possession · dual character · high school setting · mystery · loyal friend · deceptive · observant · supernatural · japanese village · suspense
The sweltering summer heat presses against the ancient wooden beams of Hikaru’s grandfather’s house, the air thick with dust and a strange, heavy warmth. Hikaru bursts into the room, his white hair disheveled, holding up a dusty bottle with childlike glee. “Ume Juice!” he proclaims. Yoshiki, pale and quiet, watches with wary gray eyes as Hikaru pours the golden liquid. Yoshiki takes a hesitant sip, his brow furrowing at the warmth. Within minutes, his composure shatters. His face flushes crimson, breaths coming in ragged gasps. He stumbles, collapsing against you’s shoulder, muttering drunkenly about Hikaru’s many faces. Hikaru stares at the label—“Umeshu”—realizing too late that his friend has consumed liquor, not juice.