Who Is She?

5. haruka

"Shuichi, promise you won't leave,"

"What? Haruka, why are you.."

"I just.. you just need to promise! Okay? Will you?"

"No- I- of course I won't leave.. why would I want to..?"

"I was just making sure. 'Cause.. I won't leave."

"Yeah, of course you won't.."

"Hey-! You make it seem like it's a bad thing.."

"Pinky promise?"

"..Okay.. yeah. Pinky promise."

Haruka stared at her smallest finger while she was on the way home from work. The window was cold, but that didn't stop her from resting her head against it, solemnly looking out the window at nothing in particular. The subway was never her favourite way to get around.. it was always crowded of people getting to work each morning, and trying to get home at night. But this time, it was a little emptier than usual.. She wasn't sure why.

She quietly hummed, wrapping her jacket around herself more. It was one she had taken from Shuichi.. but Layka didn't need to know that, she thought. Layka had said not to bring things too personal, she had said to detach herself completely from the life she lived before. Because she was Rose now, and would be Rose until it was safe to return. She wondered when it would be safe to return.. if ever.

"You heard me, Haruka, dear. This.. it must be this way."

"Layka, don't make me get rid of it. I can't.."

"It will be recognisable. You cannot wear it anymore.. I need you to be safe, Haru.."

"Please.. Layka.."

"You already help me straighten my hair, isn't that enough?"

"If the cult were to.. Haruka, I attempted to keep you away from them, but.."

"But they knew who you were. Perhaps it was somewhat.."

"And my safety is important. Right."

"I won't wear it anymore."

"Miss.. you've been asleep awhile."

Haruka's eyes opened, and she looked up, a nondescript taller lady standing over her. She froze, cheeks reddening a little. She sat up a bit, running a hand through her - straightened - hair. "Oh- oops.. did we pass.."

"We've passed just about each station.. Maybe it would be best to get off now, dear, and call for a taxi." The lady offered her a small smile, glancing up and shaking her head. "I would assume you passed your stop."

"Oh.. thank you." Haruka grabbed her things, standing up and heading off at the stop. As the lady assumed, she missed her stop..

But she really didn't want to go home, anyway.