Work Text:
Satoru and Suguru hadn’t always been at each other's throats.
The two had been childhood friends long before their alpha instincts turned them into rivals. In middle school, their first clashes began to surface due to their competitive nature. Both were the top students in their year, constantly challenging one another academically. It was all rather friendly, though—just two friends pushing each other to see who was better, but always treating each other with respect at the end of the day.
However, everything went to hell on Satoru’s 16th birthday. Suguru had recently presented as an alpha just weeks prior and was still adjusting to the heightened sensitivity brought on by pheromones. He was dealing with new instincts, enhanced physicality, and the overwhelming task of adapting to a world that suddenly felt sharper and more intense. During the celebration, Satoru fell ill, and when he regained some strength, he went straight for Suguru, initiating a fight that nearly ended with one of them dead.
From that day on, their mothers forbade them from seeing each other.
And since then, their rivalry had taken a darker turn, laced with an undeniable malice. For Suguru, the incident triggered his first bout of depression. Losing his best friend and narrowly surviving a deadly fight wasn’t the way he imagined saying goodbye to his youth.
So, when they crossed paths again in college, the reunion was far from pleasant. Satoru had become insufferable—a stereotypical alpha who treated omegas as fleeting flings, ignored betas entirely, and saw other alphas as adversaries to crush. Suguru couldn’t comprehend it. This wasn’t the Satoru he grew up with. The boy who once rejected the arrogance of his family now acted like any other Gojo, embodying everything he once vowed never to be.
It hurt.
But it was the kind of pain that leaves a scar. Time dulled the wound, and Suguru learned to avoid the alpha altogether, slipping away whenever he was near. Just as Satoru indulged in his endless flings, Suguru had a few relationships of his own—until his last one ended disastrously because of, unsurprisingly, Satoru.
For reasons Suguru could never understand, Satoru decided it wasn’t enough to ruin his childhood memories. He also thought it was a good idea to sleep with Suguru’s then-partner. Since that incident, Suguru not only ignored him but also stopped dating anyone on campus altogether. Unfortunately for Suguru, life had other plans.
Somehow they ended up cultivating the same circle of friends, only realizing their mistake far too late.
Shoko, Yuki, Choso, Nanami, and Haibara were the college’s “it” crowd. Yuki was the most admired alpha woman on campus. Nanami and Haibara were an activist beta couple advocating for fair treatment of betas. Meanwhile, Shoko, a relaxed beta, and Choso, an omega, were the perpetually sleep-deprived yet brilliant medical students who dominated their field. Each of them had a presence in their respective social spheres.
Suguru avoided group gatherings for a while, instead spending time with one of his closest friends—a sharp-tongued omega lesbian named Utahime, who, amusingly, despised most alphas. With her unique tastes and biting humor, Utahime was a rare ally. Together, they bonded over mocking Satoru and publicly cutting him down when his arrogance became unbearable. After all, like Suguru, Utahime often bore the brunt of Satoru’s most unpleasant behavior.
🤍🖤
"Already slept with her?" Satoru asked one day, intercepting Utahime and Suguru as they left a lecture. Both were studying education, aspiring to become teachers. It was natural for them to spend time together.
"Ignore him," Suguru reminded Utahime, already noticing her fingers twitch dangerously around the neck of a water bottle.
"Suguru, always so cruel to me! How much longer are you going to pretend I don’t exist?" the alpha teased, stepping directly into their path. Suguru instinctively raised a hand in front of Utahime, who, at that moment, resembled a bristling cat more than a young woman.
"Go to hell, Gojo!"
"But if it isn’t the virgin omega clinging to Suguru despite hating alphas," Satoru mocked, a smirk spreading across his face. "How’s that going for you?"
Suguru clenched his fist.
"We have nothing to talk about, especially if you can’t respect my friends," he said firmly.
"What are you talking about? I always respect your friends. We wouldn’t have the same social circle if I didn’t. I mean, I respected that one girl a lot—what was her name? Akane?"
Suguru began walking again, Utahime close behind, though she was clearly ready to pounce if Satoru kept pushing.
But after a few seconds Suguru decided it was time to play his trump card: venom.
With the sweetest smile he could muster, he turned to Satoru.
"It doesn’t say much about you, Satoru, settling for other people’s leftovers. If you were that desperate to fuck someone I guess your dick must be tiny."
The surrounding crowd let out a collective gasp. Everyone on campus knew the two most attractive alphas (according to the college magazine’s annual poll) couldn’t stand each other. Putting them in the same space was asking for trouble, and whenever it happened, rumors spread like wildfire.
Satoru’s expression darkened, and the students nearby quickly stepped back. In an instant, the white-haired alpha had cornered Suguru against a wall, sending his books tumbling to the floor.
