Che and Xia Ye

Synopsis

Xia Ye, who has just moved to Waichang Village, is a very interesting person.

Though he seems cold and difficult to get along with, when he's alone he always earnestly greets the flowers and the Jizo statues, as if he can really hear them answer.

A Che, the gentle eldest son of the Muto family, is loved by everyone. Curious, he pays attention to Xia Ye and openly looks after the boy, who is a few years younger and never seems able to fit into country life.

Before long, he finds himself unable to look away.

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Yuuki Natsuno was born able to see yokai. Against his will, he moves from the city to Waichang Village with his parents, who long for a life in the countryside.

Unable to adjust and wanting to return to the city, he is determined to study hard and get into college. He never meant to form deep ties with anyone around him, but an overly kind, outgoing, and friendly guy barges into his life without permission.

He's a very easygoing eldest son who looks after others, and can even put up with someone with a personality like mine.

What a strange guy.

Even when I tell him that gods live inside Jizo statues and yokai hide in flower buds, he believes me.

He's nothing like my old friend Natsume, whom I haven't seen in ages and who can also see yokai. He's completely ordinary.

By the time I realize it, I've already become unable to control how fond I am of him.

So.

Even when an outsider monster spreads death little by little, kills the A Che I treasure most, and turns that once gentle and kind person into a cold shiki who crawls out of a grave and lives on human blood.

Even when A Che is forced by the monster to attack me.

...I still can't bring myself to hate him.

"Let's run away together, A Che, somewhere those monsters can't find us."

"When you're hungry, drink my blood. If we're together, we'll definitely find a way to solve this."

Natsuno has never been more grateful that he can see yokai and gods.

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"Before You Read: Please Check the Trigger Warnings"

Pairing: Tohru and Natsuno (shiki Tohru x human Natsuno), 1v1, no secondary pairings.

Both are characters from the obscure series Shiki. The original romantic implications are changed, so please be aware!

Primarily a crossover between Shiki and Natsume's Book of Friends. Knowing Shiki isn't essential, but it's best if you've seen Natsume. A basic grasp of the setting is enough.

There are many original elements, including yokai lore based on Natsume's Book of Friends and the idea that Natsuno can see yokai from birth.

The Shiki canon section is short. This is an alternate timeline where Tohru and Natsuno leave together.

If you haven't read the original but are interested in stories about yokai, just remember that shiki are basically vampires. You'll be able to follow along.

Those familiar with the original should know that the author sides with the humans and strongly dislikes the shiki.

The Shiki novels, anime, and manga differ in plot and characterization. This story draws on all of them, but mainly follows the manga.

The original is realistic and deeply malicious, and none of the characters are perfect.

This story will emphasize their positive qualities, so there may be some out-of-character moments.

Theme: Overcome your weaknesses, face hardship, temper your will, and move toward the future