo. Now, he was left soaked to the bone, his hopes washed away with the rain.
“Let go of me!” Yuuji yelled, his voice straining to rise above the roar of the storm. “You damn bastard!”
But Sukuna’s grip only grew firmer as he led them away, to a place only he knew… Where no one could witness what came next.
Yuuji grieved for the chance to speak with Gojo. And instead, was whisked away by his stupid bully.
By the time he was let go, he found himself shoved against another wall inside the building. Sukuna closed in quickly, caging Yuuji in with both arms braced beside his head. It’s the position Sukuna favours most. Pinning Yuuji against the wall, no room to flee, his overwhelming presence stealing the breath from Yuuji’s lungs, again and again, until he loses track of how many times he’s been caught like this. He looked especially pissed yesterday. Why, Yuuji didn’t know. Maybe just for the thrill of messing with him. Just another day in the endless cycle of torment.
“What the hell is your problem?!” Yuuji had thrown that question at him more times than he could count, too. He shoved at Sukuna’s chest, trying to create distance, but Sukuna held firm, closing the remaining gap instead, his body flush against Yuuji’s. He leaned in close, lips near Yuuji’s ear, voice low and dangerous. “Pull that stunt again, and you’ll regret it.”
Stunt? What stunt?
Yuuji only tried to offer to share his umbrella with Gojo. An entirely innocent gesture. He did nothing beyond that. Has he truly gone mad?
“You’re really pushing my patience,” Sukuna said, leaning back slightly to cast a pointed glare at the younger student. “If you ever commit such disgraceful acts in front of me again, you’ll face great consequences, brat.” Then, in a completely unexpected move, Sukuna licked the raindrop sliding down Yuuji’s cheek. “Just so you remember, you belong to me.”
Fury, disgust, and disbelief surged through Yuuji, making him tremble. He was set free, and Sukuna casually strode back outside, unfazed by the pouring rain.
All that happened yesterday. It was something Yuuji wished to forget. Something he hadn’t been ready to share with Megumi and Nobara. And speaking of which...
“Well? What’s your plan?” Nobara asked, folding her arms as she waited for his response.
Satoru and Sukuna are in the same class, which means Yuuji could run into them if he doesn’t time his sneaky return to the classroom just right. But if it’s P.E. and everyone’s headed to the gym, then he still has a chance to pull it off, as long as he’s careful enough not to get caught.
“I can still do it.” Yuuji says, “It will work out.”
He’ll get there, sure enough.
But the ending? It’ll surprise him.
~~~
Dear crush,
Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, and I was wondering if you’d be my date for the event. I really like you!
Will you be my Valentine?
I’ll be waiting for your answer by Locker 45A after dismissal.
~ Yuuji Itadori
~~~
An hour later, Yuuji holds the folded paper with careful hands. He’d spent a full thirty minutes waiting in the classroom alongside Nobara and Megumi. Only after they gave him the signal did he finally step out of the room.
When he arrived at Gojo’s classroom, silence greeted him. The corridors are empty and the room vacant, too. A quiet thrill fluttered in his chest.
He slips in quietly, heart pounding, and tucks the letter into a bag he knows all too well. He’s pretty sure it belongs to his crush, after all, he’s seen Gojo carrying it more than once, and Yuuji has grown oddly attached to the sight of it.
Or so he thinks is his crush’s bag.
It was one of the most exciting moments ever. When he walked back into the classroom, grinning from ear to ear, Nobara and Megumi greeted him with a round of applause. Yuuji twirled around the room with a rosy blush on his cheeks, clearly over the moon. He couldn’t even focus during the next class!
He’s too caught up in wondering what’s to come. One minute he’s excited, the next he’s nervous, then sad, then anxious, and the cycle keeps repeating.
If he gets turned down, he promised himself that he wouldn't let it affect him. Instead, he'd push himself even harder to win Gojo’s heart and, if fortune favors him, get the older student to notice him.
The dismissal bell rang just a few minutes ago, and he hurried to reach his designated locker. His locker, where he waits patiently, yet with a sense of anxious anticipation.
Students were scattered everywhere, but they all vanished just as swiftly as they appeared, eager to go home, he supposes.
It was a lucky day. No reprimands from teachers, perfect weather, no quizzes or assignments given. And best of all, no Sukuna! Maybe the good fortune would continue in the moments ahead!
His excitement quickly fades to horror when he realizes the person approaching him isn't the boy he has feelings for.
No, not his crush.
It’s his bully, Sukuna Ryomen, holding the letter with a predatory smirk and a glint of mischief in his eyes.
“Yes,” Sukuna says. “I’ll be your Valentine.”
Yuuji stares, eyes wide.