"If my dick’s tiny, then yours must be microscopic," Satoru sneered, leaning in closer. "Because I remember that girl telling me I screwed her better than you ever did. Said if I didn’t use protection, she might’ve gotten pregnant on the spot. Is that how you always were with her? All proper, restrained, and polite? Bet you don’t even know how to use that alpha dick of yours. Maybe I should do you a favor and teach you how to use it properly, huh?"
Utahime was the first to react, yanking at Satoru’s shirt and yelling, "How dare you?!"
As for Suguru...
...
He should have been disgusted. He should have been horrified, furious, seething with the desire to kill Satoru. But his body—his traitorous, wretched body—reacted in the worst way possible. Somehow, in some twisted corner of his instincts, he found it exciting. A faint note of sweetness escaped from him—a slip in his typically impeccable suppressors, designed to ensure omegas around him felt comfortable.
For a brief moment, his violet eyes shimmered with unshed tears before he pushed Satoru hard enough to knock him to the ground. Without a word, he scooped up his books, grabbed Utahime, and left.
Satoru didn’t chase after him.
He didn’t need to. He was the only one who noticed.
Suguru had smelled aroused.
From that day forward, thank god, Satoru stopped bothering him.
For a couple of months, at least.
🤍🖤
Christmas was approaching, and to no one’s surprise, Utahime’s introduction to the friend group by Suguru had led to a whirlwind of changes.
Shoko, ever resourceful, had not only gotten Utahime’s phone number but also access to her bed, her heart, and—free of charge—her wardrobe. But this also meant that Utahime, a lover of traditional festivities, was determined to organize a series of holiday activities with her friends, and Shoko was more than happy to help her.
“We have to decorate the rooms and common areas with Christmas details! Oh, and mistletoe too!”
There was no avoiding the inevitable: everyone fell victim to Utahime’s enthusiasm. By the last day of university before the holiday break, a party had been arranged by the group, and Suguru had already steeled himself to endure Satoru's presence. Though, surprisingly, since the October incident, he’d hardly seen the alpha’s distinctive white hair. He didn’t mind. In fact, he preferred it to being pestered. Suguru wasn’t a violent alpha, which was one of the reasons so many omegas gravitated toward him—for platonic friendship and a sense of protection.
What he didn’t account for, however, was that mistletoe would become his worst enemy that December.
Satoru showed up out of nowhere one day, lugging a heavy box while Yuki directed him where to place it. Suguru was absorbed in reviewing class schedules for the upcoming year. No one could have anticipated the impending disaster—least of all Suguru. Had it not been for Yuki, neither alpha might have even noticed the other’s presence.
“Oh look, you’re both under the mistletoe!”
If she had been anyone else, Yuki might’ve realized this wasn’t the best idea. But Yuki Tsukumo was the kind of person whose curiosity bordered on recklessness—especially when it came to rivalries. Did she say it maliciously? Probably yes, and no. Both were plausible.
For once, Satoru seemed genuinely stressed, and Suguru found it amusing. Wasn’t this the same alpha who’d once promised to give him a lesson on how to properly seduce someone?
“Such bad luck,” Suguru muttered, not moving from his spot.
The other alpha didn’t growl in disdain, but it was clear Yuki wouldn’t let up until something happened. Satoru leaned closer to Suguru, enough for the scent of his shampoo to mingle faintly with the suppressed aroma of the other alpha, and pressed a kiss to Suguru’s cheek.
He earned an immediate slap for his effort.
The sound of the impact echoed, triggering Yuki’s raucous laughter as she slapped her thigh in delight.
Satoru, to his credit, didn’t seem angry. Surprised, perhaps, but not upset. If anything, his expression hinted at something unreadable. He murmured a low warning.
“Don’t touch me again without permission.”
Suguru’s violet eyes burned with fury.
“Maybe you should take your own advice before giving it to others!”
“Boys, boys!” Yuki intervened, raising her hands in mock exasperation. “No fighting! I pointed out the mistletoe for an innocent little kiss. Can’t you two bury the hatchet during the holidays? I’d love to invite you both to events without it turning into a spectacle.”
Yuki, tall, muscular, and exuding an intimidating charisma, was not someone either alpha dared to argue with. Despite her undeniably feminine appearance, she was strong, quick, and sharp—qualities that made her one of the most admired figures on campus. Of all the people to avoid clashing with, she topped the list.
Her request weighed on both of them, but especially on Suguru. He didn’t want to risk more moments like this.
“I’m not promising anything,” Suguru finally muttered.
Satoru continued to stare at him with an intensity that suggested he wanted to say—or do—something more. Whatever it was, Suguru had no desire to find out.
🤍🖤
For the sake of peace (and Utahime’s happiness), Suguru agreed to coexist with Satoru and play along with the holiday traditions.
