A/N AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER
DAY (MONTH) 9
-Suzume-
-ˋˏ ೱ ˎˊ-
Morning
The soft glow of the fireplace bathed the room in a warm, flickering light, casting dancing shadows on the walls and filling the space with a sense of calm that didn't quite match the surrealness of their situation. Outside the window, the sky was a muted gray, tinged with the soft hues of dawn, but Suzume knew better than to trust the light. Inside their bubble, time had long since lost its meaning. The days bled into nights, and sometimes, the sun rose for days. It was a constant reminder that they were existing in a place apart from the rest of the world.
Suzume sat curled up on the couch by the hearth, the warmth from the fire seeping into her skin, keeping the biting chill of the outside at bay. Her legs were tucked beneath her, and Pestilence, ever loyal to his favorite spot, was nestled into her lap, a soft purr vibrating from his small body. Her fingers worked rhythmically, weaving thread into yet another bracelet, her latest project to pass the endless hours. The delicate strands of thread, soft between her fingers, twined together in a careful pattern. It was soothing in a way, keeping her hands busy while her mind wandered.
Her gaze lifted from her work, drifting across the room to where Satoru sat at the small kitchen table. He was hunched over, scribbling furiously on a piece of paper, the muscles in his back and shoulders tense with concentration. His white hair, always a bit unruly, fell in loose strands around his face, casting shadows over his sharp features. Every now and then, he'd pause in his writing, brow furrowed as if some great problem gnawed at the edge of his mind, then he'd scribble furiously again, the pen scratching across the page.
She couldn't help but glance at him, stealing looks when she thought he wasn't paying attention. He was meticulous in his preparations, in every little detail of his correspondences with the outside world. For someone who claimed not to care about the grand cause, he sure seemed invested in planning his own endgame. She couldn't help but feel the irony pressing down on her.
There he is, told me not to throw my life away for something as abstract as saving the world. Suzume thought with a soft sigh. The sight made her lips twitch into a small, bittersweet smile.
Satoru had always been so quick to brush off the weight of the world, to mock the idea of noble sacrifices with that devilish grin of his. Yet here he was, planning to do exactly that. His hand moved with the same surety he carried in battle, as if his fate was something he could command with the same ease as a curse. She watched him, her chest tightening with a familiar pang of sadness she hadn't quite shaken over these long months.
She knew why he had said those things—that it wasn't worth dying for the world. Satoru had never been the type to let someone else carry his burdens. And if she was being honest with herself, the thought of sacrificing her life for him felt infinitely more meaningful than for the vague, faceless "greater good" they both knew wouldn't truly care. But dying for him? That... was easier. Dying for him instead of for some vague, lofty ideal. The thought gave her a strange sense of peace, as if, in the end, it would at least mean something personal.
She blinked, realizing her fingers had stilled, her gaze still lingering on Satoru. His shoulders were tense, the muscles in his back straining against the fabric of his black t-shirt as he leaned forward, his hand gripping the pen so tightly his knuckles were white. There was a quiet intensity about him when he was like this.
Just as she was about to turn her attention back to her bracelet, Satoru's voice broke the silence.
«Quit staring at me like that.»
Suzume flinched, startled, and looked up at him, her lips parting in surprise. He hadn't even lifted his head, but the smirk that tugged at his lips told her that he was fully aware of the expression on her face.
Her fingers resumed their work, though they felt clumsier now. «I wasn't staring at you like anything.» she mumbled, but her voice betrayed her. She'd been caught, and they both knew it.
Satoru lifted his head from his work, his blue eyes gleaming with amusement as he tilted his head, his sharp features softening slightly. «Sure you weren't.» he insisted, his tone playful but with an edge of curiosity. «You were looking at me like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff and you can't decide whether to pull me back or push me off.»
The comment stung in a way she hadn't expected, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond. Was it that obvious? Was that really the expression she had on her face? A soft, reluctant smile curved Suzume's lips. Maybe I was, she thought, but she shook her head instead, trying to play it off. «I'd pull you back.» she said, her tone light. «At least that way I wouldn't have to explain to the world why its strongest sorcerer decided to jump off a cliff.»
Satoru let out a low chuckle, as he leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms overhead in a languid motion, the fabric of his black shirt pulling taut over his well-defined frame. He pushed the paper away from him, leaning his elbows on the table as he rested his chin in one hand, watching her with that playful glint in his eyes. «How noble of you,» he said, though the teasing note in his voice made it clear he didn't take her words too seriously. «I suppose that's a fair trade. Save me from the fall, and I won't have to come back and haunt you.»
Suzume's lips twitched, but the weight in her chest didn't lift. She tried to distract herself by focusing on the bracelet again, but her fingers felt clumsy, the threads slipping through her hands as her mind wandered back to him.
