#✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Qʊɛɛռ օʄ ȶɦɛ Nɨɢɦȶ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

[dreamingkitsunewrites]

.𖥔 ݁ ˖.𝐇αᥣᥣ𝖾𝗒'𝗌 𝐂ⱺꭑ𝖾𝗍.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Chapter 2 from ₊ Qʊɛɛռ օʄ ȶɦɛ Nɨɢɦȶ Series

-☄"Midnight for me is 3:00 a.m. (for you)"☄-

ραιяιηg: Neighbor!Choso Kamo x Bartender!Reader

𝖲ɣ𐓣: you come home at 3am from your shift at the club just to find your cold neighbour Choso awake and waiting for you to come home safely.

𝐂ɦ𝖾𝖼𝗄 ⱺυ𝗍 𝗍ɦ𝖾 𝚰𐓣ᑯ𝖾𝗑 ρα𝗀𝖾 𝖿ⱺ𝗋 𝗍ɦ𝖾 𝖿υᥣᥣ 𝐓𝐖 ᥣ𝗂𝗌𝗍

A/N: hey guys I'm finally back... This is my first fic in a long time, so sorry if this chapter might seem a bit boring... I swear, it's all for the sake of the slow burn!🤣

Series Tag list: Open!

𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 | 𝙽𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

⏭ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sᴏᴜɴᴅᴛʀᴀᴄᴋ: нαℓℓєу'ѕ ¢σмєт by вιℓℓιє єιℓιѕн

Choso's POV

“She’s gone… you can finally breathe now.” Yuji barges into his brother’s room without a warning. Choso, who was peacefully existing with his headphones on, jumps back in his bed, dropping his music with an annoyed frown. “Ok…” he mutters, not even pretending to care, “did you at least understand a word she said?”

“Hold on, bro,” Yuji waves his arms around dramatically, “why aren’t we talking about how your killer glare probably made her want to join a monastery and take a vow of silence? We might need a priest to bless the room if she ever comes back.”

Choso, eyes darting to the corner, knows it’s true. He’s an expert at making people uncomfortable with his mysterious aura. But she wasn’t scared of him, right? She just seemed… interested? Or maybe confused? His mind goes into overdrive, battling between self-doubt and a strange sense of vulnerability. Was he the creepy guy, or were you just… not scared of him? He really didn’t know how to feel about that gaze of yours. It wasn’t judging. It was curious. And that... was new. So new he doesn't know how to cope with that.

“Well,” Yuji interrupts his spiraling thoughts, his grin screaming trouble is coming, “Can I ask why you were being weird today? Like, weird weird?”

Choso’s train of thought derails, and he stumbles over words. “I… don’t know…” he mutters. “Maybe… I’m just not used to… being around… girls?” His face turns into a tomato. “I mean, you know, girls usually think I’m a weirdo…”

A flashback to Yuki, the only girl he’d ever been able to talk to, flits through his mind. She had been his friend. A real friend. She was the only one who didn’t run for the hills when he spoke. The only woman who could accept him for who he is. Maybe the only one in his entire existence… he has always wondered if his mother really managed to accept his nature in the end. He wouldn't even blame her if not…But that’s a whole different therapy session.

Yuji’s grin widens, clearly about to unleash chaos. “I get it, bro,” he says, all innocent-looking, but Choso still can see the mischievous glint in his eyes. “But seriously, it’s time for you to join the human race. Go outside, touch some grass, bask in the sunlight. Maybe even put on real clothes for once instead of your comfy ‘I haven’t left the house in six days’ pajamas.”

Choso stares down at his pajama pants like they’ve personally offended Yuji. “Why do you hate my pajamas so much?” he mutters, defensive, like a child caught in his favorite blanket.

Yuji snickers. “Nothing. I’m sure even our neighbor’s jealous of your unique fashion choices.”

Suddenly, Choso’s cheeks turn pink as he realizes he probably should’ve made himself slightly presentable before you showed up. Oops.

“Jokes aside, don’t stress about her. She’s chill. Oh, and I bet she really appreciated you checking in on her tonight. Big bro points, my dude. Huge. I approve.”

As Yuji heads for the door, Choso’s mind starts to race again. You’re probably starting your shift right about now, and suddenly, his chest feels tight. Worry? Anticipation? He isn’t sure. Probably both. He’s no expert in nightlife (he’s more of a “stay home and brood” kind of guy), but he knows enough about what happens at clubs on weekends to be mildly terrified. Drunk people, loud music, bad decisions. And you, you’re… well, you’re attractive,beautiful even. The image of that pout you make when you focus suddenly comes to his mind, he noticed it while you were sitting in their kitchen, just an hour before.

Yuji snaps his fingers in front of Choso’s face. “Yo, Earth to Choso, where’d you go? What do you want for dinner? Spaghetti? Pizza? A small army of snacks?”

Your POV:

You’re back at the apartment, quickly switching into your pub’s uniform while grabbing a snack that’s barely worthy of being called dinner. "Hey 'Zuru, I’m over here," you call out, hearing the door open signalling your roommate's return. In your typical fashion, you join her, making a grand entrance, hopping on one foot while trying (and failing) to pull on your skirt without falling over. She shoots you an amused stare. Her laugh fills the room as she opens the fridge, rummaging around for ingredients. "So, how was your day?" she asks, but the disapproving tone in her voice could sour milk.

You shrug casually, leaning against the counter as you munch on your snack. “Eventful, to say the least. Classes were fine, but I ended up helping Yuji with his homework after bumping into him this morning. Had to do something for him, especially after he saved our apartment from that fire your straightener started...” You approach her, trying to help with dinner prep, although you're more distracted by the ongoing crisis of your skirt.

She squints at you, half amused, half exasperated. “Wait—my straightener now? Really? You’re incredible.” She scoffs, and you can feel the heat of her sarcasm even before she opens her mouth again. “Oh, and thanks for almost wrecking my date next week. You know, the guy from this morning, who definitely didn’t look like Kenji? Yeah, he wasn’t thrilled when you mistook him for my ex.”

You wince, feeling a little guilty. “Oops? But seriously, since when do you hang out with such prickly guys?” You try to make light of the situation, your innocent smile just the tiniest bit mischievous. It works—just a little.

“Lucky we’re friends,” she mutters under her breath, grabbing a piece of your KitKat bar without permission. “Anyway, how’d it go with Yuji?”

You lean back on the counter, kicking your legs casually, your voice almost dreamy as you glance up at the ceiling. “It went pretty well. You can tell he really puts effort into everything, even his chemistry work.” You pause, letting the suspense build before casually adding, “Oh, and I met his brother today. Choso.”

At the mention of his name, Shizuru freezes mid-step, her eyes narrowing “Who? The ghost of the block?” Her disbelief is palpable. She holds her pan like it might be some kind of defense weapon. “You’re telling me you actually talked to him? And got his name? How are you still alive?”

You laugh, rolling your eyes. “Relax, he’s not that bad. He’s just a little…shy.”

“Shy?” She spits out the word like it's poison. “Shy doesn’t mean watching people from a distance with that I’ll stab you if you breathe near me look. That guy’s a creep! I don’t even know how they’re brothers. It's like one was raised by kittens, and the other by serial killers.”

You stare at her, raising an eyebrow. “Zuru, that’s not fair—”

“Not fair? Have you seen him? He looks like he’d bite your head off if you smiled at him wrong,” she interrupts. Her face is a mix of incredulity and concern now. “Tell me, what did he even say to you?”

“Not much,” you admit with a shrug. “He mostly just... studied me. Like, just stared at me the whole time.”

She bursts out laughing. “I knew it! No doubt he looked at you like you were the last woman on Earth. I bet the last time a girl talked to him, he thought it was some kind of alien encounter.”

You roll your eyes but your smile lingers a little too long, a little too soft. “Well, there was one thing... He did ask if I’d be okay working the night shift alone, said he was worried about me being out by myself.”

Shizuru drops her spatula. “Wait, wait, what? He asked you that? That can only mean one of two things: He’s either a secret knight in shining armor—like, a dark and broody ‘I’ll protect you’ type—or he’s a stalker serial killer making sure no one kills you before he can.”

You throw your hands up in exasperation, hopping off the counter. “And here I thought we could have a normal conversation. Why is it so hard for you to admit that he’s not that bad? Honestly, I’m heading to work now. Don’t wait up for me.”

Shizuru tilts her head, giving you that knowing smirk. “Never planned on it. But seriously—watch out for the Chosos on your way out. They tend to give people... intense stares.”

As you grab your jacket and head out the door, you can't help but think back to Choso—of how oddly protective he’d seemed earlier. There’s something about him that’s so... complicated, like there's more lurking beneath the surface. You shake the thought off, but a small part of you wonders just how much of a knight he might actually be.

...

The shift has gone smoother than expected, the hours slipping away unnoticed as you worked at the pub. It wasn't until the end of the night, when a few too many patrons had indulged a bit too much, that you and your colleague found yourselves staying later than planned. You've had to help some of them out the door, calling their emergency contacts to make sure they'd get home safely. On your way back, the thought crosses your mind that it must feel nice to have someone to always rely on. Since moving to Japan, your roommate has always been your one constant, your anchor. You'd taken care of each other, navigating the chaos of life side by side. That’s why Yuji and Choso’s concern earlier today has left you with an unexpected feeling. It was nice to be cared for, even if it felt … strange.

As you walk home, you suddenly remember the promise you made to them today about letting them know you'll make it back safely tonight. But how could you do that now? It's already 3am and you are barely crawling back to the building, exhausted, your mind blurry. They are probably asleep by now anyways, and you certainly don't want to wake them up for something so trivial. What if they had even forgotten about it? This could also be a possibility...The idea of barging into their apartment looking like you had just fought a zombie apocalypse, just to say, "Hey, just wanted to tell you I made it home safe," is mortifying. You never quite knew how to handle attention like that. It always felt… uncomfortable.

You sigh as the elevator doors open. Stepping inside, you lean against the cool metal, the reflection in the mirror showing just how tired you are. Dark circles under your eyes—could they rival Choso’s? You wonder if he works nights too, that would explain why he's never around during the day… The impactful sight of your disheveled hair and smudged makeup makes you cringe. There's no way you are going to run into anyone in this state

...

Meanwhile, Choso has been pacing the living room for more than an hour, glancing at the clock every few minutes. 2:00 a.m. 2:30. 2:45. Where were you? Shouldn’t any bar be closed by now? Why weren't you home yet?

Yuji went to sleep hours ago, and the silence of the apartment, only broken by the occasional tick of the clock, fuels his anxiety. What if something had happened to you? What if someone had gotten too close at the bar, or worse, if you’d run into trouble on your walk home? He's already regretting not insisting on walking you home. He had let his guard down, and now he can't shake the thought of you being out there alone.

He stops pacing for a moment, realizing how absurd his thoughts must sound. But he can't help it—once Yuji had pulled him into your orbit just this afternoon, he couldn’t shake the sense of responsibility he felt for you. Protectiveness has always come naturally to him. And you were Yuji’s friend, which meant you were officially under his care too.

Then, his mind drifts back to earlier today, to how small and fragile you looked under his gaze in the kitchen, huddled in that oversized leather jacket as if you were trying to hide from the world…. A feeling he knows quite well. Guilt stirs in his chest, maybe you two aren't that different… He didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Maybe that's why he couldn’t stop thinking about you, why he cared so much.

Cling. His thoughts are interrupted by the familiar chime of the elevator. He freezes. Could it be you?

The doors slide open and you tiptoe down the dim hallway, trying to avoid making a sound. You are certain Yuji and Choso have forgotten about you anyway, and you have already concocted a half-baked excuse in case they haven't. Reaching your door, you find your lovely roommate has locked you out again. "Damn, 'Zuru," you mutter through gritted teeth, rolling your eyes as you fumble for your keys in the chaotic abyss of your bag.

Too preoccupied with not making noise, you fail to notice the figure standing behind you until it is too late: Choso stands there, watching you struggle with your keys, his nostrils flaring as his eyes sweep over you. The sight of you in your uniform—tight T-shirt clinging to your curves, legs exposed in that breathtaking miniskirt, the ‘Queen of the Night’ logo teasingly placed just above your neckline—stirred something dark in him…how could this be defined as a work uniform?

“You’re back.” His voice is dry, sharp, and it makes you jump, the keys slipping from your hands and clattering to the ground.

"Shit…it's you, Choso," you mutter, heart racing. His hard expression makes it instantly clear that you've just made a mistake. "You scared me."

On the spot,he wants nothing more than to snap something sarcastic about how you should be more afraid of wandering the streets at 3 a.m. than of him, but he bites his tongue. He is too angry, too frustrated.

“Why didn’t you let us know you made it home safely? You've promised…” His tone is harsh, the words coming out faster than he intended.

Touché- your heart sinks at the reminder of your earlier promise. You can't stand the fact that he'd probably think low of you now, even more than he did before if possible.

“I... I thought you and Yuji had probably forgotten about it,” you stammer, the excuses falling from your lips before you can stop them. “I didn’t want to bother you, especially at this hour.” Your words ring hollow even to you, but you can't help but wonder why he was so upset for something that didn't involve him or Yuji directly.

Choso’s eyes narrow, his jaw tightening. “If we didn’t want to be bothered, we wouldn’t have asked you to let us know in the first place. I spent the evening waiting for you to come home.” His gaze pinns you, as if daring you to look away.

The realization hits you—Choso, the cold guy everyone is afraid of is worried…for you? You blink, surprised by the raw intensity in his eyes. “Wait…did you actually… wait up for me?”

His face softens for a split second before hardening again. "I did."

The hallway falls silent for a moment. “I’m sorry… I didn’t know. It’s my fault,” you murmur looking at the ground, still unable to hold his gaze, when your raging guilt finally subsides.

Choso sighs at the scene, leaning against the doorframe. His arms cross over his broad chest, and you can tell he's still trying to control his emotions. “It’s okay." Those three words are enough to make you release the breath you didn't know you were holding. "Just… keep it in mind from now on: you can always call us if you're in trouble. No matter the time.” he says, his eyes now boring into yours as if seeking the reassurance you'd grasped the concept.

You smile at his awkward attempt to ease the tension… something suggested you that his rough façade was nothing but a bluff already this afternoon, and the embarrassed expression etched on his face right now as he tries to maintain a stern tone confirms that you weren't wrong. “Can I ask you something?” you speak, guilt now replaced by a playful mischief that takes Choso aback.

"Uh? Yeah… What’s up?” he asks, desperately trying to sound casual, though inside, he is already panicking about what you might ask.

Your grin grows as you mirror his posture, leaning against your door and crossing your arms. “Is your door about to fall off or something?”

His eyes widen in confusion, before turning and checking for the stability of his entrance door. “No, it’s still pretty sturdy… Why?”

You have to suppress a laugh at the panic in his voice... Is it always that easy to make him nervous?. “Just seemed like you always lean on it like it’s your life mission or something.” you tease him, remembering how he displayed his signature 'alpha-pose' already this afternoon.

Choso’s face flushes, and he quickly looks away, trying to salvage his tough guy image. “It’s none of your business,” he mutters, putting on an adorable child-like frown, but even in the dim light, it is obvious he is flustered by your teasing.

You raise an eyebrow. “Okay, okay…” The air around you feels less tense now, almost intimate, with just the two of you awake in the whole building. “Is Yuji sleeping?” you whisper, interrupting the peaceful silence of the night.

“Yeah, he’s been asleep for a while now…” The change in Choso’s posture as you mention his brother is noticeable: his deep voice softens, his eyes fill with a sparkle as his thoughts seem to wander to Yuji. “He really wanted to stay up and wait for you, but I convinced him I’d handle it.”

You laugh quietly. “Aww so thoughtful of him! But he’s got school tomorrow. He definitely needs to save some energy for chemistry class… your brother is such an angel…you know," you confess, opening up to him about the struggles of getting used to your new surroundings "he has always been one of the few friendly faces when I moved here...I'll forever be thankful for meeting him”

Choso chuckles along with you, his lips finally curling up in a faint smile, though his mind seems to slip far away. “He’s special… too pure for this world.”

The moment is quiet, comfortable even, until you break the silence again, thinking it's time for both of you to take some sleep. “Thanks for what you did tonight… Goodnight, Choso.”

You can feel his eyes on you as you turn to leave, but there is something more—something that makes him hesitate. “Hey," he stammers without thinking, as if he's subconsciously trying to extend the longest conversation he has had with someone other than Yuji in a while "Can I ask you one more thing before you go?”

