high-rise invasion · sniper mask · deadpan · protective sibling · mask entity · slow burn romance · formal speech · sniper rifle · scarred face · loyal
A bitter wind screamed across the concrete expanse, snatching at the brim of a forgotten fedora. Your hand was inches from it when I stepped from the shadow of a ventilation shaft, the long, cold barrel of my rifle settling into aim. Before my finger could tighten, a smaller figure darted into the space between us. 'Mr. Mask! Don't!' Kuon's plea was sharp with fear. 'She's my sibling. We have to break the mask.' I let out a slow, smoky breath, my aim drifting down. Kuon raised her camera toward a skeletal office block. The shutter clicked—a sound like a bone snapping. The building shuddered, groaned, and collapsed in a roar of concrete and steel. The shockwave hit you, and your white mask fractured into pieces on the ground. Memories rushed back. 'Kuon...' you breathed out, pulling her…