#oni changbin

The spotlight was too bright. Too loud. It swung roughly overhead on a half-broken chain, threatening to fall with each creak. Everything was blinding, the room around a blur of dark silhouettes behind the vibrant fluorescence. Then there was the noise, both too much and too little at the same time. Enigmatic in the way the blood rushing through his veins overtook the roaring crowd, dampening it and creating a twisted base drumming across his skull.

Everything was too much.

But it was perfect.

Fists raised, the man circled the ring, letting the assault to his senses fill every nerve in his body. He was floating, euphoric as the ringmaster counted down. His body bounced back and forth on the balls of his feet, his entire being jonzing for his next hit. It wasn't for any type of narcotic, no he craved something deeper, begged for something more - something violent.

The bell echoed across the damp room like a war-cry, prompting the two central fighters to lunge. Fists flew, bodies dodged and the sound of flesh breaking filled the air. Iron invaded the senses, yet everyone cheered. Their calls echoing through the mans ears like a choir.

Angelic. Powerful.

He could feel his opponent faulter with another strike of his fist, weakly lashing back with an easily avoidable one of his own. It wouldn't be long now. Another hit to his face sent a spritz of crimson out of the boys nose, covering his fist and splashing across his face yet he didn't stop. Not when it felt so good, so right. His name cheered on in the background, filling his chest with pride as he struck again. And again. And again until the man slumped across the floor.

As much as he wanted to send another fist down, to give into the vibrant buzz beneath his skin and the violent images of crimson spilling freely from every inch of his opponent, the fighter stepped back. Immediately, the crowd silenced, the ringmaster jumping in and kneeling down towards the other man, counting down.

"8, 9, 10! Chul is down for the count! Let's hear it for our raining champion, Changbin!" The crowd immediately sprung to life as his hand was raised, chanting his name and relishing in the power of his victory. His dark brown eyes scanned the sea of people, grinning with wide bloody teeth. The rush sent his head spinning, yet he kept grinning, floating atop cloud nine.

Everything was too much in the ring, that was for sure. But he wouldn't give it up for the world. He drowned in the feeling, the power and relished in the way the spotlight shined down on him. It was home, a comfort.

A place he belonged.

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The night had finally wound down, crowds dispersing and money quickly exchanged, yet Changbin still felt the adrenaline rushing through his veins. His skin buzzed, thirsty for more as he headed down the desolate street with little care. It was always like this after a big fight, the hunger for something extra battling out with the knowledge of secrecy. If he could, Changbin would be bathed in red, letting his rage fly unrestrained, but he knew better than to give into the temptation.

He'd seen others like him do it, watched with hidden jelousy as they released the beast hidden away inside. It always seemed so freeing, so natural. But it never ended well for them. There was a reason Oni's were so rare, so powerful. If one lost even the slightest bit of control they never got it back, drifting in a sea of lust and rage. Back in the Heian period, when monarchs ruled the world, it was easy to evade capture. Oni's could freely torment and enrage citizens across the land with little punishment. But in modern Korea, it was much harder to evade detection.

So Changbin settled for the momentary rush, enough to feed his inner demon and settle it with whatever humanity remained in his mind. Looking down at his hands, he could still see the faded blood that had tainted his skin, his muscles tensing in memory. An abrupt yell cut through his reminiscent thoughts, his fists clenching as he turned towards the dark alleyway before him. Within a second, another yell came, louder and more urgent prompting the stalky man to swiftly head down the pavement.

The scene was hard to make out at first when he arrived, two figures scuffled together and nearly hidden behind the building. As soon as one of them fell though, it was easy to see the situation. A female, much smaller than the assailant, stumbled back as a fist hit her face, hands reflexively reaching up towards her nose. The man immediately moved forward, a slight limp to his left leg and he snarled. "You bitch, I'm gonna make you regret that-"

Quickly, Changbin moved closer, fist already flying and clipping the man across the jaw upon his first step. The punk stumbled back, clearly taken off guard. His arm moved to swing back, but Changbin was already approaching, familiar grin taking place of the previously bored expression. "What the fuck man, whats your problem-"

Another punch against his nose shut the whiney complaints of the boy, his breath leaving his body as a knee joined the assault. "Sorry what was that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of me kicking your ass."

Changbin raised his leg, launching the heavy boot out and up at the mans chest, making him stumble accross the pavement. Behind him, he could hear the girl stumbling to her feet, but he didn't stop. he kicked again, nearly laughing as the man tried to sit up. "Fuck are you doing man? I'll fucking kill you."

The pair backed further towards the alley opening, a small bit of light shining down on the rat-like man beneath Changbins foot. "Yeah? You think you can kill me? A little fucker like you?" He leaned closer, stepping just enough out of the shadows to show his face, blood once again splattered against his skin as he grinned even wider. "Try me."

