𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐄 | R. SUKUNA

22

• • •

It's safe to say that Sukuna hasn't bothered you since. The weekend passed, and on Monday, Sukuna didn't even glance your way. It was odd, but thankfully, it had all stopped now. He had genuinely heeded your plea and granted you peace.

Everything seemed okay now... or, well, somewhat. Nanami had become busier lately. He couldn't spend as much time with you and would politely ask for space when he was studying. You understood that; everyone needs their own space sometimes, and you might have been a bit much at times.

Your energy and talkativeness contrasted with Nanami's more reserved nature, but you didn't mind. You would just go to Satoru and start babbling in his ear, however even he would tire out from your never-ending rant and seek refuge with Suguru for protection.

At least Sukuna could listen for hours without saying a word and he still wouldn't complain. It irked you that you missed him during moments as trivial as these.

After you left, Sukuna coerced Suguru into drinking sake with him. Suguru succumbed to unconsciousness after nine shots, while Sukuna persisted, downing more than 13 before the effects hit him, leaving him feeling dizzy and intoxicated.

Annoyed, he left Satoru's house and ventured into the city, indifferent to the chaos he had caused, as broken vases and glasses lay in his wake, prompting the leaving of the girls due to Sukuna's violent tendencies.

Satoru chose not to go after Sukuna, given the state of his house. Instead, he decided to call Uraume for backup, recognizing the potential danger Sukuna posed if he let him roam around in the city.

Sukuna, however, felt furious. It had been years since he experienced such despair and irritation. The town was nearly deserted, with only elderly couples lingering in the restaurants.

A sudden idea flashed through Sukuna's mind, promising relief from the overwhelming pain he felt—an activity he excelled at.

He navigated into the alley where the gang often gathered, and his intuition proved correct. There they were, the same miscreants who had kidnapped you and Yuji, reveling in their sake, laughter echoing amongst them.

As Sukuna's presence caught everyone's attention, a collective uncertainty compelled them to rise simultaneously, their postures conveying a mixture of wariness and anticipation.

"Well, well, look who's back!" the burly, bald man chuckled, seizing a bat and casually slinging it over his shoulder. Sukuna, uninterested in exchanging pleasantries with these elderly gentlemen, let out a sigh. With a nonchalant demeanor, he flexed his knuckles before unleashing a series of powerful swings.

Uraume wasted no time responding to the call, understanding the urgency of the situation. They shared a profound history with Sukuna, being not just a close friend but also a relative, intricately woven into Sukuna's familial tapestry.

Born in the same year, Uraume and Sukuna had grown up together, their bond strengthened through countless family gatherings. Uraume had somewhat good knowledge of Sukuna's parents and was privy to the familial gossip that often surrounded them.

In those earlier years, Uraume had witnessed Sukuna's gentle and quiet demeanor—the boy before the tragedy. Together, they had built sand castles, and Sukuna had been the sweet soul always ready to tend to Uraume's wounds with care.

However, the devastating loss of Sukuna's parents marked a turning point.

The sweet boy underwent a profound change, and connecting with him became increasingly challenging. Sukuna's new persona dismissed Uraume's attempts to revisit their shared past, responding with hurtful slurs.