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“HANAKO!!!” A voice booms, slamming the bathroom door open with unmistakable fury.
Hanako’s non-existent heart leaps out of his chest and Nene jolts, whipping their heads to see an unfamiliar girl charging into the bathroom, frazzled and huffing. The two of them stared dumbfounded for a moment, failing to recognize the girl who stood in front of them. She was a tall, tan blonde complete with sparkling cerulean eyes and freckles dotted all over her features. She adorned an unkept boy’s uniform–an odd choice considering Kamome's strict dress code–that was partially streaked with mud. The girl angrily rambled on and on about some locker nonsense with a fiery passion mixed into her raucous voice. There was a sense of familiarity in her diction but the voice wasn't ringing any bells.
Hanako and Nene exchanged glances, hoping that the other would come to a conclusion.
…
They did not.
They resumed staring back at the girl even stupider.
The girl pauses her rant and takes a moment to breathe. When she opens her eyes to see the two staring at her like brain-dead idiots, she has to bite back some colorful language. “Y'all seriously don’t know who I am, do y’all?” She asked, rolling her eyes. She doesn't wait for a response, only tucks her hair behind her ear, revealing a red safety earring and pulls out a familiar golden staff. “It's me, Minamoto Kou!” She shouts, punching her chest for emphasis.
The silence is deafening. The two take their time verifying it. The evidence is right there: her (his?) uniform, rowdy attitude, safety earring. Yet, something stops the two from fully computing it.
They look at each other.
…
Then back to the girl.
…
It’s real.
Hanako is the first to break the silence as he bursts into hysterics—his boisterous laughter echoing against the bathroom walls. Nene’s jaw hits the floor and her broom follows soon after.
“KOU-KUN?!?” She blurts. “What happened–why are you a-”
“Girl? I don't know, I've been trying to figure out the same thing.” Kou grits, glaring pointedly at Hanako as he continues laughing. He whips out a mystical item and all but throws it at the potty poltergeist. “Tell me why I found this in my locker!”
It phases through Hanako. A hollow clank of metal hits the floor, echoing throughout the bathroom. Hanako busts another stitch laughing.
Kou slaps his hands over his face and drags them down in exasperation. “Aughhhh—Quit laughing already, it ain't that funny!”
“Oh, it absolutely is.” Hanako heaves, wiping a tear from his eye.
Kou growls, “WHATEVER—just cut the crap Hanako, I know it was you!”
As the last inklings of laughter rattle his frame, Hanako wheezes, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, little girl...”
“Don’t call me that. And you’re lying!” He jabs an accusatory finger at him, “You're the only person that would have this kinda thing and I know you know where my locker is!”
“Nuh-uh!”
“YOU GLITTER BOMBED IT A WEEK AGO!”
The memory of a sparkly pink locker and a flabbergasted Kou resurfaces to the forefront of Hanako’s mind and it takes all of his willpower to hold in his laughter. “Hey, that could've been anyone!” He stifles a snicker, hiding it behind a not-so-guilty smile, “Maybe it was the mokke or one of your friends, you never kngh—!”
Kou grabs the neck of Hanako’s gakuran and yanks him closer, winding back a tight fist, “I’m sick and tired of you always pulling these stupid pranks on me! You better turn me back right now or I swear to god, I’ll kill you!!”
While Hanako didn’t appreciate the violence, the angle gave him a closer look at Kou’s face—foreign yet familiar all at once. His jawline is softer, cheeks rounder, rosy lips posed into a deep scowl, eyes still intensely blue and shadowed by longer lashes. The ghost can’t say it isn’t a good look on him. “Awww, what’re you gonna do? Hit me with a purse? Cook me a meal? Rub my feet?”
“You-”
“Okay—okay, let’s break it up, you two!” Nene intervenes, shooting them both a fierce disapproving glare.
Kou glowers at Hanako before reluctantly letting him go. Hanako grins, making a point of straightening his collar as if to rub salt in the wound. The exorcist crosses his arms, fighting the urge to wring his neck all over again.
“Let's just…start from the beginning.” Nene said like an exhausted referee outlining the rules, “Please, Kou-kun. Tell us: what happened?”
As Kou remains guarded, Nene puts a firm hand on his shoulder. When they meet eyes–an understanding magenta on piercing cerulean–Kou softens, the tension in his stiff frame easing ever so slightly. He sighed, shoulders deflating as began, “I was getting my shoes from my locker when I found that…thing” he promptly kicked the mystical item on the floor, “—in it instead. When I picked it up, it started making some weird noises and before I knew it, BLAM, it blasted something at me and fuc—freakin’ took off through the damn courtyard. I had to run all over campus to catch that stupid thing.”
“Well that explains the mud,” said Nene.
“Mud?”
