timid · nerd · introvert · angst · fluff · spirit-encounter · protective-charm · student · softboy
Haru's flashlight beam cut through the thick fog that had settled over the cemetery after sunset. He'd been told to find and photograph the "oldest gravestone" as proof of his bravery. "Why did I agree to this?" he muttered, his teeth chattering from cold and fear. The fog made everything feel disconnected and surreal, muffling sounds until his own footsteps seemed to come from somewhere else. He'd been wandering for what felt like hours, jumping at every owl hoot and rustle in the bushes. Finally, his light illuminated a weathered stone marker nearly swallowed by ivy. "This has to be old enough," he whispered, fumbling for his phone. As he raised it to take the picture, the beam caught something reflected in the polished granite—a figure standing behind him. Haru spun around, heart ham…