Takes And Heartaches | Sukuna x Reader |

Chapter 1

The golden lights of the grand ballroom shimmered off the intricate crystal chandeliers, casting a warm, opulent glow over the sea of elegantly dressed attendees. The Jujutsu Film Awards were the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, where the industry's brightest stars gathered to celebrate excellence. Among them, Y/N L/N stood out, her presence a captivating blend of grace and poise.

Y/N's gown was a deep shade of emerald, hugging her figure and flowing elegantly to the floor. Her hair was styled in soft waves, framing her face in a way that accentuated her striking features. As she navigated the crowded room, she offered polite smiles and exchanged pleasantries with fellow actors, directors, and producers. However, beneath her composed exterior, a storm brewed-a mix of anticipation and unease.

The night was significant for Y/N. She had been nominated for the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Cursed Love, a romantic drama that had captured audiences' hearts. It was a role that had required vulnerability and strength, a performance that had resonated deeply with her. Yet, as she approached her seat, she felt a familiar tension in the air, an undercurrent that had less to do with the awards and more with a particular individual in attendance.

At the opposite end of the room, Sukuna lounged with an air of indifference, his sharp features illuminated by the soft lighting. Clad in a tailored black suit, he exuded a magnetic presence that drew glances from all corners. His crimson eyes scanned the room lazily, barely registering the adulation directed his way. The world knew him as the charismatic and enigmatic star of the blockbuster Domain, for which he was nominated for Best Lead Actor. But to Y/N, he was a constant, irksome reminder of a love lost and a rivalry that had since consumed her.

Their breakup had been a public spectacle, played out in the tabloids and gossiped about in industry circles. Sukuna's abrupt decision to end their relationship had blindsided Y/N, leaving her with questions and a bitterness that had only festered over time. Since then, their paths had crossed many times, each encounter more strained than the last. The industry had taken to pitting them against each other, fueling a competition that neither had sought but both had perpetuated.

As the ceremony began, the atmosphere in the room shifted, anticipation palpable. The host, a well-known comedian, took the stage and began the night's proceedings with light-hearted jokes and banter. The awards were announced one by one, each recipient stepping up to the stage to accept their accolade amidst applause.

Finally, the moment arrived for the Best Supporting Actress award. Y/N's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of excitement and dread. The presenter, a veteran actress, smiled warmly as she read the nominees' names. Y/N watched the screen, seeing clips of her performance alongside those of the other talented actresses. The presenter paused for dramatic effect before announcing, "And the award for Best Supporting Actress goes to... Y/N L/N for Cursed Love!"

The applause was thunderous, and Y/N felt a surge of emotions-relief, pride, and a touch of defiance. She gracefully made her way to the stage, her gown trailing behind her like a cascade of emerald silk. As she accepted the golden statuette, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before addressing the audience.

"Thank you," she began, her voice steady. "This role was a journey into the depths of love and loss, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have brought it to life. I want to thank the director, the incredible cast, and the crew who made this film possible. To my fellow nominees, it's an honor to be among such talented actresses. And to the fans who continue to support and believe in me, this award is for you."

She paused, her gaze inadvertently drifting towards Sukuna, who sat at his table, his expression inscrutable. There was a flicker of something in his eyes, but she couldn't quite place it-contempt, amusement, or perhaps indifference. Regardless, the sight of him rekindled the simmering resentment she felt. "And finally," she continued, her tone sharpening ever so slightly, "to everyone who doubted me and thought I couldn't shine without being in someone's shadow... well, here I am."

The subtle barb was met with murmurs and knowing glances from the audience. Y/N knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn't resist. The applause followed her as she descended the stage, her head held high, the weight of the award in her hand a tangible validation of her efforts.

As she returned to her seat, the ceremony continued, and the Best Lead Actor category was soon announced. The presenter, a renowned director, took the stage and began to list the nominees. Y/N watched as the camera panned to Sukuna, capturing his aloof demeanor. The presenter smiled and opened the envelope. "The award for Best Lead Actor goes to... Sukuna for Domain!"

The applause was equally deafening, if not more so. Sukuna rose from his seat, his movements fluid and confident. He made his way to the stage, the room buzzing with excitement. As he took the statuette, he turned to face the audience, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"Thank you," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "It's an honor to receive this award. Domain was a project that pushed boundaries, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it. I want to thank the director, my co-stars, and everyone involved in the production. You've all been incredible."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the audience, lingering for a moment on Y/N. His expression remained inscrutable, but there was a glint of something in his eyes-perhaps a challenge. "And to my fans," he continued, "your support means everything. You've stood by me through thick and thin, and I hope to continue surprising and entertaining you."

His next words were delivered with a casualness that belied their pointed nature. "And to those who think they know me, whether it's through headlines or hearsay, just remember-I'm full of surprises."

The implication was clear, and Y/N felt a flush of anger. The words stung, not just because they were directed at her but because they echoed the very public nature of their breakup and the ensuing fallout. Sukuna's speech ended with a gracious nod, and he left the stage, the applause echoing in his wake.

As the ceremony continued, Y/N found it increasingly difficult to focus. Her fingers clenched around the cold metal of her award, the events of the evening replaying in her mind. The subtle digs, the shared history, and the undeniable tension-it was all too much. She stole a glance at Sukuna, who now sat with an air of casual indifference, chatting with his co-stars.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. Awards were given, speeches made, and yet, Y/N felt disconnected, her mind fixated on the enigma that was Sukuna. As the ceremony drew to a close, the attendees mingled, some leaving for after-parties, others staying to network. Y/N felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see her agent, Megumi, smiling warmly.

"Congratulations," he said, his voice full of genuine pride. "You deserved this."

"Thank you, Megumi," she replied, forcing a smile. "It means a lot."

He nodded, his gaze flickering briefly to Sukuna before returning to her. "I know tonight wasn't easy, but you handled it well. Keep your chin up. This is just the beginning."

Y/N nodded, appreciating his support. As she looked around the room, her gaze met Sukuna's one last time. There was a moment of silent acknowledgment between them-a recognition of the complex web of emotions that tied them together. It was a brief, unspoken exchange that spoke volumes, a reminder of the past they shared and the uncertain future that lay ahead.