Jujutsu Kaisen Oneshots

Maki

a/n hey doodles! this was a request from @AngelaCarrizo8 and a well-needed one at that. literally cannot believe that I haven't done a maki oneshot yet. also thank you so much for 1k reads. It means so much to me, seeing as I started this story as a creative outlet. so enjoy and happy reading <3

The carnival was alive with color and noise, and I had to fight back the nervous excitement fluttering in my chest as I scanned the crowd for Maki. She was never one for big crowds or flashy things, but she'd agreed to come tonight—for me. That alone made the evening feel almost magical.

"Hey," a familiar voice called out behind me. I turned to see Maki approaching, looking a little uncomfortable yet somehow managing to be effortlessly cool in her casual outfit. My heart skipped a beat, and I smiled, trying to keep my nerves at bay.

"Thanks for coming, Maki," I said, hoping I didn't sound too eager.

She gave me a small, lopsided grin, one that I was already learning to cherish. "You asked, so I'm here."

We wandered around for a bit, trying out different food stalls and games. Every now and then, I'd catch Maki looking at me, her expression softening in a way that made my face warm. After a few games, we ended up at the Ferris wheel, and I couldn't help but feel my stomach flip as I pointed to it.

"Want to go up? I bet the view from the top is amazing," I suggested, sneaking a hopeful glance her way.

She just nodded, following me into the seat. The Ferris wheel creaked to life, carrying us up, higher and higher until the entire carnival stretched out beneath us, like a sea of lights.

I felt her gaze on me, and when I turned to meet her eyes, my heart thudded. She was looking at me, not at the view. "You know," she murmured, "this is actually...nice."

I felt my cheeks heat up and bit my lip to keep from grinning like a fool. "I'm glad," I said softly. "I like being with you too."

As the Ferris wheel started its descent, I felt a burst of courage. "Maki, I...there's something I want to tell you."

Her eyes widened a bit, but she nodded, listening closely. My voice caught for a moment, but I managed to steady myself.

"Maki, I really like you. And not just as a friend," I said, my cheeks burning. "You make me feel safe, and...I think there's something special between us."

The world seemed to hold its breath, and for a second, I thought maybe I'd made a mistake. But then Maki's face softened, her rare, genuine smile making my heart skip a beat.

"I think...I feel the same way," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated before reaching out, her fingers grazing my cheek in the softest, most unexpected touch.

Before I knew it, my courage took over, and I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. Maki froze for a second, but then she let out a soft laugh, a sound that was so rare and beautiful that I wanted to hear it again and again.

As we walked through the bustling carnival, Maki's hand in mine, I couldn't stop smiling. It was surreal, feeling her warmth next to me, seeing her so at ease even in a place she'd never willingly choose to visit. The air was filled with the scents of fried food and the shouts of game vendors, and with Maki by my side, I felt like I could float.

After a while, we found ourselves near a ring toss booth with plush toys hanging along the back wall. I couldn't help but eye the prizes, and Maki noticed, giving me a smirk.

"Want one of those?" she asked, her tone playful.

I laughed, not wanting to make a big deal of it. "I mean, they're cute, but you don't have to—"

Before I could finish, Maki had already stepped up to the booth, handing over a few bills. She picked up the first ring, her expression turning serious, focused. I watched as she took a deep breath, aimed, and tossed the ring. It slid perfectly around the bottle's neck on the first try.

The attendant handed her a giant plush panda, and Maki turned, an almost smug smile on her face as she offered it to me.

"Here," she said, that rare softness in her eyes.

I hugged the panda close, trying to keep my voice steady. "Thank you, Maki. I love it."

A blush crept up her cheeks, and she scratched the back of her head, shrugging. "It's just a stuffed animal, no big deal."

I leaned forward, squeezing her hand. "To you, maybe, but it means a lot to me."

She held my gaze, and I felt my heart speed up, lost in the subtle warmth behind her usually guarded expression. The moment stretched between us until someone bumped into her shoulder, pulling us back to reality.

"Come on, let's find a quieter spot," she murmured, taking my hand again and leading me toward a less crowded area on the edge of the carnival grounds. We ended up under a tree lit by a few distant lanterns, the noise of the carnival now a soft hum in the background.

We sat down on a nearby bench, the oversized plush panda taking up half of it. Maki looked down, her hand still holding mine as she traced little circles along my knuckles. Her touch was gentle, almost tentative, like she was still adjusting to this new side of herself.

"Tonight...it was nice," she said softly, glancing at me with a look that made my heart flutter. "It's different, opening up like this. I don't usually...let people in."

I squeezed her hand, feeling my chest ache with understanding. "I know. And I don't take it for granted, Maki. I'm just glad we're here, like this."

She hesitated, then took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't expect to feel like this. Not about anyone. But when I'm with you..." She paused, her eyes soft as they met mine. "It just feels right."

My heart swelled, and I leaned closer, closing the small gap between us. "I feel the same way. I don't need anything fancy or perfect. Just...more nights like this. With you."

Maki's eyes softened even further, her defenses fully melted away as she tilted her head slightly, and I knew then that this was the right moment. I leaned in, closing the last few inches between us, and our lips met in a soft, tender kiss. She was warm, her lips surprisingly gentle, and as she pulled me a little closer, I could feel the unspoken feelings we'd both held back pouring out.

When we pulled away, she looked at me, a quiet wonder in her eyes. For once, she didn't have any snarky comments, no jokes to deflect the moment. She just looked at me, her gaze filled with more emotion than words could capture.

"Guess I'll have to take you out again sometime," she murmured, her thumb brushing over my hand. "Maybe somewhere with fewer crowds?"

I laughed, feeling as light as the stars overhead. "I'd love that."

Hand in hand, we sat in comfortable silence, the plush panda squished between us and the carnival lights twinkling in the distance. Tonight had been everything I could've dreamed and I knew, deep down, it was only the beginning.