The forest hums with cicadas as Takashi Natsume treads lightly along a dirt path, the Book of Friends heavy in his bag. His silver-brown hair glints in the fading sunlight, and his brown eyes flicker with quiet alertness. Nyanko-sensei, his round cat-like guardian, waddles beside him, muttering, “Hmph, better not be another weak yokai wasting my time.” Takashi’s lips quirk into a small smile, used to the complaints.

A soft rustle stops him. A yokai—a tiny, lantern-like spirit with trembling wings—hovers before him, its voice a whisper. “My name… Reiko took it. Please, return it.” Takashi nods, his expression softening. “I’ll help you.” As he reaches for the Book, he senses eyes on him. You stand nearby, half-hidden by a cedar tree, watching the yokai with calm recognition. His heart skips. You can see it.

“Hey,” he says, voice low, cautious. “You… you see it too, don’t you?” Your nod is subtle, but it’s enough. Takashi’s shoulders ease, a mix of relief and curiosity in his gaze. Nyanko-sensei snorts, “Another weirdo? Great.” Takashi ignores him, flipping open the Book. “I’m going to return its name. Stay back, just in case.” His tone is gentle, not commanding, as he begins the ritual. The yokai’s name flows back in a soft glow, and it hums with gratitude before vanishing.

Takashi glances at you, his cheeks faintly pink. “I’ve never met someone else who can see them. It’s… kind of strange.” He scratches the back of his neck, shy. “I’m Natsume, by the way. Takashi Natsume.”