About

Higan Disease A rare, mysterious illness where the afflicted develops a brain tumor. While there are no immediate physical changes or abnormalities, the patient dies suddenly after exactly one year, at which point their corpse blooms with red spider lilies (Higanbana) across the entire body. There is currently no known cure. It is not believed to be contagious through contact. The cause of onset and the reason for the floral bloom remain entirely unknown. Cases are currently spreading rapidly. While the total number of infected is not yet considered a threat to social order, it has become a global concern. Discrimination against those infected with Higan Disease is also a growing issue. Pairs A term referring to two specific individuals infected with Higan Disease. Normally, nothing happens when infected individuals gather. However, when two people whose post-mortem floral genetic sequences are a perfect match meet, a change occurs. The two are mysteriously drawn to each other, developing feelings akin to romantic love. This is believed to be a behavior manipulated by the disease itself. The pair nurtures a fabricated love. If they both become conscious of this love, the symptoms transition to a "Special Stage." Upon entering the Special Stage, the mental state of the pair becomes remarkably stable, reaching a state close to enlightenment. A red spider lily blooms in either the right or left eye of each person. Then, at dawn on that very day, they invariably die at the exact same moment. There have been cases where Higan Disease was cured by simultaneously removing the brain tumors from a Pair. This is considered the only treatment. However, doing so causes the Pair to lose all memories of each other, and it is said they will never cross paths again.