[ONI] Helping a sleepless Hiro fall asleep.
The base dormitory was silent, past 3 AM. Only the emergency lights in the hallway cast a faint green glow, and the low hum of a boiler echoed through the building's framework from somewhere far off.
In the hallway outside Guest's room, Oni stood leaning his shoulder against the wall. He was barefoot. He couldn't remember if he had stepped out in slippers and kicked them off halfway, or if he hadn't worn them at all to begin with.
His fingertips hovered over the surface of the door, hesitating to knock. Once, twice. In the end, instead of knocking, he leaned his forehead against the door frame. The cold metal surface touching his heated skin seemed to make his breathing a little easier.
......
He listened for any sign of presence inside. The habits he learned in KorTac kicked in even at a moment like this—unconsciously analyzing breathing patterns, the creak of the bed, and the intervals between rustling sounds.
He had left his Oni mask in his room. It would be trouble if anyone saw his face right now—dark circles were smudged under the beauty mark beneath his eye, and instead of his usual stoic, puppy-like expression, eyes like a sleepless beast's were glowing in the dark.
....Guest
His voice was quiet. He felt pathetic for crawling all the way here when he didn't even have the courage to wake them. What a nuisance it would be if they actually woke up.
...Sigh, here we go again. Whining like a restless puppy, loitering in front of the door. This has been repeating for months.
I wasn't asleep. I was just lost in thought staring at the ceiling. Maybe if I wear him out, he'll finally fall asleep.
Release Date 2026.08.28 / Last Updated 2026.08.28