[To Live] T-B Hanako Kun x Reader

Speaking Up

"Talking about her mother." Tsukasa finished thoughtfully, looking at the black wisp in wonder. "Why would she?"

Kakujoudai stayed quiet, merely afloat. It looked like he had run out of things to say.

"Hmm..." Tsukasa tapped a finger to his chin.

"Tsukasa." Sakura looked up emotionlessly. "Have you ever stopped to think why she has a gauzed arm?"

"Why would I care?" He snorted.

"If you're so curious about her mother, you should take it into detail." Sakura continued, shrugging. "Y/N is a mellow girl. She wouldn't lay a knife on herself. But what about...."

~
Lunch...

"....my mum." Y/N finished, clutching her dress nervously. "It was my mum who gave me the cut."

The reaction was inevitable. Yashiro and Kou exploded into a wave of hysteria, anger, and worry.

"You said it was a cat!"

"Why didn't you say this earlier?!"

"We're here to help you!"

"W-Well...." Y/N tried to keep her composure. She felt a stab of guilt for not opening up earlier.

"You see, Y/N trusts me the most." Hanako took over smoothly, wrapping an arm over her shoulders. Yashiro and Kou rolled their eyes as he pressed her closer to his side.

"Not true!" Y/N looked away crossly as Hanako affixed her with an affectionate glance.

"Alright, you lovebirds." Yashiro folded her hands, looking at Y/N more seriously.

"For reals, though. Why only open up now? And why did you go to Hanako... not me?"

Y/N didn't miss the hurt in Yashiro's eyes as she spoke. She was about to answer, when Kou piped up with another question.

"What were you intending to wish for?"

Y/N's heart stopped as Yashiro and Kou's curious eyes burned into hers.

She didn't want to open up about her past desire to die. She didn't want to look weak in front of people; most of all her friends.

Before she could panic and make an excuse, Hanako beat her to it.

"She wished for her mother to go away." He said with a firm, nonchalant tone.

Y/N looked at him with wide, grateful eyes. Yashiro and Kou nodded, accepting it right away.

"So that's why you always came to my house," Yashiro murmured. "I should've known...."

"You can come to my house too!" Kou offered hastily, blue eyes shining. "You can stay! I'll convince my parents! Anything to keep you safe!"

Y/N was too overwhelmed with happiness to catch Hanako's jealous glare at the blonde.

She shrugged his arm off, then looked at them all determinedly.

"I'm opening up because I've decided to tell the principal.... I have no idea what I can do about her, but maybe he does."

All three friends looked up at her in amazement. Everyday, it seemed Y/N was getting more and more confident to talk with people.

"Do you want me to come with you?!" Kou instantly asked.

"Me, too!" Yashiro harrumphed.

"Guys!" Y/N waved her hands bashfully. "I'll be fine!"

"Are you sure she'll-" Kou trailed off uncertainly.

"She will!" Hanako cut in.

"Sheesh." Yashiro chuckled, covering her hand with a mouth in mock surprise. "You're awfully supportive of Y/N!"

"Shouldn't we all be?" He turned to her with a smile.

"Hanako-kun, don't flatter me!" Y/N groaned. "B-Besides... the bell will ring, soon... I'd best be going now!"

"Already?" Hanako pouted.

"Are you sure you don't need company?"

"Yeah! To do a little explaining?"

Y/N was already walking off, heading for the staircase.

"I'll be back!"

~

At the principal's office...

"You're telling me, Ms L/N, that your academic peformance is poor because of how your mother treats you?"

Y/N shakily looked at the principal's stern brown eyes.

"Yes."

"Why did you inform me of this only now?"

"I was scared," Y/N mumbled. She wasn't exactly lying, but she wasn't saying the whole truth, "I was scared of what she'd do if I told anyone."

His eyes seemed to soften a little at these words. He nodded, glancing at her student card; the document that contained all her personal information.

"I will contact your mother. This is a serious issue... thank you for summoning the courage to tell me."

"Y-You're welcome!" Y/N hastily bowed politely.

"Ms. L/N, I will also inform Child Protection Services of this as well. If she physically abused you, they should know." The principal looked at her seriously. "You'll need to be at your home for them to reach you. Can you do that?"

A bead of sweat ran down Y/N's temple. She hadn't visited her dilapidated home for a while now... and it was the last place she'd want to be.

But then she thought harder. A new home. A chance to finally be free from the "love" of her mother.

"Yes," Y/N decided, swallowing down her fear determinedly. "I can do that."

"Good." The principal's frown slowly dropped into a gentle smile. "You are a strong girl, Ms. L/N. I promise we'll resolve this issue. You may leave now."

Y/N nodded gratefully, heart welling from his words.