The Second Strongest Sorcerer (Jujutsu Kaisen x Male Reader)

Never will be worth more

A few hours later.

The lively chatter in the room had quieted down considerably. Most of the guests had already left, leaving behind only a handful who were too intoxicated to do talk or move much.

The room bore the evidence of an evening well spent, with empty bottles of alcohol stacked haphazardly on tables and even a few rolling across the floor.

The stress of their jobs, where each day was a gamble with their lives, had taken its toll on everyone present. Nights like this, where they could forget the dangers of their profession for just a little while, were essential.

The only two who still had semblance of control were Shoko and (Y/N), though the latter was hanging on by a thread.

(Y/N) could start feeling the warmth of the alcohol spreading through him, his mind beginning to blur at the edges. He quickly slapped his face a few times, trying to regain his senses and shake off the haze.

"How you holding up?"

Shoko asked as she poured another cup of sake for (Y/N).

Despite the alcohol, her hands were as steady as ever.

"I, uh... I can drink a little more..."

(Y/N) replied, though there was a slight slur to his words as he raised the cup.

His eyes, though heavy-lidded, still held a spark of will power. "Don't want to make you drink alone."

Shoko smiled, a knowing expression on her face, as if she had expected nothing less. "You never did."

She gently clinked her cup against his and both brought their cups to their lips, savoring the sake as it spread through them.

"Oi... Gojo..."

Next to Shoko, Utahime was slumped over the table, her cheek pressed against the cool surface as she mumbled in her sleep, her voice tinged with frustration. Even in her unconscious state, Gojo managed to annoy her.

Shoko and (Y/N) exchanged amused glances, both chuckling softly at the sight.

"Utahime, Gojo already left an hour ago."

(Y/N) whispered, leaning in to wave his hand playfully in front of her face. There was no reaction, just more grumbled complaints and a slight shift in her position.

"Yeah, he left after forcing all of us into his stupid drinking games..." Shoko added in mild annoyance.

She then carefully draped her jacket over Utahime's shoulders, a small gesture of care for her friend.

"I'm gonna go to the restroom. We should start leaving too after that," Shoko said as she got up, stretching slightly to shake off the fatigue that was beginning to settle in.

(Y/N) gave her a thumbs up as he stood up as well.

"I'm gonna, uh, take a phone call real quick outside."

Shoko nodded, but there was a slight narrowing of her eyes.

Outside, right in front of the restaurant entrance, (Y/N) leaned against the wall and letting the cool night air wash over him, trying to shake off the effects of the alcohol.

After a few minutes though, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box of cigarettes and matches.

The action was practiced, almost automatic, as he took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips.

As he struck a match and brought it close to the cigarette, a voice from behind made him freeze.

"Gotcha."