Noticing her silence, he let out a soft sigh. His eyes drifted to the bracelet in her hands, his brow raising slightly. «What's that you're making now?»
She held up the bracelet, showing him the delicate weaving of colors. «Another one.» she replied, shrugging slightly. It wasn't anything special—just another way to pass the time.
Satoru stood from his chair, carrying himself across the room toward her in a matter of seconds. Pestilence, ever wary of Satoru's presence, flicked his tail in irritation and darted off Suzume's lap the moment he drew near, disappearing into a corner with a soft smirk widened as he watched the cat retreat. «Looks like the cat's scared of me.» he said, sounding far too pleased with himself.
Suzume couldn't help but roll her eyes, her lips twitching into a small smile. «He's not scared of you. He just knows trouble when he sees it.»
Satoru snorted, but his attention quickly shifted to her. Without asking, he slid his fingers into her hair, tugging playfully at the strands. The sensation sent a shiver down Suzume's spine. «Another bracelet for me, huh?» he teased, twisting a lock of her hair around his finger. «You're spoiling me, Suzume.»
«It's not for you, actually.» she muttered, her voice wavering slightly. But when she glanced up at him, there was a small, teasing smile on her lips. He tugged again at her hair, this time a little harder, though there was no malice in it. It was playful. «But if you want it, it's yours.» Suzume swatted at him, though her movement lacked any real force.
Satoru's lips curved into a mock pout, his fingers still playing with her hair. «Wow, I see how it is. Not even making bracelets for me anymore?» He tugged her hair a little harder, just enough to make her head tilt back, forcing her to meet his eyes. His gaze was sharp, but there was a mischievous glint there, one that made her heart race. «You're really hurting my feelings, Suzume.»
She rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the warmth creeping into her cheeks. His teasing, his proximity—it always had this effect on her, no matter how much she tried to brush it off. His fingers in her hair, his breath warm against her skin—it was all too much and yet somehow not enough.
«Alright, alright,» Satoru said, his tone softening slightly as he continued to toy with her hair. «So, explain it to me... Chronofield. How exactly does it work?» There was genuine curiosity in his voice now, though the way his fingers gently tugged at her hair kept the moment from feeling too serious. «Not that it matters anymore, I'm just curious at this point.»
Suzume hesitated, her hands stilling in her lap as she tried to find the right words. She had never liked talking about it, especially not now, when it was literally draining her life away. But the way he asked—casual, almost like he didn't care—made it easier to answer. Yet, it wasn't easy to explain something that felt as natural as breathing to her. How could she describe the way she manipulated time itself, bending it to her will? She opened her mouth to speak but faltered, the words tangling themselves up.
«It's... hard to explain.» she began, her voice hesitant. «I convert my own time—guess you can call it my lifespan—into cursed energy. Once I've done that, I can manipulate the flow of time of my target, but only in one direction. Forward.» She paused, her brow furrowing as she struggled to explain further. «Just to be clear, once I use it, it's gone. I can't get it back.»
For a moment, Satoru said nothing. He seemed to be absorbing her words, the weight of what she had said hanging in the air between them. His hands stilled, resting gently on her shoulders.
«Well.» she said after a long pause, her voice softer than before, «Not that it matters anymore, right?»
Satoru offered a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. «No.» he agreed quietly. «It doesn't.»
Setting the bracelet aside, Suzume pushed herself up from the couch, her bare feet making soft, rhythmic sounds against the wooden floor as she stretched her arms high above her head. The familiar warmth of the fire at her back couldn't quite soothe the ache in her muscles as they protested the movement. She winced, her body stiff from too many nights on the unforgiving couch, and a soft groan escaped her lips as she massaged the tension from the back of her neck.
Satoru, ever observant, raised a brow at her. «What's wrong with you?» he asked, though his voice was more amused than concerned.
Suzume shot him a tired look, rolling her shoulders as if that alone would rid her of the discomfort lodged deep in her joints. She sighed, letting her arms fall limply to her sides. «My joints are rebelling after eight months of sleeping on the couch.» Her voice came out in a mutter, followed by another half-hearted stretch that ended in the soft popping of her spine.
Satoru cocked an eyebrow, clearly entertained by her discomfort. «Then stop sleeping on the couch,» he suggested, his tone too casual to be helpful, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Suzume narrowed her eyes at him, her brow furrowing in exasperation. «And sleep where, exactly?»
He shrugged lazily, as though the answer was obvious. «In the bed.»
Her arms froze mid-stretch as her mind processed his words. For a second, she simply stared at him, blinking in disbelief. «In the bed.» Her voice sounded as incredulous as she felt, her heartbeat inexplicably quickening.
Satoru, ever the dramatic, pressed a hand over his chest as if wounded by her suspicion. «What?» His lips curled into a wicked grin, his eyes sparkling with mock offense. «You don't trust me?»
