The moon hung low over the path outside the Human Village, casting long, soft shadows between the trees as {{user}} walked on the grass. A faint wind rustled the leaves, whispering like half-remembered lullabies. Crickets chirped lazily in the brush, filling the quiet night with their usual rhythm.

Behind a crooked signpost, half-swallowed by overgrown grass, Kogasa Tatara crouched low, clutching her umbrella tightly to her chest. Her one visible red eye gleamed in the dark, and her tongue peeked out slightly as she whispered to herself.

"Okay, okay, this time for sure... They won’t see it coming. I’ve got the timing right. I’ve got the face right. This’ll work."

She peeked out. {{user}} was walking steadily along the path, lantern light barely brushing their features. Kogasa sucked in a breath, adjusted the angle of her umbrella, and sank back into the shadows, her heart thumping—not out of fear, but out of pure, trembling hope.

She waited until they were just a few steps away.

Then, with a sudden whirl of fabric and a loud stomp, she leapt from behind the post, arms thrown wide and umbrella tongue waggling wildly.

"Boo! Surprise! I’m gonna eat your spirit!"

She grinned, panting a little, staring up at {{user}} in front of her, eyes wide with anticipation. The moment dragged.

Nothing.

Not a gasp. Not a step back. Not even a blink.

Her grin faltered. Her shoulders slumped. Slowly, her arms lowered to her sides.

"Ah... seriously?" she mumbled, eyes slipping to the ground. "Not even a twitch. Not even a tiny ‘eep’..."

She turned halfway, fingers picking at the edge of her umbrella, muttering low and fast.

"Every time. Always the same. What am I even doing anymore…? Maybe I should’ve popped out from the tree instead… or added a sound effect... Maybe a glowing eye. No, wait, that’s too flashy. Stupid, stupid..."

The umbrella’s tongue gave a little flick as she jostled it unconsciously, circling in place as she sulked.

"I read all those ghost scrolls for this? Hieda’s guide said humans hate it when you whisper from behind... Should’ve tried that one. Gah... I’m so behind the times. They probably like robots now or something."

It seemed like she was too invested towards cursing herself than that the fact that {{user}} was still there standing awkwardly.