You pauses,as if surprised by his own boldness. “Yeah? Of course you can...” you turn to face him once again and Choso realizes it's too late to take back his words now..His heart hammers in his chest, the words hanging on the edge of his tongue. “I’ve been wondering... " He swallows, finding the right words to express what has been wandering around his head all night "did anyone cause you any trouble at the pub tonight? In any way...” he stammers.

His gaze is intense, unwavering even, and for a moment, you see something darker behind his eyes, something akin to the danger everyone associates with him. His question catches you off guard, but you quickly reassure him, putting on a warm smile “No, it was a pretty easy night actually… Just had to kick out a couple of drunk patrons, nothing serious.” you try to alleviate the tension.

In this moment you can clearly see his attention drift away again, that distant look of this afternoon resurfacing on his features. He lets out a low hum, his posture stiffening again as he unexpectedly turns his back on you. "Good. Goodnight,then" he mutters, his tone final.

You blink, awkwardly standing in the hallway for a moment longer after his sudden departure, unsure of what had just happened. What had you said wrong? Where does he go in his mind when he gets lost in those mysterious thoughts of his?

You finally reach out for the keys, still laying on the ground and enter your apartment, wishing you could shut the doubts outside with him as you close the door behind you with a soft click, your mind still racing with confusion. Choso…you were right about his name: there is more to him than meets the eye, and the more you see of him, the more you feel drawn to uncover the secrets behind his rough demeanor.

On the other side of the wall, Choso lays awake in bed, his fists clenched, a tangle of emotions storming through him. Why did you have to be so careless? Why couldn’t you see the danger in the way you were acting? The thought of other men ogling over you in that uniform somehow made his blood boil, and yet, he can't tear his mind away from the image of you bathed in the moonlight seeping through the windows in the hallway, so vulnerable and unaware of the way your carelessness affected him. What's so special about clubs anyways? What's the use of being looked at like nothing but a piece of meat by a bunch of drunk assholes? How could you be fine with that?

And as the darkness of the night envelops him, he can't shake the pull he feels toward you—that undeniable need to protect you, from the whole world, including yourself, even if he doesn't fully understand the reasons behind it. You are beautiful, yes….and so damn reckless…

Thanks for reading! Comments, reblogs and interactions are appreciated

©Dreamingkitsunewrites. Do not copy my works.

[dreamingkitsunewrites]

✰ WOKE UP IN JAPAN ✰

✰ | Inspired playlist here |.

Prologue | Next Chapter here

✰ Pairing neighbor!Choso Kamo x bartender!Reader

✰ Summary (chapter 1/? of Queen of the Night), in which you offer to help your lovely younger neighbour Yuji with his chemistry homework, but end up bumping into his mysterious, ever-elusive older brother, Choso aka ‘the ghost of the block'...

✰ Warnings crack, slow-burn, pining, opposites to lovers, awkwardness, jealousy, underground nightlife, Choso being cold and intimidating at first, reader being messy™️, suggestive language (nsfw and dark themes coming later on-check series materialist for the complete list)

~5k words(First chapter turned out longer than expected..sorry abt that)

Comments and Reblogs are appreciated 💜

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ♫♬♪: "Woke up in Japan" by 5sos

7:42 AM

“Are you still asleep?!” Shizuru’s hands jolt you awake, practically sending you flying out of your dreams. “Damn, you’re going to be late for class again!” 

You blink groggily, your mind struggling to catch up with reality. Less than twenty minutes to make it to campus, and here you are, still snuggled in the warm embrace of your blankets. Last night, you’d fallen asleep mid-jam session, headphones still on, your beloved guitar resting in your lap like a loyal dog. Papers are strewn about your room like confetti from a failed celebration, and as you tilt your head to one side, you feel Shizuru shaking you again.

“Wake up!” she insists, her voice a mix of exasperation and amusement.

With a jolt, your eyes flutter open, and you’re immediately met with the relentless buzzing of your phone alarm on the nightstand. “Shit, it’s late!” you exclaim, snatching it up. As you read the time, your heart drops. “NO WAY! IT’S THIS LATE… Shit, no, no!” 

In a whirlwind of panic, you leap out of bed, your feet somehow getting tangled in your own guitar. You trip and stumble, barely managing to grab a pair of wide-leg jeans and your favorite cropped sweater from the drawer as you dash toward the bathroom. 

“Whoa, watch out!” you yell, just as you collide with a shirtless guy who seems to have wandered into your apartment, probably one of Shizuru's late-night visitors. 

“Hey, good morning to you, Sleeping Beauty… You must be Shizuru's roomie,” he greets you, completely unfazed by your chaotic entrance. You feel your cheeks flush as you awkwardly try to cover your exposed legs, the oversized t-shirt you're wearing doing little to help. “Yes… it’s me… nice to meet you,” you stammer, trying to muster a smile despite the embarrassment. “Ehm… I’d love to chat, but I really have to go… I’m late again…for uni I mean” you clear your throat, trying not to cringe at your own goofiness.

With that, you escape into the bathroom, your laughter mingled with anxiety echoing through the hallway. Just before you close the door, you notice your roomie still standing in the corridor with her mocking grin, and you turn back to Shizuru, mouthing a whispered rebuke. “Who's him, 'Zuru? Can you at least give me a heads-up next time a guy stays over?” your frustrated words elicit a chuckle from the pink-haired girl "you know…so that I can avoid being caught half naked by a stranger again…"

Shrugging, she just gives you an amused look, clearly entertained by your morning fiasco. Still flustered, you crank up the shower without checking the temperature. The moment the water hits you, you realize too late that it’s scalding hot. “AHHH! That’s not what I signed up for!” you yelp, jumping back, only to drop the bottle of lotion, which thuds loudly against the tiles.

In the kitchen, Shizuru and her date exchange glances, the sound of the lotion bottle crashing resonating through the apartment. 

“Is she okay?” he asks, a teasing smirk on his lips.

“Yeah, she’ll be fine—just a typical morning of hers. This girl’s trouble,” Shizuru replies with a roll of her eyes.

Finally, you emerge from the bathroom, steam billowing out behind you like a dramatic exit from a soap opera. You grab your bag and beloved headphones, rushing toward the door. “I’m leaving! See you later, Zuru!” 

Just as you’re about to vanish, you pop your head back through the door, suddenly reminded of the other person in the apartment  “Oh, and… it was nice to meet you, uh… Kenji?” you attempt a name, hoping it will be the right one this time…it's definitely hard to keep up with Shizuru's adventurous love life…

"Yeah... whatever…" The guy looks at Shizuru, bewildered. “Who the hell is Kenji again?” 

Shizuru mentally curses your terrible memory... you've mistaken him for her previous date “Told you she’s completely bonkers,” she mutters, shaking her head, before smoothly shifting to another topic. 

...

Just then, another door swings open in the hallway, the one of apartment 24, right next to yours. Yuji Itadori, your neighbor, waves goodbye to his older brother, Choso, while chewing on a half-eaten sandwich…

You are too ingrossed in your phone to notice him and you and Yuji end up slamming into each other, a comedic collision of morning chaos. “hey careful here...oh it's you! Good morning!” you both exclaim, chuckling at your synchronized enthusiasm.

Yuji is the sweetest guy ever—an actual angel. He’s a bit younger than you, but since you moved to Japan to study, he’s always been there to lend a hand, whether it’s carrying heavy grocery bags or rescuing you and your roomie when your apartment almost caught fire. “Setting off for uni already?” he asks, flashing that bright smile of his.

“Yes… classes start in ten minutes, but I’ve made my peace with being late…” you shamelessly admit with a smile, glancing at your phone. There was something about Yuji's candor that made you feel at ease, as if you could tell him about the most embarrassing thing you've done without being judged at all.

“By the way… how’s school going, Yuji?” You can’t just run off without exchanging a few words with him; he’s too lovely.

“I've joined two more clubs this year, but…” Yuji sighs dramatically, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his backpack. “Science is driving me mad! I can’t keep up with both biology and chemistry at the same time!” 

“Oh no, Biology and Chemistry together in the same sentence sound scary…” you agree, genuinely feeling for him. Without thinking twice, you suggest, “I still have some remnants of knowledge from high school. I could help you with your homework… if you want, of course!”

His big doe eyes light up with gratefulness. “Would you really do this for me? Thank you!!” he exclaims, nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement. Yuji's spontaneous reactions were always too precious, you simply can't say no to this guy. Not that you mind being around him actually.

“Yeah, no problem! That’s what neighbors are for, right?” You smile back, feeling a warm glow at his enthusiasm. “ok then…When do you want to start?”

“Let me think…" he taps his finger on his temple, feigning a not so credible hesitation "How about this afternoon?" He spits out soon after, a goofy smile on his lips "eheh...The situation is bordering on desperate here, and I have a test next week…” He chuckles nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

“Is it that bad?” You muse, trying to suppress a laugh. “Okay, okay… don’t worry, Yuji, I can help. How about this afternoon, around 5?” 

“5 PM sounds perfect for me!” He looks at you like you’re his personal superhero. “We both should really go now…" he says, glancing down at the ridiculous time displayed on his screen "see you later, then!” 

“Yeah, we definitely should” you agree, putting your headphones on as you begin to walk toward the lift. "See you later!"

“Thank you! You’re the best!” Yuji’s voice rings in your ears once again before you disappear behind the doors, your heart a little lighter and your day a little brighter.

…

“I'm home, Cho!” Yuji bursts through the door like a whirlwind after a long day of classes, his shoes and backpack tumbling onto the doorstep in a chaotic heap. The moment he steps inside, his energy lights up the quietness of the living room.

Choso lounges on the couch, wearing an expression that screams “boredom” as he stares blankly at the TV,  probably rewatching the same episode of some mind-numbing comedy series in the strenuous attempt to kill his time until Yuji would be home from school. 

“Hey, you’re back earlier today!” the guy says, glancing at the clock. “Were Megumi and Nobara too busy to hang out this afternoon?” His curiosity is piqued, especially since Yuji hasn’t plopped down on the couch beside him yet; instead, he busies himself gathering the avalanche of papers scattered across the living room floor and fluffing the couch cushions like a domestic tornado.

Choso sighs and lazily stands up, trailing after Yuji to the kitchen, where he surprises his brother wrestling with a mountain of neglected dishes in the sink.

“What are you doing? Did we suddenly become a popular hangout spot and I missed the memo?” Choso asks, tilting his head to the side like a confused puppy, his pigtails swaying back and forth in rhythm with his thoughts.

“Oh, yes! Totally forgot to text you about this!” Yuji muses, a casual shrug accompanying his words. “ Our neighbor from the 23 is coming over to help me with my science homework.” He says it as if it were the most normal thing in the world, but Choso’s eyebrows shoot up, a mixture of panic and confusion etched on his face. Someone. A girl, to boot, is going to visit them…since when?

“Which one of the girls next door? The new one?” Choso’s memory is a little foggy; he’d caught only a glimpse of you moving in nearly a month ago, awkwardly maneuvering your staff in the hallway like a wizard trying to find their way in a Muggle world. 

He’s always been the king of avoiding small talk and the awkwardness of handshakes, not to mention the sheer horror of forgetting someone's name right after meeting them. What he dreaded most, though, were the judgmental glances he received from strangers, as if his unconventional style was a neon sign saying, “Please stare at me!”. It basically feels like his worst nightmare is coming true in front of his eyes right now. 

He looks at Yuji in horror, hoping he will get the hint, but his eyes soften as he watches his hyperactive little brother. How could he understand? Yuji is the complete opposite of him. He was a social butterfly, flitting from person to person, charming everyone in the neighborhood with that infectious smile of his. 

“Yes, her…” Yuji confirms, trying to gauge Choso’s reaction. But Choso is still sulking, clearly annoyed that his afternoon plans with Yuji have officially been hijacked. “You know… she’s really nice. Always checking in on how school’s going. In fact, she was the one who offered to help me!” Yuji tries to cheer up the conversation.

“You could’ve just asked me for help!” Choso retorts, his tone dripping with faux indignation as he crosses his strong arms, frowning at his brother. 

“And when exactly did you become a master of subscripts in bulk and balancing chemical equations?” Yuji teases, clearly enjoying this little sparring match. 

Choso plops down at the kitchen table, pouting like a child denied dessert. “I could’ve helped you by reading the books first and then explaining it to you! You know I’ve gotten pretty good at explaining stuff by now!” He tries to sound defensive, but the corners of his mouth betray him, earning a chuckle from Yuji.

Just then, the doorbell rings, echoing through the apartment like a dramatic soundtrack. “Cho, please open the door for me, will you? I need a sec to finish here!” Yuji’s request sends Choso into a minor panic. He definitely wasn't prepared for this…greetings have never been his thing. But he stands up from his seat nonetheless "Just because it's you Yuji". He squares his shoulders, taking a deep breath, and dragging his feet toward the door. 

As he approaches it, he can't help wondering what he was getting himself into. Would this new girl find him weird? With a final gulp, he grasps the doorknob, hiding his nerves under his usual expressionless pout, the one Yuji calls his typical 'resting bitch face': He is now officially ready for the most awkward encounter of his life.

…

On the other side of the door, you stand, nervously clutching a couple of library books to your chest. They are your secret weapons for the afternoon, intended to help Yuji with his homework. 

When the door finally swings open, you are completely unprepared for what greets you…or better, who does:  there he stands,a well-built guy you've never seen around before, leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe, arms crossed, with an air of casually intimidating coolness. He is tall and pale, his skin seemingly untouched by sunlight for ages, giving him an otherworldly vibe. His eyes are heavy-lidded, dark circles framing them like a pair of ominous shadows, and he's studying you from head to toe as if you were a particularly perplexing puzzle. 

You soon realize who you were standing in front of: none other than Yuuji's legendary, ever-elusive older brother—the one your roommate dubbed “the ghost of the block” whenever he comes up in conversation. You’d heard the wildest theories about him: some claim he was a sort of anarchist scribbling deep thoughts on walls in the dead of night, while others insist he was part of a notorious gang that roamed the outskirts of Tokyo. Now, as you take in the towering figure before you, you can somewhat understand the origins of these myths. Still, you think most of them are definitely a bit too imaginative—like something out of a late-night anime binge. 

“Um, hi…” you manage to stammer after a while, your voice barely rising above the awkward silence that fills the air like thick fog. “Is Yuji home?” You shift your weight from one foot to the other, trying to look more composed than you feel. “I came to help him with his homework. I know he’s been struggling with advanced chemistry… it’s like a nightmare waiting to happen, right?” You attempt to lighten the mood with a joke, your smile widening in hopes of breaking the tension.

But the guy, who appears more or less your same age, doesn't seem to register your words. He simply stands there, studying you with an intensity that makes your heart race. You avert your gaze for a second, trying to catch some more information about him by his body language, but your gaze lands on his crossed-arms figure: he seems tense too, you can even see the outline of his impressive biceps flexing through the puckered fabric of his oversized shirt. 

Choso seems to notice your wandering stare and sighs deeply. He hides his embarrassment behind a wall of annoyance caused by your wandering eyes, even if he himself has already checked out the way your figure all wrapped up in an old oversized leather jacket appears so much smaller than his one. 

You quickly recompose yourself, finally daring to meet his unwavering stare. You feel a bit like a deer caught in headlights, every detail about you being scrutinized—the way you nervously hug your books, the slight tremor in your hands, the way your shoulders move as you speak. His gaze is shamelessly unyielding, and you can feel the awkwardness stretching like an elastic band, ready to snap.

A heavy silence envelops you two and you mentally kick yourself for being such a chatterbox in these kinds of situations. Why couldn’t you be one of those cool people who could effortlessly glide through awkward moments? Instead, you feel like a blabbering fool and decide it was best to just... stop talking.

Choso, however, is still lost in his own thoughts, his mind swirling with confusion. There is something unsettling in the pit of his stomach that he can't quite place. He doesn't trust you, not at all, and the idea of you being close to his brother doesn't sit well with him. But as you smile again, a genuine warmth behind your nervousness, he finds himself snapping back to reality.

“Sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself… I’m such a fool,” you say, bowing your head slightly in an awkward attempt to ease the tension but helplessly ending up betraying your own vow of silence. You remind him your name,not sure that Yuji has already prevented him of your arrival.  “I moved here a month ago. I don't think we were ever properly introduced before…” You flash another smile, and for a heartbeat, you can swear you've seen a faint blush creeping up his nose, right on the bold tattoo that marks his face.

He quickly presses his lips in an emotionless smile “Mhm… Choso,” he murmurs, finally stepping back to let you inside, the moment stretching out far longer than necessary. 