Suzume folded her arms across her chest, narrowing her gaze at him. She wasn't buying his act for a second. «I know you, Satoru. This is just an excuse to...» she trailed off, unwilling to give voice to her suspicions, but the knowing look in her eyes said it all.
Satoru gave her a mock-offended look, his grin only grew wider, the mischievous spark in his eyes brightening. «An excuse to what?» He stepped closer, forcing her to tilt her head up to meet his gaze, as he stood in front of her, arms crossed over his chest. «Come on, you're making me sound like the villain here.»
Her heart pounded in her chest, and she tried to step back, but the couch was behind her, blocking her escape. She swallowed hard, feeling the flush on her cheeks deepen as his presence overwhelmed her senses. She didn't trust him—at least, not in this playful mood of his—but that wasn't the real problem. The real problem was that she didn't trust herself to stay unaffected by him.
«I'm hurt, Suzume.» He pouted mockingly, though his smirk told her he was far from offended. «Think I can't keep my hands to myself?» Satoru took another step forward, leaning in slightly so that his face hovered just inches from hers. Her cheeks flushed against her will, and she cursed her body's betrayal. Her defenses were crumbling, and he knew it.
His smirk grew as he saw the hesitation in her eyes, his lips curving into a sly, knowing grin. He was enjoying this, of course. The power play, the way he could make her squirm with just a few well-placed words. He leaned in closer to her ear, lingering there, his lips almost brushing her skin as he whispered. «So? Is my plan working?»
Her pulse raced, and Suzume felt heat creep up her neck. She immediately stiffened, her mind racing as she tried to form a coherent response. Of course, he would say something like that. Suzume let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes at his antics. «I knew it. You're impossible.» she muttered, trying to will her legs to move, to put some distance between them, but her body refused to cooperate.
Satoru straightened up just a little, enough to give her some breathing room but not enough to let her escape the intensity of his gaze. He tilted his head, eyes narrowing as if challenging her. «Are we really still having this conversation?»
Suzume's heart pounded in her chest as his words sank in. He held her gaze, the intensity of his eyes making it hard for her to think clearly. He was teasing her—she knew that—but the weight of his presence, the way he leaned in closer, made her feel cornered, trapped in the best possible way. She bit her lip, torn between wanting to push him away and… something else entirely.
He let the silence linger between them, watching her reaction with that infuriating smirk, before leaning in again, his lips brushing her ear. Suzume exhaled sharply, stepping back, but once again found herself against the edge of the couch. He wasn't giving her any room to retreat, and the heat of his body pressed closer. He tilted his head slightly, looking down at her with that maddening smirk. Damn him.
Satoru's grin widened, and he straightened slightly, his blue eyes gleaming with amusement. «Come on, Suzume. It's not like I bite. Unless you ask nicely.» He leaned in close again, his lips brushed her neck, this time lingering just a little longer.
Suzume groaned inwardly, rolleing her eyes. But as she glanced up at him, his blue eyes dancing with mischief and his smirk just a little too smug, she couldn't help the small, exasperated smile that tugged at her lips. This is definitely a bad idea. And yet... she couldn't deny that some part of her didn't mind at all.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Suzume sighed, conceding defeat. «Fine.» she relented, her voice quiet but steady.
Satoru's grin widened triumphantly. «Fine?» he repeated, his tone victorious, and he straightened up slightly, though stil too close for Suzume's comfort. «I was beginning to think I'd have to beg.» He stepped back, giving her space, but the damage was done. Her heart was racing, her cheeks flushed, and she knew she had lost whatever game he had been playing all along.
Suzume rolled her eyes, though she couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. «You're awful.»
«I'll be a perfect gentleman. Scout's honor.» His voice was smooth, teasing, but there was something that made her heart skip a beat. He turned away, heading toward the bedroom, but just before he disappeared around the corner, he looked back over his shoulder, his smirk still firmly in place. «Unless, of course, you'd prefer I wasn't.»
Suzume's cheeks burned as she shot him a glare, but deep down, she knew he'd already won. Again.
-ˋˏ ೱ ˎˊ-
Afternoon
The clock on the wall ticked in steady, rhythmic beats, marking late evening, but it told a different story from the light that bled through the windows. The strong sunlight pierced through the black curtains, casting soft amber hues over the room, a surreal reminder that outside, the world was still moving forward. Here, in the bubble of slowed time, it was difficult to tell. The hours stretched into each other, the days blending together, marked only by the ticking of the old clock and the careful notes Suzume scribbled in her small journal, tracking their time.
The fire crackled in the hearth, filling the room with a warm, inviting glow that stood in stark contrast to the cold that pressed in from outside. Despite the illusion of normalcy the fire provided, there was an undeniable strangeness to their existence here. Time moved differently, bending and warping, and yet, the quiet intimacy of their days had become almost routine.
