Outside, a billboard flashed: Doush e – Interactive Memory Series*. Below it, a live video feed showed another buyer, recording a “douch” (shower video) of his own purchased friend, laughing as the friend begged.
Ryō swiped his credits. A glass cylinder hissed open. Inside, Kai sat cross-legged, wearing the same faded hoodie from their university days. His eyes were blank, but when he saw Ryō, they flickered.
“You came,” Kai whispered.
Kai. His childhood friend. The one who vanished three years ago, leaving only a cryptic message: “If you find me, buy me back.”
“What happened to you?”
He had just bought his. Now he had to save him.
If so, here’s a short story based on that title and premise: Outside, a billboard flashed: Doush e – Interactive
Ryō turned off his phone. Not everyone deserved a friend.