Choso… you take a moment to roll the name around in your head, savoring its mystery. You've never heard this name before but it seems fitting for someone like him… eye-catching, extravagant. Dressed in oversized, baggy clothes that swallow him whole, with his peculiar bangs carelessly falling over his forehead, just above the furrowed brows that give him a perpetually serious expression. He looks like the kind of guy you would usually meet in the dimly lit club you work in, all adorned in chains and vibing to hardcore EDM beats until dawn. But there's also something undeniably intriguing about him—a peculiar charm that makes him weirdly attractive despite his gruff demeanor.

As you step inside, the awkwardness of the scene stretches on: Choso stands next to you, a silent statue in the cramped corridor, while you internally debate whether to break the ice with a joke about his “ghostly” reputation. Thankfully, just as the tension reaches critical levels, Yuji’s familiar, friendly face pops out of the kitchen, like a ray of sunshine cutting through the clouds of your social anxiety. “Hi! You made it in the end!” He greets you enthusiastically.

“Hey Yuji! Told you I’d swing by to help today! I even hit up the campus library to grab some books… maybe they’ll help…” you say, trying to sound as casual as possible while internally cringing at your own nerdiness.

“Great! Anything could be useful at this point… I can’t thank you enough for your help, really. Advanced chemistry sounds like rocket science to me, eheh…” Yuji gesticulates wildly, taking a step closer and starting to bow comically, as if trying to convey the depths of his gratitude through exaggerated movements. 

“You really don’t need to thank me, Yuji… especially not after you saved our apartment from catching fire just a few weeks ago…” You smile back at him, glancing at Choso, whose eyes widen in shock at the mention of his little brother performing some kind of heroic act. He swallows soundly, making a mental note to return to the topic once you've left the apartment. 

“I even got the chance to meet your brother! We never had the chance to—” you shut yourself, unexpectedly feeling Choso tensing up once again beside you, suddenly aware he was the center of attention, which is clearly not his favorite place to be.

“Yeah… Cho’s a bit of a couch potato,” Yuji teases, throwing his brother under the bus with a playful grin. Choso in return, can't help shooting him a glare that could have melted steel. 

“Hey… it’s not that! I just… don’t have time to hang out a lot. I’m busy here at home,” he replies, his tone firm and proud, though you still can sense the discomfort lurking beneath his casual words. 

“Oh… that’s for sure, Cho…” Yuji laughs, barely dodging the dangerously intimidating glare from his brother. “Come in, please! We can start whenever you want. Let me grab my notes and a pen!” He ushers you into the kitchen, providing you with the opportunity to survey the apartment. You are pleasantly surprised to find it tidier than expected for a pair of guys living alone—definitely a far cry from the chaos that sometimes rages in your and Shizuru's shared apartment.

Yuji gestures for you to sit at the kitchen table, where Choso sat barely minutes before. “Make yourself at home! What can I offer you?” he asks, opening the fridge like a magician revealing his next trick while you remove your earphones and shrug off your beloved vintage oversized leather jacket.

Choso lingers silently by the doorway, watching you like a hawk. He notices how you seemed to curl into yourself, trying to occupy the least amount of space possible, yet your curious eyes dart around their apartment, making him feel oddly exposed—as if you could read into his deepest secrets by the way his favourite mug was decorated.  He surely notices the way you delicately place your earphones on the table like they are precious artifacts while your bag has been unceremoniously tossed aside. 

Just then, you catch him staring and manage to give him another timid smile, but his stoic mask doesn't budge a millimeter. Again. At this point you are sure he doesn't like you. At all…

“Don’t worry about me, Yuji…” you stammer, trying to fill the awkward silence. “A glass of water will be more than fine… Your apartment looks very cozy, guys.” You desperately attempt to keep the conversation flowing (and distract Choso from scrutinizing your every move.)

Yuji hands you a glass of water, and you down it in one gulp, your throat suddenly parched from both the walk and the weight of Choso’s gaze. Does he really intend to stare at you this whole time? 

Yuji plops down next to you, rifling through his notes to kick off the lesson. “What I really can’t wrap my head around in advanced chemistry are all those tiny signs you scribble above reactions, you know?” He fidgets with the pages until he finds what he meant, his notes looking like doodles from an adorable hyperactive child. “Here it is…” he says, handing you the notebook opened to a specific page, momentarily distracting you from your embarrassment.

Choso, however, seems to have eyes only for you. He notices how your hair fell over your face as you leaned in to read and feels a strange urge to understand what made you so captivating to his brother. His gaze lands on the small leather string around your neck, recognising that sort of tight necklace girls around the crowded Tokyo streets usually wear… Nobara says they're called 'chokers' but Choso couldn't really understand the ultimate meaning of those, ending up mentally scolding himself for being distracted by fashion trends when he should have been focusing on the lesson. 

Meanwhile, you have already launched into an enthusiastic explanation about superscripts and subscripts in chemistry,  Yuji completely engrossed, nodding along like a bobblehead. 

Choso tries to keep up at first, but quickly gives up when you start discussing the periodic table and isotopes, realizing he must have looked like a creep this whole time. He decides that you are more than capable of taking care of his little brother… for now. “I’ll be in my room in case you two need me…” his deep, rough voice breaks into your explanation, and you seize the moment to inform Yuji that you have to leave early today.

 “Okay, thank you...By the way, Yuji, I forgot to mention—I really have to head out by six today. Sorry about that. I work tonight. We can also continue another time; I’m available for as many lessons as you need before the test!” You hastily add.

“Yeah? Don’t worry about that… Work? Did you get a job already?” Yuji asks, his eyes lighting up, while Choso stops mid-step in the corridor, curiosity piqued.

“Yeah, I did! I’ve been working as a bartender in this small club for a week now. It’s called The Queen of the Night… you know, that little music pub nearby Shimokita…” you explain, your heart swelling with excitement. “I really enjoy it, actually! I’ve learned how to whip up colorful, scented cocktails, and the best part is that I’m in my natural element all night!” You giggle. 

“That sounds amazing! I know how much of a music lover you are…” Yuji exclaimes, his enthusiasm infectious “ so you usually work during the night, right? How late do you get off?” 

Choso finds himself fighting against the urge to eavesdrop as he makes his way down the hallway toward his room. The lively chatter coming from the kitchen have unexpectedly  ignited a spark of curiosity deep within him—a feeling he can't quite name. It tugs at the corners of his mind, compelling him to pivot on his heels and retrace his steps. So he casually strolls back into the kitchen, feigning nonchalance as he reaches for a Coke from the fridge, all the while straining to catch snippets of the conversation.

“Yeah… my shift usually runs from 8 pm until… well, sometimes sunrise,” you laugh lightly, your voice laced with a blend of humor and weariness as you noticed Choso’s return. “I guess the upside is that I get to watch the sun rising at the end of my shift…”

Yuuji’s smile falters momentarily, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Damn… so you’re telling me you work until 4 or 5 in the morning?” Choso catches the hint of concern in Yuji’s voice, a protective instinct inexplicably flaring up in him. The thought of you, his far too chatty neighbor, serving drinks amidst a sea of inebriated patrons somehow sends a wave of unease coursing through him. He envisions your graceful figure navigating the club, your outgoing personality potentially misinterpreted as an invitation for unwanted attention... The Coke can he had picked up now feels like a vice in his hand, his grip tightening involuntarily as his innate protectiveness surges within him—it simply doesn't sit right.

"Does anyone at least pick you up from there?" The words slip out before he can fully process them, surprising even himself. He turns his back to the counter, his tone harsher than intended, the concern bleeding through the facade of indifference he usually wore.

“Sorry?” You blink, taken aback by his sudden inquiry. 

“I asked if anyone usually picks you up when it’s that late,” Choso repeats, successfully trying to erase any hint of concern from his tone. “It’s not safe for a girl like you to be wandering the streets alone at that hour…” He turns to face you now, focusing on maintaining his usual stoic expression, but the intensity of his gaze betrays him the second your eyes meet. Was the ‘ghost of the block’ really checking on your safety?

“I… don’t worry about me. I’m used to it.” You manage to stammer, a mix of surprise and embarrassment creeping on your cheeks “I used to go to clubs even before I started working in one,” you reply, trying to downplay the gravity of the situation. Yet, the truth is that the thought of returning home all alone in the dead of night is still unsettling to you, regardless of how many times you already did it. You simply shrug, feeling exposed under the weight of Choso's piercing gaze, which narrows as he keeps on scrutinizing your fragile demeanor. Choso struggles to keep his composure, the dark images racing through his mind as he assesses your vulnerability weighing heavily on him. He knew all too well the kind of atrocities male humans are capable of, the kinds of men (not to mention other kinds of entities) who could take advantage of someone like you...or even worse. How could you be so carefree about it? Your nonchalant behaviour ignites a fierce anger within him.

“Tch…” he mutters, his eyes glazing over as he falls into his own thoughts. “All it takes is one creep…” he muses gravely to himself, the gravity of some mysterious memories settling like a storm cloud over him.

He's definitely hiding something-  you notice. Your eyes flicker nervously between Yuji and Choso, trying to make sense of the tension thickening in the room. Yuji, his usual carefree demeanor now clouded with concern, clears his throat before speaking up. “Cho’s right... don’t you have anyone who can walk you home? I can do it for you…” His offer hangs in the air, earnest and almost too sweet, and your chest tightens at the sight of his genuine care.

You shook your head quickly, hoping your refusal won't sting too much. “It’s really not a problem... I can handle it myself. Besides, you’ve got school, Yuji. You shouldn’t be out so late anyways..” The words feel too soft, almost like an apology, as if you are rejecting him in some way, but you can't quite bring yourself to hurt his feelings. And still, you can feel Choso’s eyes on you, sharp and unreadable, like he is secretly waiting for something more from you.

Yuji pauses, his face faltering for just a moment before he turns to his brother. “Okay... well, if not me…” he glances back at you, then to Choso. “Maybe Choso could walk you. Shouldn’t be a problem for him, right Cho?”

Your stomach drops. There it it again—the unspoken weight in Choso’s presence. The thought of being alone with him, of walking the streets at night with Yuji’s intimidating older brother, stirs a sudden anxiety in you. It's not that you don't trust Choso, but something about the silent intensity in his gaze makes you uneasy.

“No…” You interrupt a little too sharply, the words spilling out in haste. “There’s really no need, honestly.” You try to soften your tone, but it still feels rude, especially with the way Yuji’s hopeful eyes are now fixed on you. “It’s not dangerous at all. I even walk part of the way with a colleague. She lives just down the block,” you lie, the guilt curling in your chest.

Yuji and Choso exchange a quiet look—something unreadable passing between them. Yuji’s smile is a little strained as he speaks again, “Alright, then... but can you at least let us know when you’re home? We’ll still be worried…and don’t worry about waking us up: we’re kinda used to late nights, aren’t we Cho?” His attempt to lighten the mood falls flat, and Choso’s subtle shift in expression doesn't escape your notice. A faint widening of his eyes, barely perceptible, speaks volumes—of things only Yuji and him could fully understand. Choso tries to keep his composure once again, even if Yuji's blunt hint at the nightly missions Jujutsu High usually assign them has certainly caught him by surprise.

Choso doesn't speak, just gives a small nod in agreement, and you finally relent, your lips curling into a tentative smile in gratitude. You can feel the weight of his silence pressing in as he turns away. His broad frame leans against the kitchen counter, arms crossed tightly over his chest. For a moment, you think he might say something more—but instead, he simply leaves the room, his heavy footsteps fading into the distance, leaving behind a silence that felt far too loud in the aftermath.

You tried your best to refocus on your study session with Yuji afterwards, but your mind kept drifting back to Choso: there was something about the way he had looked at you before—a look that stirs a strange, unsettling feeling. It isn't fear, not exactly, but there is a tension there that you can't ignore. Is he really the cold, dangerous figure everyone said he is? Or is he just... awkward, a big guy in a world too small for him? You can't really understand it. And as your study session wears on, you are remembered about the  agreement you came to before, resigned to feel that unsettling pull in your chest again later tonight…

[dreamingkitsunewrites]

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Qʊɛɛռ օʄ ȶɦɛ Nɨɢɦȶ - Index✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Pairing:Neighbor!Choso Kamo x Bartender!Reader

Syn: "In that moment Choso realized he would willingly trade countless nights of sleep for the magnetic pull of this club, where vivid strobe lights flickered across your skin. Colorful, abstract patterns transforming you into his Queen of the Night. The two of you were too different, so he found solace in watching you from afar: your lively essence lit up the venue, while he sat alone in a corner like a creep… Him, a protector, a weapon, a cursed child..."

Tags: lots of angst (it ends well though), fluff and smut. Jealousy, slow-burn,opposites to lovers,afab!reader,grunge couple!aesthetic,Choso being cold and rough at first, touchstarved Choso, mentions of alcohol, smoking and partying, Choso coping with new human feelings, (previous) toxic relationship, Choso’s protective onii-chan mode on, dark themes (insights into Kenjaku and his experiments, graphic description of violence), lots of awkwardness and sexual tension, Yuji being the sweetheart he is…. •MDNI•

|FIC PLAYLIST HERE |

♬⋆. I know all the consequences, I don't mind

This holy redemption tears us in two

But I can't turn my back to you" ♬⋆.˚

─•────ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ⇄ ◀ 𓊕 ▶ ↻

0. ♫♬♪Prologue. Queen of the Night (Tumblr)♫♬♪. |AO3|

1. ♫♬♪ Woke up in Japan (Tumblr)

2.♫♬♪Halley's Comet (Tumblr)

[dreamingkitsunewrites]

┍━━ ☽【ஓ๑♡Queen of the Night - 0. Prologue ♡๑ஓ】☾━━┑

Chapter 0- Prologue "Queen of the night". | AO3 link here

Synopsis: a beginning in medias res

TW: angst, swearing, suggestive language.

♫♬♪─•────ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ

Chapter Soundtrack: "Queen of the Night by Hey Violet

Y/N pov

11.32pm

Less than 30 minutes remain in my shift. The bar is unusually quiet tonight—definitely more so than a typical Wednesday. Just a handful of patrons linger at tables tucked away in the corners of the dance floor. The small stage is empty; with no live music on weeknights, I’m left to rely on the soft background tunes spilling from the speakers to stave off the boredom. I trust this random playlist on repeat to keep me company until I can finally escape this place.

As one song fades, the hauntingly familiar notes of a piano melody begin to play… 

I've bandaged your bruises, you've held back my hair

Who'd've known when this started that we'd end up here, here?

Choso. Why do I never see it coming? The emotion, the pain, him… and now this song, hitting me out of nowhere like a slap in the face. These lyrics strike me harder than a thousand knives, reopening wounds I’m still trying to stitch. My grip tightens around the lipstick-stained glass in my hand as memories I wish I could erase come flooding back. Will I ever forget? Do I even want to?

Choso and I never needed many words to understand each other. Being there for one another during our lowest moments was more than enough: cold, pale skin… rough, calloused hands. Him. Bruised knuckles, wounded pride, clenched teeth. I remember sitting across from him in my bathroom, carefully wrapping his sore knuckles in white bandages after he pushed himself too hard yet again. “I need to get stronger… this time I- fuck.” Choso winced in pain as my fingers brushed against his injured skin. “Sorry, my hand slipped….” Our eyes met, his battered soul looking deep into mine.

A subtle tremor coursed through him and into me, a silent electricity igniting our senses. I resumed my ministrations, both our hands trembling now: I still can't  tell it was out of fear or if it was simply the dawning intimacy we were creating.

Choso’s the only one who saw me at my lowest… that night he rescued me from the bar.  Delusion and self-pity drowning alongside the alcohol in my veins. Intrusive thoughts clouded my mind as I leaned against his tall, solid frame for support. How do I always let my guard down? What if my ex is right? What if I’m worthless? What if… Choso’s cold hands gently wrapped around my ankles, grounding me in reality. He brought me home safely tha night, helping me remove my heels, and kneeling beside me on the cold bathroom floor. I don’t remember every detail of those first moments of intimacy, but I will never forget how he quietly cared for me, holding back my hair as I threw up, cradling me like a child as I cried uncontrollably.

Who’d known when we started that we’d end up in so deep?

But you reach out and touch me, say my name like a prayer

All my friends say you're dangerous, but I don't fucking care

Time passed by and we couldn't see how close we had grown… until the moment my name slipped from his lips like a prayer, barely audible over the torrential rain outside my window.

All my friends warned me against getting involved with him, especially after that incident… but never, not even for tiny second, I’ve feared his superhuman strength "It’s too dangerous to be so close to him; you’ll end up being hurt one day,” they said… but I never listened; I never cared about their opinions. They never understood what we had, how could they?