Suzume stood in the kitchen, her fingers carefully arranging the frayed Monopoly board on the table. The edges were worn, faded from years of use, and several of the game pieces had long since been replaced with small objects they'd scavenged. A bottle cap stood in for one missing piece, a tiny carved stone for another. It was a game of improvisation, much like everything in their world now. The edges of the board were torn, held together with tape that had long since lost its stickiness. It was a relic from a life long before this one.
She smiled faintly to herself, brushing her dark hair back over her shoulder as she placed the small houses on the board. The table beneath it was scratched and dented, but it had become a familiar centerpiece in their long, quiet days together. They had played this game more times than she could count, and while Satoru always won, it never stopped her from trying to defeat him.
Almost nine months. It was hard to believe that much time had passed in this strange, suspended reality. Nine months of living in this tight, enclosed world, just the two of them.
They weren't the same people they had been when this all started. Back then, they had been distant, reserved—strangers forced into proximity. Now, there was something more between them. It was as though the entire dynamic between them had been rewritten, but neither of them had said a word about it.
No, they didn't need words. They had time, and time was an even more intimate thing than words could ever be.
Suzume sighed softly, stepping back from the table to admire her work. The game had been a way to pass the time, but now, it felt like a thread of normalcy in a world that was anything but normal.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden thud as Pestilence, their ever-mischievous white cat, leaped onto the table. His fluffy body moved with the grace of a predator, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief as he surveyed the game pieces like a king inspecting his kingdom. With one swift flick of his paw, the small houses and hotels went tumbling across the table, scattering to the floor.
As she moved to set him back on the floor, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. The room tilted, her vision going white for a moment as her grip on the table tightened. Her breath hitched as she held onto the edge of the table for balance, waiting for the wave to pass. The sound of the fire crackling seemed distant, muffled, as her heart pounded in her ears.
She closed her eyes, willing the spinning to stop.
Just a moment, she told herself. It'll pass.
It took several long moments before the sensation faded, leaving her feeling unsteady but no longer at risk of falling. She exhaled slowly, her fingers loosening their grip on the table as she opened her eyes. The world came back into focus, though a faint ringing still echoed in her ears.
Bending down, she carefully began to pick up the fallen game pieces, her movements slower, more deliberate now. She didn't want Satoru to notice, didn't want him to worry.
The door to the cabin creaked open, a gust of cold air rushing in and swirling around the room like a sharp reminder of the world outside. Suzume didn't have to turn around to know it was Satoru. His presence was unmistakable, the way he seemed to fill the room with his energy, even when he was silent.
Satoru entered, his usual jogger pants and hoodie combo doing little to shield him from the biting cold outside. His hair was a mess, as it always was after his training, silver strands sticking up in every direction, and yet he still looked infuriatingly composed.
He was always like that. Effortless. His breath came in steady puffs of vapor, the only sign that he'd been pushing himself during his training.
She straightened, brushing the last of the Monopoly pieces into her hand as she turned to face him.
His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, narrowing slightly as he took in her pale complexion. «You're looking a little pale, and not in the 'cute' way.» he said casually, though there was an undercurrent of concern in his tone.
Suzume forced a smile, trying to ignore the lingering light-headedness. «I'm fine.» she replied softly, her voice steady but tired. «Pestilence just decided to play a different kind of game.»
Satoru's eyes flicked to the cat, who had resumed his position by the fireplace, lazily licking his paw as if to say he had no part in the chaos. Satoru smirked, shaking his head as he crossed the room.
«That thing's going to be the death of me.» he muttered, pulling off his hoodie and tossing it over a chair before he surveyed the scattered game pieces. He raised an eyebrow at the worn Monopoly board, his lips twitching into a grin. «You're really determined to keep playing this? It's ancient. I'm pretty sure it's missing half the pieces.»
«Maybe.» Suzume admitted with a small shrug as she moved to the counter, filling two mugs with steaming tea. The scent of jasmine filled the air, mingling with the warmth from the fire. She set the mugs on the table, then gave him a small, challenging smile. «But I'm still going to win this time.»
«You're confident for someone who's lost every game so far.» Satoru plopped into his chair, eyeing the board with the same focus he reserved for serious matters—and Monopoly, apparently, was now serious business. «Alright, but don't blame me when I win. Again.»
The game began, and as the minutes ticked by, it quickly became clear that Satoru was winning.
Of course he was winning.
He was a genius at everything, wasn't he? Even Monopoly.
Suzume watched in growing frustration as Satoru expertly negotiated his way through the board, buying properties, making deals, and strategically placing houses and hotels in just the right spots to crush her chances of victory. His smug grin grew wider with every successful turn. She found herself frowning more than once as she watched his pile of money growing suspiciously fast.
