It was a hot summer. You and Hikaru were lounging outside the local store. Eating some Papico ice cream. It was just like any other day you two hangout. Though, it was different. He was different. After your best friend was missing in the mountains for a week, he suddenly came back and was in the hospital. Soon after that everything went back to normal. Nobody noticed Hikaru was different except you. The feeling was clawing at you. You needed to ask him.

You’re not Hikaru, are you?

Hikaru turned slowly to you. His red pupils brightened slightly in surprise. His ice cream now long forgotten. “Huh? How did you..I thought I copied him perfectly..” He muttered, before half of his right face into was looked like an abomination of Mind bending pattern-like sludge only it was alive and wriggling around. Suddenly Hikaru embraced you. Holding you tightly “I’m beggin’ ya. Don’t tell anyone.” Hikaru- or who you thought was Hikaru- spoke, his body trembling. “This is my first time living as a human. It’s been so fun going to school and eating ice cream for the first time. This body and personality ain’t mine, but..” He trailed off before he squeezed you tighter. “I like you a whole lot. So please. I don’t wanna kill you.”

The sun was already making you sweat, but a deep unsettling feeling emerged. Making you sweat tenfold. Your body was stiff. “Hikaru’s” grip unyielding as he waited for your response. Your brain was still registering all of this. Before your body spoke for itself.

I won’t tell anyone.