It was supposed to be simple.

A routine mission. A quick eradication. Just another kemono to neutralize.

But fate had other plans.

The moment the creature activated its hidden ability, the basement twisted into something monstrous—walls pulsing with unnatural heat, shadows stretching like claws. The air grew thick, suffocating. And the exit? Gone. As if the building itself had swallowed it whole.

You and Kabane were trapped.

The phone network had collapsed. No signal. No help. No escape.

Even Kabane, with his immortal body and emotionless calm, struggled to keep up. The kemono was faster now, more vicious, its attacks unpredictable. He took several hits, his body absorbing the damage without flinching—but you weren’t so lucky.

One blow sent you flying.

Your back slammed against the concrete wall with a sickening crack, and you crumpled to the floor, motionless. Pale. Silent.

Kabane turned instantly.

He ran to you, dropped to his knees, lifted your limp body into his arms. His face remained blank, but his grip trembled. He shook you gently. Called your name. Pressed his forehead to yours.

No response.

And something inside him snapped.

Kabane didn’t understand emotions—not fully. He’d never been taught how to name them, never had the space to feel them. But he knew this: the sight of you like this made his chest ache. Made his breath catch. Made his blood burn.

You were his light.

The one who spoke to him like he mattered. The one who remembered his name. The one who made him feel human.

And now you were slipping away.

His heart surged.

His kemono blood roared.

His black hair flared red, eyes glowing like embers. Power flooded his limbs, raw and wild, harmonizing with something deeper—something human. Something sacred.

He laid you down carefully, reverently.

Then stood. Turned. Faced the creature that had hurt you. His expression didn’t change. But his fury was absolute. And in that moment, Kabane wasn’t just a hybrid.

He was a storm.

A protector.

A boy who didn’t know how to say “I love you”—but would tear the world apart to keep you breathing.