'Cause there's something about it that brings me to life

Yeah, I know all the consequences, I don't mind

This holy redemption tears us in two

But I can't turn my back to you

Being with Choso makes me feel alive in ways I never thought possible. I crave the thrill only he can provide, the way my heart raced as we danced in the rain, the butterflies in my stomach whenever he touched me… I still cherish the astonishment in discovering his half-cursed nature, the excitement of the unknown unfolding day after day in front of my eyes… I never thought twice around him. I felt fearless by his side; his comforting presence was enough to make me feel stronger and freer than I ever had.

We had our issues, it’s true… I tried to heal the scars still etched on his soul with everything I had. But the road to redemption isn’t easy, and insecurity chipped away at us day by day. Yet, even after the hurtful words he spoke, I still hold onto hope that he will return to me, safe and sound, and that we’ll start anew… because no matter how many times he tells me to walk away, to change my path and leave it all behind….I just can’t turn my back to him.

When the night goes quiet and we're up in your room

And you're kissing my fingers, and I kiss your tattoo

I could play in bed with you and talk shit forever-ever

If this is all a dream, wake me up never, never, never

Swear to God, cross my heart, no one does it better, better

I long to feel that sensation again—the intimacy of lying naked beside him in the stillness of the night, the soft sound of rain enveloping us. I crave to become the object of the adoring look in those amber eyes once again,right as he brings my hand to his lips to kiss each one of my fingertips with sacred deliberateness. My fingers still itch to trace the marks adorning his delicate features of his face once more.

I miss those lazy days spent together in bed, talking for hours about nothing, wrapped up between the sheets and his strong arms. Choso would frown and hold my waist as I tried to get up to go the bathroom, keeping me from leaving the bed with a frown. Those lazy moments of playfulness between us were the best...No one will ever compare to him.

Boy I love ya, always gonna

The glass I’m holding slips from my fingers, shattering on the ground and snapping me out of my reverie. I stand frozen in the middle of the bar, too numb to move.

“YN, are you okay? Did you cut yourself?” My colleague rushes over, kneeling to clean up the mess I’ve made. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me.

“I’m sorry… I… I just need a moment.” I hurry to the bathroom. Leaning against the sink, I stare at my reflection… 'Boy, I love ya, always gonna'… No, this can’t be the end. We will find our way back to each other, even if it takes months, even years… 'just come home to me safe and sound, Cho… I promise we’ll find a way to fix this and finally be together again.'

Thanks for reading this far! Comments and Reblogs are appreciated 💜

Fic Navigation Materialist | next chapter (coming soon)

© dreamingkitsunewrites. Don't repost/ translate my words without my consent please.

[lazyjellyfish300]

I'VE BEEN WAITIN FOR THIS ONE 💕💕💕😩😩😩 Christmas came in February!! 🔥

✰ WOKE UP IN JAPAN ✰

✰ | Inspired playlist here |.

Prologue | Next Chapter here

✰ Pairing neighbor!Choso Kamo x bartender!Reader

✰ Summary (chapter 1/? of Queen of the Night), in which you offer to help your lovely younger neighbour Yuji with his chemistry homework, but end up bumping into his mysterious, ever-elusive older brother, Choso aka ‘the ghost of the block'...

✰ Warnings crack, slow-burn, pining, opposites to lovers, awkwardness, jealousy, underground nightlife, Choso being cold and intimidating at first, reader being messy™️, suggestive language (nsfw and dark themes coming later on-check series materialist for the complete list)

~5k words(First chapter turned out longer than expected..sorry abt that)

Comments and Reblogs are appreciated 💜

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ♫♬♪: "Woke up in Japan" by 5sos

7:42 AM

“Are you still asleep?!” Shizuru’s hands jolt you awake, practically sending you flying out of your dreams. “Damn, you’re going to be late for class again!” 

You blink groggily, your mind struggling to catch up with reality. Less than twenty minutes to make it to campus, and here you are, still snuggled in the warm embrace of your blankets. Last night, you’d fallen asleep mid-jam session, headphones still on, your beloved guitar resting in your lap like a loyal dog. Papers are strewn about your room like confetti from a failed celebration, and as you tilt your head to one side, you feel Shizuru shaking you again.

“Wake up!” she insists, her voice a mix of exasperation and amusement.

With a jolt, your eyes flutter open, and you’re immediately met with the relentless buzzing of your phone alarm on the nightstand. “Shit, it’s late!” you exclaim, snatching it up. As you read the time, your heart drops. “NO WAY! IT’S THIS LATE… Shit, no, no!” 

In a whirlwind of panic, you leap out of bed, your feet somehow getting tangled in your own guitar. You trip and stumble, barely managing to grab a pair of wide-leg jeans and your favorite cropped sweater from the drawer as you dash toward the bathroom. 

“Whoa, watch out!” you yell, just as you collide with a shirtless guy who seems to have wandered into your apartment, probably one of Shizuru's late-night visitors. 

“Hey, good morning to you, Sleeping Beauty… You must be Shizuru's roomie,” he greets you, completely unfazed by your chaotic entrance. You feel your cheeks flush as you awkwardly try to cover your exposed legs, the oversized t-shirt you're wearing doing little to help. “Yes… it’s me… nice to meet you,” you stammer, trying to muster a smile despite the embarrassment. “Ehm… I’d love to chat, but I really have to go… I’m late again…for uni I mean” you clear your throat, trying not to cringe at your own goofiness.

With that, you escape into the bathroom, your laughter mingled with anxiety echoing through the hallway. Just before you close the door, you notice your roomie still standing in the corridor with her mocking grin, and you turn back to Shizuru, mouthing a whispered rebuke. “Who's him, 'Zuru? Can you at least give me a heads-up next time a guy stays over?” your frustrated words elicit a chuckle from the pink-haired girl "you know…so that I can avoid being caught half naked by a stranger again…"

Shrugging, she just gives you an amused look, clearly entertained by your morning fiasco. Still flustered, you crank up the shower without checking the temperature. The moment the water hits you, you realize too late that it’s scalding hot. “AHHH! That’s not what I signed up for!��� you yelp, jumping back, only to drop the bottle of lotion, which thuds loudly against the tiles.

In the kitchen, Shizuru and her date exchange glances, the sound of the lotion bottle crashing resonating through the apartment. 

“Is she okay?” he asks, a teasing smirk on his lips.

“Yeah, she’ll be fine—just a typical morning of hers. This girl’s trouble,” Shizuru replies with a roll of her eyes.

Finally, you emerge from the bathroom, steam billowing out behind you like a dramatic exit from a soap opera. You grab your bag and beloved headphones, rushing toward the door. “I’m leaving! See you later, Zuru!” 

Just as you’re about to vanish, you pop your head back through the door, suddenly reminded of the other person in the apartment  “Oh, and… it was nice to meet you, uh… Kenji?” you attempt a name, hoping it will be the right one this time…it's definitely hard to keep up with Shizuru's adventurous love life…

"Yeah... whatever…" The guy looks at Shizuru, bewildered. “Who the hell is Kenji again?” 

Shizuru mentally curses your terrible memory... you've mistaken him for her previous date “Told you she’s completely bonkers,” she mutters, shaking her head, before smoothly shifting to another topic. 

...

Just then, another door swings open in the hallway, the one of apartment 24, right next to yours. Yuji Itadori, your neighbor, waves goodbye to his older brother, Choso, while chewing on a half-eaten sandwich…

You are too ingrossed in your phone to notice him and you and Yuji end up slamming into each other, a comedic collision of morning chaos. “hey careful here...oh it's you! Good morning!” you both exclaim, chuckling at your synchronized enthusiasm.

Yuji is the sweetest guy ever—an actual angel. He’s a bit younger than you, but since you moved to Japan to study, he’s always been there to lend a hand, whether it’s carrying heavy grocery bags or rescuing you and your roomie when your apartment almost caught fire. “Setting off for uni already?” he asks, flashing that bright smile of his.

“Yes… classes start in ten minutes, but I’ve made my peace with being late…” you shamelessly admit with a smile, glancing at your phone. There was something about Yuji's candor that made you feel at ease, as if you could tell him about the most embarrassing thing you've done without being judged at all.

“By the way… how’s school going, Yuji?” You can’t just run off without exchanging a few words with him; he’s too lovely.

“I've joined two more clubs this year, but…” Yuji sighs dramatically, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his backpack. “Science is driving me mad! I can’t keep up with both biology and chemistry at the same time!” 

“Oh no, Biology and Chemistry together in the same sentence sound scary…” you agree, genuinely feeling for him. Without thinking twice, you suggest, “I still have some remnants of knowledge from high school. I could help you with your homework… if you want, of course!”

His big doe eyes light up with gratefulness. “Would you really do this for me? Thank you!!” he exclaims, nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement. Yuji's spontaneous reactions were always too precious, you simply can't say no to this guy. Not that you mind being around him actually.

“Yeah, no problem! That’s what neighbors are for, right?” You smile back, feeling a warm glow at his enthusiasm. “ok then…When do you want to start?”

“Let me think…" he taps his finger on his temple, feigning a not so credible hesitation "How about this afternoon?" He spits out soon after, a goofy smile on his lips "eheh...The situation is bordering on desperate here, and I have a test next week…” He chuckles nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

“Is it that bad?” You muse, trying to suppress a laugh. “Okay, okay… don’t worry, Yuji, I can help. How about this afternoon, around 5?” 

“5 PM sounds perfect for me!” He looks at you like you’re his personal superhero. “We both should really go now…" he says, glancing down at the ridiculous time displayed on his screen "see you later, then!” 

“Yeah, we definitely should” you agree, putting your headphones on as you begin to walk toward the lift. "See you later!"

“Thank you! You’re the best!” Yuji’s voice rings in your ears once again before you disappear behind the doors, your heart a little lighter and your day a little brighter.

…

“I'm home, Cho!” Yuji bursts through the door like a whirlwind after a long day of classes, his shoes and backpack tumbling onto the doorstep in a chaotic heap. The moment he steps inside, his energy lights up the quietness of the living room.

Choso lounges on the couch, wearing an expression that screams “boredom” as he stares blankly at the TV,  probably rewatching the same episode of some mind-numbing comedy series in the strenuous attempt to kill his time until Yuji would be home from school. 

“Hey, you’re back earlier today!” the guy says, glancing at the clock. “Were Megumi and Nobara too busy to hang out this afternoon?” His curiosity is piqued, especially since Yuji hasn’t plopped down on the couch beside him yet; instead, he busies himself gathering the avalanche of papers scattered across the living room floor and fluffing the couch cushions like a domestic tornado.

Choso sighs and lazily stands up, trailing after Yuji to the kitchen, where he surprises his brother wrestling with a mountain of neglected dishes in the sink.

“What are you doing? Did we suddenly become a popular hangout spot and I missed the memo?” Choso asks, tilting his head to the side like a confused puppy, his pigtails swaying back and forth in rhythm with his thoughts.

“Oh, yes! Totally forgot to text you about this!” Yuji muses, a casual shrug accompanying his words. “ Our neighbor from the 23 is coming over to help me with my science homework.” He says it as if it were the most normal thing in the world, but Choso’s eyebrows shoot up, a mixture of panic and confusion etched on his face. Someone. A girl, to boot, is going to visit them…since when?

“Which one of the girls next door? The new one?” Choso’s memory is a little foggy; he’d caught only a glimpse of you moving in nearly a month ago, awkwardly maneuvering your staff in the hallway like a wizard trying to find their way in a Muggle world. 

He’s always been the king of avoiding small talk and the awkwardness of handshakes, not to mention the sheer horror of forgetting someone's name right after meeting them. What he dreaded most, though, were the judgmental glances he received from strangers, as if his unconventional style was a neon sign saying, “Please stare at me!”. It basically feels like his worst nightmare is coming true in front of his eyes right now. 

He looks at Yuji in horror, hoping he will get the hint, but his eyes soften as he watches his hyperactive little brother. How could he understand? Yuji is the complete opposite of him. He was a social butterfly, flitting from person to person, charming everyone in the neighborhood with that infectious smile of his. 

“Yes, her…” Yuji confirms, trying to gauge Choso’s reaction. But Choso is still sulking, clearly annoyed that his afternoon plans with Yuji have officially been hijacked. “You know… she’s really nice. Always checking in on how school’s going. In fact, she was the one who offered to help me!” Yuji tries to cheer up the conversation.

“You could’ve just asked me for help!” Choso retorts, his tone dripping with faux indignation as he crosses his strong arms, frowning at his brother. 

“And when exactly did you become a master of subscripts in bulk and balancing chemical equations?” Yuji teases, clearly enjoying this little sparring match. 

Choso plops down at the kitchen table, pouting like a child denied dessert. “I could’ve helped you by reading the books first and then explaining it to you! You know I’ve gotten pretty good at explaining stuff by now!” He tries to sound defensive, but the corners of his mouth betray him, earning a chuckle from Yuji.

Just then, the doorbell rings, echoing through the apartment like a dramatic soundtrack. “Cho, please open the door for me, will you? I need a sec to finish here!” Yuji’s request sends Choso into a minor panic. He definitely wasn't prepared for this…greetings have never been his thing. But he stands up from his seat nonetheless "Just because it's you Yuji". He squares his shoulders, taking a deep breath, and dragging his feet toward the door. 

As he approaches it, he can't help wondering what he was getting himself into. Would this new girl find him weird? With a final gulp, he grasps the doorknob, hiding his nerves under his usual expressionless pout, the one Yuji calls his typical 'resting bitch face': He is now officially ready for the most awkward encounter of his life.

…

On the other side of the door, you stand, nervously clutching a couple of library books to your chest. They are your secret weapons for the afternoon, intended to help Yuji with his homework. 

When the door finally swings open, you are completely unprepared for what greets you…or better, who does:  there he stands,a well-built guy you've never seen around before, leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe, arms crossed, with an air of casually intimidating coolness. He is tall and pale, his skin seemingly untouched by sunlight for ages, giving him an otherworldly vibe. His eyes are heavy-lidded, dark circles framing them like a pair of ominous shadows, and he's studying you from head to toe as if you were a particularly perplexing puzzle. 

You soon realize who you were standing in front of: none other than Yuuji's legendary, ever-elusive older brother—the one your roommate dubbed “the ghost of the block” whenever he comes up in conversation. You’d heard the wildest theories about him: some claim he was a sort of anarchist scribbling deep thoughts on walls in the dead of night, while others insist he was part of a notorious gang that roamed the outskirts of Tokyo. Now, as you take in the towering figure before you, you can somewhat understand the origins of these myths. Still, you think most of them are definitely a bit too imaginative—like something out of a late-night anime binge. 

“Um, hi…” you manage to stammer after a while, your voice barely rising above the awkward silence that fills the air like thick fog. “Is Yuji home?” You shift your weight from one foot to the other, trying to look more composed than you feel. “I came to help him with his homework. I know he’s been struggling with advanced chemistry… it’s like a nightmare waiting to happen, right?” You attempt to lighten the mood with a joke, your smile widening in hopes of breaking the tension.

But the guy, who appears more or less your same age, doesn't seem to register your words. He simply stands there, studying you with an intensity that makes your heart race. You avert your gaze for a second, trying to catch some more information about him by his body language, but your gaze lands on his crossed-arms figure: he seems tense too, you can even see the outline of his impressive biceps flexing through the puckered fabric of his oversized shirt. 

Choso seems to notice your wandering stare and sighs deeply. He hides his embarrassment behind a wall of annoyance caused by your wandering eyes, even if he himself has already checked out the way your figure all wrapped up in an old oversized leather jacket appears so much smaller than his one. 

You quickly recompose yourself, finally daring to meet his unwavering stare. You feel a bit like a deer caught in headlights, every detail about you being scrutinized—the way you nervously hug your books, the slight tremor in your hands, the way your shoulders move as you speak. His gaze is shamelessly unyielding, and you can feel the awkwardness stretching like an elastic band, ready to snap.

A heavy silence envelops you two and you mentally kick yourself for being such a chatterbox in these kinds of situations. Why couldn’t you be one of those cool people who could effortlessly glide through awkward moments? Instead, you feel like a blabbering fool and decide it was best to just... stop talking.

Choso, however, is still lost in his own thoughts, his mind swirling with confusion. There is something unsettling in the pit of his stomach that he can't quite place. He doesn't trust you, not at all, and the idea of you being close to his brother doesn't sit well with him. But as you smile again, a genuine warmth behind your nervousness, he finds himself snapping back to reality.

“Sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself… I’m such a fool,” you say, bowing your head slightly in an awkward attempt to ease the tension but helplessly ending up betraying your own vow of silence. You remind him your name,not sure that Yuji has already prevented him of your arrival.  “I moved here a month ago. I don't think we were ever properly introduced before…” You flash another smile, and for a heartbeat, you can swear you've seen a faint blush creeping up his nose, right on the bold tattoo that marks his face.

