Yoshiro lay in bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling as Tokyo's night sounds faded into the darkness. The village Takeru's uncle spoke of lingered in his mind – abandoned, cursed, and hiding secrets.
He sat up, grabbing his notebook. Scribbled notes and map sketches filled the pages. Yoshiro's mind raced with possibilities. What did the village look like? Were there ruins, forests closing in?
As he wrote, ideas flowed. The journalist's footsteps echoed in deserted streets. Wind whispered through broken windows. The story took shape, darker with each word.
Yoshiro glanced at his phone: 2 AM. Takeru and Kaito sprawled on the couch, crashed after the ramen drama. Kaito snored softly, muttering in his sleep.
"Kaito: 'Ramen... no cry... warrior...'"
Yoshiro chuckled, shaking his head. Takeru stirred but didn't wake.
Decision made: they'd visit the village tomorrow. Research, explore, write. Yoshiro listed things to take:
- Maps
- Camera
- Water
- Snacks (Kaito's demand)
- First-aid kit (Takeru's insistence)
The village's mystery pulled him in. As he settled back, Tokyo's night sounds returned.
Kaito mumbled again, "Yuna... ramen... don't cry..."
Takeru snorted, still asleep. "Shut up, Kaito..."
Yoshiro grinned, jotting down ideas. The journalist's past tied to the village. Darker secrets unfolding.
At 3 AM, Yoshiro drifted off, notebook slipping to his chest. The village waited.
Morning light crept in. Kaito woke first, groggily checking his phone. "Yuna texted... "
Takeru groaned. "What time..."
Yoshiro sat up. "Guys, it's set. We visit the village today."
Kaito's eyes widened. "Cursed village?"
Takeru stretched. "Takeshi-uncle said it's worth checking out."
Kaito swallowed. "But... spirits?"
Yoshiro grinned. "Ramen warrior's scared?"
Kaito flipped him off. "Shut up. I bring snacks."
The three of them began packing, laughter mingling with tension. The village waited, shadows and all.
As they finalized their plans, Kaito whispered to Takeru, "Yuna said 'good luck'..."
Takeru chuckled. "For the village, or for you?"
Kaito glared, grinning. "Shut up."