Drowning in the swamp of memories

Rising From the Ashes

After that day, something inside me just… shut down. The spark in my eyes faded, leaving only emptiness. I’d let my long black hair fall loose, and dark circles were etched under my eyes from sleepless nights. I’d even stopped joking with Kenji, my desk sat abandoned, and my usual milk bottles? Untouched. Even Kunikida was shocked—no pranks, no teasing, and I finished my paperwork without complaint.

To feel something, anything, I started spending hours in the training room, punching the bag until my knuckles ached. It became a routine: seven hours, maybe more, until every muscle in my body screamed at me to stop. But I ignored it. The pain didn’t matter anymore.

Then I noticed a bottle of water nearby. On impulse, I froze it with a thought, creating a jagged edge of ice. Just holding it felt wrong and yet so… right, something sharp and cold in my hand. I let out a long breath, feeling the edge skim against my skin. But any marks vanished almost instantly; it was as if nothing could leave a trace.

A wave of frustration rose in me, and I formed another shard of ice, ready to bring it closer—

A hand landed firmly on my shoulder. I froze, the ice melting instantly. Yosano stood behind me, her expression firm and unyielding.

“Pathetic,” she said, voice cold and blunt. Before I could blink, she slapped me, the sting snapping me out of my thoughts. “I didn’t think you were this weak, Mizuki.”

The words cut deeper than any pain, her sharp tone striking me to my core. My mouth opened, but I didn’t have anything to say.

She watched me a moment, then sighed. “Get up. We’re going out. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about this little… moment of weakness.”

A small, bitter laugh escaped me. “Moment of weakness? You say that like I’m just—ugh, I don’t know, Yosano.”

“That’s why we’re getting out of here,” she said, tugging me up by the arm. “Nothing clears the mind like some fresh air and a little chaos. And hey, if we end up at the police station again, so be it.”

I snorted, despite myself. “You want to go shopping?”

She shrugged, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “Shopping, fighting, maybe both if we’re lucky. It’s about time we girls did something reckless together.”

I smirked, feeling the faintest spark rekindle. “Fine. Let’s go cause some trouble.”

We walked toward the exit, and she tossed a hair clip my way. “Here. We don’t need some creep pulling your hair.”

I smirked, tucking the clip in place. “Look at us—two girls ready to take on the world with good hair and bad attitudes.”

Yosano chuckled. “Remember, Mizuki-chan, if you ever start acting like that idiot Dazai, I’m dragging you right back here.”

Rolling my eyes, I shot her a look. “As if I’d ever be like him. I’m Hako Mizuki, not some miserable, dramatic maniac.”

She raised an eyebrow, half amused. “Good. Because we don’t give up. And if you ever forget that…” She held up her fist, which I dodged with a laugh.

As we stepped out into the sunlight, I thought of Kai—his smug, familiar face. Somewhere out there, he was waiting, and I was going to find him. I’d remind him who he left behind and who he’d have to answer to.

Yosano glanced over with a slight smirk. “Ready?”

I nodded, determination flickering back to life. “Let’s go show this city what we’re made of.”

With a grin, we set off—two unstoppable girls, ready to face whatever came our way.