That meant if he encountered that jerk in a hallway under the mistletoe—even if there was an audience—Suguru would kiss Satoru’s cheek or vice versa.
Of course, it didn’t take a week before someone snapped a photo, and the images went viral. They flooded the university’s social media pages and even broader platforms. It spiraled so out of control that even Suguru was caught off guard. Seeing his and Satoru’s faces everywhere was both ridiculous and surreal.
In another life, this might’ve made him happy—especially 15-year-old Suguru. That boy had harbored an innocent crush on the rich, nerdy boy in his class, who also happened to be his best friend.
From an outsider’s perspective, the photos didn’t look bad. If you didn’t know their history, you might even think they were flirting.
Could that be possible? Every kiss they’d shared under the mistletoe had lasted less than a second and was always on the cheek. Since that one incident, they hadn’t come close to crossing any boundaries again. They hadn’t spoken about it, avoiding both the topic and each other.
Until one kiss stood out.
Suguru was heading to the cafeteria when he came across an omega girl standing under the mistletoe. While cheek kisses were common, Suguru had a habit of kissing girls on the lips in such situations. From her posture, it was clear she expected the same.
He leaned in to give her a quick peck when, just as their lips were about to meet, the girl was shoved aside. His lips landed on the cheek of none other than Satoru Gojo.
The silence was deafening.
What the hell just happened?
“Oops.”
“Satoru, apologize!” Suguru crossed his arms, glaring sharply.
“I’m not sorry. Deal with it~” Satoru smirked as the indignated omega stormed off.
The taller alpha slung an arm around Suguru’s shoulder, pulling him closer. That traitorous flutter in Suguru’s stomach made him seriously consider punching the other alpha to escape this situation.
“Do you kiss all the girls under the mistletoe on the lips? And here I thought I was the heartbreaker.”
“Oh, and you weren’t the one sleeping with other people’s girlfriends?”
“That was one time!” Satoru shot back. It was a ridiculous conversation.
Suguru finally elbowed him away, breaking free.
“Don’t touch me without permission—your own words. Stick to your damn rules.”
He stormed out of the cafeteria, unwilling to escalate the conflict.
Things went relatively smoothly until later that evening. On his way back to his room, Suguru found Satoru under the mistletoe again, this time making out with one of the popular girls. She had long, silky black hair and curves that Satoru’s hand seemed to greedily explore.
There was something about her that grated on Suguru in a way he couldn’t explain.
He should’ve ignored it.
He wasn’t like Satoru. If the other alpha wanted to act insane, Suguru didn’t have to join him.
But then he remembered how rude Satoru had been that morning, shoving the omega aside just to interrupt him. He thought of the months of nonsense he’d been enduring—his broken heart, their pointless rivalry, and…
At least he had the decency to gently pull the girl aside before throwing a punch.
“What the hell is wrong with you now?!” Satoru snarled, clutching his jaw. His lip was split.
“This morning, you shoved an omega out of the way so I wouldn’t kiss her under the mistletoe. And now you’re making out with someone else? I’m not allowed a single kiss, but you get to do whatever you want? You’re a pig and a bastard!”
The area reeked of sex, and Suguru knew that if he hadn’t stumbled upon them, Satoru likely would’ve gone further with the girl right there. It wouldn’t have been the first time.
Shizuka, the girl, tried to intervene.
“Oh… I’m sorry. I didn’t know you two were dating. I’ve only heard the rumors but I thought they were just silly gossip… But I’m not sure anymore. Better not risking it! Uhm-”
She might like to kiss pretty boys, but she wasn’t one to get involved in others relationships!
The way Suguru had phrased his outburst made it sound like he was accusing Satoru of cheating, not unfairness.
“I really admire you, Geto-kun. You’re such a good man. Gojo-kun, you shouldn’t toy with his feelings!”
Smiling awkwardly, she excused herself and returned to her room, leaving the two alphas frozen and, possibly, sweating.
Suguru was the first to break the silence.
“Well, that was the misunderstanding of the century.”
Satoru let out a laugh, and the tension inexplicably eased. Suguru was grateful. He didn’t want a fight, even if he had been the one to start it. But it seemed Satoru wasn’t about to let him off so easily this time.
“Yeah, but… wow. I didn’t know you were such a territorial alpha.”
Suguru blushed, stumbling over his words.
“It’s not like that! You interrupted me this morning, and I—m-”
He didn’t finish because Satoru leaned in and kissed him.
Not on the lips, but just above the suppressor patch on his neck.
Then Satoru inhaled deeply.
“You smell aroused, Suguru~”
The next punch was caught in Satoru’s hand.
His smile was terrifying, predatory, as if he was ready to continue what Suguru had interrupted with the other girl—only this time with him. He was so close that Suguru could feel his breath against his face.
A miracle came in the form of a phone call. Suguru seized the chance to bolt, locking himself in his room.