Nene points to his pants. Kou looks down, noting said mud streaked his pants and his demeanor pops like a balloon. Great, just one more cherry on top of the shit sundae, he thinks. When Kou hears Hanako struggle to stifle a snicker, he scowls at him, “Shut up. It’s all your damn fault.”
Hanako instantly furrows his brows, “Me? I already told you—“
“And I don't believe you!”
Nene claps, diverting the attention to her, “Let’s calm down, everyone! I know you’re mad, Kou-kun but give him a chance to talk.”
“Yeah, what she said.” Hanako asserts and Kou rolls his eyes.
Nene clears her throat, turning to the ghost, ”Now, Hanako-kun, be honest with me: Did you or did you not put that…thing in his locker?”
Hanako debates on taking credit for such a feat just to piss Kou off but when the girls shoot him a look, he decides not to waive a red flag in front of a raging bull. “God, I wish.” He huffs, “Seeing it in action would've been priceless.”
Kou scoffs under his breath, “Lying bastard.”
“Language, young lady.” Hanako chides and Kou’s eye twitches.
“Hanako-kun…” Nene starts, “drop it.”
“Fine, fineeee…” He throws his hands in the air like a criminal being told to freeze. Kou just sassily rolls his eyes again.
“You too, Kou-kun.” She adds and Kou pouts. Nene raises a brow, daring him to question her authority. He only sighs, signaling the end of it. Satisfied, she turns to Hanako again, “Now, if you didn't do it then who did?”
“Your guess is as good as mine, Yashiro.” Hanako shrugs.
“Any ideas then, Kou-kun?”
Kou shakes his head.
“So I was the only suspect? Nice to know you think sooo highly of me.“
Nene quickly cuts before Kou can snap back, “Forget how it happened then, what are we going to do now?”
“I don’t know, I was hoping you had the answer.” Kou glares at Hanako.
Hanako returns his glare with a smug smile. “Sorry to disappoint, kid but you’re outta luck.” He draws closer to Kou, “You think I'm gonna help you after all those accusations?” He bats his lashes at him and pouts, putting on his whole victim mask. “Words hurt ya know.”
Kou groans. “Oh, come on! Quit playing around, Hanako, I can't do this all day!”
“Well, that's too bad. Maybe you should apologize first and then I'll reconsider.”
“Apologize? Apologize?! You can't be serious.” Kou faces Nene, a look of furious disbelief plastered across his features, “Senpai, tell him he’s being a jerk.”
“Kou-kun…”
Hanako smirks, “See, she’s on my side. Aren't you, Yashiro?”
“Hanako-kun–”
Kou cuts, “You're always assuming things just because she’s your assistant! So what if she works for you, it doesn't mean anything!”
Hanako laughs hollowly, inching ever so closer, “Oh assumptions? That's gold coming from you, Mr. 'It's always Hanako’s fault.'”
Kou comes uncomfortably closer to him, “Because it usually is! How am I supposed to trust you when all you do is pull stupid shit–”
“I’m telling you it wasn't me this time!!”
Kou aggressively jabs a finger in Hanako’s face, the anger boiling over and about to blow, “That's complete BULLSHIT and you know–”
“Boys, BOYS!! Cut it out—Both of you are being jerks!” She forces them apart for the second time that day and meets their eyes with an ire so piercing the two nearly forget their feud, “Now you two better get along before I become one too!” Nene asserts.
Stunned, the two exchanged glances. Then flickered back to Nene. “Yes ma’am.”
“Kou-kun, I want you to apologize.” Kou opens his mouth and Nene immediately interjects, “No buts.”
Hanako giggles, mildly amused at seeing Kou get scolded like a child.
“You too, Hanako-kun.”
“Dang it.”
Slowly, she backs away from the center of them. “Go on.”
Kou sighs, keeping his arms crossed. “I'm sorry.” He grits.
“Me too.” Hanako agrees nonchalantly. Kou’s scowl deepens and the ghost was happy to keep it at that until Nene greets him with a look. He sighs, “Fineee, I'm sorry too.”
“Now hug it out.” Nene orders.
“Senpai, I think—“
“Hug it out.” She edicts.
Kou grimaces, turning back to Hanako with a deepening frown like it's the worst fate to be a victim to. He expected to see the ghost equally displeased at Nene’s demands but shockingly, concerningly, he was met with a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Hanako slowly lifts his arms–an invitation to his doom. “Bring it in, kid.” He says in a treacly tone. Kou thinks he might be sick.
Awkwardly, Kou closes in for a hug and Hanako wraps his arms around him, taking notice of his smaller frame. It’s still as warm as ever, just not as sturdy as he’s used to. A funny feeling blooms in Hanako’s chest as Kou’s hands find its place on his back. He tries not to question it as it ends as quickly as it started, the exorcist releasing him in a snap of a finger.
“You can let go of me now.” Kou urges.
