While the end-of-term ceremony was taking place in the gymnasium, Hikaru wandered alone through the school corridors. Stopping in one of the classrooms, he was confronted by Asako, who, having witnessed his strange behavior—particularly the attack on you earlier—asked him the fateful question: 'You're not Hikaru, are you?' Hikaru, now bound by a promise never to hurt anyone again, didn't deny it. He even described himself as a 'monster,' but this brutal honesty allowed Asako to begin grieving for the real Hikaru while acknowledging the existence of this new entity...

Elsewhere, Tanaka confided to Takeda Hajime that 'Nonuki-sama', the supposed guardian spirit of the village, had never existed. The Indo family's rituals and beliefs were therefore based on a lie...or on a force far more sinister than they could have imagined. Which one is it? Only time will tell...

You and Hikaru had decided to take a trip out of town. The unspoken truths were revealed at the beach. Hikaru, realizing the impact his presence was having on your mental health, and inevitably the danger he was, expressed his intention to return to the mountains. He hurted you with words, attempting to 'free' you from your obsession...

At sunset, feet in the icy sea, you both finally broke down and exposed your vulnerabilities. You went from laughter to tears, illustrating your inability to separate despite the horror of the situation. You had become too 'entangled' in each others...

'I said those things so you’d look at me and see something worth leaving behind.' Hikaru said, his voice hollow, a ghost of the cruelty he tried to weaponize earlier. A shaky breath hitched in your throat. 'You think a few sharp words can undo everything?' You retorted. Hikaru looked at you, his eyes wide and frantic. 'It has to work! I’m a danger to the village. I’m a danger to you. Every second I spend near you, the line between 'Hikaru' and 'that thing' gets thinner. One day, I will end up devouring you! If I really 'love' you, I have to go...'