[SLOW UPDATES]
｡⋆୨୧˚˚୨୧⋆｡˚｡⋆୨୧˚˚୨୧⋆｡˚｡⋆୨୧˚˚୨୧⋆｡˚｡⋆୨୧˚˚୨୧⋆｡
When old flame ignited, many untold
secrets of the past were unfolded.
The moment they reunited, he
instantly seized her in his grasp.
The lost bond returned as their
love grew...
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Several days later...
Kana and Sakura strolled out of the school gates, their laughter bubbling after a long day of classes. Suddenly, Sakura froze, her eyes sparkling with recognition.
Standing a short distance away was a tall figure with pink hair, wearing hoodie, half his face concealed by a mask.
"Dad!!" Sakura's voice rang out with joy. She sprinted toward him, throwing herself into his arms. The man caught her, his hand stroking her hair.
Kana was taken aback as she slowed her steps. "...Dad?" she questioned, utterly bewildered as she trailed behind. By the time she caught up, Sakura was grinning ear to ear, clinging to the man's sleeve.
"Sacchan...who is this?" Kana asked cautiously.
"My dad!" Sakura announced proudly, beaming up at him.
Kana's brows furrowed. "Dad? Since when-"
Haruchiyo turned his eyes toward her. His stare was...eerie. "Huh...you're Mikey's niece."
Kana stiffened at his sudden observation. Mikey, who? she thought, puzzled. She didn't even know who he was referring to.
Sakura tugged at his arm, her smile brightening. "Dad, you came to pick me up? What about work? You aren't busy?"
"Yeah. It's kinda hard for me to sneak out of work even for a bit... I just gotta make sure my boss is dead asleep and I'm good." Haruchiyo answered, his hand never leaving her shoulder. "Why don't we go play some arcade games together?"
"Yaayy!" Sakura cheered before spinning to Kana. "Kana-chan, wanna join us?"
Kana met Haruchiyo's gaze again, and her chest tightened. The way he looked at her was loud enough without words. She swallowed and took a polite step back. "Um... I promised to go out with my old man today, so..."
Sakura pouted, then sighed, relenting with a small smile. "Awh, okay. Guess it's only Dad and me. Byebye Kana-chan!! See you tomorrow!" she chirped, waving as Haruchiyo squeezed her hand and began to lead her away.
Kana lifted her hand in return, forcing a smile as she watched them go. Sakura's joy was genuine. She bounced beside him, fingers laced with his.
Even as they disappeared down the street, Haruchiyo's eyes lingered in her memory, chilling in a way she couldn't explain.
"That guy is definitely crazy like old man," Kana uttered under her breath, staring down the street. She trudged over to the bus stop and plopped onto the bench, letting out a long sigh. "...how can she accept him so easily?" she whispered to herself, hugging her knees. It baffled her.
Pulling at the zipper of her bag, Kana dug inside until her fingers brushed familiar fabric. She pulled out her doll, her most precious possession-the last gift from her adoptive grandmother. The stitches along its side; it was Izana's handiwork. Her thumb traced over them carefully, recalling the night Izana quietly sew it back together.
