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.
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.
He had just bought his. Now he had to save him. Ryō swiped his credits
Ryō grabbed his hand. “Then I’m watching every episode until you’re free.”
Ryō turned off his phone. Not everyone deserved a friend. His eyes were blank, but when he saw Ryō, they flickered
Which roughly means: “Series ‘I Bought My Friend’ – Episode 1, translated from Japanese – ‘Doush e’ video.”
“What happened to you?”
“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.”