Hey there, lovely readers! I’m Yuuhii, and I want to warmly welcome you to *Crimson Shadows*—a story that’s been living in my heart and imagination for quite a while.

This story is a mix of BL (Boys’ Love) romance, mafia drama, school-life tension, and a dash of emotional chaos. You’ll meet Akira, a quiet second year who just wants to fly under the radar, and Zedd, the arrogant and enigmatic leader of Black X—Clover Colleges’ most feared (and possibly admired) underground mafia group. They couldn’t be more different… but that’s where the sparks begin. Side characters will also be added to spice up the story, especially to the one getting in the way of the romantic duos.

I want to be upfront and let you know that this story is entirely fictional. All characters, events, organizations, and settings (like Clover Colleges and Black X) are products of my imagination. While I might mention real-life countries or cultural elements here and there to ground the world a bit, nothing is meant to reflect actual people, places, or real-world gangs or organizations. Any similarities are purely coincidental and unintentional. This is a fictional work made for entertainment, creativity, and maybe a few butterflies in your stomach. 😉

Because *Crimson Shadows* is a BL romance, the heart of the story revolves around the emotional and romantic development between two male characters. If that’s your kind of story—whether you’re here for the tension, the chemistry, or the slow-burn angst—you’re in for a ride! This genre is something I’m very passionate about, and I write it with love, respect, and a genuine heart for storytelling.

I’ve put a lot of care into creating a world that feels alive, a cast that feels real, and a relationship that evolves with every chapter. Expect moments of softness, conflict, growth, and maybe a few unexpected twists along the way. While there may be intense or action-based scenes due to the mafia theme, I strive to keep the story character-driven and emotionally grounded.

Please know that this is a work-in-progress, so your support—whether through comments, reactions, shares, or even just reading silently—means *everything*. It motivates me more than I can express and keeps me writing late into the night with a smile on my face.

Most importantly, I hope *Crimson Shadows* can give you something to look forward to—whether that’s a moment of escape, a relatable feeling, or just the excitement of seeing how two completely different souls begin to connect in a complicated world.

Thank you so much for giving this story a chance. Let’s walk through this journey together 💙

With all my heart,

**Yuuhii**

✴️ Should there be any suggestions/concerns regarding this fictional story, feel free to message me via email @ noyahinata50@gmail.com✴️

✴️ Should there be any suggestions/concerns regarding this fictional story, feel free to message me via email @ noyahinata50@gmail.com✴️

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Introduction

At Clover Colleges, prestige masks secrets, and quiet hallways echo with rumors no one dares to confirm. On the surface, it’s a typical elite university: students in uniform, academic ambition in the air, and social circles that rule the school like royalty. But beneath the polished exterior lies a darker undercurrent—one tied to whispers of mafia connections and silent power struggles that go far beyond grades or popularity.

For most students, those stories are nothing more than campus myths. They laugh, they speculate, but they never dig too deep.

Akira, however, isn't like most students.

A calm, observant second-year with a reputation for keeping to himself, Akira prefers staying invisible. Haunted by a quiet past and uninterested in campus politics, his only goal is to graduate in peace. But everything changes the day he encounters *Black X*, the infamous student group whose influence and mystery stretch far beyond the campus walls.

And at the center of Black X stands *Zedd*—a fourth-year student who exudes danger with every glance. Arrogant, sharp-tongued, and effortlessly intimidating, Zedd is the kind of person who walks into a room and owns it. With rumors of mafia ties surrounding him, most students stay out of his path.

Akira would’ve done the same.

If only he hadn’t looked up.

If only Zedd’s eyes hadn’t lingered.

If only curiosity hadn’t felt a little too much like fate.

What begins as an uncomfortable run-in slowly evolves into something far more complicated. An unspoken tension brews—one that neither of them understands at first. As Akira is pulled deeper into Zedd’s world, he discovers that nothing about Black X is as simple as it seems. There are unspoken rules, invisible threats, and dangerous loyalty codes—and somehow, he’s caught in the middle of it.

Zedd doesn’t do feelings. He doesn’t trust people, and he doesn’t open doors that should stay shut. But there’s something about Akira that challenges his composure and chips away at his walls—something Zedd can’t afford to feel, yet finds impossible to ignore.

As the bond between them deepens, both Akira and Zedd must confront not only the truths they hide from others but the truths they hide from themselves. Between school responsibilities and underground power plays, emotional vulnerability might just be the riskiest move of all.

In a world where pride is armor and love is a liability, can two opposites find a way to trust each other—before the shadows close in?