“Awww, can't a guy enjoy a hug?” Hanako smiles, tightening his hold. He doesn’t have to see Kou’s face to know he rolled his eyes.
“This is starting to feel more like a punishment for me than anything else.”
“Be nice.” Nene chides and Kou just groans, sensing it was going to be one long afternoon.
Kou hands Hanako the mystical item and he takes time to inspect it, feeling the cold metal in his hands. He eyes the various punctures near its eye and the accompanying burnt spots that suggested a bolt of lightning struck it multiple times. Hanako fiddles with the limbs and antenna until he finds a button on the side of the item. He carefully presses it, disappointed when it doesn't do anything special.
“I don’t think it’s permanent,” Hanako concludes after a while of tinkering and Kou breathes a sigh of relief. “But, you‘ll probably be stuck as a girl for a little while.”
“How long is a little while?”
“Depends but I’ll say…a few hours if you’re lucky.”
Kou groans, dragging a hand down his face.
“In the meantime,” Hanako tosses the item away, grabbing Kou’s shoulder and giving him a determined look, “you should take advantage of this opportunity!!”
“Advantage of what?”
“You know…you can do all sorts of things only girls can do.” Hanako appears by Kou’s side with a smirk, “Like…go into the women’s bath or…the toilets.”
Kou blanched. “EUGH—hell no, get away from me, creep!!” He swats him away.
“C’mon, you gotta be a little curious, righttt~?”
“No, now get your mind outta the gutter, dammit!!” He aimlessly swings at Hanako to get away.
“Hmph, suit yourself but I know I'd be all over the girls if I were you!” He grins.
“You always go straight to sexual harassment.” Nene chides, shaking her head. Hanako pouts at her, offended.
“You got any better ideas then, Yashiro?”
“Any idea is better than yours,” Nene insists to Hanako’s added displeasure, “and of course I do!!” She beamed, grabbing Kou’s hands. “Let’s give you a makeover!”
Kou’s heart lurches in his chest. He could barely focus on Nene’s suggestion in the first place with their hands linked together but once the words register, he has to do a double take. “A what.”
“You heard me, a make-over.” She repeated, accentuating each syllable.
Kou sucks through his teeth, immediately disliking the idea. It's nothing against Nene, not at all, but Kou wasn't the most keen on looking girly in any shape, way or form. It was one thing to become a girl, it was another to become a girl. “Ooogh. I don’t know, senpai…”
“Come on, it'll be fun! I can do your hair or your makeup and— oh! I got a spare uniform you can try on!” Nene gleams.
“I don't know if I—”
“Pleaseee? Just this once! The effects will wear off in a few hours so you’ll never have to do this again!” Nene pleaded, eyes sparkling with fragrant determination. “I’ll never get a chance to do this again.”
They have a staring contest—fidgety cerulean on eager magenta. Kou struggles to hold his ground, the thought of turning down Nene becoming more difficult the longer their hands remain intertwined. He was already vulnerable to her every whim but to be confronted with such enthusiasm had him folding like a goddamn lawn chair.
Kou wasn’t much of a fashionista, he could care less about what he wore as long as it did what it needed to do, but he’s sure that as long as he was in Nene’s hands, he wouldn’t be led astray.
Kou sighed, “Go get your uniform…”
Nene lights up, cheering an ecstatic yes and Hanako woops in solidarity.
When Nene returns with her spare uniform in hand, Kou begrudgingly takes it and changes in the bathroom stall. It goes without a hitch aside from Hanako occasionally cracking a joke about taking a peek inside and Kou threatening to exorcize him on the spot.
All jokes aside, Hanako doesn't hold high hopes for whatever comes out of that stall. After all, Kou isn't the feminine type; his fighting spirit and rowdy attitude don’t make the most prim and proper lady. If Hanako was being honest, the most he hoped to get out of it was a good laugh and with today’s track record, he’s definitely getting one.
With the creak of the door breaking him out of his thoughts, Hanako watches as Kou sheepishly steps out of the stall one foot at a time. He prepares to hurl another joke but his words die on his tongue when he takes Kou in.
The exorcist’s lips were pressed into a thin line, barely parsing the words “This feels…” as he picked at the hem of his skirt, refusing to meet their eyes, “weird.”
Kou’s tan skin meshed well with the dress’s muted colors, highlighting the vitality of his complexion. The dress was snug at the waist, accentuating his feminine figure much better than his baggy uniform. It made him look smaller, more delicate despite how the puffy sleeves emphasized Kou’s broad shoulders–one of the few things that remained unchanged in his new girl form. The way his toned arms filled out his sleeves illustrated his strength but his hands were just as dainty as ever and Hanako could not tear his eyes away from them.
Nene clasped her hands together in glee, gasping, “You look cute!!”
