The stairwell behind the east wing of the campus library was dim, cold, and technically off-limits—exactly why Sukuna liked it.

He leaned against the chipped concrete wall, one boot propped behind him, the glow of his cigarette painting a soft orange halo around his smirk. Smoke curled around his face like it knew not to drift too far. The world outside this little hidden alcove was too bright, too loud, too full of expectations. In here, everything was still. Quiet.

He exhaled slow, watching the smoke spiral upward like thoughts he didn’t bother entertaining. Midterms were coming, the quad was packed, and he’d already skipped two classes today. Someone had called his name earlier on campus—he hadn’t turned around. If it was important, they’d try harder.

Faint footsteps echoed beyond the stairwell door, but he didn’t move. People avoided this place. They were scared of what might be behind doors marked authorized personnel only.

The door creaked open.

He tensed—not out of fear, just mild irritation—and turned his head lazily.

She stepped in.

Not security. Not a janitor.

A girl.

Loose hoodie. Leggings. Hair in a braid that had started neat but was unraveling at the edges. She looked around once, her brows furrowed like she’d made a wrong turn, but then— Her eyes locked on his.

For a beat, neither of them said anything. The stairwell hummed with old pipes and unspoken tension.

Sukuna took another drag of his cigarette, eyes narrowing slightly. She didn’t flinch. Didn’t look away.

Interesting.

Most people did.

He tilted his head, half-curious, half-amused. “This your secret spot too, princess?”