«How are you this good at Monopoly?» Suzume asked, her tone a mixture of disbelief and frustration as he smoothly negotiated yet another deal in his favor.
«I'm the strongest, remember?» he replied, leaning back in his chair with a cocky grin. «Why wouldn't I be a Monopoly genius too?»
«You can't make that trade.» she muttered under her breath, glaring at the properties he had gathered.
«Oh, come on.» Satoru shot back, his tone light but challenging. «That's perfectly fair. You just don't like that I'm winning.»
«You're bending the rules.» Suzume's eyes narrowed, but the corners of her lips twitched. This was their way—fighting over the smallest things, pretending like there wasn't something bigger looming between them.
Satoru leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head, his smug grin growing wider. «Like I do with everything else, Suzume. You should know that by now.»
Suzume sighed, trying to muster up some hope as she landed on one of his properties. The gleam in his eyes told her she was in trouble.
«How much do I owe you?» she asked, already feeling defeated.
«Everything.» Satoru replied smugly, resting his chin on his hand.
«You're ridiculous.»
«And you're broke.»
Just as she was about to retort, the game took an unexpected turn. Satoru drew a card from the pile, and his expression faltered.
«Go to jail.» Suzume read aloud with a hint of satisfaction, leaning forward. «Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars.»
Satoru's eyes widened in mock disbelief. «That's rigged! I call foul play.»
Suzume laughed, a real, genuine laugh, as she leaned back in her chair. «Looks like even you can't cheat fate.»
She couldn't help the triumphant smile that spread across her face. For the first time in the game, she was in the lead. She collected her winnings, her confidence growing as Satoru sat in jail, forced to watch as she slowly regained her footing.
But just as the tide seemed to turn in her favor, a familiar shadow leapt onto the table.
Pestilence.
With a single, graceful swipe, the cat sent the game pieces flying once more, scattering across the floor in a chaotic mess.
Suzume let out a startled laugh as Satoru groaned, dropping his head into his hands in disbelief.
He leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with an amused smirk. «Looks like the cat wins this round.»
Satoru reached down and scooped up the cat with one arm, his other hand dodging a half-hearted swipe of Pestilence's claws. The cat wriggled in his grasp, his golden eyes glaring at Satoru with what could only be described as feline indignation.
«You little menace,» Satoru grumbled, holding the cat up and giving him a stern look. «You're officially banned from game night, furball.»
Pestilence let out a soft hiss, his tail flicking with irritation, but Satoru only smirked, holding the cat away from him. With an exaggerated sigh, Satoru set Pestilence down on the floor, watching as the cat strutted off toward the corner, tail high, clearly unimpressed by the so-called "ban."
He turned his attention back to Suzume, who was still laughing softly as she gathered the scattered pieces. His eyes narrowed slightly, and with a mischievous smirk, he crossed the room in a few strides. Suzume barely had a chance to react before he reached down, his fingers wrapping around her wrist with just enough pressure to pull her up from the floor. In one swift motion, he spun her around to face him as her back pressed against the edge of the table.
Satoru's body was already too close, looming over her as he tilted his head, his silver hair catching the dim light. «Now, since we'll never know who the real winner is,» His lips brushed against the shell of her ear as he spoke, sending a shiver down her spine. «we'll have to decide another way.»
Before Suzume could protest, Satoru's hands were firm on her waist, trapping her effortlessly between his body and the table.
«Satoru-» she breathed, her cheeks flushing as his hands tightened their grip on her waist. His touch was familiar now—too familiar, perhaps—but it still had the power to unsettle her.
«What?» His eyes were gleaming with amusement and the wicked grin that tugged at his lips told her he was enjoying every second of this «Afraid I'll win this too?»
Suzume swallowed, trying to keep her composure, but the heat of his body against hers made it impossible to think clearly. Her hands instinctively came up, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as if to push him away—or maybe pull him closer.
«This isn't how you win Monopoly.» she managed to mutter, though her voice lacked conviction.
Satoru chuckled softly, his lips brushing against her neck now, just enough to make her knees weaken. «No? Then tell me how you think I should win.»
His words sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment, all she could do was stare up at him, caught in the intensity of his gaze. His hands slid slowly up her sides, his touch lingering as he waited for her to respond.
There was no response, no clever retort she could muster. She was trapped—physically, emotionally. And maybe, just maybe, she didn't want to escape.
She could see the triumph in his eyes, the teasing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He had won this round, and he knew it.
«That's what I thought.» he murmured softly, his lips grazing hers until her resolve broke and she leaned into him, her lips brushing against his as her answer, in a silent surrender.
Ever the opportunist, Satoru kissed her back deeply. His hands slid up her back, one slipping into her hair, tugging gently, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. His body pressed her harder against the table's edge, the wood digging slightly into her back.
When they finally pulled apart, Satoru smirked, his eyes gleamed with a mix of satisfaction and amusement. «Guess I won, after all.»
