common enemy [Ryuji Sakamoto x Reader]

chapter one: nightmare

The whole world was painted white; the color of freshly fallen snow. You attempted to shield your eyes from the brightness, squinting in hopes the clarity would provide answers.

Seconds passed, minutes ticked by, time fleed from your grasp until you could no longer comprehend the hands on your watch. Coming to terms with the blinding scenery, you slowly lowered your arm.

In the distance, the blossoms of a sakura tree swayed in the gentle breeze, providing the only color in the stark landscape. The wind tugged at its rosy petals, catching them in its arms and carrying them along its course.

Two lone figures stood at its base, catching the falling petals in their outstretched arms. The sweet melody of their joyful laughter reverberated in your ears, eliciting your rare, pleased smile. You leaned forward, hoping to get a better look at them from behind.

Your eyes widened.

You began to stumble towards them, then transferring into a jog, then into a full-out sprint. Faster... Faster... No matter how hard you ran, the scene unfolding around the cherry blossom barely grew closer.

It felt like centuries were passing as you approached them, but you persevered, desperately rushing through the white abyss that surrounded you. Breathing heavily, trudging onward even though you didn't think that your legs could possibly hurt any more, yet they seemed to consistently prove you wrong. Your muscles ached, and you felt as though you would pass out any second, yet a mysterious force kept pushing you forward. What could it be? A desire to know the truth? Hope that this stark purgatory had become a haven?

But your hard work eventually paid off; you slowed your pace, finally coming to a complete stop.

Tears you had struggled to hold in suddenly began to fall.

"M-mom... and dad?" You whispered, your voice wavering. "It's me... (F/n)..."

The sound of laughter that had kept you comfortable went silent. The figures froze in place, arms lowering to their sides.

No response. You wiped the tears from your eyes, aware that something was very, very wrong.

The two figures twisted their heads toward you at an excruciatingly sluggish pace. You stared in disbelief at the horrifying sight in front of you, forgetting to breathe. These were not your parents.

A dark, black liquid gushed out from the figures' eyes, impenetrable by light. You stumbled backwards. The blinding white that had accompanied your long journey immediately sunk into darkness as the black ink stained the once-pure world around you. All color drained from your sight, the petals on the cherry blossom now a gray memory.

"How could you...?!" They screamed at you in unison, the liquid spewing from their open mouths.

You collapsed onto your knees, tears falling as the memories of your parents stared back at you, lifeless. You were a fool to think it would be any different. The world was cruel and unforgiving, and this was your punishment. The darkness spun around you, making you nauseous.

"No..." You whimpered, losing composure by the second.

"(F/n)..."

"Stop!" You screamed, hoping they would leave you alone.

"(F/n)! Wake up!"