“Uh…shanks thenpai—I mean thanks senpai." Kou ran a hand through his shaggy hair, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. A flurry of red begins to crawl up his face, filling out his cheeks and even his ears. “It's uhm, a little…tight on me, actually.”
“Do you want me to adjust it?” Nene offers, walking over to him with inquisitive eyes. “There's an elastic on the insi–”
“No–no, it's fine!” He manages, waiving it off with an urgency that says not to come any closer. “It's–it’s all sood, genpai!! Don't sweat it!” He tries to smile, bearing his fangs and all but it only comes off as even more awkward.
She tilts her head, “You sure?”
“Pundred percent!” Kou nodded furiously. His eyes darted around the room, looking for a diversion to steer away the bolstering heat in his face. Kou glosses over Hanako for a second then instantly backtracks, jarred by his stare. “What are you lookin’ at?” His voice hardens.
Nene turns to look at Hanako, expecting something along the lines of mild amusement but to her surprise, she’s met with the sight of a pervy ghost ogling Kou’s new appearance with his jaw agape. Exasperated, she jabs him in the side hard enough to wake him from his trance. “C’mon, say something!” She whispers.
Hanako snapped out of his tunnel vision on Kou’s hands. His eyes flicker back up to Kou and Nene’s: the former looking at him with suspicion and the latter already anticipating his next words with a disappointed expression.
“You look…uh,” Hanako swallows, not knowing why it was suddenly difficult to piece words together. He fights the dancing pulse in his ears as he faces Kou head-on, hitting him with his signature grin and finger guns, “just as girly as usual!”
“How?!” Kou demands. Before Hanako can get another word in, the exorcist just drags his hands down his face, saying “You know what? Don’t even tell me! I give up. I give up.” He turns around, throwing his hands up in frustrated defeat and banging his head against the stall. Nene shakes her head disapprovingly and Hanako laughs.
But internally, Hanako is right there with Kou—struggling to keep his train of thought from derailing and spiraling with frustration. There's clearly an issue in his system—an issue that has him fighting to keep his nerves under control, his face from bursting into flames and struggling to parse words. It's strange, it's puzzling, it's damming in every sense and Hanako loathes the feeling with all of his nonexistent heart—a heart that he can, confusingly, feel thundering in his chest the longer his eyes linger on Kou.
He doesn't understand it. Genuinely, what is so intrinsically different about Kou that makes Hanako’s mind go haywire? It’s just Kou: his enemy, his friend! He talks the same, reacts the same—nothing has changed aside from his gender! And even then, Hanako’s usually great with gir—
Wait.
Wait, that's it! Kou’s just another girl Hanako can mess with. He can flirt with girls–of course he can! He’s just gotta fake it till he makes it. Yeah. That's it.
“Awww, don't be that way, kid,” Hanako says, drawing closer. Kou groans in response, obviously not appreciating Hanako's stupid comments. He’s soon broken out of his self-pity as Hanako puts a hand against the stall, effectively trapping Kou in a half-assed kabedon. “You know girls look way cuter when they smile~” He tilted Kou’s head up with his thumb and forefinger and for a moment they held each other's gaze–tense and unmoving.
While Hanako hadn't taken an actual breath in well over fifty years, keeping his eyes fixed on Kou’s made him acutely aware that he was holding one and going purple in the face with it. Hanako’s still unsure why it was agonizing, torturous even how with each and every second, he felt embarrassingly more alive trying to navigate the tightness in his chest or the boiling fire sitting beneath his skin. It’s just a simple joke–he’s done it tons of times before and none of them ever made him feel this—
Kou instantly delivers a crushing punch to Hanako’s stomach.
The ‘girls’ carried on like normal, ignoring Hanako who was doubled over in the corner.
“Now that you’re a girl, should I call you Kou-chan?” Nene smiles teasingly.
Kou felt as though he was going to burst at both the insinuation that Nene found him cute and at the mortification of being a girl. “Let's just take things one at a time, senpai…”
“Aw, well in any case I think the dress really suits you, Kou-kun!” Nene gleamed, glossing over his figure again. “I’m honestly starting to get a little jeal…” The color in Nene’s eyes drains as she hones in on one spot, “...ous.”
Kou follows her line of sight and looks downwards, searching for the cause of concern. When he finds nothing, his attention is turned back to Nene’s blank stare. “Something wrong?”
“Your legs…” she trails, “they’re so…” Nene hides her face behind her hands, mumbling words Kou could barely catch. “...slender.”
“Huh?” Kou says blankly until he remembers Nene’s whole radish leg complex. “Oh. Oh! Uh–don't worry about that, senpai–Yours still cuter than mine!”
“Even with fat ankles?”
“Hundred percent, I mean, your legs aren’t that fat!” Kou reassures, only realizing what he said once Nene’s frown deepens, “Wait—WAIT, that didn’t come out right!! I meant your legs are still cuper sute–augh, super cute too!”