He quickly presses his lips in an emotionless smile “Mhm… Choso,” he murmurs, finally stepping back to let you inside, the moment stretching out far longer than necessary. 

Choso… you take a moment to roll the name around in your head, savoring its mystery. You've never heard this name before but it seems fitting for someone like him… eye-catching, extravagant. Dressed in oversized, baggy clothes that swallow him whole, with his peculiar bangs carelessly falling over his forehead, just above the furrowed brows that give him a perpetually serious expression. He looks like the kind of guy you would usually meet in the dimly lit club you work in, all adorned in chains and vibing to hardcore EDM beats until dawn. But there's also something undeniably intriguing about him—a peculiar charm that makes him weirdly attractive despite his gruff demeanor.

As you step inside, the awkwardness of the scene stretches on: Choso stands next to you, a silent statue in the cramped corridor, while you internally debate whether to break the ice with a joke about his “ghostly” reputation. Thankfully, just as the tension reaches critical levels, Yuji’s familiar, friendly face pops out of the kitchen, like a ray of sunshine cutting through the clouds of your social anxiety. “Hi! You made it in the end!” He greets you enthusiastically.

“Hey Yuji! Told you I’d swing by to help today! I even hit up the campus library to grab some books… maybe they’ll help…” you say, trying to sound as casual as possible while internally cringing at your own nerdiness.

“Great! Anything could be useful at this point… I can’t thank you enough for your help, really. Advanced chemistry sounds like rocket science to me, eheh…” Yuji gesticulates wildly, taking a step closer and starting to bow comically, as if trying to convey the depths of his gratitude through exaggerated movements. 

“You really don’t need to thank me, Yuji… especially not after you saved our apartment from catching fire just a few weeks ago…” You smile back at him, glancing at Choso, whose eyes widen in shock at the mention of his little brother performing some kind of heroic act. He swallows soundly, making a mental note to return to the topic once you've left the apartment. 

“I even got the chance to meet your brother! We never had the chance to—” you shut yourself, unexpectedly feeling Choso tensing up once again beside you, suddenly aware he was the center of attention, which is clearly not his favorite place to be.

“Yeah… Cho’s a bit of a couch potato,” Yuji teases, throwing his brother under the bus with a playful grin. Choso in return, can't help shooting him a glare that could have melted steel. 

“Hey… it’s not that! I just… don’t have time to hang out a lot. I’m busy here at home,” he replies, his tone firm and proud, though you still can sense the discomfort lurking beneath his casual words. 

“Oh… that’s for sure, Cho…” Yuji laughs, barely dodging the dangerously intimidating glare from his brother. “Come in, please! We can start whenever you want. Let me grab my notes and a pen!” He ushers you into the kitchen, providing you with the opportunity to survey the apartment. You are pleasantly surprised to find it tidier than expected for a pair of guys living alone—definitely a far cry from the chaos that sometimes rages in your and Shizuru's shared apartment.

Yuji gestures for you to sit at the kitchen table, where Choso sat barely minutes before. “Make yourself at home! What can I offer you?” he asks, opening the fridge like a magician revealing his next trick while you remove your earphones and shrug off your beloved vintage oversized leather jacket.

Choso lingers silently by the doorway, watching you like a hawk. He notices how you seemed to curl into yourself, trying to occupy the least amount of space possible, yet your curious eyes dart around their apartment, making him feel oddly exposed—as if you could read into his deepest secrets by the way his favourite mug was decorated.  He surely notices the way you delicately place your earphones on the table like they are precious artifacts while your bag has been unceremoniously tossed aside. 

Just then, you catch him staring and manage to give him another timid smile, but his stoic mask doesn't budge a millimeter. Again. At this point you are sure he doesn't like you. At all…

“Don’t worry about me, Yuji…” you stammer, trying to fill the awkward silence. “A glass of water will be more than fine… Your apartment looks very cozy, guys.” You desperately attempt to keep the conversation flowing (and distract Choso from scrutinizing your every move.)

Yuji hands you a glass of water, and you down it in one gulp, your throat suddenly parched from both the walk and the weight of Choso’s gaze. Does he really intend to stare at you this whole time? 

Yuji plops down next to you, rifling through his notes to kick off the lesson. “What I really can’t wrap my head around in advanced chemistry are all those tiny signs you scribble above reactions, you know?” He fidgets with the pages until he finds what he meant, his notes looking like doodles from an adorable hyperactive child. “Here it is…” he says, handing you the notebook opened to a specific page, momentarily distracting you from your embarrassment.

Choso, however, seems to have eyes only for you. He notices how your hair fell over your face as you leaned in to read and feels a strange urge to understand what made you so captivating to his brother. His gaze lands on the small leather string around your neck, recognising that sort of tight necklace girls around the crowded Tokyo streets usually wear… Nobara says they're called 'chokers' but Choso couldn't really understand the ultimate meaning of those, ending up mentally scolding himself for being distracted by fashion trends when he should have been focusing on the lesson. 

Meanwhile, you have already launched into an enthusiastic explanation about superscripts and subscripts in chemistry,  Yuji completely engrossed, nodding along like a bobblehead. 

Choso tries to keep up at first, but quickly gives up when you start discussing the periodic table and isotopes, realizing he must have looked like a creep this whole time. He decides that you are more than capable of taking care of his little brother… for now. “I’ll be in my room in case you two need me…” his deep, rough voice breaks into your explanation, and you seize the moment to inform Yuji that you have to leave early today.

 “Okay, thank you...By the way, Yuji, I forgot to mention—I really have to head out by six today. Sorry about that. I work tonight. We can also continue another time; I’m available for as many lessons as you need before the test!” You hastily add.

“Yeah? Don’t worry about that… Work? Did you get a job already?” Yuji asks, his eyes lighting up, while Choso stops mid-step in the corridor, curiosity piqued.

“Yeah, I did! I’ve been working as a bartender in this small club for a week now. It’s called The Queen of the Night… you know, that little music pub nearby Shimokita…” you explain, your heart swelling with excitement. “I really enjoy it, actually! I’ve learned how to whip up colorful, scented cocktails, and the best part is that I’m in my natural element all night!” You giggle. 

“That sounds amazing! I know how much of a music lover you are…” Yuji exclaimes, his enthusiasm infectious “ so you usually work during the night, right? How late do you get off?” 

Choso finds himself fighting against the urge to eavesdrop as he makes his way down the hallway toward his room. The lively chatter coming from the kitchen have unexpectedly  ignited a spark of curiosity deep within him—a feeling he can't quite name. It tugs at the corners of his mind, compelling him to pivot on his heels and retrace his steps. So he casually strolls back into the kitchen, feigning nonchalance as he reaches for a Coke from the fridge, all the while straining to catch snippets of the conversation.

“Yeah… my shift usually runs from 8 pm until… well, sometimes sunrise,” you laugh lightly, your voice laced with a blend of humor and weariness as you noticed Choso’s return. “I guess the upside is that I get to watch the sun rising at the end of my shift…”

Yuuji’s smile falters momentarily, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Damn… so you’re telling me you work until 4 or 5 in the morning?” Choso catches the hint of concern in Yuji’s voice, a protective instinct inexplicably flaring up in him. The thought of you, his far too chatty neighbor, serving drinks amidst a sea of inebriated patrons somehow sends a wave of unease coursing through him. He envisions your graceful figure navigating the club, your outgoing personality potentially misinterpreted as an invitation for unwanted attention... The Coke can he had picked up now feels like a vice in his hand, his grip tightening involuntarily as his innate protectiveness surges within him—it simply doesn't sit right.

"Does anyone at least pick you up from there?" The words slip out before he can fully process them, surprising even himself. He turns his back to the counter, his tone harsher than intended, the concern bleeding through the facade of indifference he usually wore.

“Sorry?” You blink, taken aback by his sudden inquiry. 

“I asked if anyone usually picks you up when it’s that late,” Choso repeats, successfully trying to erase any hint of concern from his tone. “It’s not safe for a girl like you to be wandering the streets alone at that hour…” He turns to face you now, focusing on maintaining his usual stoic expression, but the intensity of his gaze betrays him the second your eyes meet. Was the ‘ghost of the block’ really checking on your safety?

“I… don’t worry about me. I’m used to it.” You manage to stammer, a mix of surprise and embarrassment creeping on your cheeks “I used to go to clubs even before I started working in one,” you reply, trying to downplay the gravity of the situation. Yet, the truth is that the thought of returning home all alone in the dead of night is still unsettling to you, regardless of how many times you already did it. You simply shrug, feeling exposed under the weight of Choso's piercing gaze, which narrows as he keeps on scrutinizing your fragile demeanor. Choso struggles to keep his composure, the dark images racing through his mind as he assesses your vulnerability weighing heavily on him. He knew all too well the kind of atrocities male humans are capable of, the kinds of men (not to mention other kinds of entities) who could take advantage of someone like you...or even worse. How could you be so carefree about it? Your nonchalant behaviour ignites a fierce anger within him.

“Tch…” he mutters, his eyes glazing over as he falls into his own thoughts. “All it takes is one creep…” he muses gravely to himself, the gravity of some mysterious memories settling like a storm cloud over him.

He's definitely hiding something-  you notice. Your eyes flicker nervously between Yuji and Choso, trying to make sense of the tension thickening in the room. Yuji, his usual carefree demeanor now clouded with concern, clears his throat before speaking up. “Cho’s right... don’t you have anyone who can walk you home? I can do it for you…” His offer hangs in the air, earnest and almost too sweet, and your chest tightens at the sight of his genuine care.

You shook your head quickly, hoping your refusal won't sting too much. “It’s really not a problem... I can handle it myself. Besides, you’ve got school, Yuji. You shouldn’t be out so late anyways..” The words feel too soft, almost like an apology, as if you are rejecting him in some way, but you can't quite bring yourself to hurt his feelings. And still, you can feel Choso’s eyes on you, sharp and unreadable, like he is secretly waiting for something more from you.

Yuji pauses, his face faltering for just a moment before he turns to his brother. “Okay... well, if not me…” he glances back at you, then to Choso. “Maybe Choso could walk you. Shouldn’t be a problem for him, right Cho?”

Your stomach drops. There it it again—the unspoken weight in Choso’s presence. The thought of being alone with him, of walking the streets at night with Yuji’s intimidating older brother, stirs a sudden anxiety in you. It's not that you don't trust Choso, but something about the silent intensity in his gaze makes you uneasy.

“No…” You interrupt a little too sharply, the words spilling out in haste. “There’s really no need, honestly.” You try to soften your tone, but it still feels rude, especially with the way Yuji’s hopeful eyes are now fixed on you. “It’s not dangerous at all. I even walk part of the way with a colleague. She lives just down the block,” you lie, the guilt curling in your chest.

Yuji and Choso exchange a quiet look—something unreadable passing between them. Yuji’s smile is a little strained as he speaks again, “Alright, then... but can you at least let us know when you’re home? We’ll still be worried…and don’t worry about waking us up: we’re kinda used to late nights, aren’t we Cho?” His attempt to lighten the mood falls flat, and Choso’s subtle shift in expression doesn't escape your notice. A faint widening of his eyes, barely perceptible, speaks volumes—of things only Yuji and him could fully understand. Choso tries to keep his composure once again, even if Yuji's blunt hint at the nightly missions Jujutsu High usually assign them has certainly caught him by surprise.

Choso doesn't speak, just gives a small nod in agreement, and you finally relent, your lips curling into a tentative smile in gratitude. You can feel the weight of his silence pressing in as he turns away. His broad frame leans against the kitchen counter, arms crossed tightly over his chest. For a moment, you think he might say something more—but instead, he simply leaves the room, his heavy footsteps fading into the distance, leaving behind a silence that felt far too loud in the aftermath.

You tried your best to refocus on your study session with Yuji afterwards, but your mind kept drifting back to Choso: there was something about the way he had looked at you before—a look that stirs a strange, unsettling feeling. It isn't fear, not exactly, but there is a tension there that you can't ignore. Is he really the cold, dangerous figure everyone said he is? Or is he just... awkward, a big guy in a world too small for him? You can't really understand it. And as your study session wears on, you are remembered about the  agreement you came to before, resigned to feel that unsettling pull in your chest again later tonight…

[dreamingkitsunewrites]

Next chapter out!💜

✰ WOKE UP IN JAPAN ✰

✰ | Inspired playlist here |.

Prologue | Next Chapter here

✰ Pairing neighbor!Choso Kamo x bartender!Reader

✰ Summary (chapter 1/? of Queen of the Night), in which you offer to help your lovely younger neighbour Yuji with his chemistry homework, but end up bumping into his mysterious, ever-elusive older brother, Choso aka ‘the ghost of the block'...

✰ Warnings crack, slow-burn, pining, opposites to lovers, awkwardness, jealousy, underground nightlife, Choso being cold and intimidating at first, reader being messy™️, suggestive language (nsfw and dark themes coming later on-check series materialist for the complete list)

~5k words(First chapter turned out longer than expected..sorry abt that)

Comments and Reblogs are appreciated 💜

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ♫♬♪: "Woke up in Japan" by 5sos

7:42 AM

“Are you still asleep?!” Shizuru’s hands jolt you awake, practically sending you flying out of your dreams. “Damn, you’re going to be late for class again!” 

You blink groggily, your mind struggling to catch up with reality. Less than twenty minutes to make it to campus, and here you are, still snuggled in the warm embrace of your blankets. Last night, you’d fallen asleep mid-jam session, headphones still on, your beloved guitar resting in your lap like a loyal dog. Papers are strewn about your room like confetti from a failed celebration, and as you tilt your head to one side, you feel Shizuru shaking you again.

“Wake up!” she insists, her voice a mix of exasperation and amusement.

With a jolt, your eyes flutter open, and you’re immediately met with the relentless buzzing of your phone alarm on the nightstand. “Shit, it’s late!” you exclaim, snatching it up. As you read the time, your heart drops. “NO WAY! IT’S THIS LATE… Shit, no, no!” 

In a whirlwind of panic, you leap out of bed, your feet somehow getting tangled in your own guitar. You trip and stumble, barely managing to grab a pair of wide-leg jeans and your favorite cropped sweater from the drawer as you dash toward the bathroom. 

“Whoa, watch out!” you yell, just as you collide with a shirtless guy who seems to have wandered into your apartment, probably one of Shizuru's late-night visitors. 

“Hey, good morning to you, Sleeping Beauty… You must be Shizuru's roomie,” he greets you, completely unfazed by your chaotic entrance. You feel your cheeks flush as you awkwardly try to cover your exposed legs, the oversized t-shirt you're wearing doing little to help. “Yes… it’s me… nice to meet you,” you stammer, trying to muster a smile despite the embarrassment. “Ehm… I’d love to chat, but I really have to go… I’m late again…for uni I mean” you clear your throat, trying not to cringe at your own goofiness.

With that, you escape into the bathroom, your laughter mingled with anxiety echoing through the hallway. Just before you close the door, you notice your roomie still standing in the corridor with her mocking grin, and you turn back to Shizuru, mouthing a whispered rebuke. “Who's him, 'Zuru? Can you at least give me a heads-up next time a guy stays over?” your frustrated words elicit a chuckle from the pink-haired girl "you know…so that I can avoid being caught half naked by a stranger again…"

Shrugging, she just gives you an amused look, clearly entertained by your morning fiasco. Still flustered, you crank up the shower without checking the temperature. The moment the water hits you, you realize too late that it’s scalding hot. “AHHH! That’s not what I signed up for!” you yelp, jumping back, only to drop the bottle of lotion, which thuds loudly against the tiles.

In the kitchen, Shizuru and her date exchange glances, the sound of the lotion bottle crashing resonating through the apartment. 

“Is she okay?” he asks, a teasing smirk on his lips.

“Yeah, she’ll be fine—just a typical morning of hers. This girl’s trouble,” Shizuru replies with a roll of her eyes.

Finally, you emerge from the bathroom, steam billowing out behind you like a dramatic exit from a soap opera. You grab your bag and beloved headphones, rushing toward the door. “I’m leaving! See you later, Zuru!” 

Just as you’re about to vanish, you pop your head back through the door, suddenly reminded of the other person in the apartment  “Oh, and… it was nice to meet you, uh… Kenji?” you attempt a name, hoping it will be the right one this time…it's definitely hard to keep up with Shizuru's adventurous love life…

"Yeah... whatever…" The guy looks at Shizuru, bewildered. “Who the hell is Kenji again?” 