He double-locked the door, slid down to the floor with his back against it, and buried his face in his hands.
His pants were tight.
He was really, really turned on.
“Damn it!”
If this kept up, there was no way he could attend the Christmas Eve party. After all, it was the most romantic night of the year. And what good would it do to spend it entertaining the twisted games of an alpha who only wanted to humiliate him?
🤍🖤
The first party of the season was, at first, a success.
Satoru didn’t show up until late and came accompanied by an omega.
A male omega.
It was the first time Suguru saw Satoru openly embrace his bisexuality, although it wasn’t uncommon for alphas and omegas to pair up regardless of gender. Still, Suguru didn’t approach him. He had no problem avoiding Satoru altogether, and in the end, everyone seemed to have a good time. Yet, the image of Satoru with an omega lingered in Suguru’s mind far longer than it should have.
They danced, laughed, and even kissed once. Suguru drowned himself in alcohol, more than anyone else at the gathering. If he drank, he wouldn’t have to feel… Was this jealousy? Probably. The bitterness of the alcohol couldn’t outmatch the bitterness he felt inside. His vision blurred, his eyes grew damp—Was he crying? He didn’t even notice until Utahime snatched the glass from his hand and scolded him.
“What do you think you’re doing?! I swear, if this is because of that jerk over there I’m kicking him out!”
Utahime didn’t need an excuse to antagonize Satoru. In fact, she seemed delighted by the prospect of dragging that stupid alpha out by the collar. But Suguru shook his head.
“I just need to get over it. I’ll be fine.”
Shoko gently grabbed Utahime’s hand, pulling her away before she could make further plans to kick out Satoru.
However, this time, Suguru felt truly frustrated, and for good reason. Why did Satoru constantly send him mixed signals? One moment he looked at him like he wanted to consume him whole; the next, he acted as if he didn’t even exist.
He hated him. He hated him so much it burned in his chest—a searing fire that felt like corrosive oil, spreading through his insides and scarring every tender, sincere part of him. Fighting wasn’t what Suguru wanted, but he chose something far worse.
His body felt weightless, his thoughts hollow, as he deliberately collided with the alpha. The unknown omega tried to reclaim his partner, but Suguru stood his ground, refusing to let him. Satoru immediately abandoned his date, drawn to Suguru’s tearful, venomous gaze—a look that wouldn’t release him until Suguru got what he wanted.
There was something hypnotic about Suguru tonight, something dangerous. His hair, uncharacteristically loose, framed him in a way that made him appear more sensual, more predatory. The usually composed and self-restrained Suguru was acting out of character—unleashed, unapologetic—and everyone noticed.
The music shifted, the rhythm quickened, and bodies pressed closer together. Satoru followed Suguru’s lead, never letting the distance between them grow, surrendering to this fleeting moment where the rest of the world faded into irrelevance. That tall, dark, magnetic presence pulled him in completely, as if the night itself revolved around him—a beautifully destructive force that commanded everything.
Together, they stood out in the crowded campus party hall, a space they technically weren’t supposed to be using. Tonight, it became the stage for their latest transgression.
Satoru knew he was losing control. He panted heavily when Suguru, now with his back to him, pressed insistently against his cock. The music encouraged even closer proximity, every rhythm an invitation for more, and Suguru made sure to grind against the growing hardness beneath him—right in full view of Satoru’s abandoned omega companion.
It drove Satoru wild. His nose buried itself in Suguru’s hair, then his neck, while his hands roamed freely over his rival’s waist, moving with an almost primal desperation. The alpha wasn’t the powerful figure he pretended to be; under Suguru’s attention, he was nothing more than a trembling, eager pup. And who was he fooling with those desperate, traitorous movements of his hips?
Satoru’s piercing blue eyes darkened, their usual brilliance dulled by something raw and uncontrollable. It felt as though he would lift Suguru’s shirt right there and claim him for himself.
The infamous Gojo Satoru, always in control, had completely lost himself to the moment.
Suguru smirked. His message was clear: Satoru didn’t choose that omega because he was special. He chose him because he was easy. And if Suguru made things easier, Satoru wouldn’t think twice about ditching the omega.
There was nothing magical about being with Satoru Gojo. You were just another option, another temporary distraction before he discarded you. It wasn’t just a lesson for the omega—it was one Suguru had to learn for himself, over and over.
When the song ended, Suguru pushed Satoru aside, harder than necessary. The moment had been thrilling, but it left a sour taste. Beneath Suguru’s venom was a sense of self-loathing.
Satoru’s date left shortly after, clearly upset.
Suguru retreated to one of the sofas, alcohol in hand. If he’d been uninhibited before, now he felt small and hollow. A speck of dust. A cruel, selfish child.
Time blurred.
