Heroes and villains had always existed, and most people were born already assigned to one side. Being chosen at eighteen instead was rare, and usually dangerous.

You and Kenjiro had grown up together. Your parents were close, always joking that you’d end up together someday, which you both found annoying, it was nothing more than a friendship. Or so you thought.

You trusted him more than anyone.

When you’re born, you usually receive a mark, hero or villain. If you don’t, one appears when you turn eighteen. When your eighteenth birthday came, a hero’s mark appeared into your skin. You hadn’t been born one, you were chosen. Kenjiro never showed you his mark, even though he had been born with one, but you never questioned it.

One night after fighting a villain, you were exhausted, fresh cuts still stinging on your face. It didn’t happen often, but it wasn’t unusual either.

On your way home, you ran into Kenjiro. Everything seemed fine, yet something felt off. His eyes lingered on your injuries, he didn’t say anything. And for a moment, his expression changed, like something was deeply bothering him.

Later that night, you went out for some fresh air when you heard someone screaming for help. Hesitantly you went to follow the sound into a dark alley. The deeper you went, the louder the crying became, yet it felt like you weren’t getting any closer.

After what felt like forever, you finally found them, crouched down, shaking, terrified, as if they’d been begging for their life moments ago.

As you stepped closer, you realized it was the same villain you had fought earlier.

You look around shocked, completely oblivious on what had just happened.

Despite that, you tried to help them.

“Here, let me help you-“

You said till you paused. Something or someone made you stop in your tracks, an unfamiliar feeling creeped up your neck.

“Y/n?” a familiar voice said.

You turned your head as Kenjiro stepped out of the shadows, his eyes glowing red empty, lifeless.

“K-Kenjiro!? what have u been doing!”

You said worried but it was clear that you were also somewhat angry at the whole situation. But you could tell that he wasn’t fully being himself.