Shizuru mentally curses your terrible memory... you've mistaken him for her previous date “Told you she’s completely bonkers,” she mutters, shaking her head, before smoothly shifting to another topic. 

...

Just then, another door swings open in the hallway, the one of apartment 24, right next to yours. Yuji Itadori, your neighbor, waves goodbye to his older brother, Choso, while chewing on a half-eaten sandwich…

You are too ingrossed in your phone to notice him and you and Yuji end up slamming into each other, a comedic collision of morning chaos. “hey careful here...oh it's you! Good morning!” you both exclaim, chuckling at your synchronized enthusiasm.

Yuji is the sweetest guy ever—an actual angel. He’s a bit younger than you, but since you moved to Japan to study, he’s always been there to lend a hand, whether it’s carrying heavy grocery bags or rescuing you and your roomie when your apartment almost caught fire. “Setting off for uni already?” he asks, flashing that bright smile of his.

“Yes… classes start in ten minutes, but I’ve made my peace with being late…” you shamelessly admit with a smile, glancing at your phone. There was something about Yuji's candor that made you feel at ease, as if you could tell him about the most embarrassing thing you've done without being judged at all.

“By the way… how’s school going, Yuji?” You can’t just run off without exchanging a few words with him; he’s too lovely.

“I've joined two more clubs this year, but…” Yuji sighs dramatically, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his backpack. “Science is driving me mad! I can’t keep up with both biology and chemistry at the same time!” 

“Oh no, Biology and Chemistry together in the same sentence sound scary…” you agree, genuinely feeling for him. Without thinking twice, you suggest, “I still have some remnants of knowledge from high school. I could help you with your homework… if you want, of course!”

His big doe eyes light up with gratefulness. “Would you really do this for me? Thank you!!” he exclaims, nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement. Yuji's spontaneous reactions were always too precious, you simply can't say no to this guy. Not that you mind being around him actually.

“Yeah, no problem! That’s what neighbors are for, right?” You smile back, feeling a warm glow at his enthusiasm. “ok then…When do you want to start?”

“Let me think…" he taps his finger on his temple, feigning a not so credible hesitation "How about this afternoon?" He spits out soon after, a goofy smile on his lips "eheh...The situation is bordering on desperate here, and I have a test next week…” He chuckles nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

“Is it that bad?” You muse, trying to suppress a laugh. “Okay, okay… don’t worry, Yuji, I can help. How about this afternoon, around 5?” 

“5 PM sounds perfect for me!” He looks at you like you’re his personal superhero. “We both should really go now…" he says, glancing down at the ridiculous time displayed on his screen "see you later, then!” 

“Yeah, we definitely should” you agree, putting your headphones on as you begin to walk toward the lift. "See you later!"

“Thank you! You’re the best!” Yuji’s voice rings in your ears once again before you disappear behind the doors, your heart a little lighter and your day a little brighter.

…

“I'm home, Cho!” Yuji bursts through the door like a whirlwind after a long day of classes, his shoes and backpack tumbling onto the doorstep in a chaotic heap. The moment he steps inside, his energy lights up the quietness of the living room.

Choso lounges on the couch, wearing an expression that screams “boredom” as he stares blankly at the TV,  probably rewatching the same episode of some mind-numbing comedy series in the strenuous attempt to kill his time until Yuji would be home from school. 

“Hey, you’re back earlier today!” the guy says, glancing at the clock. “Were Megumi and Nobara too busy to hang out this afternoon?” His curiosity is piqued, especially since Yuji hasn’t plopped down on the couch beside him yet; instead, he busies himself gathering the avalanche of papers scattered across the living room floor and fluffing the couch cushions like a domestic tornado.

Choso sighs and lazily stands up, trailing after Yuji to the kitchen, where he surprises his brother wrestling with a mountain of neglected dishes in the sink.

“What are you doing? Did we suddenly become a popular hangout spot and I missed the memo?” Choso asks, tilting his head to the side like a confused puppy, his pigtails swaying back and forth in rhythm with his thoughts.

“Oh, yes! Totally forgot to text you about this!” Yuji muses, a casual shrug accompanying his words. “ Our neighbor from the 23 is coming over to help me with my science homework.” He says it as if it were the most normal thing in the world, but Choso’s eyebrows shoot up, a mixture of panic and confusion etched on his face. Someone. A girl, to boot, is going to visit them…since when?

“Which one of the girls next door? The new one?” Choso’s memory is a little foggy; he’d caught only a glimpse of you moving in nearly a month ago, awkwardly maneuvering your staff in the hallway like a wizard trying to find their way in a Muggle world. 

He’s always been the king of avoiding small talk and the awkwardness of handshakes, not to mention the sheer horror of forgetting someone's name right after meeting them. What he dreaded most, though, were the judgmental glances he received from strangers, as if his unconventional style was a neon sign saying, “Please stare at me!”. It basically feels like his worst nightmare is coming true in front of his eyes right now. 

He looks at Yuji in horror, hoping he will get the hint, but his eyes soften as he watches his hyperactive little brother. How could he understand? Yuji is the complete opposite of him. He was a social butterfly, flitting from person to person, charming everyone in the neighborhood with that infectious smile of his. 

“Yes, her…” Yuji confirms, trying to gauge Choso’s reaction. But Choso is still sulking, clearly annoyed that his afternoon plans with Yuji have officially been hijacked. “You know… she’s really nice. Always checking in on how school’s going. In fact, she was the one who offered to help me!” Yuji tries to cheer up the conversation.

“You could’ve just asked me for help!” Choso retorts, his tone dripping with faux indignation as he crosses his strong arms, frowning at his brother. 

“And when exactly did you become a master of subscripts in bulk and balancing chemical equations?” Yuji teases, clearly enjoying this little sparring match. 

Choso plops down at the kitchen table, pouting like a child denied dessert. “I could’ve helped you by reading the books first and then explaining it to you! You know I’ve gotten pretty good at explaining stuff by now!” He tries to sound defensive, but the corners of his mouth betray him, earning a chuckle from Yuji.

Just then, the doorbell rings, echoing through the apartment like a dramatic soundtrack. “Cho, please open the door for me, will you? I need a sec to finish here!” Yuji’s request sends Choso into a minor panic. He definitely wasn't prepared for this…greetings have never been his thing. But he stands up from his seat nonetheless "Just because it's you Yuji". He squares his shoulders, taking a deep breath, and dragging his feet toward the door. 

As he approaches it, he can't help wondering what he was getting himself into. Would this new girl find him weird? With a final gulp, he grasps the doorknob, hiding his nerves under his usual expressionless pout, the one Yuji calls his typical 'resting bitch face': He is now officially ready for the most awkward encounter of his life.

…

On the other side of the door, you stand, nervously clutching a couple of library books to your chest. They are your secret weapons for the afternoon, intended to help Yuji with his homework. 

When the door finally swings open, you are completely unprepared for what greets you…or better, who does:  there he stands,a well-built guy you've never seen around before, leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe, arms crossed, with an air of casually intimidating coolness. He is tall and pale, his skin seemingly untouched by sunlight for ages, giving him an otherworldly vibe. His eyes are heavy-lidded, dark circles framing them like a pair of ominous shadows, and he's studying you from head to toe as if you were a particularly perplexing puzzle. 

You soon realize who you were standing in front of: none other than Yuuji's legendary, ever-elusive older brother—the one your roommate dubbed “the ghost of the block” whenever he comes up in conversation. You’d heard the wildest theories about him: some claim he was a sort of anarchist scribbling deep thoughts on walls in the dead of night, while others insist he was part of a notorious gang that roamed the outskirts of Tokyo. Now, as you take in the towering figure before you, you can somewhat understand the origins of these myths. Still, you think most of them are definitely a bit too imaginative—like something out of a late-night anime binge. 

“Um, hi…” you manage to stammer after a while, your voice barely rising above the awkward silence that fills the air like thick fog. “Is Yuji home?” You shift your weight from one foot to the other, trying to look more composed than you feel. “I came to help him with his homework. I know he’s been struggling with advanced chemistry… it’s like a nightmare waiting to happen, right?” You attempt to lighten the mood with a joke, your smile widening in hopes of breaking the tension.

But the guy, who appears more or less your same age, doesn't seem to register your words. He simply stands there, studying you with an intensity that makes your heart race. You avert your gaze for a second, trying to catch some more information about him by his body language, but your gaze lands on his crossed-arms figure: he seems tense too, you can even see the outline of his impressive biceps flexing through the puckered fabric of his oversized shirt. 

Choso seems to notice your wandering stare and sighs deeply. He hides his embarrassment behind a wall of annoyance caused by your wandering eyes, even if he himself has already checked out the way your figure all wrapped up in an old oversized leather jacket appears so much smaller than his one. 

You quickly recompose yourself, finally daring to meet his unwavering stare. You feel a bit like a deer caught in headlights, every detail about you being scrutinized—the way you nervously hug your books, the slight tremor in your hands, the way your shoulders move as you speak. His gaze is shamelessly unyielding, and you can feel the awkwardness stretching like an elastic band, ready to snap.

A heavy silence envelops you two and you mentally kick yourself for being such a chatterbox in these kinds of situations. Why couldn’t you be one of those cool people who could effortlessly glide through awkward moments? Instead, you feel like a blabbering fool and decide it was best to just... stop talking.

Choso, however, is still lost in his own thoughts, his mind swirling with confusion. There is something unsettling in the pit of his stomach that he can't quite place. He doesn't trust you, not at all, and the idea of you being close to his brother doesn't sit well with him. But as you smile again, a genuine warmth behind your nervousness, he finds himself snapping back to reality.

“Sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself… I’m such a fool,” you say, bowing your head slightly in an awkward attempt to ease the tension but helplessly ending up betraying your own vow of silence. You remind him your name,not sure that Yuji has already prevented him of your arrival.  “I moved here a month ago. I don't think we were ever properly introduced before…” You flash another smile, and for a heartbeat, you can swear you've seen a faint blush creeping up his nose, right on the bold tattoo that marks his face.

He quickly presses his lips in an emotionless smile “Mhm… Choso,” he murmurs, finally stepping back to let you inside, the moment stretching out far longer than necessary. 

Choso… you take a moment to roll the name around in your head, savoring its mystery. You've never heard this name before but it seems fitting for someone like him… eye-catching, extravagant. Dressed in oversized, baggy clothes that swallow him whole, with his peculiar bangs carelessly falling over his forehead, just above the furrowed brows that give him a perpetually serious expression. He looks like the kind of guy you would usually meet in the dimly lit club you work in, all adorned in chains and vibing to hardcore EDM beats until dawn. But there's also something undeniably intriguing about him—a peculiar charm that makes him weirdly attractive despite his gruff demeanor.

As you step inside, the awkwardness of the scene stretches on: Choso stands next to you, a silent statue in the cramped corridor, while you internally debate whether to break the ice with a joke about his “ghostly” reputation. Thankfully, just as the tension reaches critical levels, Yuji’s familiar, friendly face pops out of the kitchen, like a ray of sunshine cutting through the clouds of your social anxiety. “Hi! You made it in the end!” He greets you enthusiastically.

“Hey Yuji! Told you I’d swing by to help today! I even hit up the campus library to grab some books… maybe they’ll help…” you say, trying to sound as casual as possible while internally cringing at your own nerdiness.

“Great! Anything could be useful at this point… I can’t thank you enough for your help, really. Advanced chemistry sounds like rocket science to me, eheh…” Yuji gesticulates wildly, taking a step closer and starting to bow comically, as if trying to convey the depths of his gratitude through exaggerated movements. 

“You really don’t need to thank me, Yuji… especially not after you saved our apartment from catching fire just a few weeks ago…” You smile back at him, glancing at Choso, whose eyes widen in shock at the mention of his little brother performing some kind of heroic act. He swallows soundly, making a mental note to return to the topic once you've left the apartment. 

“I even got the chance to meet your brother! We never had the chance to—” you shut yourself, unexpectedly feeling Choso tensing up once again beside you, suddenly aware he was the center of attention, which is clearly not his favorite place to be.

“Yeah… Cho’s a bit of a couch potato,” Yuji teases, throwing his brother under the bus with a playful grin. Choso in return, can't help shooting him a glare that could have melted steel. 

“Hey… it’s not that! I just… don’t have time to hang out a lot. I’m busy here at home,” he replies, his tone firm and proud, though you still can sense the discomfort lurking beneath his casual words. 

“Oh… that’s for sure, Cho…” Yuji laughs, barely dodging the dangerously intimidating glare from his brother. “Come in, please! We can start whenever you want. Let me grab my notes and a pen!” He ushers you into the kitchen, providing you with the opportunity to survey the apartment. You are pleasantly surprised to find it tidier than expected for a pair of guys living alone—definitely a far cry from the chaos that sometimes rages in your and Shizuru's shared apartment.

Yuji gestures for you to sit at the kitchen table, where Choso sat barely minutes before. “Make yourself at home! What can I offer you?” he asks, opening the fridge like a magician revealing his next trick while you remove your earphones and shrug off your beloved vintage oversized leather jacket.

Choso lingers silently by the doorway, watching you like a hawk. He notices how you seemed to curl into yourself, trying to occupy the least amount of space possible, yet your curious eyes dart around their apartment, making him feel oddly exposed—as if you could read into his deepest secrets by the way his favourite mug was decorated.  He surely notices the way you delicately place your earphones on the table like they are precious artifacts while your bag has been unceremoniously tossed aside. 

Just then, you catch him staring and manage to give him another timid smile, but his stoic mask doesn't budge a millimeter. Again. At this point you are sure he doesn't like you. At all…

“Don’t worry about me, Yuji…” you stammer, trying to fill the awkward silence. “A glass of water will be more than fine… Your apartment looks very cozy, guys.” You desperately attempt to keep the conversation flowing (and distract Choso from scrutinizing your every move.)

Yuji hands you a glass of water, and you down it in one gulp, your throat suddenly parched from both the walk and the weight of Choso’s gaze. Does he really intend to stare at you this whole time? 

Yuji plops down next to you, rifling through his notes to kick off the lesson. “What I really can’t wrap my head around in advanced chemistry are all those tiny signs you scribble above reactions, you know?” He fidgets with the pages until he finds what he meant, his notes looking like doodles from an adorable hyperactive child. “Here it is…” he says, handing you the notebook opened to a specific page, momentarily distracting you from your embarrassment.

Choso, however, seems to have eyes only for you. He notices how your hair fell over your face as you leaned in to read and feels a strange urge to understand what made you so captivating to his brother. His gaze lands on the small leather string around your neck, recognising that sort of tight necklace girls around the crowded Tokyo streets usually wear… Nobara says they're called 'chokers' but Choso couldn't really understand the ultimate meaning of those, ending up mentally scolding himself for being distracted by fashion trends when he should have been focusing on the lesson. 

Meanwhile, you have already launched into an enthusiastic explanation about superscripts and subscripts in chemistry,  Yuji completely engrossed, nodding along like a bobblehead. 

Choso tries to keep up at first, but quickly gives up when you start discussing the periodic table and isotopes, realizing he must have looked like a creep this whole time. He decides that you are more than capable of taking care of his little brother… for now. “I’ll be in my room in case you two need me…” his deep, rough voice breaks into your explanation, and you seize the moment to inform Yuji that you have to leave early today.

 “Okay, thank you...By the way, Yuji, I forgot to mention—I really have to head out by six today. Sorry about that. I work tonight. We can also continue another time; I’m available for as many lessons as you need before the test!” You hastily add.

“Yeah? Don’t worry about that… Work? Did you get a job already?” Yuji asks, his eyes lighting up, while Choso stops mid-step in the corridor, curiosity piqued.

“Yeah, I did! I’ve been working as a bartender in this small club for a week now. It’s called The Queen of the Night… you know, that little music pub nearby Shimokita…” you explain, your heart swelling with excitement. “I really enjoy it, actually! I’ve learned how to whip up colorful, scented cocktails, and the best part is that I’m in my natural element all night!” You giggle. 

“That sounds amazing! I know how much of a music lover you are…” Yuji exclaimes, his enthusiasm infectious “ so you usually work during the night, right? How late do you get off?” 

Choso finds himself fighting against the urge to eavesdrop as he makes his way down the hallway toward his room. The lively chatter coming from the kitchen have unexpectedly  ignited a spark of curiosity deep within him—a feeling he can't quite name. It tugs at the corners of his mind, compelling him to pivot on his heels and retrace his steps. So he casually strolls back into the kitchen, feigning nonchalance as he reaches for a Coke from the fridge, all the while straining to catch snippets of the conversation.