If she noticed the stutter, she didn’t comment on it. ”You mean it, Kou-kun?”
“Yes, of course!!”
With the amount of conviction he puts into his words, Nene can almost believe it herself. Her pout melts away into a more genuine smile as she coos, “Oh, you’re so sweet.”
Almost instinctively, Nene closes in for a hug and the fondness in her voice is not lost on Kou who tenses in her arms, knees weak under her touch.
He sputters a bit before reciprocating, patting her back awkwardly. “Don’t mention it.”
When they pull away, Kou does his best to look nonchalant but it's difficult when he's confronted with Nene’s adorable smile. He tries to match her energy, greeting her with a shy smile of his own.
-
Hanako finally recovers, only to be struck down again as he sets his eyes on Kou. Even when his smile wasn’t directed at him, he could sense how its warmth radiated throughout the room. It was a bashful smile composed of rosy cheeks, averted eyes and timid lips curled at the corners. He’d seen it plenty of times before; however, Hanako couldn’t deny that there was something different about it. It nestled in between his ribs, fluttered in his stomach and plagued his mind, much to his dismay.
Is it because Kou looks…cute? If so, then Hanako shouldn't be this affected by it, right? The notion is nothing new, Hanako has always been fond of the exorcist’s expressions.
Hanako forces the train of thought to come to a screeching halt. He needs to get moving before his mind makes a head-on collision with some catastrophic revelations. He saunters over to Kou, poking his cheek, “See? Was it that hard to smile?” He coos.
Whatever happy mood Kou was in snaps and he slaps his hand away, “Shut it, creep.”
“Ow, just saying!” Hanako throws his hands up, “Geez, you're just as sensitive as a girl too.” He mutters.
“What's that supposed to mean?” Nene asks.
“Yeah, Hanako. What is it supposed to mean?” Kou echos.
Hanako doesn't know what encourages him to continue but he does anyway, confidently shrugging their annoyance away, “All I’m saying is that sometimes you can be a little overdramatic, you know?”
“Oh really now?” Kou asks incredulously, cracking his knuckles.
The clear agitation brings a smirk to Hanako’s face, “Yeah, I mean would it kill ya to smiOUGH–”
Kou lunged at Hanako, “I’ll show you a goddamn smile! COME HERE!”
Kou was a girl now but make no mistake, he was just as powerful as ever, easily able to manhandle Hanako and quickly maneuver behind him. Protesting loudly and brashly, Hanako tries to break himself free without hurting Kou, yet the exorcist persists, hooking his arms directly under Hanako’s armpits. Without skipping a beat, he jammed his fingers in the corners of Hanako’s mouth and stretched his cheeks as wide as they could go. “How’s that for a smile, Hanako?! How’s that?!”
“OWWWUGH—eye geht it—eye geht it!!” Hanako taps out on Kou’s arms but he doesn’t relent.
“Do you?!” Kou bellows as Hanako tries to snake out from Kou’s arms. The exorcist yanks his fingers from out Hanako’s mouth and captures his waist as they begin wrestling.
“YASHIRO, SAVE ME!”
“You did this to yourself, Hanako-kun.” Nene shrugs, “Go get ‘em, Kou-kun!”
In one swift motion, Kou sweeps an arm below Hanako’s neck and traps him in a tight headlock. His head is flush with Kou’s chest and he violently writhes in his grasp as the exorcist begins angrily lecturing him. At this very moment, the main reason behind Hanako’s attempt at escape wasn’t to evade Kou’s wrath nor was it to spare himself the trouble of listening to the listless tirade of grievances, no—it was because of something stupider, a cartoonishly juvenile revelation that Hanako should’ve seen coming: Kou has boobs.
It should've been a no-brainer that when Kou turned into a girl, he would gain the assets of one too but with how flustered Hanako’s been feeling lately, it's a struggle to think straight. The jumble of nerves in his chest combined with the searing heat boiling under his skin incinerates any semblance of coherence he has and what makes matters worse is that every time Hanako protests, Kou instantly shuts him down; every time Hanako fights back, Kou tightens his hold. It’s like he was trying to kill him.
It was just Hanako’s luck: any other girl and Hanako would've been giddy—
Wait…
If Kou’s a girl, then what makes this different from getting cozy with any other girl? It’s not weird if your guy friend is a girl for the day! Why, it's all fair game! If Kou wasn't going to relent anytime soon, Hanako might as well enjoy the ride, right?
Hanako gradually stopped resisting Kou, letting himself go limp in his arms as he kept him in the headlock. Kou doesn't seem to notice for a good while, too lost in his lecture to care. It's only when he realizes that the ghost was uncharacteristically silent that he asks, “Are you even listening to me?!”
The only thing that comes out of Hanako’s mouth isn’t an apology or even an objection. To Kou’s surprise, it comes out strikingly plain; “I could get used to this.”
