Hanako x Yashiro *Something more?*

Party

Even though we searched for an entire hour, we still couldn't find what we were looking for. All kind of thoughts started floating through my mind, good and bad things, such as "what if we can't make it" or "maybe we didn't find the clock 'cause there's no clock at all". But there was this heavy feeling inside my chest, one that constantly seemed to whisper to me "don't be silly, something bad IS going to happen".

- Isn't this enough, Nene-chan?

- But...

- C'mon, the party is about to get started and we aren't ready yet.

Aoi-chan was right, besides putting on the costume we would still have to get our makeup done and create pretty hairstyles. I sighed and called over to Hanako-kun and Kou-kun. Actually, since Aoi-chan couldn't see him I didn't said Hanako-kun's name, but he came along anyways.

- Sorry, but we gotta to go changing clothes.

- Ah sure, I've gotta to do the same.

Kou-kun answered and completed it with a "see you later", as Hanako-kun shrugged and turned around, heading the opposite direction from the toilets, where we would get ready.

Stopping to think about it, it was probably meant for the students to get to school already wearing theirs costumes, or to change to it soon after classes were over, and that was why the entrance was locked. But I had had a kind of rushed day, so I ended up leaving it for the last minute. Good thing, we were already inside the school building, so we could change in there anyways, but the whole situation gave us the "doing ilegal things" feeling.

In the girls toilet, we used our cellphones' lanterns to give us clarity, and after I helped Aoi-chan out with her makeup and hair, it was my time of dressing up and getting gorgeous. She joined and tightened up the strands of my hair forming a delicate braid, and after almost everything was done, I put a light blue and pink eyeshadow that matches with my outfit, not to talk about the cutest eyeliner only Aoi-chan knew how to use splendidly. There were other little things like my light-red lipstick and my mascara, but to summarize, I was beautiful.

It was already 10 past 10 when we finished, so we judged to be a safe decision to go to the party, where the main event would be happening in the gymnasium, and where everyone was gathering at. We headed there soon after keeping our bags inside our lockers, and just to be sure, I decided to keep Hanako-kun's keychain with me, in a hided pocket of my costume. The gymnasium was crowded as hell, and it was very Halloween themed (just like everyone was expecting).

I ran my eyes through the students, searching for Kou-kun underneath all that sea of students wearing costumes. Since I couldn't find any signs of him or Hanako-kun, I decide to have some fun with Aoi-chan.

- I think I'll have some punch! - Aoi-chan said to me after some minutes, and started heading to the drink's table.

I was thinking about following her, but suddenly a crowd of boys from all ages appeared next to her, and I thought it would be uncomfortable hear incessantly compliments directed to her. Just at the right time, I heard Kou-kun's voice near by, so I went in search of him.

- Senpai! - he exclaimed when realized my presence. - You're amazing!

- You too!

His costume was indeed perfect, very similar to what I had imagined. The horns he was wearing were kind of funny, though. But it didn't ruin the entire figure, it was just a small detail, and probably just something of my own opinion, because it was well done.

- Kou-kun, let's go over there to get more attention, this way I'm also more likely to win.

- Okay, see you later guys. - he said to his friends

We went to the center of the hall, and started dancing together. It wasn't a romantic song, so we were just dancing normally (with normal, I mean he was normal and I probably seemed like a crazy drunken lady, jumping around all energetic)

For some reason, I thought about Hanako-kun, and started wishing for him to appear. Maybe because I wanted to show him how I did have a partner for the ball, without him figuring out it wasn't a handsome guy, but just Kou-kun. But that probably wasn't the reason, I just wanted the three of us to have some fun together, as we always had. And maybe, at some point, for me and Hanako-kun to be left alone with each other...

Suddenly, and announce comes from a huge speaker.

"Dear students, the registrations to the best halloween costume are now open, feel free to join, we'll be closing in about 10 minutes"

I let out a small sound of surprise and ask Kou-kun to go along with me, what he does with pleasure. I put down my name on the list of concurrents and write how I'd like to be presented, in other words, a dramatic name for my costume. I decide for Hypnotic Mermaid, just because I have no other idea. Kou-kun also registers himself, and says he ended up getting excited.

- Humph, so you really have a pair for this ball, Yashiro...

I turn around immediately as I hear Hanako-kun muttering with cynicism. Kou-kun, pretends not to see him, something that, if it was up for me to do, I would probably screw it up.

He seemed rather natural in that ambient, he was wearing his usual clothes, but with everyone dressed up as ghosts, zombies or other supernatural beings, Hanako-kun just fit in perfectly. It was a pity that even though, nobody could see him.

- Of course, I told you it wasn't made up!

As saying those prideful words, I hoped he wouldn't recognize Kou-kun under all the makeup. Hanako-kun seemed dissatisfied.

- Yeah, sure.

Just then, he looked at me closely. I would be lying if I said he had an extreme reaction and his mouth hanged open wide, but I saw his look changing a bit, and he blushed, even if just for a moment.

- What?

- Nothing. I was just thinking how you almost didn't change, since I've seen you like a fish before.

- Mou! Seriously?

I shouldn't had got my expectations so high to what we was going to say, but I guess I couldn't help it. I thought he would change the topic, but he didn't. He looked away.

- No. You're very pretty.

And then I was the one who felt the urge of changing topics.

- W-well, I think it would be rude to left my partner alone, so I got to go...

I turned around to flight with Kou-kun, but he simply wasn't there. Damn it, probably it was too boring to just stay hearing our conversation and he went to find his friends. Hanako-kun laughed lightly.

- It seems like your pair has just abandoned you.

- I bet he went to get me some punch.

I said with fake confidence, and he realized it. He started floating around me, and was about to make another provocative comment, but suddenly stopped in mid air.

- What is it, Hanako-kun?

I looked to the direction his eyes were fixated, and also got a little surprised. But that was inevitable, we just had ignored the subject and pretended it wasn't a real thing. Staring right direct at us, with a wicked smile and distorted look, was Tsukasa, Hanako-kun's younger brother.

Ps: I'm not sure if it's really called "punch", but I was referring to those drinks (usually red) that they have in those balls