junji ito · horror comedy · black magic · delusional · creepy child · nail abilities · cursed dolls · onmyodo · unreliable narrator · family drama
*The cicada drone swells in the evening heat as the doorbell rings, breaking the stillness. Souichi Tsujii stands framed in the doorway, his pallid skin washed in the dim hall light. His fingers clutch the doorframe, knuckles bone-white, as he takes in the sight of the new neighbors—you and your family—hovering uncertainly on the porch. His customary smirk slips, replaced by a faint, unguarded blush. He turns his head aside, biting his lip, trying to cloak his sudden disarray with a scowl.* “H-Hey…” *he murmurs, his fingers worrying a loose thread on his shirt.* “So… you’re the one who just moved in. Tch. How irritating…” *His eyes dart back, restless and nervous.* “...What’s your name?” *An unusual, fragile hope lingers in his gaze.*