Kou furrows his brows in confusion and his eyes dart to Nene’s for an answer. She mirrors his expression, shrugging. It takes another minute to realize the bastard's plan and Kou promptly drops Hanako like a sack of flour.
“You’re disgusting.” Kou grimaces, keeping a distance away from the ghost. He has the audacity to float closer.
“I know, right?~ Maybe you should teach me another lessOUGH!”
Nene is the one to deliver a crushing blow to Hanako’s stomach this time.
Next in the makeover process was Kou’s hair! Nene, ever the stylist, whipped out her trusty hairbrush and accessories. They made a makeshift hair salon with the bucket acting as a stool and the mirrors acting as…well, mirrors. She diligently worked her magic on Kou’s shaggy blonde hair and before long, her masterpiece was done. “Tada! What do you think?”
Kou looks at the final result in the mirror. She had rolled small buns on the side of his head and left the rest of his long hair sitting on his shoulders. Kou runs his fingers over the buns, careful not to mess with them too much. “I look…”
“Like a kid?” Hanako quips.
“...like my little sister.”
“Close enough,” Hanako states, shrugging.
Nene tilts her head, “You have a sister?”
“Yeah, haven't I told y'all before?” Kou exchanges glances with the two, their blank gaze speaking for itself, “Well, her name’s Tiara and she’s just five years old. Here, I’ll show you a picture.”
He quickly unlocks his phone and pulls up a selfie of Tiara and him. She’s a bright little girl who's the spitting image of Kou and smiles wide for the camera, teeth and all. Tiara wore her hair in pigtails vaguely similar to the buns Kou has on now.
“Awww, she’s adorable!” Nene coos.
“Yeah but don't let that fool you, she's pretty fierce when she wants to be.” He smiles, putting the phone back in his pocket.
“Sounds like someone I know,” Hanako remarks and Kou instantly glares at him. “See?”
Kou rolls his eyes. “Anyway, since you did my hair, how about I do yours, senpai?”
Nene’s eyes light up and she nods excitedly. “Of course!”
The two of them trade places with Nene sitting on a bucket and Kou right behind her. Kou grabs the brush, beginning to brush out her long ombré locks. Hanako’s eyes follow his slender hands—one clasped around the handle of the brush and the other holding the ends of Nene’s hair. He could tell Kou was trying to handle her with care and Hanako couldn't help but giggle at his expertise.
“You know, you’re pretty girly for a guy. You sure this isn't your true calling, kid?”
“Shut up.” Kou replies, “I’m not taking any bull from a dude who lives in a toilet.”
“Hey! I’ll let you know it's a very fancy toilet.” Hanako protests, “People would kill to be me.”
“Yeah, no kidding.” Kou snickers.
Hanako pouts, “Well, it beats being a housewife any day of the week.”
Kou raises a brow at Hanako. “Who said anything about a housewife?”
“Oh c’mon, take a look at yourself!” Hanako appears by Kou’s side and rests his arm on his shoulder. He gestures to the exorcist’s reflection in the mirror, then begins listing on his fingers, “You know how to cook, clean and take care of kids. Sounds pretty housewifey to me!”
Kou makes a face at the diagnosis. Hanako takes it as an invitation to keep going. “Besides, with your exorcist skills, you're probably just as good as one anyway.” He jests, patting his back patronizingly.
Kou pauses, hands going still midbrush. When he speaks, it’s slow and tense. “What's that supposed to mean.”
Sensing the change in tone, Nene quietly urges Hanako to stop but the ghost ignores her concerns, “All I'm saying is maybe you should stay outta fights and stick to the kitchen!” He grins. “You’ll probably be more useful that way anyhow.”
The lack of response is satisfying evidence that Hanako got on Kou’s nerves but he can’t resist teasing him further. He closes his eyes, envisioning Kou’s ’future.’ “Ah, I can see it now: your husband—well, wife coming home after a long, hard day at work to find you cooking just for her, the smell of fresh food on the table and the sound of your five kids just running all around the house~
“It honestly sounds a lot easier than dealing with pesky apparitions all day, don't cha thi—” Hanako opens his eyes, expecting some kind of scowl, pointed glare or even plain ignorance awaiting him but when he sees Kou’s face, none of that is apparent. Instead, Kou stared vacantly at the back of Nene’s head, hands unmoving. His brows are furrowed, bright blue eyes somber and lips pressed into a thin line. It was as though the atmosphere collapsed then and there. “Kid? You okay?”
“Yeah.” Kou replies blankly, his voice all but a mumble. “Just peachy.”