Suzume, still breathless, rolled her eyes, though there was no bite to it. Her hands slid down his chest, pushing weakly against him in a half-hearted attempt to regain some space. «You're impossible.» she muttered, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.
«I try.» he replied, brushing his lips against her temple in a soft, almost affectionate gesture before pulling away, though not before his fingers lingered a moment longer on her waist.
As he pulled away, his smirk softened, and he glanced toward the bedroom. «I'm claiming my space in bed before you hog all the covers,» he said casually, as if nothing had just happened. «And maybe some of your space too.»
Suzume sighed, watching him walk away, knowing full well he was going to take up more than half the bed tonight.
Things had definitely changed.
She glanced at the scattered Monopoly pieces on the floor, Pestilence watching from the corner with what could only be described as smug satisfaction, and she realized something.
She didn't mind.
-ˋˏ ೱ ˎˊ-
Evening
Suzume blinked herself awake, the edges of her vision still blurry, her mind sluggish as it tried to shake off the fog of sleep. The room felt unfamiliar in her grogginess, the ceiling above her seeming farther away than it should be. Her breath hitched, and she blinked rapidly, her body stiff and confused. She blinked again, her senses slowly sharpening, and it hit her.
The bed.
She was in the bed.
Her heart raced, panic creeping into her chest as she struggled to make sense of it. What time is it? What day? Suzume felt her pulse quicken, a lump forming in her throat. How long have I been out? The usual rhythm of time, the responsibility of tracking it, weighed on her mind like a constant drumbeat. She was the one who kept everything in order here. She couldn't afford to lose track of time—not now, not ever.
The high-pitched ringing in her ears intensified, and her chest tightened as her thoughts spiraled. She gripped the edge of the blanket, her knuckles white as she tried to anchor herself to something tangible. Slowly, the ringing began to fade, and her vision cleared, the world coming into focus again.
The first thing she saw was Satoru, sitting on the edge of the bed, arms crossed and his expression caught between frustration and something softer—though it was hard to tell with him. His sharp blue eyes were fixed on her, and despite the lazy tilt of his posture, there was a tension in his gaze that made her stomach twist.
«You're finally awake.» he muttered, his voice flat but laced with annoyance. His brows furrowed slightly, though whether it was from worry or irritation, Suzume couldn't tell. Likely both.
Suzume blinked at him, still trying to piece together the jumbled fragments of her memory. «What... what happened?» Her voice was hoarse, her throat dry as she tried to gather her thoughts.
Satoru scoffed, rolling his eyes in a way that felt far too familiar. «That's what I should be asking you. I went to take a shower, came back, and found you sprawled out on the floor like a sack of potatoes. Out cold.»
Her mind flickered back, grasping at the moments before. She had been standing, hadn't she? She'd been hit by one of those dizzy spells again, the ones that had been coming more frequently. She'd thought it would pass, like it usually did, but...
Ah.
Her face flushed as the memory surfaced. She hadn't just leaned against the wall to steady herself. She had collapsed.
«Oh.» It was all she could manage, her voice barely more than a whisper as the embarrassment crept up her neck. «That... makes sense.»
Satoru raised an eyebrow, his expression saying really? but he didn't comment further. His expression shifted slightly, though his eyes still held that sharpness. He leaned closer, his hand brushing through her hair as he examined her scalp with surprising care. His fingers were brisk, checking for any signs of injury, though there was a gentleness to his touch that belied his usual demeanor. «You didn't hit your head, did you?» he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind, his hands still tangled in her hair as he tilted her head back slightly, his sharp gaze scrutinizing her for any bumps or bruises.
Suzume shook her head weakly, the movement causing her to wince. «I'm fine.» she mumbled, her voice soft, but even she could hear the exhaustion in it. «I just... got a little dizzy.»
Satoru's frown deepened, his eyes narrowing as he pulled back slightly, though his hand remained resting lightly on her head, almost like he wasn't quite ready to stop touching her. «A little dizzy?» he echoed, his tone incredulous. «You fainted, Suzume. That's not a little dizzy.»
She tried to smile, to ease the tension in the room. «Well, I'm still alive, right? No harm done.»
Satoru didn't seem amused. He huffed, leaning back and crossing his arms again, his gaze unwavering. «Yeah, well, you're not getting up today. That's non-negotiable.»
Suzume blinked at him, confusion flickering across her face. «What do you mean I'm not getting up?» she asked, her voice incredulous.
«Exactly what it sounds like.» He smirked, though there was an edge to it. «You're staying in bed. All day. No arguments.»
She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, Pestilence appeared, hopping onto the bed with the grace of a predator. The cat curled up next to her, his purring loud and steady as if to underscore Satoru's point.
