a touch | inumaki x reader

twenty one

Solitude

The cold, crisp gust of wind sent shivers down your spine as you left the bustling train station, the breeze caressing your cheek. The clack of your shoes followed next to Inumaki's, the soft embers of streetlights illuminating your every step.

Glimpsing to your right, the stores that you passed by were bright, aglow under the freckled night with brilliant stars. The street in front of you laid like a carpet, illuminated by the pale moonlight above.

Suddenly, you caught a whiff of a warm flavorful scent that lingered in the bleak air. Curry. You turned around, eyes widening at the small bright store that was tucked in between the large city buildings. Its glass display were of various dishes, each one leaving you mouth-watering as your stomach softly grumbled in unison.

As Inumaki and you approached the curry store, his steps following right behind yours. Glancing over at the list of dishes posted on one of its walls, your eyes hovered over each dish with hunger.

"I'll take this one," You stated, pointing at the chicken curry you had found the most eye-catching.

You heard Inumaki tell you that he wanted the same, his warm breath hot against your ears.

"Two of them." You finished, watching as the worker nodded and handed you both the two plastic bags.

Taking your dinner into your hand, you wrapped it tightly against your knuckles, strolling quietly towards the bus station to Jujutsu High. You rubbed your hands together, desperate for warmth as the dark cold night beckoned you to start shivering.

It took you by surprise when you felt a warm piece of cloth envelop you, Inumaki's hot breaths closer than ever.

"It's the least I can do," He assured, watching as you wrapped the dark grey jacket tighter around you.

"...Thanks," You whispered back, grinning at him.

Inumaki's jacket smelt like him, the slight scent of his shampoo lingering. It was as if the night itself had grown warmer as you felt heat seep in. Despite silence hanging between the two of you, it gave you a sense of comfort.

Something that kept you at ease.

* * * *

You stepped down the mellow bus, nearly tripping before immediately catching yourself. Once you heard the clack of your shoe against the ground, you glanced upwards to see the towering building of Jujutsu High in the distance.

The pale crescent moon hid behind a patch of navy wispy clouds, its wistful embrace across the city mesmerizing you. A gentle night breeze flew past you, icy air entering your lungs. You closed your eyes, wrapping yourself in the jacket's cocoon of warmth,

"The night's beautiful, isn't it?"

Inumaki stayed silent. Glimpsing towards him, you tilted your head, perplexed. Worry started to stir in your chest as he awkwardly cleared his throat, hiding his face from you. Did I say something wrong?

Through bleary eyes, what you noticed afterwards left you speechless.

Inumaki's head was tilted away from you, as if he was trying to hide his expression. Rubbing the back of his neck, you caught sight of the slight tint of rosy red in his ears.

Your heart stuttered, making you fumble between your words,

"What I-"

Before you could finish, Inumaki interrupted you. He stopped walking, turning to look you in the eyes.

"...Sorry."

You hastily glanced away, sensing heat bloom in your cheeks. Opening your mouth, a slight feeling of hesitation formed in your throat. You shook your head, taking in a long breath,

"Will you go out with me?"

Your eyes were stuck onto the nearby flickering streetlight, the heat nearly suffocating you.

You noticed the soft nod of Inumaki, before staring at the ground again, collecting your scattered thoughts,

"Whenever I needed help, you were always there. And... you being here is really reassuring. So..."

Your voice trailed off as you fiddled with your hair, quickly regretting how awkward it must had come out. Suddenly, Inumaki crouched, burying his face into his hands. He stayed speechless, rubbing his flustered face deeper.

Surprise overwhelmed you and you immediately ran over to Inumaki, crouching and leaning over to ask if he was alright. Worry creeped into you as he said nothing, still motionless. You reached out your hands, trying to see what had happened.

Inumaki took you by surprise, swiftly glancing up to look at your eyes as he clasped your hand with his. He grinned widely, eyes glinting mischievously as he held your joined hands near his face.

His warm breath against your hand made you slightly shiver, your heart thumping loudly as if it was a drum.

"I can die happy now."

You stumbled backwards, mouth slightly parted from the sudden surprise. W-What the hell?

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A/N: In Japan, 「月が綺麗ですね？」∥ tsuki ga kirei desu ne?》which translates to "Isn't the moon beautiful?" can be used as a form of confessing.