Hange Zoe Short Story Collection

Line Without a Hook (Part 12)

"And I am just a line without a hook." 

Hange was standing right next to her, extending their umbrella so that it was mostly covering her. The rain lightly fell on their hair, causing it to curl up. Their shirt began to cling to their body, and she urged her eyes to stay focused on theirs.

"You were always so forgetful," Hange smiled a little. "Here, stand a little closer and maybe you won't get even more soaked."

"I'm sorry," she blurted. She knew that perhaps this wasn't the best time for apologies, but she needed to apologize every chance she got. She hadn't seen them in a long time and she needed them to know that she regretted everything deeply.

Hange's expression softened, and they raised a hand to place on her cheek. Their thumb gently smoothed over her cheek. Their eyes seemed sincere and warm, a stark contrast to what they had been months ago. "I heard. Your conversation with Nanaba. I heard everything."

"You did?" (Y//N) whispered, feeling warm just being in their presence. They didn't hate her anymore?

"I heard how you said no. How you had initially denied wanting to complete the dare, and still refused to do so in the end," Hange let out a little sigh. "I'm sorry I hadn't believed you in the beginning."

"You're not mad at me?" (Y/N)'s voice cracked at the last syllable, overwhelmed by a sense of relief and desire.

"No," Hange said quietly. "I was never mad at you. Just hurt."

"Oh," (Y/N) sniffed, her eyes welling with tears again. Why was she so teary? This was good! Hange wasn't mad at her! But she had been so tired just a few minutes ago, and now she was feeling extremely grateful. Her brain was on an emotional roller coaster and wasn't sure how to respond.

"(Y/N)?" Hange asked, alarmed when they saw her tear-stricken cheeks. "Are you okay? Why are you crying?"

"Because I got rejected from the college I wanted to go to and no one wants to hire me as an actress anymore and people are spreading cruel rumors and...and I missed you so much," (Y/N) babbled, unable to keep her emotions from spilling out. She hadn't had someone to talk to for months. She would definitely regret this later. But she couldn't help herself.

Hange looked at her, sympathy in their eyes. They outstretched their arms. "I'm so sorry, (Y/N). Do you need a hug?"

An onslaught of memories of when the two were kids flashed in front of (Y/N)'s eyes. Hange always offered hugs whenever things went wrong. Out of the two of them, (Y/N) had been more prone to breakdowns and random bouts of crying, and Hange had always been there to help her through it. Their arms used to grip her tightly and they would whisper words of reassurances until she felt better.

(Y/N) nodded tearfully and walked into Hange's embrace, melting in their warmth and familiarity. Her wet clothes pressed against their dry ones, yet they didn't complain about the cold once. Instead, they let go of the umbrella to bring both of their arms around her tightly, squeezing her against them. Out of everyone in the world, it was Hange who always knew how (Y/N) was feeling. They always were there for her, whenever she needed them most.

"Thank you," (Y/N) whispered into their shirt. "Thank you for coming back to me."

"Of course, I would," Hange stroked her back softly. "I would never leave you. No matter how hurt or angry I am, I'll always return."

"Me too," (Y/N) promised. "You can rely on me, Hange. I'll be here whenever you need me."

Hange chuckled a little and pulled away, softly wiping away (Y/N)'s tears. "I know. You look freezing cold. My place is nearby—want to go and get warmed up? The storm is just beginning, and I can't let you walk all the way to your house in this pouring rain."