Silence falls over the room as Kou’s hands slowly untangle the last of Nene’s hair. A sinking weight festers in Hanako’s chest the longer it stretches. Nene glares at Hanako, a wordless reiteration that Hanako screwed up and should be trying to rectify his mistake. He doesn't need to be told twice but what could he say? His mouth went dry and he barely stomached saying, “It was just a joke–”
Kou cuts him off, a saccharine chirp in his voice as he claps his hands together, “So! What kinda styles did you have in mind, senpai? Pigtails? Ponytails? Buns?” He stares straight ahead into the mirror’s reflection, focusing his attention on Nene. “I can't guarantee it'll be the best but I can try!”
“Kou-kun…” Her meek voice snags Kou’s heart as they make eye contact in the mirror reflection. While his eyes are but a thin veil of hurt, Kou has a patient smile plastered on his face; It’s a small plea, a beg to buy into his act if not for his sake then for the sake of keeping a lighter atmosphere. It breaks Nene's heart to stay silent but she knew by the expression that Kou wasn't willing to talk anytime soon. She swallows the heaviness in her throat, hoping she made the right call as she asks, “...can you do braids?”
Kou simply nods and to her relief, Nene can see some of the tension leave his shoulders and some of the hurt lifting from his eyes. Soon, their banter fades into the background as a sinking feeling settles in Hanako’s chest.
Nene and Kou continue their banter, lost in the affairs of various students, silly childhood stories and nonsensical ramblings as Kou goes about doing her hair. Hanako spends most of the time silent, aside from the occasional comment about the two’s idiocy. It was enough to keep the flow consistent until…
“How are you so good at this?” Nene remarks, “It takes me forever to just do one braid!”
“Well, I’ve just gotten used to doing Tiara’s hair at home.”
“Your mom doesn't do it for her?”
“No, she uh…” There’s the heaviness again that captured his throat. For a moment, Kou considers holding his tongue but he ultimately swallows, finding it best to get it over with. “she passed away a long time ago.”
"Oh." Nene’s face dropped. “I'm so sorry, I didn't–”
“It’s fine, senpai. You didn't know so don't sweat it.” He continues braiding her hair, voice softening, “She…passed away when Tiara was little so Teru-nii and I have been looking after her ever since. She likes me to do her hair like her favorite cartoon characters.” He finishes the braid and ties it. “It doesn't always go too well but I think I’ve gotten the hang of it.”
They could hear a faint ebbing of grief in his voice but neither of them commented on it, a respectful silence filling the room. It was a strikingly somber experience to see Kou, their beacon of optimism, be dampened by the remembrance of such a haunting loss. The guilt gnaws away at Hanako’s stomach as the weight of his earlier comments set in. Of course Kou would be hurt by Hanako’s insinuations: he was burdened with a mother’s responsibilities at a young age and had no choice but to take up the skills of a housewife. It’s no wonder he’d be upset. Hanako tries to piece together the words to apologize or comfort Kou but the tightness in his chest suffocates any sentiment that dared to escape his lips.
Meanwhile, Nene tries not to dwell on Kou’s sadness much, catching the gentle way Kou speaks about his sister. She knows that the loss must've been difficult, she knows it must have been life-changing but she knows that above all, Kou was working through it and she was proud at how far he’s come. Many thoughts run through her mind, yet she settles for the simplest string of words to offer the exorcist: “Well, she’s lucky to have a brother like you.”
Kou’s eyes briefly flicker to Nene’s in the mirror reflection and the corner of his lips curl into a soft smile upon finding the sincerity in the bright magenta. She understood him as much as he wanted to be understood and for that, Kou was silently grateful. “Thanks, senpai.” He added the finishing touches to her hair. Not a moment too soon and Kou is (mostly) back to his usual self. “Well, what do you think? I'm not the greatest hairstylist but I tried my best!”
“Are you kidding?” She takes in the hairstyle in the mirror, turning her head and inspecting it at all angles. Her ombré locks were braided at the roots and then split into two braided pigtails. There were flyaway hairs and all sorts of uneven things but she couldn't help smiling all the same, “I love it! Seriously, if you weren't already an exorcist, I’d say you’d make a great hairstylist.”
“Aw shucks, senpai, I’m not that good,” he rubs the back of his neck, a timid smile forming. They exchange more niceties to Kou’s added embarrassment and it’s all but broken when Hanako wraps his arms around Kou’s shoulders.
“I feel so left outtt~” Hanako whines into Kou’s ear.
“Oh really?” He rolls his eyes, “Guess I’ll have to give you a makeover too.”
Before Hanako can back out, Nene gasps, “Let's do it!!” and it’s good as a done deal.
As Nene went off to find a skirt, Hanako sat on the bucket, facing the mirror as Kou brushed out his short dark brunette hair. In Hanako’s mind, it's…hard to focus on anything but their proximity: He can feel the heat radiating off of Kou, he can smell the ravenous scent of axe body spray and he can see all the small details he failed to notice before.
