IGNITE | Sukuna

Chapter 13: One Love, Two Mouths

Her mind felt like a storm, fragmented pieces of memory crashing against one another. The attendants worked swiftly, their skilled hands arranging her hair and dressing her in the layers of her noble attire. The silken robes clung to her like an armor she hadn’t chosen. Even the delicate ornaments woven into her hair felt burdensome.

She barely registered their chatter or the rustle of fabric as they declared her ready. By the time she stepped outside, the soft glow of the dusk by the river greeted her. The crown prince was already waiting.

They walked side by side. Their smiles mirrored each other—fake yet perfect. When they reached the riverbank, a hush fell over the crowd as they prepared to light the first lantern. Subuhi’s fingers brushed against the cool paper of the lantern, its intricate designs reflecting the flicker of flames.

Together, they guided the lantern into the air, the warm glow casting long shadows across the water.
Her gaze followed the lantern as it ascended, a fragile light against the vast, dark sky. She clasped her hands together, her lips moving in a silent prayer.

Let his every ambition take flight, like this lantern.

Let me find the strength to stand beside him.

Strong enough to support him when no one else will.

When she opened her eyes, her breath caught. Sukuna was standing in front of her, the soft glow of the lanterns illuminating his face. His eyes reflected the fiery orbs above, as if they held galaxies within them.

For a fleeting moment, her heart skipped. She couldn’t look away.

And then the ache returned, sharp and unyielding, forcing her to tear her gaze from his. She turned her eyes to the ground, her pulse pounding in her ears. The festival continued around them in bursts of laughter and cheers, but her world had narrowed to the space between them.

Throughout the king’s speech, extolling blessings for his subjects, her attention betrayed her. While others hung on his every word, her eyes sought him out, lingering on the sharp angles of his face.

During the sorcery play, meant to entertain, her gaze drifted to him again. It wasn’t intentional; it never was. He was simply there, commanding her attention without effort.

And every time his gaze shifted her way, her heart raced. She’d quickly look away, pretending to admire the lanterns or feign interest in the performance. Yet the ache only grew stronger.

After the royal festivities concluded, it was time for the nobles to mingle among the fair's attractions. But Satsuki appeared disinterested. His boredom was evident as he dismissed the night’s revelry with a sigh.

"I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of the evening, my lady," he said. She didn't like his tone. Taking her hand in his, he kissed it lightly.

Subuhi flinched at the touch. It was cold, uninvited, and suffocatingly formal. This isn’t what I want, she thought bitterly, her gaze flickering to someone else. To him. To the one whose mere presence set her heart racing.

Freed from Satsuki's presence, Subuhi allowed herself to wander through the fair. The noble ladies greeted her with curtseys, while the commoners bowed with reverence. Both groups treated her with respect, though she knew it was born of obligation rather than affection.

As she moved from shop to shop, admiring trinkets and sweets she wasn’t really interested in, her thoughts spiraled. It was all too much—the weight of the day's events.

At one stall, she noticed Yuina. She bowed low, a practiced, graceful motion accompanied by a perfect fake smile—one Subuhi herself had taught her. She tried to return the gesture, but her lips faltered. She couldn’t bring herself to speak, to pretend anymore. Her heart and mind were already consumed, leaving no space for artifice.