From Me To You, My Beloved

One (Hananene)

AGAIN, CHAPTER 71 DID THIS TO ME!

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Knock. Knock. Knock.

The ombre-haired girl let out a deep breath, trying to wash the doubts away. This isn't the most famous rumor for nothing! She reassures herself, clinging on to the tiny hope that blossomed inside her heart

"Hanako-san, Hanako-san, are you there?"

She chants, hands clasping together and eyes closing tightly. This time, for sure. It'll work this time! She hopes with all of her heart, forcefully forcing down the doubts that resurfaced again.

And so she waits.

Please let this work.

And waits.

Please let this work.

And waits.

God, I'm begging you.

Every second that passed is agonizing, as she waits some more. Waits for the ominous creak of the stall door as it slowly opens itself. Waits to see nothing but an empty toilet. Waits for a translucent hand to grab her shoulder. Waits for his catchphrase as he tries to scare the living daylights out of her.

'I'm hereeee~'

She wouldn't run, never, not from him. Instead, she'll... slap him. Yes, that sounds nice. Slap him for pulling that horrible, horrible prank five days ago. And maybe deliver a headbutt while she's at it to show how angry she really is.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Hanako-san, Hanako-san, are you there?"

She tried again, a slight crack in her voice this time. Why is she feeling sad all of a sudden? She's sure that he just has a very looooong meeting, and when he comes back, he'll tease her ankles again. Just like normal.

Just wait, Nene. Everything will be back to normal.

Still no apparition. Huh. What's taking him so long?

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Hanako-san, Hanako-san, are you there?"

Her lips trembled, as her eyes darted around the bathroom, desperately searching for any clue that he's here.

Just a shadow. Or a silhouette. Even if it's just a trick of light. Anything. Please.

She found nothing.

Her whole body is trembling now, eyes filled with tears she was furiously wiping away. One shaky hand curled into a fist to tap the stall door weakly.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock.

Maybe if she calls him like that....he'd show up?

"H-Hanako-kun, Hanako-kun, are you-" A strained cry slips past her lips and she drops down on her knees. Just like she did that night, as she watched him dissipate into nothingness.

'I... Wanted to try living with you too, Yashiro.'

".... Are you there?"

She reached into her pocket, pulling out a key with a rocket keychain attached to it. Nene held it tightly near her chest, shaking uncontrollably as pained sobs racked her frame. Her porcelain cheeks is stained with tears.

She's breaking again.