Do You Really Exist?

[Infinite worlds | Furry | Two male leads | Ensemble cast | Fantasy | Heartbreak and healing]

Jiang Yufu, twenty-three, is an all-night artist. He died when his heart gave out before he could finish his instant noodles.

When he opened his eyes again, the city was falling apart, and his brain had been wiped cleaner than a recycle bin. All he had at his side was a sketchbook filled with tigers and a six-foot-six tiger beastman with white fur, black stripes, and icy blue eyes.

The tiger said his name was Bai Ye Hui. You drew him, and he’s been with you for three years. His vocabulary is about on par with the orange cat downstairs: all he can say is “Don’t be afraid” and “Stay close.” The good news: he can fight, take a hit, and shield you from falling ceilings. The bad news: every time you enter a dungeon, your memories are wiped clean, while he remembers everything, including the stupid, bewildered look you give him each time you wake up.

Eventually, you finally remember that your name is Jiang Yufu. You also remember that you drew this tiger stroke by stroke on sleepless nights. You clear dungeons, stay by each other’s side, and die for each other. You think that’s the end.

Then the System tells you that imaginary beasts can’t return to reality. The door opens, and you go back alone. Your sketchbook is still on the table, and your pencil is still rolling on the floor. Only the moonlight falls across pages of white paper marked with black stripes.

But he says, “The next time you can’t sleep, remember to draw me again.”

So this is a story about someone bringing love home with him. The louder you laugh at the beginning, the harder you’ll cry later. Think carefully before you click.