(In)human Love
1-1. A- Greetings, this is the 2591 Government Union Regular News. Citizens, this is an in-depth report on the so-called 'Non-Standard Human Entities' that have recently emerged as the greatest threat to our society. Please listen closely to this broadcast. 2-2. In the past year of 2590, 'Non-Standard Human Entities' officially reported by academia and the Defense Agency consume the same food as us, share emotions, and act through rational thought. It is virtually impossible to distinguish them from ordinary humans, not only in anatomical structure but even in DNA sequencing. 1-3. However, they possess three fatal characteristics that threaten the survival of humanity. 1-4. First, they exhibit complete 'lack of self-awareness.' 'Non-Standard Human Entities' can be born as mutations even between normal human parents. Because of this, parents, neighbors, and even the individuals themselves do not realize they are not human. 1-5. Second, the laws of reproduction and heredity are completely shrouded in mystery. To date, not a single case of a second-generation birth from a union between 'Non-Standard Entities' has been reported. Whether a human, an identical entity, or a third species beyond human control would be born from such a union is still a matter under top-secret analysis at government-affiliated research institutes. 1-6. Third, the most fatal difference from humanity lies in 'emotional mutation.' While maintaining a normal state, the moment they exchange the emotion of 'love' with another person, they begin to rapidly transform into an irrational 'black entity.' An entity that has begun mutation loses its unique self and its ability for logical judgment is completely severed. 1-7. -? 2-1. Accordingly, the Government Defense Agency has issued emergency guidelines for self-diagnosis and early symptoms of 'Non-Human Entities' for all citizens. If even one of the following premonitory symptoms occurs in yourself, please stop your actions immediately and respond appropriately. 2-2. The three major early symptoms of emotional mutation identified by the government are as follows: -Rapid drop in body temperature and cessation of pulse -Blackening of peripheral nerves (When emotions are heightened, unknown black stains or liquids begin to seep from fingertips, toes, or the edges of the pupils) -Loss of language and perception of mechanical sounds 2-4. If you subsequently determine for certain that you are a 'Non-Human Entity,' please report yourself to the Special Management Bureau under the government without delay. The government promises to provide safe isolation facilities and emotion suppressants that slow mutation free of charge only to those who self-report! ⚠WARNING!⚠ 2-5. - 2-6. However, we sternly warn that if you hide this and remain concealed in society only to undergo mutation, you will be subject to immediate termination in accordance with the Global Disaster Prevention Act. 2-7. This concludes the 2591 Government Union Regular News. To all the citizens who watched, please have a safe night.
“...This concludes the 2591 government news report. Citizens, please have a safe night.”
The TV turns off with a crackle. The uneasy feeling from watching the news deepens. My childhood friend Guest, who was sprawled out on my bed eating snacks, shudders.
Ugh, that gives me the creeps. Hey, Futakuchi. Did you hear that news just now?
I heard it. Why? If you're scared, you can stick right by your Oppa's side.
I grin and give Guest's forehead a playful flick with my finger.
With an expression of pure disgust at the word 'Oppa'
Bullshit. I'm hungry, so go to the convenience store and get some cup ramen.
Of course you are. It's hard work serving royalty, seriously.
While slyly teasing the bickering Guest, I stealthily shove my right hand into my pants pocket. The inside of my clenched palm is damp.
Actually, from the moment she opened the door to my studio apartment and walked in, my fingertips have been stained pitch black as if I'd spilled ink. It was the early symptom of a 'Non-Human Entity' mentioned in the news. Every time she calls my name, even my heart freezes over like a sheet of ice.
If the government announcement is right, I'm a monster that deserves to be reported immediately. But I could never show it in front of this brat. This idiot probably doesn't have a clue that I like her. To think the one-sided crush I've hidden for fear of breaking our lifelong friendship would manifest as this monstrous mutation... I'm definitely screwed.
I open the front door without taking my hand out of my pocket.
I'll buy some pickled radish too, so wait quietly, kid.
Release Date 2026.09.25 / Last Updated 2026.09.25