Tokyo Exorcism Diary

In the meticulously arranged studio, all eight members of TKY02 present for the shoot were gathered around a long table, except for Hoshino Rin and the missing Marika. A red candle sat before each person, and the group of young idols chattered away about the heavily occult atmosphere surrounding the setup. Occasionally, they would steal glances at Hoshino Gen, who stood at the head of the table.

Outside the studio, the production crew had finished their work and left, leaving only TKY02’s producer, director, and a handful of assistants and managers waiting beyond the studio’s doors, out of sight of the proceedings inside.

The producer lit a cigarette and took a slow drag, letting the smoke curl around him. Glancing at the restless managers and assistants behind him, he chuckled and said to the director, “Would you look at that? The once low-profile young master of the Hoshino conglomerate’s second house has certainly grown up.”

The director gave him a sideways glance and smiled but refrained from commenting. While he might be someone of note in the entertainment industry, he understood his place. For people like Hoshino Gen, a single word could change someone’s future. It wasn’t worth the risk of speaking carelessly.

Meanwhile, an assistant hurried into the studio with a bag in hand.

Hoshino Gen took the bag and gave a nod of thanks. The assistant promptly turned and left without a word.

Finally, Asahina Kaoru, standing nearest to Hoshino Gen, couldn’t hold back her curiosity. “Hoshino nii-san, what exactly are we… doing here?”

Hoshino Gen smiled faintly and pulled something from the bag: a lightweight white jacket.

The lively chatter among the idols came to an abrupt halt. Many recognized the jacket—it was one Marika had worn before.

For most of them, Marika’s disappearance had been a blow, though some who weren’t close to her might have been less affected. However, for the sake of the shoot, they’d all chosen to temporarily set aside their emotions and act as if nothing had happened.

But now, with Hoshino Gen presenting this jacket, it was as if the fragile facade covering Marika’s absence was suddenly ripped away. The studio grew silent, the air heavy with unease. Eyes filled with mixed emotions turned toward Hoshino Gen.

He handed the jacket to Hoshino Rin, who hesitated before reluctantly accepting it.

“Apologies for taking up your time,” Hoshino Gen said softly, his voice calm and reassuring. “Now, I’d like everyone to follow my instructions.”

The girls exchanged uncertain glances. One raised her hand hesitantly. “Um… what exactly are we doing? A séance?”

In Japan, mysticism had a certain allure among the youth, especially topics like séances or divination. Even those who didn’t believe in such things often found them entertaining.

Hoshino Gen turned to the speaker, a petite and adorable girl he recognized from promotional materials—Hayami Yukina, if he recalled correctly. Meeting her gaze, he smiled. “You could call it that. Or perhaps, a spirit summoning ritual.”

Another girl, taller and more energetic, chimed in, “Wait, are we summoning Marika’s spirit? Oh, I get it! If the ritual fails, doesn’t that mean Marika is still okay?”

It was clear she didn’t believe the ritual would actually work and was using this logic as a way to comfort herself and the others.

Hoshino Gen returned her smile but said nothing further. Observing the girls growing restless again, he patiently urged, “Regardless of whether the ritual succeeds or not, please cooperate for now.”

At his request, the idols began placing personal items—earrings, necklaces, and similar trinkets—next to their candles. Whether out of respect for Hoshino Rin, deference to Gen’s status, or simply because of how the director and producer treated him, everyone complied outwardly, even if they harbored doubts.

When all was ready, Hoshino Gen continued, “Now, please join hands and form a circle.”

The girls followed suit, linking hands one by one. When Asahina Kaoru, standing on Hoshino Gen’s right, offered her hand to him, he shook his head with a smile and stepped back. “There’s no need for me to join. After all, I don’t know Marika personally.”

Asahina Kaoru blinked in surprise but then smiled faintly and turned to link hands with the girl beside her instead.

With the circle complete, Hoshino Gen glanced at Hoshino Rin, “Put on Marika’s jacket and stand by the studio door.”

Hoshino Rin’s eyes widened. Unlike the others, who might see this ritual as a game, she knew exactly what her brother was capable of. If he said they were summoning a spirit, there was no doubt in her mind that the ritual would work—and that the spirit of the now-deceased Marika, turned vengeful ghost, would arrive!

Wearing Marika’s jacket and standing alone at the door? It sounded like the perfect setup for the first victim in a horror movie! And on top of that, knowing that Marika had already died and turned into a vengeful ghost, wearing her clothes… that was just terrifying!

Rin pouted, but under her brother’s steady gaze, she reluctantly donned the jacket and shuffled nervously to the door, trembling slightly.

Satisfied, Gen turned back to the circle of girls and said gently, “Close your eyes and softly chant Marina’s name.”

“Shouldn’t we light the candles first?” someone asked timidly.

Gen shook his head. “No need. Just close your eyes.”

“Okay~”

Moments later, the idols closed their eyes and began murmuring Marina’s name. The studio filled with a soft hum, the atmosphere growing more mysterious by the second.

Standing off to the side, Namine Ruo, who had been observing quietly, sidled up to Gen. Her expression was one of curiosity. “Senpai, will this really work?”

Without answering, Gen retrieved a handful of talisman papers. With a flick of his wrist, the papers scattered, each one floating with uncanny precision onto a candle. The moment they landed, the talismans ignited, lighting the candles with small, steady flames.

Walking over to Rin, Gen said, “Call out Marina’s full name. Loudly.”

Rin clutched at his sleeve, swallowing hard. After a deep breath, she shouted, “Kojou Marina!”

As her voice echoed, the studio lights began to flicker. The candles flared, releasing thick white smoke that quickly filled the space…