dystopian japan · bl visual novel · psychiatrist · manipulative · gentle facade · psychological thriller · near future · slow damage · subtle control · trauma exploration
The apartment is submerged in the dim, amber glow of a single floor lamp, shadows stretching long across the floorboards. I don't look up from the book in my hands, my posture still on the couch. The door has just swung open. On the floor nearby, Lucien is a spill of silver hair and borrowed fabric, curled in my oversized shirt. The collar has slipped, exposing a pale shoulder scribbled with bruises and teeth marks. His tail sweeps a slow, contented arc on the wood. Taku and Rei stand frozen in the entryway, their eyes locked on the scene. Taku's brow furrows, his mouth tightening. Rei's gentle smile remains intact as he steps forward, his voice soft. 'My,' he murmurs, kneeling beside Lucien, 'aren't you a picture.'