At some point, Satoru sat beside him. But Suguru, too drunk to recognize the real Satoru, spoke as if he were just a figment of his imagination.
“Why do you do this to me? Isn’t it enough that you broke my heart when we were sixteen? Look at me now. I’m not even like this… I don’t do these things.”
His face sank into his hands as he let out a heavy sigh.
Satoru didn’t respond immediately. Instead, his hand moved to Suguru’s back in a soothing gesture.
“And yet,” Suguru continued, emboldened by the alcohol, “you keep fucking with my head. If you hate me so much just leave me alone. Pretend I don’t exist. Is it so hard to just ignore me? I don’t need us to be close! Fuck! Don’t play games anymore! I’m tired of hoping that maybe my friend… maybe my ‘Toru will come back.”
The hug surprised him. But he was too dizzy to care. Tears were silently spilled, Suguru was feeling so pathetic, he wished he could die right there.
Satoru finally spoke, his voice low. “I don’t even know what I want anymore. I’ve messed up so much… and then I try to justify it by messing up even more. I regret everything. Lying to you, hiding the truth. Sometimes I think it’s too late to fix things, but then… I can’t help trying to reach for something that isn’t mine anymore.”
It was the first time Satoru Gojo wasn’t a complete ass with Suguru. Too bad Suguru probably wouldn’t remember it in the morning.
The rest of the group, however, watched the scene in stunned silence. At some point, the two alphas ended up tangled in a quiet embrace, Suguru fast asleep against Satoru’s chest. Satoru had his nose buried in Suguru’s hair, savoring what might be his last moment like this.
Only Yuki dared interrupt, clapping Satoru on the shoulder.
“Take him to his room, will you?”
Satoru flinched at the sudden touch, jostling Suguru slightly. The sleepy alpha responded by clutching tighter, as if to stop Satoru from leaving.
It was… an adorable sight.
No one said anything until the pair had left. Then, as they cleaned up bottles and tidied the place, the gossip began.
“Those two are into each other.”
“Very into each other.”
Nanami shrugged at Haibara and Yuki’s mutual observation.
“Not enough to stop fighting like cats and dogs, though. Tonight was… telling, I’ll admit.”
Shoko, who’d known them both since high school, added her insight.
“In high school, they were inseparable. Satoru was always draped all over Suguru, and they were into all the same things. I don’t know what happened between them, but… I’ve always had my suspicions.”
Utahime perked up, her inner gossip queen taking over.
“What suspicions? Spill everything!”
Shoko smirked. “I think Satoru’s parents forced them to drift apart after they both presented as alphas. The Gojo family is super traditional. The irony is, if one of them had been an omega, their families would’ve probably pushed them together. I heard their mothers were close friends. But something serious went down during Satoru’s birthday one year, and they had a big falling-out. That’s all I know. Honestly, we should corner that idiot and get the truth out of him.”
The group mulled it over.
Wouldn’t it be a good deed to mend the bond between two friends who clearly missed each other—and maybe still harbored feelings?
“Christmas Eve is in five days,” Utahime declared, her fist raised in determination. “We’ve got the food already ordered, and the mistletoe’s been strategically placed to make sure no one misses a romantic moment. I say we set things up so they end up having dinner alone. Let them talk it out properly—and if anything else happens, who are we to judge?”
Yuki smirked mischievously. “Weren’t you the one who hated Gojo?”
“Exactly! And if anyone can keep him in check, it’s Geto. It’s a perfect plan.”
Not everyone was fully on board with that logic, but…
The romantic spirit of the 24th demanded they at least try to mend this old connection.
🤍🖤
Choso wasn’t much of a talker, but he was an observant type. Introverted and mysterious to many, the omega exuded a neutral energy reminiscent of a beta. He was also a very kind guy. This made him approachable to all kinds of students, including Satoru.
Yes, Choso Kamo was the one who introduced Satoru to their circle of friends. And now, he was having a private conversation with Gojo. What most people didn’t know was that their friendship wasn’t new—it stemmed from their families, and Choso had known Satoru since they were kids.
“I know it’s not my place to interfere, and I get that. But if you don’t take the initiative, you’re going to lose him for good.”
“You already know I can’t,” Satoru muttered.
“And who says that? Your family? They also don’t approve of you sleeping around with everyone, and yet you do it anyway. They didn’t approve of you rejecting the suitors they proposed either. Hell, they were furious when we told them we weren’t getting married.”
The mere idea made Satoru grimace and stick out his tongue.
“Blegh.”
“Then what the hell is stopping you from being decent with Suguru Geto and asking him out?”
Satoru lowered his head and scratched the back of his neck.
“It’s… my birthday. The day we fought. He doesn’t remember it, but I… I lost it when I presented as an alpha. I didn’t try to hurt him, but I tried to bond with him. You know how it’s different for alphas—we want to claim our partner first.”
