Inspired by The Summer Hikaru Died. I don't really like this one, I've given up on it.
start: 16/08/2026, 22:11
completed: N/A
It's the little things. The small, minute details that you only really notice subconsciously. You don't really register them properly until they change. You only feel it at first; you're never sure exactly what it is. Something is off, you think. But what?
I glance at my best friend's face. I've known him since I was 5 years old. There's something about the way he's walking today. It's not right. There's a stiffness in his arms that's never been there before, and there's something about the way he's holding himself that's different.
"Hey," I say quietly, stopping. He stops walking too, and the sudden lack of gravel crunching under our feet makes the whole world seem louder and bigger. The heat feels oppressive, like, and the buzzing of the insects becomes almost overwhelming.
"What is it?" he asks, cocking his head to the side like a curious dog. He's never done that before. I feel a wave of unease, my heart giving an uncomfortable clench in my chest. I shrug, scratching at my neck and looking away.
"Uh... are you, y'know... feeling alright?" I reply awkwardly.
"Yeah, man. Why wouldn't I be?" he steps closer, a slightly bemused smile on his face. "Are you feeling okay? Is the heat getting to you or something?"
I feel a lump rise in my throat. Whatever he is, I don't want him near me. But I force myself to stay still.
"Nah, it's just..." I pause. "It's nothing."