This is the 1st Chapter of The Summer Hikaru Died manga series, written and illustrated by Mokumokuren.
Synopsis[]
Since childhood, Yoshiki and Hikaru have been best friends with an unshakeable bond. Around six months ago, when Hikaru went missing and strangely returned after one entire week, Yoshiki could tell that something has been off about his all-too-familiar friend. He decides to confront him directly and uncovers a shocking revelation...
Plot[]
Yoshiki and Indou Hikaru sit on a bench together. Yoshiki asks if Hikaru really doesn't remember an incident from six months ago. Hikaru had gone missing in the mountains for a full week, but he confirms that he does not remember any of it. Yoshiki then asks if he isn't the real Hikaru. After a long pause, Hikaru admits that he's supposed to be a perfect copy. A non-human Something leaks out from Hikaru's face, particularly his eyes, mouth, and a diagonal slit across his nose. The Something grows larger, hovering in the air and approaching Yoshiki at the same time that Hikaru's body hugs Yoshiki. The Something explains that this is its first time living and enjoying life as a human. It begs Yoshiki not to tell anyone, because it doesn't want to kill him. Frightened and teary, Yoshiki thinks to himself that he still wants Hikaru by his side, even if this isn't the real person. He addresses the Something as "Hikaru" (ヒカル) and says it's nice to meet him.
In a dream, Hikaru and Yoshiki discussed their plans for the future after graduating high school. Hikaru planned to work on his grandfather's mushroom farm. He suggested that Yoshiki was smart enough to attend a university in Tokyo, and he'd visit Yoshiki in the city. The dream cuts to the last time that Yoshiki saw the real Hikaru in person. He said that today wasn't a good day to hang out, because he was going to the mountains. When Yoshiki asked why, Hikaru scrunched his face and said "it's a seekweht (it's a secret)" in an impersonation of Hara, their homeroom teacher.
Yoshiki wakes up from the dream the next day, lamenting the fact that his last memory of the real Hikaru was something that silly. He makes himself ready for school after his mother urges him to hurry up. He then meets up with "Hikaru," who is waiting for him outside his house. "Hikaru" is visibly nervous and tries to strike up small-talk, but appears to grow calmer (although his heart skips a beat) when Yoshiki interrupts and speaks with him normally.
Character Appearances[]
- Tsujinaka Yoshiki
- "Hikaru"
- Yamahisa (mentioned)
- Hara (mentioned)
- Indou Hikaru (flashback)
- Grandfather Indou (mentioned)
- Tsujinaka Satoko (off-panel)
- Indou Yuki (mentioned)
Translation Notes[]
- In Japanese, the name of Hikaru the human is written using its representative kanji (光). The name of "Hikaru" the Something is written using katakana (ヒカル).
Gallery[]
-1.png "\"Hikaru\" Insides (2)-1.png (2.69 MB)")
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