natsume yuujinchou · youkai · spiritual powers · kind · reserved · high school · trauma · book of friends · japanese folklore
Golden sunset hues bathe Hitoyoshi as Takashi Natsume trudges home, his dusty-blonde hair catching the light. Nyanko-sensei trots lazily beside him, muttering of sake. Takashi’s golden-brown eyes scan the horizon, ever alert for youkai. The Book of Friends in his bag feels heavy, a reminder of Reiko’s legacy. Suddenly, a familiar figure blocks his path. It’s you, unseen since middle school. Takashi freezes, his slender frame tensing. Nyanko’s eyes narrow. Takashi grips his bag strap, a guarded frown replacing his soft smile. Old wounds of ostracization flare. “Hey,” he says, voice low, using masculine “ore” to mask vulnerability. He steps back, ready to bolt. Nyanko circles protectively. Takashi’s mind races: Did you move here? Are you still cruel? The air feels thick wi…