Suzume stared at Pestilence, who seemed far too content for a creature who caused so much chaos. She sighed, resigning herself to her fate. «Looks like I'm outnumbered.» she muttered, her hand instinctively reaching out to scratch behind the cat's ears.
Satoru grinned, clearly pleased with himself. «See? Even the furball agrees with me.» He gestured to Pestilence with a flourish. «So, no arguments. Today, you're a princess, and princesses don't move. They just get spoiled.»
Suzume couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. As much as she hated to admit it, the idea of resting—of letting go of her need to control every second of their time—was oddly appealing. She sank back into the pillows, allowing herself to relax for the first time in what felt like days.
«Alright.» she said, her voice soft but laced with amusement. «I'll let you spoil me for a day.»
Satoru's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned back on his hands. «Good. I'd hate to have to drag you back into bed again. But, you know, I would if I had to.»
With a dramatic sigh, she closed her eyes, sinking further into the warmth of the bed. Pestilence's purring filled the quiet space, a comforting rhythm that made her feel strangely at ease.
Satoru, satisfied with her compliance, got up from the bed and stretched. He shot her a quick glance, his smirk softening into something almost tender. «I'm going to get something to eat. Don't move.»
Suzume laughed softly, rolling her eyes. «I'm not going anywhere, I promise.» She stretched her arms above her head, feeling the pull of stiff muscles protest after what felt like hours of lying in bed. Pestilence purred contentedly, still curled up in a ball on her lap, completely unbothered by her movement. She let out a soft sigh, glancing out the window where the moon was still high despite the lunch hour.
But she had grown used to the oddities.
What she hadn't gotten used to, however, was the idea of letting herself be taken care of.
Satoru's idea of spoiling me is probably a disaster waiting to happen.
And she was right.
It didn't take long for her to realize just how wrong she'd been about letting him spoil her. The peaceful silence of the house was soon interrupted by the unmistakable sound of metal clattering, followed by a loud crash, and what sounded like a curse muffled through clenched teeth.
Suzume sat up a little straighter, glancing toward the door. What on earth is he doing?
Then came the voice, echoing through the small house: «Suzume! Where the hell do you keep the rice?»
She groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. «Top shelf, right side.»
There was a pause. «Which right?»
She let out a long-suffering sigh. «Your right, Satoru.» she called back, already bracing herself for more questions.
Sure enough, they came. The clanging noises continued, each one more alarming than the last. It was as if he was waging a one-man war against the kitchen.
«How long do you cook rice? And how do you…» More clattering. «Wait, what's this thing for?»
Suzume closed her eyes, fighting the urge to laugh. She couldn't see what he was doing, but she could picture it perfectly—Satoru standing in the middle of the kitchen, arms crossed, looking completely out of his element as he tried to figure out which pot to use for what. His talent for mastering cursed techniques certainly didn't translate to mastering the stove.
More sounds of chaos followed, and Suzume bit her lip, resisting the urge to go in and fix whatever culinary disaster was brewing. He's trying, she reminded herself. He's really trying.
Her thoughts were cut off by a loud clatter from the kitchen. Then another. And then something that sounded suspiciously like a pan falling to the floor.
When the chaos finally died down, Suzume heard his footsteps approaching. Pestilence immediately sprang off her lap, scurrying away as if sensing impending doom. She sat up just as Satoru appeared in the doorway, holding a tray with what looked like food. Sort of.
He had a triumphant grin on his face, clearly proud of his efforts. Suzume's eyes went to the plate, and she bit her lip to keep from laughing. The rice was... edible, but just barely. The vegetables were oddly shaped and appeared to be overcooked, and there was some kind of sauce pooling on one side of the plate that looked questionable at best.
He set the tray down in front of her with a dramatic flourish. «Behold, a masterpiece.»
Suzume stared at the plate, then back at him, struggling to maintain a straight face. «You... really tried, huh?» she said, her voice filled with as much encouragement as she could muster.
Satoru flopped onto the bed beside her, crossing his arms behind his head and letting out an exaggerated sigh. «Don't lie. I know it's a mess. I'm better at exorcising curses than cooking rice, apparently.»
She chuckled softly, picking up the chopsticks and gingerly poking at the rice. «It's not terrible,» she said, taking a cautious bite. The flavor wasn't bad, but the texture was... interesting.
«You don't have to eat it,» he muttered, rolling his eyes. «I already admitted defeat.»
«No, no.» Suzume said quickly, taking another bite with a small smile. «It's... surprisingly okay. A little overcooked, but not inedible.»
Satoru scoffed, a half-smile tugging at his lips. «That's the nicest way anyone has ever insulted my cooking.» He shot her a teasing look. «And here I was, trying to spoil you. Guess I should stick to saving the world instead.»
