{The Yurchenko Siblings Backstory.]

Chapter 6: Unseen Scars

{{{Same POV as chap 4+5}}}

The bell rang, signaling the start of another school day. I walked through the crowded halls, my mind a million miles away. Since joining the demon slayers, balancing school with my training had become a delicate act. I had to be constantly vigilant, never letting my guard down. Yet, here in the mundane world of school, it felt like a different kind of battle. As I reached my locker, I saw my friends from class. They greeted me with the usual smiles and banter, unaware of the double life I was leading. I tried to join in, laughing at their jokes, but it felt hollow. My thoughts kept drifting back to the Final Selection, to the battles and the demons, and to the friends I had made, Tanjiro and Kanao. Classes went by in a blur. Math, history, science—it all seemed trivial compared to the dangers I faced as a demon slayer. But I knew that maintaining a normal life was important, not just for me but for my siblings as well. They needed stability, and I had to be the one to provide it. At lunch, I sat with my usual group of friends, trying to keep up with the conversation. As I bit into my sandwich, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. There was a tension in the air, a sense of unease that I couldn't quite place. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see a kid from another grade, his expression smug and taunting. "Hey, Milo," he sneered. "What's with the weird looks today?" Before I could respond, he reached out and yanked at my shirt, pulling it off and exposing the scars and bruises that covered my torso from the Final Selection and my training. Gasps and murmurs filled the cafeteria as everyone turned to stare. I felt a wave of panic and anger wash over me. "What's this?" the kid jeered, pointing at the marks on my skin. "Did you get beat up or something?" My heart pounded in my chest. I wanted to lash out, to defend myself, but I knew I couldn't reveal the truth. "It's none of your business," I said through gritted teeth, grabbing my shirt and pulling it back on. The kid snickered, clearly enjoying the attention. "Well, looks like someone's got some secrets." The embarrassment and anger boiled within me, but I forced myself to stay calm. I couldn't afford to lose control here, not in front of everyone. I clenched my fists, taking deep breaths to steady myself. One of my friends, Jake, stepped forward, his face stern. "Leave him alone," he said firmly. "You don't know what he's been through." The kid backed off, clearly not expecting Jake to stand up for me. He muttered something under his breath and walked away, leaving me to deal with the aftermath. "Are you okay?" Jake asked, his voice filled with concern.

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, Jake."

The rest of lunch passed in an awkward silence. My friends tried to act like nothing had happened, but I could feel their eyes on me, their curiosity and concern palpable. As the bell rang and we headed back to class, I couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that had been exposed. The rest of the day was a blur. I went through the motions, attending classes and taking notes, but my mind was elsewhere. I kept replaying the scene in the cafeteria, the humiliation and the questions it had raised. I knew that I couldn't let this incident define me, but it was hard to push the feelings aside. After school, I made my way to the secluded spot in the forest where I often went to clear my mind. The quiet and solitude provided a much-needed respite from the chaos of my thoughts. I sat down on a fallen log, closing my eyes and taking deep, calming breaths. As I sat there, the memories of the Final Selection and my training flooded back. The battles, the camaraderie, the determination to protect my family and make a difference. I reminded myself why I had chosen this path, and the sense of purpose it gave me. I felt a presence behind me and turned to see Elias standing there, his expression unreadable. "Rough day?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yeah. Someone at school...they saw my scars."

Elias stepped closer, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's not easy, living a double life. But remember, those scars are a testament to your strength and bravery. They are a part of who you are now."

I looked down at my hands, feeling the weight of his words. "I just don't know how to explain it to them. They wouldn't understand."

Elias placed a hand on my shoulder, a gesture of comfort and solidarity. "You don't have to explain everything. Just be yourself, and let your actions speak for you. The people who truly care about you will understand in time." I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Elias was right. I didn't have to reveal all my secrets. I just had to be true to myself and keep moving forward. As we stood there in the quiet of the forest, I felt a renewed sense of determination. The challenges of being a demon slayer were immense, but I knew I had the strength to face them. I had my family, my friends, and my fellow slayers to support me. And most importantly, I had the courage to keep fighting, no matter what. With Elias by my side, I knew I could overcome any obstacle. The scars on my body were a part of my journey, but they didn't define me. They were a reminder of the battles I had fought and the victories I had won. And with each day, I would continue to grow stronger, ready to face whatever the future held. As we made our way back to the mansion, I felt a sense of calm settle over me. The path ahead was uncertain, but I was ready to embrace it. With my newfound resolve, I knew I could face any challenge and protect the ones I loved. And so, my journey as a demon slayer continued, with new allies, new battles, and new challenges. But no matter what came my way, I knew I had the strength and determination to see it through. The shadows may be ever-present, but so was my resolve. And with that, I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.