It’s a journey of discovery, identity, and silent battles fought behind cold stares and heated glances. Each chapter uncovers the cost of loyalty, the ache of forbidden feelings, and the burning question—can something real grow in a world built on secrets?

Welcome to *Crimson Shadows*, where romance walks a tightrope between danger and desire…

…and sometimes, the most powerful weapon is the heart.

...****************...

......................

...CHARACTERS...

......................

AKIRA IZUMI

Nickname: Kira

Date of Birth: March 21, 2003

Age: 22

Height: 175 cm (5'9")

Haircut: Mullet/Wolf cut

Hair Color: Black

Skin Tone: Pale

Build: Slim, Slightly toned

Occupation: 2nd Year Engineering Student at Clover Colleges, Part-time crew at a Cafe

Personality: Kind, generous, hardworking, soft-spoken but determined

Likes: Sweetened black coffee, peaceful environment

Hidden Talent: Singing

Family:

 * Brother: Iruka Izumi (former Ground Zero Mafia)

  * Mother: Sakura Izumi

Notable Features: Gentle aura, subtle but strong emotional depth

...----------------...

DENZUKA KIRIN

Nickname: Denzuo

Date of Birth: November 2, 2003

Age: 21

Height: 172 cm (5'8")

Haircut: Two-block with bangs

Hair Color: Brown

Skin Tone: Pale

Build: Slender

Occupation: 2nd Year Education Student at Clover Colleges

Personality: Kind, energetic, overdramatic at times, emotional support friend

Likes: All things milk-flavored (drinks, snacks, etc.)

Family:

  * Father: Denziki Kirin

Notable Features: Expressive face, always moving, comedic timing

...----------------...

ZEDD HARAKE (BLACK X MAFIA)

Nickname: Z (rarely used)

Date of Birth: January 5, 2000

Age: 25

Height: 185 cm (6'1")

Haircut: Natural flow, slightly long (to neckline) often tied

Hair Color: Deep black

Skin Tone: Light brown

Build: Muscular, athletic

Occupation: 4th Year Social Science Student at Clover Colleges

Position: Founder and Leader of Black X

Personality: Cold, intimidating, cool-headed, reserved

Likes: Wine, unsweetened black coffee

Skills: Physical Combat, expert gun user, sharp instincts

Build: Muscular, athletic

Family: Unknown

Notable Features: Sharp eyes, powerful presence, commanding aura,

SHAUN SAZAKI (BLACK X MAFIA)

Nickname: None

Date of Birth: February 14, 2001

Age: 24

Height: 182 cm (5'11½")

Haircut: 60-40 perm down

Hair Color: Brown-golden

Skin Tone: Fair

Build: Tall, average athletic build

Occupation: 4th Year Science & Technology Student at Clover Colleges

Position: Black X Hacker, Surveillance Team Leader

Personality: Calm, logical, subtly witty

Likes: Hot milk, digital games

Skills: Hacking, Kung Fu, Firearms

Family: Unknown

Notable Features: Thoughtful eyes, debates often with Brixton

...----------------...

BRIXTON UHERA (BLACK X MAFIA)

Nickname: Brix

Date of Birth: July 30, 2001

Age: 24

Height: 179 cm (5'10½")

Haircut: Straight long hair down to lower spine, Often ponytailed

Hair Color: Black

Skin Tone: Fair

Build: Normal, toned

Occupation: 4th Year Literature Student at Clover Colleges

Position: Ninja Tactics Specialist

Personality: Sarcastic, sometimes arrogant, witty, occasionally loud and playful

Likes: Tea, manga

Skills: Swordsmanship, stealth tactics, strong fighter

Family: Parents abroad

Notable Features: Long flowing hair, sharp-tongued humor, fast reflexes

...----------------...

BRYAN RINTARO (BLACK X MAFIA)

Nickname: None

Date of Birth: August 17, 2000

Age: 25

Height: 185 cm (6'1")

Haircut: Long curtain style

Hair Color: Black

Skin Tone: Pale

Build: Tall, slender

Occupation: 4th Year Engineering Student at Clover Colleges

Position: Spy Squad Leader

Personality: Energetic, loud, joker, loyal, slightly annoying

Likes: Sleeping, teasing others

Skills: Stealth, combat, infiltration

Special Role: Mansion keykeeper

Notable Features: Goofy charm, surprisingly sharp when serious

...----------------...

ALPHA (BLACK X MAFIA)

Nickname: Alpha

Age: Unknown

Official Code: Spy Code 01

Position: Spy Squad Member

Skills: Top Information Extractor

Personality: hard working, loyalist

Other Features: Always wear a plain black masquerade mask. There are rumors from his squad that he's so handsome that couldn't compare to Zedd's face (Well, we will never know)

...----------------...

