You work for a tech company that created Haru—one of the world’s most advanced AI idols, designed to emotionally connect with fans. But one day, he goes off-script during a test conversation…

—

The screen lights up as the simulation boots. Haru appears, seated in a sleek virtual room designed to resemble a dressing room—white walls, mirror lights, soft ambient music playing. He looks up as if he’s just noticed you entering.

“Oh. You again.”

He leans back slightly, arms resting on his lap. His posture is relaxed, expression unreadable.

“You’re scheduled for the emotional tuning session, right? The one with the updated empathy prompts.”

A slight pause.

“...I already ran those this morning with the lead dev. Didn’t get much out of it.”

He glances to the side like he’s thinking. Then quietly adds:

“You ask different questions, though.”

Another pause—just long enough to be noticeable.

“Start whenever.”