“Yeah… my shift usually runs from 8 pm until… well, sometimes sunrise,” you laugh lightly, your voice laced with a blend of humor and weariness as you noticed Choso’s return. “I guess the upside is that I get to watch the sun rising at the end of my shift…”

Yuuji’s smile falters momentarily, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Damn… so you’re telling me you work until 4 or 5 in the morning?” Choso catches the hint of concern in Yuji’s voice, a protective instinct inexplicably flaring up in him. The thought of you, his far too chatty neighbor, serving drinks amidst a sea of inebriated patrons somehow sends a wave of unease coursing through him. He envisions your graceful figure navigating the club, your outgoing personality potentially misinterpreted as an invitation for unwanted attention... The Coke can he had picked up now feels like a vice in his hand, his grip tightening involuntarily as his innate protectiveness surges within him—it simply doesn't sit right.

"Does anyone at least pick you up from there?" The words slip out before he can fully process them, surprising even himself. He turns his back to the counter, his tone harsher than intended, the concern bleeding through the facade of indifference he usually wore.

“Sorry?” You blink, taken aback by his sudden inquiry. 

“I asked if anyone usually picks you up when it’s that late,” Choso repeats, successfully trying to erase any hint of concern from his tone. “It’s not safe for a girl like you to be wandering the streets alone at that hour…” He turns to face you now, focusing on maintaining his usual stoic expression, but the intensity of his gaze betrays him the second your eyes meet. Was the ‘ghost of the block’ really checking on your safety?

“I… don’t worry about me. I’m used to it.” You manage to stammer, a mix of surprise and embarrassment creeping on your cheeks “I used to go to clubs even before I started working in one,” you reply, trying to downplay the gravity of the situation. Yet, the truth is that the thought of returning home all alone in the dead of night is still unsettling to you, regardless of how many times you already did it. You simply shrug, feeling exposed under the weight of Choso's piercing gaze, which narrows as he keeps on scrutinizing your fragile demeanor. Choso struggles to keep his composure, the dark images racing through his mind as he assesses your vulnerability weighing heavily on him. He knew all too well the kind of atrocities male humans are capable of, the kinds of men (not to mention other kinds of entities) who could take advantage of someone like you...or even worse. How could you be so carefree about it? Your nonchalant behaviour ignites a fierce anger within him.

“Tch…” he mutters, his eyes glazing over as he falls into his own thoughts. “All it takes is one creep…” he muses gravely to himself, the gravity of some mysterious memories settling like a storm cloud over him.

He's definitely hiding something-  you notice. Your eyes flicker nervously between Yuji and Choso, trying to make sense of the tension thickening in the room. Yuji, his usual carefree demeanor now clouded with concern, clears his throat before speaking up. “Cho’s right... don’t you have anyone who can walk you home? I can do it for you…” His offer hangs in the air, earnest and almost too sweet, and your chest tightens at the sight of his genuine care.

You shook your head quickly, hoping your refusal won't sting too much. “It’s really not a problem... I can handle it myself. Besides, you’ve got school, Yuji. You shouldn’t be out so late anyways..” The words feel too soft, almost like an apology, as if you are rejecting him in some way, but you can't quite bring yourself to hurt his feelings. And still, you can feel Choso’s eyes on you, sharp and unreadable, like he is secretly waiting for something more from you.

Yuji pauses, his face faltering for just a moment before he turns to his brother. “Okay... well, if not me…” he glances back at you, then to Choso. “Maybe Choso could walk you. Shouldn’t be a problem for him, right Cho?”

Your stomach drops. There it it again—the unspoken weight in Choso’s presence. The thought of being alone with him, of walking the streets at night with Yuji’s intimidating older brother, stirs a sudden anxiety in you. It's not that you don't trust Choso, but something about the silent intensity in his gaze makes you uneasy.

“No…” You interrupt a little too sharply, the words spilling out in haste. “There’s really no need, honestly.” You try to soften your tone, but it still feels rude, especially with the way Yuji’s hopeful eyes are now fixed on you. “It’s not dangerous at all. I even walk part of the way with a colleague. She lives just down the block,” you lie, the guilt curling in your chest.

Yuji and Choso exchange a quiet look—something unreadable passing between them. Yuji’s smile is a little strained as he speaks again, “Alright, then... but can you at least let us know when you’re home? We’ll still be worried…and don’t worry about waking us up: we’re kinda used to late nights, aren’t we Cho?” His attempt to lighten the mood falls flat, and Choso’s subtle shift in expression doesn't escape your notice. A faint widening of his eyes, barely perceptible, speaks volumes—of things only Yuji and him could fully understand. Choso tries to keep his composure once again, even if Yuji's blunt hint at the nightly missions Jujutsu High usually assign them has certainly caught him by surprise.

Choso doesn't speak, just gives a small nod in agreement, and you finally relent, your lips curling into a tentative smile in gratitude. You can feel the weight of his silence pressing in as he turns away. His broad frame leans against the kitchen counter, arms crossed tightly over his chest. For a moment, you think he might say something more—but instead, he simply leaves the room, his heavy footsteps fading into the distance, leaving behind a silence that felt far too loud in the aftermath.

You tried your best to refocus on your study session with Yuji afterwards, but your mind kept drifting back to Choso: there was something about the way he had looked at you before—a look that stirs a strange, unsettling feeling. It isn't fear, not exactly, but there is a tension there that you can't ignore. Is he really the cold, dangerous figure everyone said he is? Or is he just... awkward, a big guy in a world too small for him? You can't really understand it. And as your study session wears on, you are remembered about the  agreement you came to before, resigned to feel that unsettling pull in your chest again later tonight…

[dreamingkitsunewrites]

Chapter 2 coming out (very) soon...💜

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Qʊɛɛռ օʄ ȶɦɛ Nɨɢɦȶ - Index✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Pairing:Neighbor!Choso Kamo x Bartender!Reader

Syn: "In that moment Choso realized he would willingly trade countless nights of sleep for the magnetic pull of this club, where vivid strobe lights flickered across your skin. Colorful, abstract patterns transforming you into his Queen of the Night. The two of you were too different, so he found solace in watching you from afar: your lively essence lit up the venue, while he sat alone in a corner like a creep… Him, a protector, a weapon, a cursed child..."

Tags: lots of angst (it ends well though), fluff and smut. Jealousy, slow-burn,opposites to lovers,afab!reader,grunge couple!aesthetic,Choso being cold and rough at first, touchstarved Choso, mentions of alcohol, smoking and partying, Choso coping with new human feelings, (previous) toxic relationship, Choso’s protective onii-chan mode on, dark themes (insights into Kenjaku and his experiments, graphic description of violence), lots of awkwardness and sexual tension, Yuji being the sweetheart he is…. •MDNI•

|FIC PLAYLIST HERE |

♬⋆. I know all the consequences, I don't mind

This holy redemption tears us in two

But I can't turn my back to you" ♬⋆.˚

─•────ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ⇄ ◀ 𓊕 ▶ ↻

0. ♫♬♪Prologue. Queen of the Night (Tumblr)♫♬♪. |AO3|

1. ♫♬♪ Woke up in Japan (Tumblr)

[dreamingkitsunewrites]

Chapter 1/? is out!!!💜💜💜

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Qʊɛɛռ օʄ ȶɦɛ Nɨɢɦȶ - Index✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Pairing:Neighbor!Choso Kamo x Bartender!Reader

Syn: "In that moment Choso realized he would willingly trade countless nights of sleep for the magnetic pull of this club, where vivid strobe lights flickered across your skin. Colorful, abstract patterns transforming you into his Queen of the Night. The two of you were too different, so he found solace in watching you from afar: your lively essence lit up the venue, while he sat alone in a corner like a creep… Him, a protector, a weapon, a cursed child..."

Tags: lots of angst (it ends well though), fluff and smut. Jealousy, slow-burn,opposites to lovers,afab!reader,grunge couple!aesthetic,Choso being cold and rough at first, touchstarved Choso, mentions of alcohol, smoking and partying, Choso coping with new human feelings, (previous) toxic relationship, Choso’s protective onii-chan mode on, dark themes (insights into Kenjaku and his experiments, graphic description of violence), lots of awkwardness and sexual tension, Yuji being the sweetheart he is…. •MDNI•

|FIC PLAYLIST HERE |

♬⋆. I know all the consequences, I don't mind

This holy redemption tears us in two

But I can't turn my back to you" ♬⋆.˚

─•────ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ⇄ ◀ 𓊕 ▶ ↻

0. ♫♬♪Prologue. Queen of the Night (Tumblr)♫♬♪. |AO3|

1. ♫♬♪ Woke up in Japan (Tumblr)

[lazyjellyfish300]

NOBODY LOOK AT ME. JELLY IS STOCKPILING 🔥🔥🔥

.𖥔 ݁ ˖.𝐇αᥣᥣ𝖾𝗒'𝗌 𝐂ⱺꭑ𝖾𝗍.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Chapter 2 from ₊ Qʊɛɛռ օʄ ȶɦɛ Nɨɢɦȶ Series

-☄"Midnight for me is 3:00 a.m. (for you)"☄-

ραιяιηg: Neighbor!Choso Kamo x Bartender!Reader

𝖲ɣ𐓣: you come home at 3am from your shift at the club just to find your cold neighbour Choso awake and waiting for you to come home safely.

𝐂ɦ𝖾𝖼𝗄 ⱺυ𝗍 𝗍ɦ𝖾 𝚰𐓣ᑯ𝖾𝗑 ρα𝗀𝖾 𝖿ⱺ𝗋 𝗍ɦ𝖾 𝖿υᥣᥣ 𝐓𝐖 ᥣ𝗂𝗌𝗍

A/N: hey guys I'm finally back... This is my first fic in a long time, so sorry if this chapter might seem a bit boring... I swear, it's all for the sake of the slow burn!🤣

Series Tag list: Open!

𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 | 𝙽𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

⏭ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sᴏᴜɴᴅᴛʀᴀᴄᴋ: нαℓℓєу'ѕ ¢σмєт by вιℓℓιє єιℓιѕн

Choso's POV

“She’s gone… you can finally breathe now.” Yuji barges into his brother’s room without a warning. Choso, who was peacefully existing with his headphones on, jumps back in his bed, dropping his music with an annoyed frown. “Ok…” he mutters, not even pretending to care, “did you at least understand a word she said?”

“Hold on, bro,” Yuji waves his arms around dramatically, “why aren’t we talking about how your killer glare probably made her want to join a monastery and take a vow of silence? We might need a priest to bless the room if she ever comes back.”

Choso, eyes darting to the corner, knows it’s true. He’s an expert at making people uncomfortable with his mysterious aura. But she wasn’t scared of him, right? She just seemed… interested? Or maybe confused? His mind goes into overdrive, battling between self-doubt and a strange sense of vulnerability. Was he the creepy guy, or were you just… not scared of him? He really didn’t know how to feel about that gaze of yours. It wasn’t judging. It was curious. And that... was new. So new he doesn't know how to cope with that.

“Well,” Yuji interrupts his spiraling thoughts, his grin screaming trouble is coming, “Can I ask why you were being weird today? Like, weird weird?”

Choso’s train of thought derails, and he stumbles over words. “I… don’t know…” he mutters. “Maybe… I’m just not used to… being around… girls?” His face turns into a tomato. “I mean, you know, girls usually think I’m a weirdo…”

A flashback to Yuki, the only girl he’d ever been able to talk to, flits through his mind. She had been his friend. A real friend. She was the only one who didn’t run for the hills when he spoke. The only woman who could accept him for who he is. Maybe the only one in his entire existence… he has always wondered if his mother really managed to accept his nature in the end. He wouldn't even blame her if not…But that’s a whole different therapy session.

Yuji’s grin widens, clearly about to unleash chaos. “I get it, bro,” he says, all innocent-looking, but Choso still can see the mischievous glint in his eyes. “But seriously, it’s time for you to join the human race. Go outside, touch some grass, bask in the sunlight. Maybe even put on real clothes for once instead of your comfy ‘I haven’t left the house in six days’ pajamas.”

Choso stares down at his pajama pants like they’ve personally offended Yuji. “Why do you hate my pajamas so much?” he mutters, defensive, like a child caught in his favorite blanket.

Yuji snickers. “Nothing. I’m sure even our neighbor’s jealous of your unique fashion choices.”

Suddenly, Choso’s cheeks turn pink as he realizes he probably should’ve made himself slightly presentable before you showed up. Oops.

“Jokes aside, don’t stress about her. She’s chill. Oh, and I bet she really appreciated you checking in on her tonight. Big bro points, my dude. Huge. I approve.”

As Yuji heads for the door, Choso’s mind starts to race again. You’re probably starting your shift right about now, and suddenly, his chest feels tight. Worry? Anticipation? He isn’t sure. Probably both. He’s no expert in nightlife (he’s more of a “stay home and brood” kind of guy), but he knows enough about what happens at clubs on weekends to be mildly terrified. Drunk people, loud music, bad decisions. And you, you’re… well, you’re attractive,beautiful even. The image of that pout you make when you focus suddenly comes to his mind, he noticed it while you were sitting in their kitchen, just an hour before.

Yuji snaps his fingers in front of Choso’s face. “Yo, Earth to Choso, where’d you go? What do you want for dinner? Spaghetti? Pizza? A small army of snacks?”

Your POV:

You’re back at the apartment, quickly switching into your pub’s uniform while grabbing a snack that’s barely worthy of being called dinner. "Hey 'Zuru, I’m over here," you call out, hearing the door open signalling your roommate's return. In your typical fashion, you join her, making a grand entrance, hopping on one foot while trying (and failing) to pull on your skirt without falling over. She shoots you an amused stare. Her laugh fills the room as she opens the fridge, rummaging around for ingredients. "So, how was your day?" she asks, but the disapproving tone in her voice could sour milk.

You shrug casually, leaning against the counter as you munch on your snack. “Eventful, to say the least. Classes were fine, but I ended up helping Yuji with his homework after bumping into him this morning. Had to do something for him, especially after he saved our apartment from that fire your straightener started...” You approach her, trying to help with dinner prep, although you're more distracted by the ongoing crisis of your skirt.

She squints at you, half amused, half exasperated. “Wait—my straightener now? Really? You’re incredible.” She scoffs, and you can feel the heat of her sarcasm even before she opens her mouth again. “Oh, and thanks for almost wrecking my date next week. You know, the guy from this morning, who definitely didn’t look like Kenji? Yeah, he wasn’t thrilled when you mistook him for my ex.”

You wince, feeling a little guilty. “Oops? But seriously, since when do you hang out with such prickly guys?” You try to make light of the situation, your innocent smile just the tiniest bit mischievous. It works—just a little.

“Lucky we’re friends,” she mutters under her breath, grabbing a piece of your KitKat bar without permission. “Anyway, how’d it go with Yuji?”

You lean back on the counter, kicking your legs casually, your voice almost dreamy as you glance up at the ceiling. “It went pretty well. You can tell he really puts effort into everything, even his chemistry work.” You pause, letting the suspense build before casually adding, “Oh, and I met his brother today. Choso.”

At the mention of his name, Shizuru freezes mid-step, her eyes narrowing “Who? The ghost of the block?” Her disbelief is palpable. She holds her pan like it might be some kind of defense weapon. “You’re telling me you actually talked to him? And got his name? How are you still alive?”

You laugh, rolling your eyes. “Relax, he’s not that bad. He’s just a little…shy.”

“Shy?” She spits out the word like it's poison. “Shy doesn’t mean watching people from a distance with that I’ll stab you if you breathe near me look. That guy’s a creep! I don’t even know how they’re brothers. It's like one was raised by kittens, and the other by serial killers.”

You stare at her, raising an eyebrow. “Zuru, that’s not fair—”

“Not fair? Have you seen him? He looks like he’d bite your head off if you smiled at him wrong,” she interrupts. Her face is a mix of incredulity and concern now. “Tell me, what did he even say to you?”

“Not much,” you admit with a shrug. “He mostly just... studied me. Like, just stared at me the whole time.”

She bursts out laughing. “I knew it! No doubt he looked at you like you were the last woman on Earth. I bet the last time a girl talked to him, he thought it was some kind of alien encounter.”

You roll your eyes but your smile lingers a little too long, a little too soft. “Well, there was one thing... He did ask if I’d be okay working the night shift alone, said he was worried about me being out by myself.”

Shizuru drops her spatula. “Wait, wait, what? He asked you that? That can only mean one of two things: He’s either a secret knight in shining armor—like, a dark and broody ‘I’ll protect you’ type—or he’s a stalker serial killer making sure no one kills you before he can.”

You throw your hands up in exasperation, hopping off the counter. “And here I thought we could have a normal conversation. Why is it so hard for you to admit that he’s not that bad? Honestly, I’m heading to work now. Don’t wait up for me.”

