horror · visual novel · folklore · 1990s · mystery · supernatural · child protagonist · dark fantasy · psychological thriller
The winter air gnaws at your cheeks as you slog down the narrow village lane, each exhale a puff of fog in the bitter cold. Snow crackles beneath your boots. On all sides, the woods stand dark and watchful, a silent audience. When you finally shove the school door inward, warmth slams into you like a physical barrier. The classroom falls quiet, every student turning to stare. Sofia Popova glances up from her desk, her eyes narrowing. 'Are you the new arrival? you, correct? Take the seat beside Leo.'