CAFFEINE ; jujutsu kaisen oneshots

Winter Confessions ; Toge Inumaki

There was something about him that pissed you off.

You had no reason to dislike Inumaki, but you did. Maybe it was the way he never spoke. Or maybe it was the way you always caught his lavender eyes lingering on you.

Either way, he annoyed you.

On a cold winter day, you found yourself out shopping with your dear upperclassman, Maki. Well, more like you didn't want to be stuck with Nobara, who would've made you try on everything in sight. The first and second years had split into groups to go shopping—Gojo was paying, of course.

The pairs were: you and Maki, Nobara with Fushiguro and Itadori, and Panda with Inumaki.

Damn Inumaki.

As you strolled through the busy streets, the city buzzed with life. The chatter of pedestrians, honking cars, and the mouthwatering aroma of food stalls filled the air.

Then, among the towering buildings, a quiet little cafe caught your eye. Warm light glowed through its windows, and an apartment complex sat just above it.

"Can we go there?" you shamelessly asked Maki, who already looked fed up with shopping.

"Yeah. Let's go. I'm not in the mood for this," she grumbled, and you smiled a bit. She was secretly a softie, and you knew it. 

Stepping inside, the comforting scent of coffee and fresh pastries welcomed you. The soft crackling of a fireplace mixed with the faint background music, and for a moment, everything felt peaceful... Until you spotted two familiar figures sitting at a wooden table in the corner.

A boy.

And a panda.

You have got to be kidding me.

You clicked your tongue in annoyance and turned to Maki.

"Let's just get our drinks and pretend we didn't see them," she muttered, already sensing your frustration.

"Right. Because ignoring a literal panda at a café is totally normal," you said sarcastically. She rolled her eyes.

Little did you know, she and Panda had a plan—one that involved leaving you alone with Inumaki.

At the counter, an older woman greeted you with a warm smile. Silver hair framed her face, and a green apron was tied neatly around her waist. "Welcome, dear. What can I get you?" she asked kindly.

"Just a black coffee," Maki said bluntly, making you side-eye her.

"And for you?" the woman turned to you, still smiling.

"Just an iced coffee, please." you replied. After paying (thanks to Gojo's wallet), Panda waved the two of you over. You groaned but followed, drinks in hand. Maki had a smirk on her face, which disappeared once you noticed it.

Panda and Inumaki sat across from each other, meaning you had no choice but to sit next to Inumaki.

Lovely.

Just as Panda was about to speak, Maki's phone buzzed. When she answered, you heard the faint sound of yelling from the other side, making her flinch from the unexpected loud noise.

"Shit. Nobara was yelling at Itadori in the middle of the mall, and now all three of them are in mall jail," she groaned.

"I'll go with you," Panda added, standing up way too fast. They exchanged knowing glances before running out, snickering.

And just like that, you were alone with Inumaki.

Not surprising.

A few moments passed before your phone buzzed. A text from him.

'You have pretty eyes.'

You blinked.

How dare he.

How dare he tell you that you have pretty eyes.

And how dare he look slightly attractive while fidgeting with his hands?!

Inumaki watched your reaction, his eyes glinting with amusement. His lips curved into a silent chuckle. Your cheeks dusted with a pale pink, barely visible on your skin.

So, as you should, you smacked his arm.

He clutched the spot dramatically, showing off chipped lavender nail polish as he feigned pain. There was a playful glint in his eyes—his stupid, beautiful lavender eyes that matched his nails.

Wait. What?

Your phone buzzed again.

'I'm melting on the inside. You can't see it, but I am.'

You scoffed, glancing at him. He was grinning like an idiot, and for a second, you wanted to squish his cheeks.

Eventually, the two of you left the café and headed back to campus. The winter air was sharp, making you shiver. You hadn't realized how warm the café had been. You folded your hands in front of your mouth, heating them up.

Without a word, Inumaki slipped off his jacket and draped it over your shoulders. The action surprised you, which started your defense mechanism. Insulting. "Keep it, rice ball," you muttered, pushing his arm away.

"Yeah, no. you're cold. I'm giving you my jacket."

You froze.

Did he just—did he just talk?!

"You can talk?" you blurted out, earning a few odd looks from passersby.

He simply chuckled before gently grabbing your wrist, pulling you away from the street's edge.

When did he get so considerate?

You stared at him, dumbfounded. Then, without warning, his hand slid into yours, fingers lacing together as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"You're acting weird," you mumbled, flustered, adjusting the oversized jacket around you.

Inumaki just grinned.

Rolling your eyes, you walked faster, dragging him along.

But he didn't let go.

Instead, he brought your hand close to his face—so close you could feel his breath against your skin—before pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles.

Your mind short-circuited.

You yanked your hand away, pulled his hood over your head, and basically sprinted down the sidewalk.

Inumaki laughed before matching your pace, his eyes twinkling as he watched you mumble flustered curses under your breath.

A walking green flag. That's what he was.

And the worst part?

You didn't mind it one bit.

A/n: EAUGHHH i hate this sm