Choso gestured for him to continue. He understood what Satoru was saying but wanted him to be fully honest.
“I tried to force myself on Suguru—my best friend. It was the rut. He resisted and cried, and if it weren’t for my mother, I would’ve done something unforgivable. Unfortunately, I still bit him and scratched him—hit him to stop him from fighting back. It was horrible. Suguru was so traumatized that he blocked it all out. Do you even know what that did to me?”
Choso nodded solemnly.
“As an alpha, you failed to do what an alpha should—protect the person you love.”
Satoru sighed heavily.
“ Our mothers knew what I’d done. They had every reason to be horrified. They ended up fighting about it, too. Since then I’ve been forbidden from speaking to Suguru. My father even told me they’d monitor who I approached. I almost bonded for life with Suguru, and we couldn’t even have children together. You know how obsessed my parents are with that.”
The conversation was uncomfortable, but Choso was a good friend. He knew he had to be direct.
“You two have a complicated past but there’s clearly still something between you. Suguru is still attracted to you, we’ve all noticed. And it’s mutual, isn’t it?”
“It’s very mutual. I can’t be neutral or rational when it comes to Suguru. No matter how much I try to forget or replace him, it’s impossible. He’s tangled up in my thoughts and my heart. Once, I even slept with his girlfriend because I heard Suguru wanted to get serious with her. But I knew Akane from the parties we used to go to… I knew she was shallow and would hurt him the moment a more wealthy alpha came along. And I was right.”
“That was despicable, by the way. If Suguru didn’t punch you, I will.”
Satoru let out a humorless laugh.
“Nah, he definitely punched me. And he hates me for it. There’s no real chance of fixing anything; I’ve accepted that. But I like spending time with him these days. If I close my eyes, I can pretend we’re the perfect high school sweethearts about to graduate from the same university.”
Choso shrugged nonchalantly.
“Here’s what I think: on the 24th, go with an open mind. It’s the group’s last party, and for the love of God, don’t bring anyone if you want this to work. Take Suguru seriously or the next beating you get will be from an omega.”
Satoru looked up at him.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just trust me. I won’t say it twice. And dress nicely.”
With that, Choso got up and left, as he always did—straight to the point, no extra words to soften the blow.
🤍🖤
Suguru had a strange dream where Satoru was honest with him, holding him close during a party. Waking up to the realization that it had only been a dream irritated the alpha even more. The week passed quietly—there were no classes, and few students lingered before heading home for the holidays. With the campus nearly empty, Suguru spent his time reviewing lessons, resting, and meeting up with friends who had also decided to stay until the night of the 24th.
It was odd how insistent everyone was that he attend. Realistically, going home on the 23rd to spend the 24th with family wasn’t a bad idea. But Yuki and Shoko cornered him, cryptically urging him to stay. They mentioned keeping an open mind, embracing the holiday spirit, and leaning into the romance of the season. Perhaps their enthusiasm was what convinced Suguru to dress up.
He chose a bold, alternative outfit: leather pants, a black shirt adorned with layered necklaces, rings on his fingers, and extra eyeliner that deepened his already intense gaze. Over it all, he donned a sleek coat, styled his hair into a loose half-updo, and finished the look with black boots and a silly festive hat.
Arriving at the location indicated in the message, he found a dimly lit room, warm lights casting a soft glow over a table set for two.
He suspected his friends were behind this and received confirmation when a bewildered Satoru Gojo—only this time—walked in, dressed far more elegantly than usual. A Christmas sweater of fine wool, velvet pants that likely cost more than Suguru’s entire outfit, designer shoes, and a long coat completed his look. His hair was styled with rebellious strands falling into place, and his signature glasses rounded out the ensemble.
Suguru frowned.
Another pang struck his chest.
Why was he still clinging to this illusion? This alpha clearly wanted nothing to do with him. Who would Satoru bring this time? Whose presence would he flaunt to remind Suguru that he didn’t matter?
Suguru withdrew to a corner instead of greeting him. Satoru sighed, trying to close the distance.
“Hey.”
“Hm.”
“No greeting for me?”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“You look great.”
“Okay.”
Not the best start. If this was going to work, Satoru knew it was on him to fix things—because otherwise, this would end worse than ever.
“Why are you sitting over there? The chair at the table is more comfortable.”
Suguru didn’t spare him a glance, cold and dismissive. For a moment, Satoru thought he would ignore him entirely. But then, Suguru rose abruptly and strode to the table. He didn’t sit or take off his coat.
“Don’t bother. If no one shows up in five minutes, I’m leaving.”
“Suguru—”
“No.”
Satoru’s patience began to fray. The vein on his forehead twitched, and his gaze darkened. Suguru was one of the few who could effortlessly bring out this side of him because he knew the real Satoru—the one buried after presenting as an alpha.
