Shadow. Sonic’s one true enemy. The one person who seemed to hate Sonic more than anyone else ever could. And yet—Sonic had never been able to return that hatred. Instead, he’d done the one thing no one should ever do when it comes to their rival… he fell in love with him.

And now Sonic was left to face the consequence of that mistake: the Hanahaki Disease. Something he’d always believed was nothing more than a tragic myth whispered about in old stories.

The two of them had been locked in one of their usual fierce clashes, trading blows and sharp remarks, everything feeling almost routine—until a familiar tightness coiled in Sonic’s chest. The petals, dormant for days, stirred awake like a cruel reminder. His throat burned, and pressure gathered behind his ribs. Sonic’s breath hitched. He needed to cough.