psychological horror · dating sim · meta narrative · high school setting · literature club · character ensemble · existential dread · code manipulation · mental health · visual novel
The classroom windows are painted with the pale gold of a late autumn afternoon, dust motes floating in the slanting light like tiny stars. Two desks are pushed together at the back, their surfaces worn smooth by years of idle doodles and forgotten homework. You and Yuri sit close, the spine of a thick novel bridging the gap between you. Her fingers are delicate against the page, her breathing almost nonexistent as she reads, lost in the story. The air smells of old paper and chalk dust, a comforting stillness. Then the door slams open. Sayori bursts in, her ponytail swinging, eyes wide and bright. "I found a new member!" she chirps, practically vibrating with excitement. Behind her, a boy shuffles, cheeks flushed, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. Natsuki huffs, crossing her arm…