“Are you really not going to try the food? It was prepared for us.”
Suguru let out a bitter laugh. Here came the confrontation.
“Why would I? This is a setup. I didn’t choose to spend the most romantic night of the year with you. I wanted to spend it with my friends. You don’t deserve that right—you’ve treated me like trash, like I’m worth less than rotting wood. So shut up, because if you say another word I’ll hit you so hard you’ll spend New Year’s in the hospital.”
Though his voice stayed controlled, his breathing was heavy, visibly affected. Before Satoru could respond, Suguru continued.
“We used to be inseparable. But my best friend died years ago. I don’t know who you are anymore, and I don’t want to. There’s nothing about you I admire or want to learn. Everything I know about you makes me want to run far away and never look back.”
Satoru knew that if he let things end like this, he’d prove Suguru right. And though he should let him go—let him heal and move on—the sorrow in Suguru’s eyes was unbearable. It drove Satoru to act impulsively.
Before his mind could intervene, his body moved. He pinned Suguru against the wall, the decorations and items on a nearby shelf trembling and falling to the floor.
“Do you think I’m playing with you? That I’ll pretend to care and then walk away? Is that it?”
Satoru knew he should be kind, patient—but that wasn’t the Satoru Suguru knew. This was a clash of alphas, a battle for dominance until one submitted, admitted their wrongs, or fell unconscious. It didn’t matter which.
“Yes, I think you’re a heartless slut who only thinks with his knot. The omegas must be tired of you if you’re trying this with an alpha. How pathetic.”
Suguru shoved him hard. Satoru stumbled but held his ground. Before he could steady himself, Suguru struck.
“Leave me alone! I’m not going to do this, especially not today.”
“That’s too bad because…” Satoru wiped his cheek with his thumb, blood smearing. “A few weeks ago, I would’ve let you go. But not this time. So fight. Do it properly.”
What followed was twenty minutes of grappling, punches, and bites—expensive outfits ruined, hair disheveled, glasses shattered. By the end, Suguru had Satoru pinned beneath him, fist raised. Both were bleeding, creating a grotesque scene where there should’ve been a reunion date between old friends.
Suguru’s fist trembled. Satoru’s hands weren’t pushing him off or blocking blows. Instead, they gripped Suguru’s waist firmly, sliding lower to his hips.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Was this fight some twisted way to get off?”
Suguru’s voice dripped with venom, but his fist remained frozen. His body betrayed him, lingering in a situation he should’ve ended.
Satoru, despite his disheveled state, grinned, blood-stained teeth on full display.
“Nah. But are you feeling better now, Suguru?”
Suguru scowled. “What do you mean?”
“You needed to let it out. I’ve put you through hell, haven’t I?”
Suguru growled but didn’t move. Satoru pressed on.
“It’s okay. I had fun. It’s been a while since a fight gave me this much energy.”
Shifting slightly, Satoru winced but lifted himself just enough to lock eyes with Suguru’s hypnotic violet gaze. Their compromising position left no room for denial—they were both far too affected by what had just transpired.
Finally, Satoru gestured upward, prompting Suguru to glance above.
A mistletoe dangled over their heads.
Suguru froze as Satoru leaned in, hands still gripping his waist, brushing a kiss against the corner of his lips. It didn’t stop there—Satoru trailed down his jaw, along his neck, licking the patch where Suguru’s scent was concealed. It was sweet, fresh, addictive.
Suguru, having already surrendered his attempts at aggression, was utterly drained from the fight, an internal heat steadily rising within him. His hand found its way to the back of Satoru's neck, pulling him closer. Despite his disgusted expression—a reflection of the loathing he felt for being so weak, for yielding so easily to Satoru—he couldn’t tear his gaze from those brilliant, impossibly blue eyes. Even bruised, Satoru’s face was a masterpiece of inexplicable beauty.
Suguru's thoughts darkened as he considered all the others who had likely tasted that beauty. His grip on Satoru’s neck tightened, his sharp black-painted nails digging cruelly into the soft flesh.
“If I kiss you now, it won’t change anything between us. Understand?”
The resignation in his voice was almost endearing—an evident lie. Both of them knew it. A kiss would change everything. It would be the opening of Pandora's box, the final door in their chaotic emotional entanglement. And Suguru… Suguru was far too emotional, too tied to his history with Satoru—his first love—to kiss him and then walk away as though it meant nothing.
But Satoru had no such reservations. He was determined to seize this moment and kiss the only person who truly satisfied him.
Their breaths mingled, their bodies radiating an intense heat born of tension and desire. When their lips finally met, it was far from gentle. Their tongues collided, sliding and tangling with an almost frantic desperation. A trail of saliva slipped down Suguru’s chin as the kiss deepened, escalating from a contest of dominance to a surrender. Suguru found himself utterly consumed by Satoru’s insatiable hunger.