The man below froze, eyes widening unnaturally as all fight left his body. Changbin could feel his eyes glowing, teeth threatening to breech his lips as the canines extened. "What the-" the frantic sound of scrambling legs filled the air as the assailant tried to stand up, a wet spot forming in his pants the closer Changbin became. "You- Fuck! You're a fucking monster." With piss-stained pants and a bloodied body, he finally scrambled off into the street, leaving the Oni grinning in satisfaction.

After making sure he was actually gone, and calming the raging demon who demanded a better fight, Changbin turned around to the girl before him. It wouldn't be his first time comforting someone after a similar situation. The interactions were always filled with more tears than he was comfortable with but like always he would help her home just to be polite. This time, his heart stuttered upon first glance. There were no tears on the womans face, her body shaking but it wasn't from fear like usual. No she was mad.

Her entire body quivered in rage as she stared out the alleyway behind Changbin, her eyes unnaturally dark and her bloodied fists clenched to her sides. There was blood streaked across her face, slowly dripping from her nose as she tried to wipe it away. Gods, she was gorgeous. All words left his brain as he buffered, staring at the art piece before him with a dumb, gawked expression.

"What are you looking at?"

Shit even your voice was breathtaking. "Sorry, you just got a little," He choked out, motioning to his nose with his hands. "Here." Pulling out a relatively clean cloth from his jacket, he held it out to you.

You paused, glancing down at the cloth and back at him a few times before taking it. After a few moments, you pulled it away and nodded. "Thanks."

Changbin could only dumbly nod, still staring at you like a drunk teenager. It wasn't until you shifted back, clearly uncomfortable that he jolted up, taking a few steps of distance himself and trying to get some semblance of a polite smile. "Are you okay? Did you know him?"

"I'm fine," You nearly hissed, clearly still on edge from the whole night. Your face ached, but you didn't dare faulter before the stranger, especially with how quickly he had just dismantled the other man. "Just an ex who got a bit too handsy."

The shorter man huffed, keeping his face clear of the obvious bloodlust brewing under his skin. Maybe he should have pummeled the boy a little more before he let him go. "Do you need help getting back home? I've got a car not too far-"

Quickly, you held your hand up. "No thank you. I can get home just fine."

Changbin tilted his head, watching your sway lightly as you tried to keep your pain hidden. "Really? It wouldn't be a problem. Let me help you."

You visibly stepped back as Changbin shifted, fist gripping the bloodied towel like a sword. "No offense, but I don't know you. Thanks for the assist and all, but I've had one hell of a night and I don't think getting in a strangers car is going to be a good end to it."

Embarrassment coloured the mans cheeks as you stated your point, mentally slapping himself for being so narrowly focus. "Shit, right sorry. That makes sense."

At his easy admission, your body relaxed the smallest amount, having fully prepared for him to push and for you to have to run again. Instead, the mysterious dark haired man took a step back himself, putting a comfortable distance before you two and looking properly guilty. "Do you need money for a taxi?"

The heavy weight from the nights match burned in his pocket as Changbin asked, dreams of splendors on BBQ drifting away at the offer but you were quick to shake your head. "It's not too far."

Humming, the two of you fell into a tense silence, neither moving. "Can you," You cleared your throat, shifting uncomfortably. "Can you leave first, please."

Changbins head jolted, eyes wide as he looked towards the alley opening with red cheeks. "Right! Sorry!" He scrambled to move forward, almost tripping as he did.

Behind, a smile twitched and you covered your mouth with your sleeve to hide the laughter threatening to escape. It was a complete 180 to his earlier stance, all the confident macho energy bleeding into a stumbling faun. Sort of cute if not immensely surprising, contrasting in a way you didn't expect to see from the mysterious midnight saviour.

From in front, Changbin cursed himself for the absolute fool he was acting like. This was Jisung levels of foolery and it mentally killed him to ever imagine being in the same catagory. He was supposed to be the cool one, Mr. Smooth. Yet there he was, choking on his spit and buffering like a scratched CD. The two of you awkwardly exited the alley, Changbin looking back one last time just to make sure you were there. Your feet moved slowly, scraping with each step, yet you stood tall. Keeping your shoulders straight and body ready for any sudden movements. The entire show of power made him want to bundle you up into his arms and keep you away from the pain.

"Thank you again." You suddenly called out, a dim blush of embarrassment colouring your cheeks. The man glanced back, the smile on his face making him look much more like an innocent rabbit compared to before.

"My pleasure. Couldn't just leave you to deal with that asshole alone."

You nodded, looking away from his adorable smile as your skin warmed. "Yeah... Well, bye." You willed your exhausted legs to shuffle quicker, turning right abruptly to escape before your hardened expression combusted.

"Wait! I never got your name!" He called out frantically behind you, waving his arm.