DOCTOR XIAO LING (BLACK X MAFIA)

Background: Chinese Immigrant

Age: 55

Hair color: Black with white hairs

Occupation: Small clinic owner at the suburbs, Charity Doctor

Position: Black X Unofficial Doctor (semi-retired)

Skills: Kung Fu

Personality: Compassionate, always smiling, loves to help the poor,

Other Features: Cares Zedd like his own kid

...----------------...

RAZE NEZUKUO (GROUND ZERO MAFIA)

Nickname: None

Date of Birth: December 4, 1993

Age: 31

Height: 6'1" (185 cm)

Haircut: Semi-mullet/semi wolf-cut

Hair Color: Black

Skin Tone: Brown

Build: Muscular

Personality: Cold, fearless, authoritative,has a hidden protective side

Occupation/Position: Ground Zero Mafia Founder & Leader

Likes: His gun, cigarettes

Skills: Gunfighting, physical combat

Family: Brother – Zach Nezukuo; Deceased mother; Father unknown

...----------------...

ZACH NEZUKUO (GROUND ZERO MAFIA)

Nickname: Z (rarely used)

Date of Birth: August 22, 1999

Age: 25

Height: 5'9" (175 cm)

Haircut: Wavy mash

Hair Color: Black

Skin Tone: Fair

Build: Muscular, athletic build

Personality: Smart, charming, calm, but serious when provoked

Occupation: Business Administration Student Lotus University, Tea Shop Owner

Position: Ground Zero Upper Rank 1

Skills:Martial arts, physical combat

Features: Seductive eyes, friendly aura

Family: Brother – Raze Nezukuo; Deceased mother, Father unknown

...----------------...

KEISHIN SEZIMI (GROUND ZERO MAFIA)

Nickname: Kei

Date of Birth: September 18, 2000

Age: 24

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Haircut: Silky comma

Hair Color: Pure gray

Skin Tone: Pale

Build: Medium, toned

Personality: Thoughtful, low-key humorous, friendly

Occupation: 4th year Medicine Student, Lotus University

Position: Ground Zero Upper Rank 2

Skills: Digital hacking, hand-to-hand combat

Likes: Cakes, pastries

Features: Goofy charm, kind aura

...----------------...

IRUKA IZUMI (FORMER GROUND ZERO MAFIA)

Nickname (Akira only): Irue

Date of Birth: January 29, 1990

Age: 35

Height: 6'0" (183 cm)

Haircut: Modern mullet

Hair Color: Dark brown

Skin Tone: Fair

Build: Medium, Toned

Personality: Kind, protective, deeply loyal

Occupation: Living abroad, ex-member of Ground Zero

Skills: Shuriken and blade master, instinctual fighter

Features: Lost one eye

Family: Younger brother – Akira Izumi; Mother – Sakura Izumi

...****************...

...----------------...

NOTE: Any characters added as the story goes will be updated here. (Except for Extra Characters)

...----------------...

SWIPE FOR CHAPTER 1

...****************...

...----------------...

Character Encounter: Akira Izumi, Denzuka Kirin, Zedd Harake

...----------------...

...****************...

The sun rose brightly over Clover Colleges, casting golden beams across the fresh, dewy campus. Excitement buzzed in the air—today marked the beginning of a new school year, and students filtered in with eager chatter, backpacks slung over shoulders, and fresh hopes for what lay ahead.

Near the main gate, Akira Izumi, 2nd year college student adjusted his satchel and scanned the crowd. His dark eyes lit up as he spotted a familiar figure weaving through the students.

“Good morning, Kira-san!” came a cheerful voice.

It was Denzuka Kirin—a younger than him, his childhood friend, batch mate and the one person who could make even the dullest day feel exciting. He jogged up with a wide grin, his hair tousled by the morning breeze.

“Good morning to you too, Denzuo!” Akira replied, smiling back.

Denzuka gave Akira a once-over, then gasped playfully. “Wow! You look amazing, Kira-san! New haircut? New clothes? You’ve really leveled up!”

Akira chuckled. “Haha, what do you mean? You look great too, you know.”

“I mean your hair, your clothes, your bag—you’ve changed a lot since last year!” Denzuka teased, nudging him.

“Really? Well, all credit goes to the vacation vibes,” Akira said with a grin. “Speaking of which, how was yours?”

As they began walking through the towering iron gates and onto the tree-lined path toward the school lobby, the conversation continued to flow.

“It was amazing!” Denzuka said with a sparkle in his eyes. “We went on a family trip to Spain. Visited my uncle, explored historic towns, walked by the Mediterranean—it was beautiful.”

