Bound By Shadows

Chapter 5: Fractured Masks TW: Gore?

The weeks since that night had blurred together, but Kazuyaki Yagasaki could still feel the ghost of Blue's touch on his skin. He replayed the moment over and over in his mind, every heated glance, every breathless whisper—but it felt like a dream. Any semblance of softness was ripped away the next day. Blue had returned to her cold, vicious self, and if anything, she seemed angrier than before. More short-tempered.

She had snapped his fingers again today.

Kazuyaki sat in the cold, sterile cell, staring at his trembling hands. His fingers were swollen, broken in several places, crudely bandaged by the silent workers. The pain was unbearable, but not as unbearable as the heavy silence that loomed between him and Blue. She was pacing again, her mask on, hiding whatever emotions were brewing beneath. He'd learned long ago not to ask, not to speak unless spoken to—especially when she was like this.

But as much as she terrified him, he couldn't help but think back to the moments of intimacy they'd shared, wondering if she ever thought about it too. Maybe it was a mistake. Or maybe that was just the nature of their connection—fleeting, violent, and complicated. He wasn't sure if she hated him or if her cruelty was simply the only way she knew how to express whatever twisted feelings she had for him.

His thoughts were interrupted by the heavy creak of the door swinging open. The moment Red walked in, the entire atmosphere of the room shifted.

Red, as always, was without his mask. His wild, messy mullet fell loosely around his sharp face, black strands framing his blood-red eyes. A cruel smile played on his lips as he immediately took in the tension between his sister and Kazuyaki. He seemed to feed off it, like a predator savoring the fear in the air.

"Well, well," Red began, his voice laced with amusement as he strolled in like he owned the place—which, technically, he did. "Looks like someone's in a bad mood. What did Kazuyaki do this time?"

Blue stopped pacing, her shoulders stiff and tense, her fists clenched.

"Stay out of this, Red."

Red let out a soft chuckle, unphased by her anger. He walked over to Kazuyaki's cage, crouching beside it with an almost playful smirk.

"You're still alive, huh?" His eyes flickered over Kazuyaki's bandaged hands. "Tough luck, though. Looks like she's been a bit rough with you."

Kazuyaki swallowed hard, his heart racing. He could feel Blue's eyes boring into him, her anger simmering just below the surface.

"I'm... I'm fine," he managed to say, though his voice was shaky.

Red tilted his head, his gaze lingering on Kazuyaki for a moment longer than necessary. There was something in his eyes—something dark and possessive.

"You're a tough one," Red said, almost affectionately. He reached through the bars, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Kazuyaki's face. "I like that."

Blue's grip on her fists tightened, the air around her practically vibrating with barely-contained rage.

"Don't touch him."

Red smiled wider, his fingers lingering on Kazuyaki's skin for just a moment longer before he pulled back, standing up.

"Oh? Why not? I can see why you keep him around. He's interesting."

Blue's entire body tensed, her breathing heavy beneath her mask.

"He's mine, Red. Stay away from him."

Red raised an eyebrow, his amusement growing.

"Yours, huh?" His tone was teasing, almost mocking. "You're getting possessive, sis. Didn't know you had it in you."