Looking back, you cheekily smiled. "I never gave it."

He huffed, "I'm Changbin!"

You finally laughed, quickly turning around to make your escape. "Nice to meet you Changbin. Maybe next time."

And with that you left, leaving him wide eyed and breathless, a new type of determination building. Next time. There was going to be a next time.

──── ୨୧ ────

Fate seemed to have a sense of humour. A bad one.

It had been weeks since Changbin had rescued you in that dark alleyway, yet despite his countless roaming walks along the streets and his purposeful attendance of the nearby coffee shops he had yet to even catch a whiff of your perfume. Everytime he came back to his house with another overpriced coffee and frustrated expression Hyunjin burst into laughter.

It was starting to become frustrating, but he couldn't bring himself to stop trying. There was something different about you, something that pulled him. Maybe it was the way you faced your attacker, or the strength you stood with afterwards. It was more than just a physical attraction to a pretty face, something primal that left him begging for more. He had to meet you again before it drove him insane.

At the start of the third week, Changbin was at his limit, the punching bag swinging roughly before him with each slam of frustration, groaning and threatening to collapse. "You're gonna kill that thing." The smug and frankly unwelcome voice of a certain artist overpowered the blasting music, leaning against the door as the poor bag continued to be abused.

"Maybe it deserves it."

Hyunjin rolled his eyes, "Whats with you, Binnie? Over one girl that you met for less than five minutes? Calm down."

The man didn't listen though, fists flying even faster as he refused to look at his friends smug expression. If he did, Changbin couldn't guarantee his face wouldn't take the place of the bag. "I told you, something about her was different."

Hyunjin huffed, "She was bloody. You already told me. Don't you think this may be a reaction from your demon part more than you? I mean come on, Binnie. You haven't been to a fight in weeks. You're going nuclear."

Jumping forward, the skinny man stopped the bag, masking a pained noise as Changbins fist landed one last punch. "Look at yourself." Hyunjins expressed softened from teasing to genuine worry as he pointed towards the mirrored wall. Turning, the smaller man froze at the reflection staring back at him. Eyes a glowing dark crimson and teeth elongated painfully, Changbin looked far from human. His Oni features had slipped out against his knowledge, that low buzz beneath his skin tripling at the sight.

Behind him, Hyunjin held out his phone. "Go to a fight, tonight. Before it consumes you." And with that the man was gone, slipping out just as suddenly as he arrived, leaving Changbin standing alone and confused with the underground chat pulled up and unanswered on his phone. A heavy decision weighing him down.

──── ୨୧ ────

The underground ring was just as chaotic as he remembered, filled with an onslaught of disgusting scents and sounds that made his head spin. In a way it was comforting, a breath of fresh air compared to the chaotic frantic nature of the last few weeks. That same familiar buzz beneath his skin pulsed with the crowd. After everything he needed this and the manager was more than happy to have his favourite bloodthirsty fighter for the night.

"Feel free to go all out," The slimy man grinned widely, inhuman. "I scored a couple of ring doctors tonight. Young kids, desperate for a quick buck but they're reliable." The managers hands spun around in the air as he talked, hyping up the fight to an obviously disinterested Changbin.

All he wanted was a fight, and if the manager wanted bloody then so be it he'd give it to him.

His opponent was definately bigger than last time, towering over Changbins shorter form but that only made his grin widen as the two met in the ring. There was something even more exhilerating about beating someone who so obviously thought they could win, who looked down on him like he was nothing. This fight was going to taste so sweet.

The bells barely registered before Changbin was throwing his fist out, desperate to hear that sweet sound of bone against bone. His knuckes dug painfully into the mans jaw, side stepping and letting his other fist fly with reckless abandon. The older man stumbled, clearly not expecting the power behind his hits, trying to dodge and regain any semblance of balance before Changbin could advance. He too tried to launch forward, but Changbin was in a world of his own, dancing with the dazed music of his blood rushing.

The crowd cheered when the smaller man landed an uppercut, gasping when the opponent finally landed one of his own. But Changbin only smiled, teeth bloody and proud. The two exchanged hits periodically, a dangerous dance of blooming bruises and broken bones. He could feel the ache against his skin, screaming with each hit given and taken, but he couldn't dare stop. Not when it felt so right. Not when his body craved the chaos, on fire beneath the blood coating it. He needed it all, needed more.

The large man before Changbin had already started to faulter, unable to dodge the barrage of punches, but he didn't stop. The usual restraint was gone, replaced by something hungry for more. The crowd screamed in excitement as Changbin kept advancing, ignoring the man as he fell to the ground and moved to try and sit up. He coudn't hear anything beyond his own body, something dark climbing to the surface with each second. Teeth sharpening against the hard plastic mouth guard, his nails elongating and digging into the palms of his hands. He couldn't stop, not when the man cried out, not when he began to slip away. Changbin had to finish it.