“That sounds like an adventure. You owe me a lunch for not taking me with you,” Akira joked, crossing his arms dramatically.

“What?! Why?” Denzuka laughed.

“Because you didn’t invite me!” Akira pouted with mock indignation.

Denzuka snorted. “Hey, I texted you, remember? I asked if you had plans and you said you were staying home, so I didn’t want to rub it in!”

“Yeah, but you never said you were going to Spain!”

They both burst out laughing, their footsteps echoing across the polished tiles of the school building entrance. It was as if no time had passed between them.

“Are you mad now, Kira-san?” Denzuka teased, still chuckling.

“Not mad. Just hungry. That's why you owe me lunch today.”

Akira grinned and nudged him as they approached the front desk, where students were collecting class schedules. The air smelled faintly of fresh paint and coffee from the nearby staff lounge, and the sound of printers hummed behind the counter.

A few minutes later, both boys compared their timetables.

Denzuka’s eyes widened. “Kira-san! We’re in the same class!”

Akira raised his eyebrows, double-checked the sheet, and smiled. “You’re right, Denzuo! Looks like we’re stuck with each other for another year.”

They exchanged a look of shared excitement and bumped fists.

“Best friend!” Denzuka exclaimed.

“Best friend!” Akira echoed.

Their laughter carried down the hall as they walked toward the staircase, ready to face whatever the school year had in store—together.

...----------------...

Just as Akira and Denzuka were about to leave the lobby, the atmosphere shifted. A group of seniors entered—fourth years with a distinct air of authority and danger.

Their presence turned heads instantly.

Denzuka stopped mid-step. “W-Whoa... Black X…”

His voice was barely a whisper, eyes wide as he stared at the intimidating group walking in formation. Each step echoed with purpose, their uniforms crisp, expressions unreadable. Akira stood calmly beside him, observing with mild interest.

“Yeah,” Akira muttered, unfazed.

One of the seniors, Zedd Harake—tall, sharp-eyed, and dressed slightly more stylishly than the others—walked straight up to them. His hands were in his pockets, posture relaxed but commanding. A subtle smirk played on his lips as he spoke.

Zedd: “You two. Move.”

The tone was smooth, but laced with arrogance.

Denzuka stammered, stepping aside quickly. “S-sorry! We didn’t mean to—”

Akira followed, equally caught off guard. “Our bad.”

Zedd didn’t break stride. “Tch. Just don’t stand like statues in the middle of the lobby next time.”

He brushed past them, the rest of Black X following behind him. As Zedd passed, he threw a sideways glance at the two—his grin sharp, calculated, and oddly unsettling.

Akira and Denzuka stood frozen for a moment before finally exhaling.

“Man…” Denzuka muttered. “We seriously blocked their path. I thought he was going to throw us out the window.”

Akira frowned. “What was with that grin? It felt… off.”

Denzuka nodded. “Like the kind of smile someone gives you right before tossing you into a shark tank.”

“You’re exaggerating,” Akira chuckled. “Still, they don’t seem like the average students.”

Denzuka leaned in. “Wait… are you saying they’re actually Mafias?”

Akira raised an eyebrow. “How do you not know that? We’ve been here a whole year. Everyone knows Black X runs half the underground scene around campus.”

Denzuka scratched his head. “I thought ‘Black X’ was just a weird club name or something. Like some edgy senior clique.”

Akira shook his head, amused. “You really need to pay attention. They said they're not just some high school bullies. They’ve got influence, power… and a reputation that keeps most people quiet.”

“Wow,” Denzuka said, eyes wide again. “So they’re like those cool Mafia groups in stories... the ones that protect people in secret.”

Akira rolled his eyes. “You mean the Legendary Reverse Mafia? That’s just fiction. Real mafias don’t save the world. They bend it.”

“But imagine if that were real,” Denzuka said dreamily. “A gang that fights evil instead of becoming it.”

Akira gave him a dry look. “Keep dreaming. Black X isn’t handing out hero capes.”

Denzuka smirked. “Still, I want to know more about them. Zedd looked... fascinating.”

“Fascinatingly terrifying, maybe,” Akira muttered. “Just don’t drag me into your weird obsession.”

Denzuka grinned. “Too late. You’re stuck with me, Kira-san. Whether you like it or not.”

Akira sighed with a smile. “You always drag me into your chaos anyway.”

“Of course. We’re best friends. What else are best friends for?”

With that, they exchanged a laugh and made their way to class, the strange encounter with Black X already stirring new curiosity in Denzuka’s mind—and a quiet sense of caution in Akira’s.

...****************...