Shizuru tilts her head, giving you that knowing smirk. “Never planned on it. But seriously—watch out for the Chosos on your way out. They tend to give people... intense stares.”

As you grab your jacket and head out the door, you can't help but think back to Choso—of how oddly protective he’d seemed earlier. There’s something about him that’s so... complicated, like there's more lurking beneath the surface. You shake the thought off, but a small part of you wonders just how much of a knight he might actually be.

...

The shift has gone smoother than expected, the hours slipping away unnoticed as you worked at the pub. It wasn't until the end of the night, when a few too many patrons had indulged a bit too much, that you and your colleague found yourselves staying later than planned. You've had to help some of them out the door, calling their emergency contacts to make sure they'd get home safely. On your way back, the thought crosses your mind that it must feel nice to have someone to always rely on. Since moving to Japan, your roommate has always been your one constant, your anchor. You'd taken care of each other, navigating the chaos of life side by side. That’s why Yuji and Choso’s concern earlier today has left you with an unexpected feeling. It was nice to be cared for, even if it felt … strange.

As you walk home, you suddenly remember the promise you made to them today about letting them know you'll make it back safely tonight. But how could you do that now? It's already 3am and you are barely crawling back to the building, exhausted, your mind blurry. They are probably asleep by now anyways, and you certainly don't want to wake them up for something so trivial. What if they had even forgotten about it? This could also be a possibility...The idea of barging into their apartment looking like you had just fought a zombie apocalypse, just to say, "Hey, just wanted to tell you I made it home safe," is mortifying. You never quite knew how to handle attention like that. It always felt… uncomfortable.

You sigh as the elevator doors open. Stepping inside, you lean against the cool metal, the reflection in the mirror showing just how tired you are. Dark circles under your eyes—could they rival Choso’s? You wonder if he works nights too, that would explain why he's never around during the day… The impactful sight of your disheveled hair and smudged makeup makes you cringe. There's no way you are going to run into anyone in this state

...

Meanwhile, Choso has been pacing the living room for more than an hour, glancing at the clock every few minutes. 2:00 a.m. 2:30. 2:45. Where were you? Shouldn’t any bar be closed by now? Why weren't you home yet?

Yuji went to sleep hours ago, and the silence of the apartment, only broken by the occasional tick of the clock, fuels his anxiety. What if something had happened to you? What if someone had gotten too close at the bar, or worse, if you’d run into trouble on your walk home? He's already regretting not insisting on walking you home. He had let his guard down, and now he can't shake the thought of you being out there alone.

He stops pacing for a moment, realizing how absurd his thoughts must sound. But he can't help it—once Yuji had pulled him into your orbit just this afternoon, he couldn’t shake the sense of responsibility he felt for you. Protectiveness has always come naturally to him. And you were Yuji’s friend, which meant you were officially under his care too.

Then, his mind drifts back to earlier today, to how small and fragile you looked under his gaze in the kitchen, huddled in that oversized leather jacket as if you were trying to hide from the world…. A feeling he knows quite well. Guilt stirs in his chest, maybe you two aren't that different… He didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Maybe that's why he couldn’t stop thinking about you, why he cared so much.

Cling. His thoughts are interrupted by the familiar chime of the elevator. He freezes. Could it be you?

The doors slide open and you tiptoe down the dim hallway, trying to avoid making a sound. You are certain Yuji and Choso have forgotten about you anyway, and you have already concocted a half-baked excuse in case they haven't. Reaching your door, you find your lovely roommate has locked you out again. "Damn, 'Zuru," you mutter through gritted teeth, rolling your eyes as you fumble for your keys in the chaotic abyss of your bag.

Too preoccupied with not making noise, you fail to notice the figure standing behind you until it is too late: Choso stands there, watching you struggle with your keys, his nostrils flaring as his eyes sweep over you. The sight of you in your uniform—tight T-shirt clinging to your curves, legs exposed in that breathtaking miniskirt, the ‘Queen of the Night’ logo teasingly placed just above your neckline—stirred something dark in him…how could this be defined as a work uniform?

“You’re back.” His voice is dry, sharp, and it makes you jump, the keys slipping from your hands and clattering to the ground.

"Shit…it's you, Choso," you mutter, heart racing. His hard expression makes it instantly clear that you've just made a mistake. "You scared me."

On the spot,he wants nothing more than to snap something sarcastic about how you should be more afraid of wandering the streets at 3 a.m. than of him, but he bites his tongue. He is too angry, too frustrated.

“Why didn’t you let us know you made it home safely? You've promised…” His tone is harsh, the words coming out faster than he intended.

Touché- your heart sinks at the reminder of your earlier promise. You can't stand the fact that he'd probably think low of you now, even more than he did before if possible.

“I... I thought you and Yuji had probably forgotten about it,” you stammer, the excuses falling from your lips before you can stop them. “I didn’t want to bother you, especially at this hour.” Your words ring hollow even to you, but you can't help but wonder why he was so upset for something that didn't involve him or Yuji directly.

Choso’s eyes narrow, his jaw tightening. “If we didn’t want to be bothered, we wouldn’t have asked you to let us know in the first place. I spent the evening waiting for you to come home.” His gaze pinns you, as if daring you to look away.

The realization hits you—Choso, the cold guy everyone is afraid of is worried…for you? You blink, surprised by the raw intensity in his eyes. “Wait…did you actually… wait up for me?”

His face softens for a split second before hardening again. "I did."

The hallway falls silent for a moment. “I’m sorry… I didn’t know. It’s my fault,” you murmur looking at the ground, still unable to hold his gaze, when your raging guilt finally subsides.

Choso sighs at the scene, leaning against the doorframe. His arms cross over his broad chest, and you can tell he's still trying to control his emotions. “It’s okay." Those three words are enough to make you release the breath you didn't know you were holding. "Just… keep it in mind from now on: you can always call us if you're in trouble. No matter the time.” he says, his eyes now boring into yours as if seeking the reassurance you'd grasped the concept.

You smile at his awkward attempt to ease the tension… something suggested you that his rough façade was nothing but a bluff already this afternoon, and the embarrassed expression etched on his face right now as he tries to maintain a stern tone confirms that you weren't wrong. “Can I ask you something?” you speak, guilt now replaced by a playful mischief that takes Choso aback.

"Uh? Yeah… What’s up?” he asks, desperately trying to sound casual, though inside, he is already panicking about what you might ask.

Your grin grows as you mirror his posture, leaning against your door and crossing your arms. “Is your door about to fall off or something?”

His eyes widen in confusion, before turning and checking for the stability of his entrance door. “No, it’s still pretty sturdy… Why?”

You have to suppress a laugh at the panic in his voice... Is it always that easy to make him nervous?. “Just seemed like you always lean on it like it’s your life mission or something.” you tease him, remembering how he displayed his signature 'alpha-pose' already this afternoon.

Choso’s face flushes, and he quickly looks away, trying to salvage his tough guy image. “It’s none of your business,” he mutters, putting on an adorable child-like frown, but even in the dim light, it is obvious he is flustered by your teasing.

You raise an eyebrow. “Okay, okay…” The air around you feels less tense now, almost intimate, with just the two of you awake in the whole building. “Is Yuji sleeping?” you whisper, interrupting the peaceful silence of the night.

“Yeah, he’s been asleep for a while now…” The change in Choso’s posture as you mention his brother is noticeable: his deep voice softens, his eyes fill with a sparkle as his thoughts seem to wander to Yuji. “He really wanted to stay up and wait for you, but I convinced him I’d handle it.”

You laugh quietly. “Aww so thoughtful of him! But he’s got school tomorrow. He definitely needs to save some energy for chemistry class… your brother is such an angel…you know," you confess, opening up to him about the struggles of getting used to your new surroundings "he has always been one of the few friendly faces when I moved here...I'll forever be thankful for meeting him”

Choso chuckles along with you, his lips finally curling up in a faint smile, though his mind seems to slip far away. “He’s special… too pure for this world.”

The moment is quiet, comfortable even, until you break the silence again, thinking it's time for both of you to take some sleep. “Thanks for what you did tonight… Goodnight, Choso.”

You can feel his eyes on you as you turn to leave, but there is something more—something that makes him hesitate. “Hey," he stammers without thinking, as if he's subconsciously trying to extend the longest conversation he has had with someone other than Yuji in a while "Can I ask you one more thing before you go?”

You pauses,as if surprised by his own boldness. “Yeah? Of course you can...” you turn to face him once again and Choso realizes it's too late to take back his words now..His heart hammers in his chest, the words hanging on the edge of his tongue. “I’ve been wondering... " He swallows, finding the right words to express what has been wandering around his head all night "did anyone cause you any trouble at the pub tonight? In any way...” he stammers.

His gaze is intense, unwavering even, and for a moment, you see something darker behind his eyes, something akin to the danger everyone associates with him. His question catches you off guard, but you quickly reassure him, putting on a warm smile “No, it was a pretty easy night actually… Just had to kick out a couple of drunk patrons, nothing serious.” you try to alleviate the tension.

In this moment you can clearly see his attention drift away again, that distant look of this afternoon resurfacing on his features. He lets out a low hum, his posture stiffening again as he unexpectedly turns his back on you. "Good. Goodnight,then" he mutters, his tone final.

You blink, awkwardly standing in the hallway for a moment longer after his sudden departure, unsure of what had just happened. What had you said wrong? Where does he go in his mind when he gets lost in those mysterious thoughts of his?

You finally reach out for the keys, still laying on the ground and enter your apartment, wishing you could shut the doubts outside with him as you close the door behind you with a soft click, your mind still racing with confusion. Choso…you were right about his name: there is more to him than meets the eye, and the more you see of him, the more you feel drawn to uncover the secrets behind his rough demeanor.

On the other side of the wall, Choso lays awake in bed, his fists clenched, a tangle of emotions storming through him. Why did you have to be so careless? Why couldn’t you see the danger in the way you were acting? The thought of other men ogling over you in that uniform somehow made his blood boil, and yet, he can't tear his mind away from the image of you bathed in the moonlight seeping through the windows in the hallway, so vulnerable and unaware of the way your carelessness affected him. What's so special about clubs anyways? What's the use of being looked at like nothing but a piece of meat by a bunch of drunk assholes? How could you be fine with that?

And as the darkness of the night envelops him, he can't shake the pull he feels toward you—that undeniable need to protect you, from the whole world, including yourself, even if he doesn't fully understand the reasons behind it. You are beautiful, yes….and so damn reckless…

Thanks for reading! Comments, reblogs and interactions are appreciated

©Dreamingkitsunewrites. Do not copy my works.

[lazyjellyfish300]

I crave the thrill only he can provide, the way my heart raced as we danced in the rain, the butterflies in my stomach whenever he touched me… I still cherish the astonishment in discovering his half-cursed nature, the excitement of the unknown unfolding day after day in front of my eyes… I never thought twice around him. I felt fearless by his side; his comforting presence was enough to make me feel stronger and freer than I ever had.

┍━━ ☽【ஓ๑♡Queen of the Night - 0. Prologue ♡๑ஓ】☾━━┑

Chapter 0- Prologue "Queen of the night". | AO3 link here

Synopsis: a beginning in medias res

TW: angst, swearing, suggestive language.

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♫♬♪─•────ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ Chapter Soundtrack: "Queen of the Night by Hey Violet ⇄ ◀ 𓊕 ▶ ↻."♫♬♪

Y/N pov

11.32pm

Less than 30 minutes remain in my shift. The bar is unusually quiet tonight—definitely more so than a typical Wednesday. Just a handful of patrons linger at tables tucked away in the corners of the dance floor. The small stage is empty; with no live music on weeknights, I’m left to rely on the soft background tunes spilling from the speakers to stave off the boredom. I trust this random playlist on repeat to keep me company until I can finally escape this place.

As one song fades, the hauntingly familiar notes of a piano melody begin to play… 

I've bandaged your bruises, you've held back my hair

Who'd've known when this started that we'd end up here, here?

Choso. Why do I never see it coming? The emotion, the pain, him… and now this song, hitting me out of nowhere like a slap in the face. These lyrics strike me harder than a thousand knives, reopening wounds I’m still trying to stitch. My grip tightens around the lipstick-stained glass in my hand as memories I wish I could erase come flooding back. Will I ever forget? Do I even want to?

Choso and I never needed many words to understand each other. Being there for one another during our lowest moments was more than enough: cold, pale skin… rough, calloused hands. Him. Bruised knuckles, wounded pride, clenched teeth. I remember sitting across from him in my bathroom, carefully wrapping his sore knuckles in white bandages after he pushed himself too hard yet again. “I need to get stronger… this time I- fuck.” Choso winced in pain as my fingers brushed against his injured skin. “Sorry, my hand slipped….” Our eyes met, his battered soul looking deep into mine.

A subtle tremor coursed through him and into me, a silent electricity igniting our senses. I resumed my ministrations, both our hands trembling now: I still can't  tell it was out of fear or if it was simply the dawning intimacy we were creating.

Choso’s the only one who saw me at my lowest… that night he rescued me from the bar.  Delusion and self-pity drowning alongside the alcohol in my veins. Intrusive thoughts clouded my mind as I leaned against his tall, solid frame for support. How do I always let my guard down? What if my ex is right? What if I’m worthless? What if… Choso’s cold hands gently wrapped around my ankles, grounding me in reality. He brought me home safely tha night, helping me remove my heels, and kneeling beside me on the cold bathroom floor. I don’t remember every detail of those first moments of intimacy, but I will never forget how he quietly cared for me, holding back my hair as I threw up, cradling me like a child as I cried uncontrollably.

Who’d known when we started that we’d end up in so deep?

But you reach out and touch me, say my name like a prayer

All my friends say you're dangerous, but I don't fucking care

Time passed by and we couldn't see how close we had grown… until the moment my name slipped from his lips like a prayer, barely audible over the torrential rain outside my window.

All my friends warned me against getting involved with him, especially after that incident… but never, not even for tiny second, I’ve feared his superhuman strength "It’s too dangerous to be so close to him; you’ll end up being hurt one day,” they said… but I never listened; I never cared about their opinions. They never understood what we had, how could they?

'Cause there's something about it that brings me to life

Yeah, I know all the consequences, I don't mind

This holy redemption tears us in two

But I can't turn my back to you

Being with Choso makes me feel alive in ways I never thought possible. I crave the thrill only he can provide, the way my heart raced as we danced in the rain, the butterflies in my stomach whenever he touched me… I still cherish the astonishment in discovering his half-cursed nature, the excitement of the unknown unfolding day after day in front of my eyes… I never thought twice around him. I felt fearless by his side; his comforting presence was enough to make me feel stronger and freer than I ever had.

We had our issues, it’s true… I tried to heal the scars still etched on his soul with everything I had. But the road to redemption isn’t easy, and insecurity chipped away at us day by day. Yet, even after the hurtful words he spoke, I still hold onto hope that he will return to me, safe and sound, and that we’ll start anew… because no matter how many times he tells me to walk away, to change my path and leave it all behind….I just can’t turn my back to him.

When the night goes quiet and we're up in your room

And you're kissing my fingers, and I kiss your tattoo

I could play in bed with you and talk shit forever-ever

If this is all a dream, wake me up never, never, never

Swear to God, cross my heart, no one does it better, better

I long to feel that sensation again—the intimacy of lying naked beside him in the stillness of the night, the soft sound of rain enveloping us. I crave to become the object of the adoring look in those amber eyes once again,right as he brings my hand to his lips to kiss each one of my fingertips with sacred deliberateness. My fingers still itch to trace the marks adorning his delicate features of his face once more.

I miss those lazy days spent together in bed, talking for hours about nothing, wrapped up between the sheets and his strong arms. Choso would frown and hold my waist as I tried to get up to go the bathroom, keeping me from leaving the bed with a frown. Those lazy moments of playfulness between us were the best...No one will ever compare to him.

Boy I love ya, always gonna

The glass I’m holding slips from my fingers, shattering on the ground and snapping me out of my reverie. I stand frozen in the middle of the bar, too numb to move.

“YN, are you okay? Did you cut yourself?” My colleague rushes over, kneeling to clean up the mess I’ve made. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me.

“I’m sorry… I… I just need a moment.” I hurry to the bathroom. Leaning against the sink, I stare at my reflection… 'Boy, I love ya, always gonna'… No, this can’t be the end. We will find our way back to each other, even if it takes months, even years… 'just come home to me safe and sound, Cho… I promise we’ll find a way to fix this and finally be together again.'

Thanks for reading this far! Comments and Reblogs are appreciated 💜

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