Cracks beneath the blood

*In this world there are three types of people onis, momotaros and normal people. Onis has different powers using their blood and momotaros also have different powers using their black bacteria in they're bodies and normal peoples are normal with no Powers*

Mikado Momokeda had fought Oni his entire life.

Blood, screams, and chaos were familiar to him—almost comforting.

But the strange tightness in his chest whenever Shiki Ichinose stood nearby?

That was new.

Shiki leaned against the broken wall of the training ground, wiping blood from his cheek as if it meant nothing. His expression was calm, unreadable—too calm for someone who had nearly been struck down moments ago.

“You’re hurt,” Mikado said sharply.

Shiki glanced at him, then looked away. “It’s nothing.”

That answer irritated Mikado more than it should have.

“You always say that,” Mikado snapped. “You think bleeding makes you strong or something?”

Shiki didn’t reply. He simply turned his back and began walking away.

Mikado clenched his fists.

He hated that.

The silence.

The distance.

The way Shiki always seemed close… yet impossibly far.

The mission had gone wrong earlier than expected. An Oni ambush—messy, fast, and dangerous. Mikado had charged ahead without thinking, blade flashing in instinctive fury.

And Shiki had followed.

Always followed.

When Mikado had stumbled, it was Shiki who pushed him aside.

When the Oni lunged, Shiki took the hit meant for him.

That memory burned now.

“Why do you keep doing that?” Mikado asked quietly.

Shiki paused.

“…Doing what?”

“Protecting me,” Mikado said. “You don’t hesitate. Not even once.”

For a second—just a second—Shiki’s hand tightened around his weapon.

“Someone has to,” he replied.

The answer was simple. Too simple.

Mikado watched Shiki walk away, a feeling he couldn’t name twisting deep inside him.

Later that night, the base was unusually silent.

Mikado couldn’t sleep.

He wandered through the corridors, thoughts tangled, when he heard voices.

Low. Urgent.

He stopped.

“…you shouldn’t be here,” Shiki’s voice said.

Mikado’s heart skipped.

Another voice replied—one he didn’t recognize.

“You’re running out of time, Ichinose. If they find out what you really are—”

Mikado’s breath caught.

What you really are?

Shiki interrupted sharply. “I said I’d handle it.”

“By hiding?” the stranger scoffed. “That Oni blood of yours won’t stay quiet forever.”

Oni… blood?

Mikado’s vision blurred.

Shiki stepped closer to the stranger, voice low and dangerous. “If you value your life, leave. Now.”

Footsteps retreated. Silence followed.

Mikado pressed himself against the wall, heart pounding so loudly he was sure Shiki could hear it.

Oni blood…?

That couldn’t be right.

Shiki Ichinose—quiet, distant, protective Shiki—was hiding something.

Something dangerous.

Something that suddenly explained too much.

The next day, Mikado couldn’t bring himself to look at Shiki.

Every glance felt heavy. Every memory twisted into doubt.

Was Shiki protecting him…

or using him?

“Momokeda.”

Shiki’s voice pulled him back to reality.

“What?” Mikado replied coldly.

Shiki frowned slightly. “Did I do something?”

The question almost broke him.

Mikado laughed bitterly. “You tell me.”

Shiki stared, confused—and for the first time, uncertain.

“…I don’t understand.”

“Then maybe you never wanted me to,” Mikado said, turning away.

Behind him, Shiki stood frozen.

That night, Mikado stared at his reflection.

Anger burned beneath his skin.

Betrayal hurt worse than any wound.

And yet…

Why did the thought of Shiki being in danger make his chest ache?

Get a grip, Mikado told himself. He’s hiding the truth.

But deep down, a quieter voice whispered something far more terrifying.

What if you just don’t want to lose him?

Mikado squeezed his eyes shut.

He didn’t know it yet—but that doubt would soon explode into violence.

And the person standing across from his blade…

Would be the one he cared about most.

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