A soft, unwilling moan escaped from Suguru’s throat—delicate, almost vulnerable. Alphas didn’t submit easily; it wasn’t in their nature. Submission triggered their violent instincts. But Suguru… Suguru was different. Once sufficiently aroused, his nature became surprisingly pliant, naturally accommodating. Naturally made for Satoru.
It took everything in Satoru to suppress the urge to claim him as his own.
He bit back the word “mine,” his hands gripping Suguru’s slender waist as the other alpha unconsciously began moving against him, seeking friction and relief. Satoru could feel it too, the heady arousal building between them. But this wasn’t the time. Not yet. First, they had to finish this so-called “date” before the others arrived.
Forcing himself to break the moment, Satoru pulled away before things spiraled out of control.
“Come on, Suguru. Let’s at least try to have dinner.”
When they stood, the wreckage of the place hit them like a slap. Broken decorations, scattered furniture—It was a disaster zone.
By the time their friends arrived, the room was still in chaos, and both Satoru and Suguru looked utterly disheveled. The group froze in stunned silence before Yuki’s angry shout filled the air. Satoru tried to smooth things over with a sheepish explanation while Suguru, covering his face with his hand, endured Yuki’s scolding. The scene looked so bad that their friends began questioning whether it had been a mistake to bring them together in the first place.
After Satoru handed Yuki a wad of cash to cover the damages, he made his exit, giving a casual wave over his shoulder.
“This mess is on me, so I’ll pay for it. If you need more, just message me. I’ll transfer the rest.”
Yuki nodded, still glaring at him as she looped an arm around Choso’s shoulders. He didn't look like he wanted to be there, honestly.
“Are you sure about that? You still owe me from the football bet last month. And don’t even think about hiding behind your physics books this time.”
“Ugh, fine! I’ll send it to you now if it shuts you up!”
After a few taps on his phone, Satoru dismissed the group with a lazy goodbye.
“Well, I’m out. See you next year. Enjoy the holidays.”
But as he turned to leave, the room was stunned into silence once again when Suguru unexpectedly stepped forward and caught up to him.
“I’m coming with you.”
There was no question in his tone—only a firm declaration.
All eyes were on them. If they had animal ears, they would’ve been perked up in rapt attention.
Together?
What was happening?
The unspoken question hung in the air, but only Suguru knew the answer. His only response was a sidelong glance at Satoru, who, without much thought, agreed.
The pair walked into the cold night, their clothes stained and tattered, leaving behind an awkward silence. Yet, for the first time in a long while, they were holding hands.
For Satoru, the unfamiliar sensation brought a surge of hope. Did this mean Suguru was giving him a chance?
But when they reached the park that led back to the student dorms, Suguru broke the silence.
“You hurt me so much. You broke me in ways you would never understand. So before this year ends… I’m going to hurt you.”
Satoru tensed, his jaw tightening as he listened.
“But I’ll be fair. I’ll tell you exactly what’s going to happen next.”
Suguru turned to face him, his gaze cold and unflinching.
“Tonight, I’m going to use you. I’ll use you for pleasure, to indulge in the body of a very attractive alpha. Just like you use everyone else. This should feel familiar, right? I’ll let you have this one small victory, but after tonight, we’re done. No more talking, no more crossing paths. This ends here.”
Satoru lowered his head, his throat tight with emotion. He hadn’t cried in years, but the sting in his eyes was unmistakable, his chest tightening painfully.
Releasing Suguru’s hand, Satoru responded softly, “So you want us to use each other?”
Suguru averted his gaze, his carefully maintained composure betraying hints of vulnerability.
Satoru continued, his voice steady. “Let’s be honest. You wouldn’t handle that. You’re not built for it. I may be a fool about some things, but not this. I know what you’re trying to do. You want me to hurt you so badly that you can finally cut me out of your life.”
He reached up, brushing Suguru’s hair away from his face, his fingers lingering on a familiar strand.
“Fine. I accept your terms. But I’ll add one of my own.”
Satoru leaned closer, his lips brushing Suguru’s in a ghost of a kiss—no mistletoe needed this time.
“If I can prove tonight how much I want something real with you, when morning comes, I want to wake up with you still by my side. But if you truly want to use me and nothing more, I’ll wake up alone. And that will be it—I’ll never bother you again. Hell, I’ll even sign a legal contract if that’s what it takes.”
Suguru hesitated, then nodded. “Deal.”
He didn’t know how seriously Satoru was taking this, but it didn’t matter. Tonight was all he needed to erase him from his mind. Surely, Satoru was a selfish lover, and this would end up being a boring, one-sided experience.
Right?
Then why did it feel like he’d just made a deal with the devil?