Takes And Heartaches | Sukuna x Reader |

Chapter 20

The studio was winding down for the night, the bustling energy of the day's shoots now replaced by a quieter, more subdued atmosphere. Y/N had just finished her last scene, her mind already racing as she prepared to leave. The set had been full of tension all day, and the evening had only intensified her emotions. As she gathered her things, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Satoru.

Hey Y/N, I really enjoyed our conversation at the party tonight. I'd love to get to know you better. How about we grab a coffee after your shoot? I know a great place that's open late. Let me know!

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering over the screen. Her initial instinct was to decline—after all, she was still processing the evening's events and the complicated emotions they stirred up. However, a small part of her was intrigued by the idea of spending more time with Satoru, especially given how easy and enjoyable their conversation had been.

Sure, Satoru. I'd like that. What time and where?

How about right after your shoot? I've arranged for the café to be quiet, just us. I'll meet you outside the studio. See you soon!

Y/N put her phone away and took a deep breath. The prospect of meeting Satoru for coffee was both exciting and nerve-wracking. She knew that agreeing to meet him would mean confronting her feelings and navigating the fine line between friendship and something more. Nevertheless, she decided to go through with it.

The shoot wrapped up later than expected, and Y/N quickly packed her belongings. The studio was mostly empty now, with only a few crew members still tidying up. She rushed through the corridors, her heart pounding in her chest. Her usual calm demeanour was replaced by a sense of urgency as she headed for the exit.

Outside the studio, Sukuna was waiting by his car, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. He had noticed Y/N's hurried departure and her abrupt change in behaviour. His mind was racing with questions. Why was she in such a rush? Where was she going? Sukuna had been dealing with his own feelings of jealousy and confusion, and this new development only added to his unease.

"Y/N, wait up!" Sukuna called out as she approached the car park.

Y/N turned to face him, her face flushed from the rush. "Oh, Sukuna! I didn't expect to see you here."

Sukuna's eyes narrowed slightly. "What's going on? You seem in a hurry. Did something happen?"

Y/N forced a smile, trying to mask her anxiety. "No, nothing's wrong. I just have some plans tonight, and I'm running a bit late."

Sukuna's expression softened, but he still looked concerned. "Plans? With whom?"

Y/N hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt for not being completely honest. "It's just... a coffee meeting with someone. I need to go now. I'll talk to you later."

Without waiting for his response, Y/N hurried to her car and drove off. Sukuna watched her go, his mind still churning with questions. He had always been protective of Y/N, and the sudden shift in her behaviour only heightened his worries.

The café Satoru had chosen was located in a quiet, charming neighbourhood, far from the bustling city centre. The place had an intimate, cosy atmosphere with soft lighting, wooden tables, and comfortable chairs. When Y/N arrived, she found Satoru already there, seated at a corner table. The café was indeed closed to the public, as Satoru had arranged for a private evening.

Satoru greeted her with a warm smile, his casual attire making him look relaxed and approachable. "Hey, Y/N! I'm glad you could make it. I hope the shoot went well."

Y/N returned his smile, though she could feel her nerves fluttering. "Hi, Satoru. Yes, the shoot went fine. Thanks for setting this up. It's nice to have a quiet place to unwind."

Satoru gestured for her to sit down. "Of course. I thought it'd be nice to have a more relaxed setting. My friend owns this café, and he let me use it for tonight. So, what do you want to talk about?"

Y/N settled into her chair, her gaze wandering around the café. The ambiance was calming, and the thought of having a private conversation with Satoru in such a setting helped ease some of her tension. "Well, I guess we can start by talking about the film and our roles. I really enjoyed our chat earlier, too."

Satoru's eyes twinkled with amusement as he leaned back in his chair. "Great! Let's dive into it. Tell me more about your character. I'm curious to know what drew you to the role."

As they continued talking, Y/N found herself increasingly drawn to Satoru's engaging personality. He had a knack for making her laugh with his witty remarks and playful teasing. His charm was undeniable, and the ease of their conversation made her feel comfortable.

Satoru poured them both coffee from a pot on the table, the rich aroma filling the air. "Here's to good conversations and even better coffee," he said with a grin, raising his cup in a toast.

Y/N chuckled, raising her own cup. "Cheers. And thanks again for inviting me. This is really nice."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, and Y/N found herself opening up about her experiences and thoughts in a way she hadn't anticipated. Satoru listened attentively, his humour and warmth making the evening enjoyable and light-hearted.

"So, how's the shoot going?" Satoru asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.

"It's pretty hectic," Y/N replied, sipping on her coffee. "We have a lot of scenes to get through, and the schedule is tight. But it's part of the job, right?"

Satoru chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I can imagine. Filming can be pretty demanding. But it's also the fun part of the job, don't you think? Getting to create something together, even if it means putting in long hours."

Y/N nodded, her smile growing. "Absolutely. It's the moments of creativity and collaboration that make it worthwhile. And you seem to handle it all with such ease. I admire that."

Satoru's grin widened, his eyes mischievous. "Well, I like to think of myself as a bit of a master at navigating the chaos. But enough about me—tell me more about you. What do you enjoy most about acting?"

As they continued to chat, Y/N found herself growing more comfortable and open. Satoru's playful humour and effortless charm made her laugh, and his genuine curiosity about her thoughts and experiences made her feel valued. Each pickup line and playful remark from Satoru left her flustered but also strangely exhilarated.

"So, what about you?" Y/N asked, her curiosity piqued. "Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies that people don't usually know about?"

Satoru leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Hmm, let's see. I'm actually pretty good at cooking. I've got a few secret recipes that I'm quite proud of. Maybe one day I'll cook you a meal, and we can see if it lives up to the hype."

Y/N laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "That sounds intriguing. I'll hold you to that."

The conversation flowed easily, and before Y/N knew it, hours had passed. The café remained quiet, with only the two of them present, creating an intimate and serene environment. As the evening wore on, Y/N felt a genuine connection forming with Satoru, his presence providing a refreshing contrast to the tension and conflict she had been dealing with.

"Y/N," Satoru said, his tone softening slightly, "I really enjoyed getting to know you tonight. It's been a refreshing change from the usual hectic schedule. How about we do this again sometime?"

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at his words. She could feel a growing connection between them, and despite her initial reluctance, she found herself warming to the idea of seeing Satoru again. "I'd like that," she admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's been nice to have a more relaxed evening."

As the evening drew to a close, Satoru offered to drop Y/N off at her home. "It's pretty late, and I don't want you to feel unsafe with an Uber at this hour. If you're okay with it, I can give you a ride."

Y/N considered the offer, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. The thought of taking an Uber late at night was less than appealing, and Satoru's offer was a welcome alternative. "That sounds good, actually. I'd appreciate the ride."