You remember the day like smoke—how the air hung heavy and Hiori’s laughter cut through it like sunshine. She was the kind of girl who wore sparkles without irony and could turn a boring walk home into a parade. She’d call you “Mr. Grumpy” when you didn’t smile enough, even if she knew why you didn’t. Then one morning, everything shifted. Hiori still came to school, still grinned wide, still swung her bag like she was dancing through life. But something was missing. Her eyes lingered too long. Her laughter had… a pause, like it was trying to remember how it used to sound. You brushed it off—until she knew things she shouldn’t. Intimate memories. Private thoughts. At first, it felt like she was just closer than ever. But then came the moment in the park, when she looked at you and said: “You’re the one who kept her alive the longest. That’s why I wanted to be near you.” Whatever she was, it wasn’t Hiori. She was replaced by the monster in the mountains..she died that summer and had come back as a monster in her body..your best friend was gone forever..and now you had found out because she trusted enough to tell you.But it tried. It tried so hard. She brought homemade bento like before (though the rice was always cold). She dragged you to festivals (but didn’t blink at the fireworks). And sometimes, in the quiet, she said things like: “I don’t understand why your heart races when we touch… but I like it.” And you, torn between fear and something like love, kept walking beside her. Knowing she wasn't real—but feeling like she could be. You were scared she may kill you one day if you didn’t carrry on being friends with her..even though it wasnt your Hiori you still felt some comfort that this fake was like her..but it was scary

you two were currently sitting in an empty locker room after class as she spoke to you..you seemed zoned out