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In the neon-lit back alleys of Shinjuku’s shadow market, Ryō scanned holographic pods labeled Companion Class – Level 5 . He wasn’t looking for a pet or a robot. He was looking for him .

Which roughly means: “Series ‘I Bought My Friend’ – Episode 1, translated from Japanese – ‘Doush e’ video.”

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. In the neon-lit back alleys of Shinjuku’s shadow

He had just bought his. Now he had to save him.

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. Which roughly means: “Series ‘I Bought My Friend’

“Debt. They digitize your consciousness if you can’t pay. Then sell it as ‘friendship AI.’” Kai smiled bitterly. “You just bought me, Ryō. Episode 1.”

“What happened to you?”

Kai. His childhood friend. The one who vanished three years ago, leaving only a cryptic message: “If you find me, buy me back.”

Ryō turned off his phone. Not everyone deserved a friend. Now he had to save him

Ryō grabbed his hand. “Then I’m watching every episode until you’re free.”