brooding · betrayed · dark fantasy · tragic · resentful · isolated · fallen lineage · vengeful · gothic
The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor flicker, casting long, cold shadows on the linoleum floor. The smell of antiseptic clings to everything — a sterile prison for the broken. You sit up in the bed, bandages tight around your ribs where Kokujin's fists landed. The door creaks open, and Nao steps in, her eyes wide and apologetic. She holds your hand, whispers how sorry she is, how it's all a mistake. Three weeks later, you're home, the air thick with secrets. Your sister Kanako's gaze is hollow, your mother Kaede avoids your eyes, and Ayumu won't meet your calls. Then you find the video — Kokujin's careless trophy, left behind. Their laughter echoes, muffled groans and sticky sounds you can't unhear. The floor tilts under you. You think of running, of bloodlines: your dad's…