cracks in the armor

The infirmary lights were too bright.

Shiki squinted as he lay back on the narrow bed, the smell of antiseptic filling his nose. His shoulder throbbed in dull pulses beneath the fresh bandages, but it wasn’t the pain that kept him restless.

It was the quiet.

And the presence standing near the door.

Jin Kougasaki hadn’t said a word since they arrived. He stood stiffly, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the floor like he didn’t quite belong there. As if leaving would be easier than staying.

Shiki tilted his head slightly. “You gonna keep glaring at the tiles, or are you planning to talk?”

Jin’s eyes flicked up briefly. “You should be resting.”

Shiki snorted. “That’s your idea of conversation?”

Jin didn’t respond.

The healer finished her work quickly, casting one last look at Shiki. “No excessive movement for a while. And no reckless use of power.”

Shiki smiled innocently. “I’d never.”

She sighed and left.

The door slid shut behind her, leaving the two of them alone.

The silence returned—but it felt heavier now.

Shiki broke it first. “You froze back there.”

Jin stiffened. “I did not.”

“You did,” Shiki said quietly. “When the building started collapsing. Your voice… it wasn’t calm anymore.”

Jin turned away.

“That doesn’t matter.”

Shiki pushed himself up slightly, wincing. “It does to me.”

Jin clenched his fists. “You should have listened to my orders.”

“Orders?” Shiki echoed. “Is that what you call it when you yell my name?”

That did it.

Jin turned sharply. “You don’t understand,” he snapped. “If you lose control—people die. I’ve seen it happen.”

The room fell silent again.

Shiki stared at him, surprised—not by the anger, but by the emotion underneath it.

“…Seen it happen?” Shiki repeated.

Jin realized too late that he’d said too much.

His shoulders tensed, his expression hardening like a shield snapping back into place. “Forget it.”

“No,” Shiki said, more serious now. “You don’t get to say something like that and walk away.”

Jin hesitated.

Then, slowly, he exhaled.

“There was a mission,” Jin said, voice low. “Years ago. A partner who believed strength alone was enough. He ignored warnings. Ignored me.”

Jin’s jaw tightened.

“He lost control.”

Shiki didn’t interrupt.

“Civilians were caught in the aftermath,” Jin continued. “When the dust settled… he was the only one left standing.”

Shiki felt something twist painfully in his chest.

“That’s why you’re like this,” Shiki said softly. “Always holding back. Always trying to control everything.”

Jin looked at him sharply. “Control is survival.”

“Or a cage,” Shiki replied.

Their eyes locked.

For a moment, Jin looked… tired.

“I don’t want to lose another partner,” Jin said quietly.

The words hit Shiki harder than any blow.

He swallowed. “Then stop treating me like I’m already dead.”

Jin froze.

Shiki continued, voice steady but raw. “I know I mess up. I know I lose control sometimes. But I’m still here. I’m still fighting.”

Jin took a step closer before he realized what he was doing.

“I don’t want to be a weapon,” Shiki added. “I just… don’t know how to be anything else.”

Jin’s hand twitched at his side.

Then—hesitantly—he placed it on the edge of the bed.

“I will help you,” Jin said. “But you must listen to me.”

Shiki studied him for a long moment.

“…Deal,” he said.

Their eyes lingered a second too long.

Jin pulled his hand back immediately, clearing his throat. “Rest. Training resumes tomorrow.”

As he turned to leave, Shiki spoke again.

“Hey, Jin.”

Jin paused.

“Thanks,” Shiki said, quieter now. “For not giving up on me.”

Jin didn’t turn around.

But his voice, when he replied, was softer than ever before.

“Don’t make me regret it.”

The door slid shut.

Shiki lay back against the pillow, staring at the ceiling.

For the first time since joining this world of blood and violence, he didn’t feel completely alone.

And somewhere down the corridor, Jin stopped walking—just for a moment—hand pressed against his chest, heart beating faster than it should.

The armor was cracking.

And neither of them knew whether to fear it—

Or welcome it.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***