Keys To My Heart [Hanako-kun x Reader]

[Chapter 12] Apparition 6: The 4 O'Clock Library

[Your Name]'s POV:

"Sensei? Tsuchigomori-sensei?" I called out, looking for the male as I wandered frantically around the library.

It was after school and I had been rushing around the school in search for Tsuchigomori, yet I haven't been able to find him anywhere. I've checked his office, his homeroom class, the teachers' lounge and anywhere else he may have been. The library was the last place to check and he wasn't here either. I stopped circling the library, huffing out an exasperated sigh.

"Huh, I guess he's not here... I wonder where he could be..." I spoke to myself with a pout.

"Hey, [Your Name]-senpai!"

"Gah!" I shrieked, being startled by the sudden voice as I sharply turned my head behind me. My eyes softened noticing that it was only Kou and Yashiro. "Oh, it's just you two... Hello Kou-kun, Nene-chan. What are you two doing here?"

"We're going to look for the 4 O'Clock Library!" Yashiro exclaimed, Kou nodding enthusiastically behind her. "[Your Name]-chan, would you mind helping us?"

I looked between the pair of them, worry piling up in the pit of my stomach knowing that I should be stopping them. However, it was plainly obvious that these two were determined to get inside the mysterious library and that they wouldn't listen to any warning I'd give them. I can't let them go on their own either, both Hanako and Tsuchigomori would "kill" me for either letting them go in unattended and something happening to them whilst they were in there or for just letting them enter the Boundary in the first place. Yashiro and Kou stared at me with pleading eyes, practically begging me to help them. I kept glancing between the two of them until I finally heaved a heavy sigh.

"Fine..."

"Yay!" The pair cheered gleefully.

Kou and Yashiro wandered over to the bookcases, their eyes scanning the spines of each book that was neatly placed on their perspective shelf. I walked over to another section, pretending to search. Of course, I already knew how to get inside the 4 O'clock Library but I couldn't tell the other two that. I don't need people being suspicious of me at the moment, especially two of my closest friends.

"Hmm..." Kou mumbled, resting his hand against the bookshelf as he searched.

"Sorry for dragging you along." Yashiro apologised to the blonde, briefly turning her head to face him.

'Where's my apology?' I pouted as I looked at the different books that were being displayed. 'It's not like I wanted to be involved in this in the first place...'

"No sweat! I'd go through hell or high water for you, Senpai!" Kou smiled at Yashiro, an innocent look on his face as he ran his hand across the bookshelf. "Plus, I'd like a look at his book myself."

"You want to find out his weaknesses? Really, Minamoto-kun, you're still hung up on exorcising Hanako-kun?" I saw Yashiro sweatdrop as Kou turned to look back at her.

"Yeah, well..." Kou paused for a brief moment before continuing. "I realised I don't actually know the first thing about him. So I thought it might not be right to exorcise him just 'cause he's as apparition."

My previous pout was replaced with a small smile and softened eyes as I gazed at the blonde who sheepishly scratched his cheek with his finger. 'Kou-kun...'

"In that case, I guess we both want to learn more about Hanako-kun." Yashiro approached Kou with a smile on her face before clasping her hands around one of his own. "We're birds of a feather. Let's give it our best shot!"

I watched as Kou tensed up, stunned from the sudden contact causing me to snort in amusement at the duo. Yashiro glanced a questioning look towards me before diverting her attention back to Kou who remained frozen from the girl's physical contact. The cream-headed girl gazed up at the young blonde in confusion.