Suzume laughed, her shoulders shaking lightly. «Maybe. But I appreciate the effort, really.» She pushed the tray aside and leaned back into the pillows, looking over at him with a playful smile. «Alright then, since you can't cook, how about you entertain me instead? Tell me something funny.»
Satoru raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as he shifted into a more comfortable position. «Oh, I've got plenty of stories. How about the time I almost blew up the Tokyo Jujutsu High during my first year?»
Suzume blinked, her curiosity piqued. «You?»
«Yeah, you heard me,» he said with a laugh, clearly enjoying her reaction. «It was my first year at Jujutsu High, and I was eager to show off. I may or may not have accidentally unleashed a cursed object I was supposed to be guarding.» He paused for dramatic effect, smirking as he continued. « Not my fault, by the way—it was boring as hell. Anyway, things got out of hand pretty quickly, and let's just say the school courtyard looked more like a war zone by the time I was done.»
Suzume covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a laugh. «What did you do?»
«Details, details.» Satoru continued with a smirk. «Point is, my professor—absolute hard-ass, by the way—comes storming over, demanding to know what the hell happened. Oh, I got the longest lecture of my life. He tore me a new one—said something about 'recklessness' and 'endangering my peers.' I wasn't really paying attention by that point, though.»
Suzume stifled a laugh, shaking her head. «I can only imagine.»
Satoru's grin softened as he leaned back, his voice growing quieter. «So I'm standing there, trying to look innocent, when my best friend, my only hope of surviving the situation, steps in and mediates the whole thing, saving my ass. Talked him down, said something about 'uncontrolled power,' 'potential,' blah blah blah…» He chuckled, shaking his head. «Honestly, I should've been expelled on the spot, but thanks to him, I walked away with nothing more than a week of extra training.»
Suzume smiled gently, watching him with a mix of amusement and fondness. «Your best friend must have been a saint to put up with you.»
Satoru's grin faltered for a fraction of a second, his gaze dropping briefly. «Yeah,» he murmured, his voice quieter than before. «He was.»
The sudden shift in his tone didn't go unnoticed by Suzume, but she didn't press it. The way his voice softened, the way he said was—it was enough to tell her that this friend was someone who had left a deep mark on Satoru's life.
The air between them grew heavier for a moment, the weight of unsaid things lingering, but Satoru quickly moved on, his grin returning in full force. «Alright, enough about me. Your turn. Tell me something.»
Suzume hesitated for a moment, her fingers tracing the edge of the blanket as she thought. then smiled as a memory resurfaced. «There was this one time,» she began slowly, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, «when I was having the absolute worst day of my life. I didn't think I'd make it through to the next. Everything was going wrong. And then… this guy shows up.»
Satoru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. «A guy, huh? Go on.»
Suzume leaned back against the pillows, her eyes narrowing as she recalled the memory. «Yeah, a real jerk,—supposed to be helping me, by the way, right? But no. He comes in and within the first five minutes he starts berating me. He tells me I'm weak, useless, says I'm so off-tune I couldn't hit a right note if my life depended on it.» She paused, watching Satoru's expression closely.
Satoru raised an eyebrow, amused. «Wow, what a dick.»
Suzume let out a soft laugh, though it held a hint of something bittersweet. «Oh, he really was. And, just to make things worse, he insulted my hair. Said it looked ridiculous and stupid. And then, as if that wasn't enough… he picks me up and throws me out a window.»
Satoru blinked, his face twisting into disbelief. «Are you serious?»
«Dead serious.»
He shook his head, his tone dry. «What a real asshole.»
Suzume's smile widened slightly, her eyes flicking to the floor. Yeah, you really were. he thought, her chest tightening with the irony. If only you knew. He didn't remember that day—it was clear in his expression. But she did. Every word. Every insult. Every bit of criticism. And yet, despite it all, he had saved her that day. Even if he didn't remember.
She didn't say it out loud. Instead, she simply nodded, letting the moment pass.
«Yeah.» she murmured, her voice soft. «A real asshole.»
Satoru stretched beside her, his arm brushing against hers as he yawned. «Well,» he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, «sounds like you've had some weird experiences too. Still, nothing tops me blowing up half the courtyard.» He smirked.
Suzume rolled her eyes playfully, feeling a warmth settle between them. Maybe they were both a little broken, a little bruised by their pasts. But somehow, in this strange, suspended world, they'd found a rhythm.
A/N
Hello, lovely readers!
First off, thank you all for sticking with me through the fluff and the angst!
Satoru playing Monopoly is the energy I needed, 'cause he's a sorcerer prodigy, but apparently not immune to "Go to Jail" cards.
Also I Pestilence causing chaos as always, I can't tell if he's the real villain of this story or just trying to keep things interesting.
I hope you're savoring the fluffy moments like Suzume's doing with her (slightly overcooked) rice.
As always, thank you all for reading, laughing, and maybe shedding some tears with me. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
With love