Love Game (Toji Fushiguro x Fem!Reader)

Chapter 5 : Persistent

The familiar dimness and scent of whiskey greeted you as you stepped inside your favorite bar. It was your haven, a place to unwind and escape the world's burdens.

"Evening, Detective." the young bartender, Hiro, greeted. "How's your day going?"

"Just fine, Hiro." you replied, sliding onto a barstool. "Give me my usual, please."

Hiro nodded, filling your glass with amber liquid. "You've got a new admirer tonight, by the looks of it. Lone wolf type, sitting in the corner."

Curious, you glanced over, spotting a man with a chiseled jawline and piercing gray eyes. A shiver ran down your spine as your gaze met his. "Is he causing trouble?"

Hiro chuckled, setting your drink down.
"Not yet. But he's been looking at you since you walked in, so it's only a matter of time. Wanna play along, or should I give him the 'hands off' signal?

"Hand's off signal, please." you said hastily, taking a sip of your drink. You had no interest in dealing with anyone other than yourself tonight.

The night progressed, and several men approached you, only to be met with your cold, dismissive attitude. Hiro chuckled at your antics, shaking his head as he cleaned a glass.

Unbeknownst to you, Toji had slipped into the bar, sitting at a corner table. He watched you with amusement, impressed by how effortlessly you fended off the advances of various suitors.

"Damn, she's got ice in her veins." he muttered to himself. "I might have to raise my game to get through that shell."

As the night dragged on, your drink slowly emptied. You were becoming less guarded, occasionally laughing with Hiro. The world outside the bar seemed to fade away, replaced by the soft hum of conversations and the thud of glasses being set down on the counter.

Toji chuckled, enjoying the show. "Looks like she's finally loosening up." He popped a handful of chips into his mouth, watching you from afar.

"She's a natural at deflecting unwanted attention. I wonder if I can break through her walls." Toji mused, munching on his chips, seemingly content just observing your interactions.

He sat there for another hour, munching on chips and sipping on water. Toji dislikes alcohol because he doesn't get drunk, so why indulge in something he couldn't enjoy?

You were gathering your belongings, ready to leave, when suddenly, you felt a firm hand grip your ass. Your fist immediately connected to the man's face, and the sudden crack of bone echoed through the bar. Blood spurted from his broken nose, staining his shirt. You turned to Hiro with a deadpan expression. "Some signal, Hiro."

Hiro winced, apologizing. "Sorry, Detective. I thought he'd take the hint. Next time, I'll make it more convincing."

As the man scrambled to his feet, he spat out a string of obscenities, calling you a "stuck-up bitch." With shaky hands, he broke the beer bottle in half , the jagged edges glinting dangerously in the low bar lighting.

The room seemed to spin, and you stumbled back, leaning against the bar for support. Your vision blurred, and you wondered if you'd taken too many drinks.

The air thickened with tension, and the patrons went silent, watching with bated breath. The man lunged forward with so much aggression, ready to stab you with the broken beer bottle.

In a swift motion, Toji appeared behind the man, yanking his arm backwards with a sickening snap. The man screamed in pain, dropping the bottle. Toji gripped the man's collar, lifting him off the ground.

"This one's off-limits." he said, his voice low and dangerous. "And don't even think about touching her again. Understood? Do it one more time, and you won't be around to make any more."

Releasing the man, he turned to you, concern etched on his face. "You okay, Buttercup?"

You blinked, staring at Toji. "Yeah....Wait, what are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay away."

Toji smirked. "You didn't tell me to stay out of trouble. I couldn't resist saving the damsel in distress."

You rolled your eyes, pushing him aside to retrieve your bag. "I can handle myself, Toji. You didn't need to step in."

Toji chuckled, following you as you made your way to the exit. "I see you're still as stubborn as ever. And here I was hoping you'd thank me."

You shot him a death glare, not amused by his teasing. "Thank you? For what? Saving me from a punk who got what he deserved? I'll pass."

Toji shrugged, unfazed by your anger. "Suit yourself. At least, you've got someone to watch your back when you're out having a good time. You never know when trouble might find you."

You huffed, muttering under your breath as you left the bar. "Like I need someone like you to keep me safe."

Once you were safely outside the bar, you stopped and turned to face Toji. "Just how long have you been following me, Toji? And why?" Your tone was sharp, irritation lacing every word.

Toji grinned, unfazed by your anger. "Following you? Oh, I don't know. Since the moment you left the apartment, I think. I figured you could use some company or a bodyguard, whichever you prefer. You're quite the entertainer, you know."

The realization hit you like a ton of bricks.  "You've been following me just so you could watch? I'll have you know, I don't need a damn bodyguard! Not from a washed-up assassin like you!"

Toji's grin widened. "Ah, Buttercup, you're still as feisty as ever. Can't say I'm disappointed."

As you started to walk away from the bar, you tripped on the curb, tumbling forward. But before you could hit the ground, Toji swiftly caught you, wrapping his strong arms around your waist. "Careful, Y/N."

The warmth from his body radiated against yours, making you feel strangely warm inside. Your eyes met his, and for a split second, you both blushed. Snapping out of your daze, you shoved him away, your cheeks flushed. "Get your hands off me, Toji!" you exclaimed, pushing against his chest to create some distance between you two.

He chuckled, his voice husky as he leaned closer. "Or else what? You'll box my ears again? I'd kind of like that."

Your cheeks burned with embarrassment, and you turned away from him, refusing to meet his gaze. "You...you're terrible. Just terrible."

With that, you stomped off towards your apartment, leaving Toji to follow at a distance, chuckling to himself.

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End Of Chapter 5 🥀....