Silence sharper than blades

The silence between them was unbearable.

Mikado could feel it with every step he took through the base—heavy, suffocating, like blood-soaked air after a battle. Shiki Ichinose walked a few steps ahead of him, posture straight, expression calm as ever.

Too calm.

How long have you been lying to us?

The thought burned hotter than Mikado wanted to admit.

“Focus,” their instructor barked. “This isn’t a walk in the park.”

They were sent on patrol together.

Of course they were.

Mikado tightened his grip on his weapon. Normally, he’d feel relief knowing Shiki was beside him. Shiki was precise, fast, reliable—someone Mikado trusted with his life.

Trusted.

That word felt wrong now.

The forest was quiet. Unnaturally so.

Shiki stopped suddenly and raised a hand. “Something’s off.”

Mikado noticed it too—the way Shiki’s senses sharpened, the way his eyes darkened slightly, almost glowing in the shadows.

Oni blood.

Mikado’s chest twisted.

“Since when do you play leader?” Mikado asked coldly.

Shiki turned, clearly startled. “What?”

“You heard me,” Mikado said. “You don’t usually give orders.”

“I’m not ordering you,” Shiki replied, frowning. “I’m just being careful.”

Careful.

Or hiding something.

Mikado scoffed. “Funny. You never seemed that careful before.”

Shiki stared at him, confusion slowly turning into hurt. “…Did I do something wrong?”

The question hit harder than Mikado expected.

For a split second, he almost told him everything.

Almost asked about the conversation.

Almost asked about the blood.

Instead, anger spoke first.

“You’re good at pretending,” Mikado said. “I’ll give you that.”

Shiki went still.

“Pretending?” he echoed.

“Don’t act like you don’t know,” Mikado snapped, stepping closer. “All those times you ‘protected’ me—were you just making sure I didn’t find out the truth?”

Shiki’s eyes widened.

“…What truth?”

That was it.

That was the moment Mikado realized something terrifying.

Shiki wasn’t going to confess.

A sudden roar shattered the tension.

An Oni burst from the trees, massive and furious.

“Move!” Shiki shouted.

Instinct took over. They fought together—too perfectly, like before. Shiki blocked attacks meant for Mikado, his movements sharp and almost reckless.

Too reckless.

“Stop covering for me!” Mikado yelled.

“What are you talking about?!” Shiki shouted back.

The Oni lunged.

Shiki pushed Mikado aside again—and took the blow.

Blood splattered across the ground.

Mikado froze.

“Shiki!”

Shiki staggered but stayed standing, eyes burning with something dark and powerful. For a brief moment, the air around him twisted—energy pulsing, wild and dangerous.

Oni power.

The Oni retreated, sensing something it shouldn’t have awakened.

Silence fell.

Shiki turned away quickly, breathing hard. “You’re not hurt. Good.”

That was all he said.

That was all he ever said.

Later, as Shiki treated his wound alone, Mikado watched from a distance.

Anger churned with guilt.

Why does he keep protecting me?

Why does it hurt so much to watch him bleed?

This wasn’t just about betrayal anymore.

This was fear.