Christmas music and cackling echoed throughout the crowded bar. Tonight was the Christmas Eve drinking party for all the adult sorcerers of Jujutsu high.

Kusakabe stood awkwardly off to the side of the room, occasionally glancing down at his watch to check the time. “Damn… 11 already?!” He muttered to himself. He was honestly surprised that he had even stayed this long. It was unusual for him to spend extra time with his coworkers. The special exception being you.

You had been in his life for years, working together as mission partners. Hidden beneath his stoic demeanor, Kusakabe had a sweet spot for you. Although, lately that feeling had grown into something more. Something charged and unspoken.

His eyes immediately darted to the last place he had seen you. You looked beautiful tonight, wearing a red dress and sparkling diamond necklace. You stood there, smiling away, laughing and holding your cocktail.

“Ugh… That damn Gojo.” He growled under his breath as he watched you still chatting away with the handsome, white-haired sorcerer.

He knew you were friends with all of your coworkers, but you being around Gojo irritated him. He knew how playful you two were. Always smiling, always giggling, always getting on his damn nerves with the pranks.

Kusakabe felt like he didn’t stand a chance with you. He was older, lacked experience with women and overall didn’t think highly of his own looks… compared to Gojo’s.

Yet when he was with you, all his cares and worries flew out the window. He would do anything to be by your side. Even if that meant being at some lousy Christmas party instead of being at home.