This was his destiny, consumed by the raging Oni inside.

A sudden smell cut through the iron filled haze as Changbin slammed his fists against the man below, filling every sense and providing a brief relief from the stench of violence. It was something lighter, more natural. Something familar. Within those few seconds of clarity the ring-master had jumped in, taking the sudden break as a signal to count and inadvertantly stopping Changbin from landing the final blow.

The crowd cheered as the final number was called, but Changbin couldn't move, paralyzed with the scent still reeling through his mind. He didn't feel the pairs of hands gripping his arms, pullin him back. Didn't feel the way they guided and dumped him into his decrepit changing room. It was all a blur, body dazed between demon and human. He could still feel his claws dug into his flesh, heavy huffs escaping from over-grown canines. No matter how much he tried to fight back to reality he couldn't seem to get a grip, spiralling further and further as the bloodlust clawed against his control.

A low demonic growl escaped, sending him punching the mirror before him, inadvertently masking the sound of the door opening and blinding himself to the other person until they gasped. Within seconds Changbin turned around, teeth bared only to be assaulted by an all too familiar scent and your wide eyes. Like a scolded cat, he immediately stopped, frozen in a wide eyed stare-off.

"What the f-" Like a bolt of lightning he was up, covering your mouth with wide eyes and frantically shaking his head. You gulped, unnatural red eyes staring down at you but unlike the fearful display before, all malice had melted away from them leaving a guilty, scolded look instead.

"Please don't" Changbin squeaked out, too shocked to notice the change in his Oni form. His muscled tensed as footsteps approached, stopping just outside the once again closed door.

"Hey, did you need something?"

The two of you shared a small back and forth, your eyes looking down at the hand across your mouth while raising your brow and him shaking his head. Whining, you moved to bite the bloodied flesh but Changbin was quick to pull back. With baited breath he waited for you to reply. "All good, just dropped the med kit." You moved the metal back and forth, mimicking the sound of cleaning up a mess as the person outside shifted.

"The Beast okay? Boss wants to give him his half."

You looked over at Changbin, then back at the door. "He's fine, just has to be patched. Tell Sleezeball to give me a few minutes."

Relief washed over the buff man as the person outside grumbled and walked away, leaving just to two of you and a lot of unspoken questions. Neither of you dared to move, waiting for the other to jump. Changbins nose twitched as a trickle of blood dripped down his face, but he kept his eyes on you as your body tensed. Within seconds, you sighed. "Sit down."

Guided, he listened and sat back down on the chair in confusion. Your body moved slowly towards him, hesitant before you placed the med kit down and began to rummage. From here, he could drown in the smell of your perfume, an odd comfort against the thick iron air. Once again, silence stifled as you began to clean the gashes littering his face, gently guiding the antiseptic wipes and placing butterfly strips against the thicker wounds. It wasn't until you dared to move to his hands, those litered with the gaping holes left behind by his claws that he began to speak. "Why are you doing this?"

You hummed, grabbing another wipe and avoiding his eyes. "It's my job."

He glared, opening his hand wider to show the damage. "You know what I meant."

Your hands never stopped working even as you stood in silence, trying to come up with an answer yourself. What you had walked into was impossible to explain, any chance of it being an elaborate special effect washed away by the wounds you were healing. So why were you still there? Why hadn't you ran away screaming about demons and blood?

"Maybe," Changbins ears perked up, "Maybe because I can still see the dumb idiot who saved me." Placing down the wipes, you grabbed hold of the gauze and began to expertly wrap his palms. "Maybe I'm still blinded by the idiot who screamed his name into the dead of night with his hands high in the air like a child."

Changbins skin glowed. "You remember?"

You hummed, eyes still focused on the task. "I can't explain what I saw, and logically I should be running for the hills, but maybe I want to know more about the other sides of my saviour."

Changbins breath hitched, hope battling with self-loathing as he leaned closer to your touch subconsiously. "I looked for you," His eyes flittered at the gentle nature of your fingers. "Everyday. I wanted to meet you again, learn your name, learn who you were."

The well practiced motions dwindled to a hault as you finally looked up into Changbins eyes, the red washed away to a familar brown. "You did?"

"Drove my friend crazy." His admission garnered a laugh, slightly water as your shoulder relaxed.

"I can imagine so." A more comfortable atmosphere fell over the room as you both laughed, hands mindlessly packing up the med kit and disposing of the bloodied supplies.

"Do you still want to?" Changbins sudden question had you pausing, a tilt of your head to signal him to continue. "You know, get to know the other side of me."

Those few seconds of contemplation nearly killed Changbin before you hummed again, "I think I would." turning around, you began to shuffle towards the door. "My names ___, by the way." You looked over your shoulder with a soft grin.