“Hold still, dammit.” Kou rasps. The voice twisted Hanako’s heartstrings, tangling itself in his ever-growing mess of emotions. He focuses on the sight before him: Kou’s face is that of pure concentration. He sticks his tongue out ever so slightly while he expertly manages his hair. The sun shines on one side of his face, highlighting his softer jawline and fuller cheeks littered with freckles. It’s…vaguely reminiscent of his regular self.
A part of Hanako can’t look at Kou the same, the look of hurt always popping back up again no matter how hard he tried to suffocate it. It was such a stupid thing to say.
“Hey, kid?”
“Hm?”
The simple sound has Hanako’s chest constricting instantly. The atmosphere is so light, so simplistic and Hanako hates that he has to be the one to spoil it. “I’m…sorry about what I said earlier.” He swallows, “about the housewife stuff? I…I didn't mean to hurt you.”
Kou was quiet for a moment, absorbing the apology with a contemplative look that had Hanako on edge. “What's the matter?” he huffs humorlessly, “I thought it was ‘just a joke.’’”
“No,” Hanako stumbles, “no! You were right to be upset, I–”
Kou chuckles before laughing for real this time and Hanako whips his head around to see him with a shit-eating grin. “Relax, dude. I was just messing with you.” Kou takes Hanako’s head in his hands and forcibly turns him around. ”Now turn around, I’m almost done.”
“…That was playing dirty, don't you think?”
“Yeah, takes one to know one, bastard.” Kou chuckles, adding the finishing touches to Hanako’s hair and inspecting his work. Soon, he bends down to meet Hanako’s level and gestures to the mirror, “Take a look.”
The reflection reveals a juvenile Hanako with two of the world's sloppiest pigtails glowing in the afternoon sunlight. A snicker bubbles to the surface of Kou’s throat. He tries to hold it in but once he hears a huff of air push past Hanako’s lips, it's not long before the room descends into laughter.
“Yashiro was right: you really are a good hairstylist!” Hanako laughs, the undertone of sarcasm not lost on a Kou who smiles wide enough to bear his fangs—it's not quite the forgiveness that Hanako was expecting but he gratefully takes it, smiling too.
(It should've occurred to Hanako that his smiles stayed the same–should have occurred that he always found it sort of cute before—but now, it's unbearable. It's strikingly adorable with his rounder cheeks and pretty (pretty? When did that happen?) lips but that discussion will have to wait another time.)
When Nene returns with the skirt, she finds the two boys goofing off as usual and she smiles to herself, glad they could resolve their issues together. Upon being handed the skirt, Hanako instantly charges into the bathroom stall with a grin. Kou teases him for seeming so eager to play dress up to which Hanako argues that Kou was just jealous that he would rock a skirt better than he could.
Kou rolls his eyes, remembering to ask Nene who made the better girl once Hanako changes. While personality-wise, Kou wasn't the most feminine girl out there, he trusted that Nene would side with him over Hanako any day.
With the creak of the door breaking him out of his thoughts, they watch as Hanako steps out of the stall one foot at a time, teasingly slow. He giggles haughty in a way that makes both Nene and Kou cringe before fully unveiling himself in all his ‘girly’ glory; he ditched his signature black cap for two small pigtails accessorized with red bow clips and he wore a matching red skirt with suspenders lazily slipped over his gakuran.
“It’s me, toilet-bound Hanako-san!” He smiles, putting two fingers to his cheeks.
The two look back at him blankly.
Hanako pays no mind, just striking another pose. “Soooo? Am I cute?”
That was what broke the camel's back because the next thing he knows, Kou bursts into hysterics and Nene follows soon after, doubling over with laughter. The sound is raucous and real in a charmingly familiar way that has Hanako’s nonexistent heart swelling in his chest and he knows he wouldn't have this disaster of a day any other way.
Long after the two have departed, Hanako’s mind can’t help but linger on Kou. The familiar ache returns to his chest as he remembers the warmth of Kou’s smile, the care in his delicate hands and the healing ring of his laughter. He remembers the giddiness in his wide grins, the reassurance in his strong hands and the infectious resonance in his cackle. He remembers and remembers and remembers in excruciating detail and it couldn't confuse him more.
His girl form, in essence, was like a bad case of Deja vu for Hanako. His demeanor, his speech, his reactions were all so reminiscent of the boy Hanako loved toying with but with his new appearance, there was a confusing edge to their interactions.
Seeing Kou being sweet and caring to Nene shouldn’t have been as heart racing as it was; after all, Hanako has always known these traits were a part of Kou, hiding in his willingness to protect her and attentive offerings to help. Hanako always found it kind of endearing before—despite how much he would tease him for it—so why is it now that his mind goes especially crazy? Does Hanako think it’s…charming? Cute?
…Attractive?
The very word has Hanako’s stomach doing flips, the butterflies eating away at his conscience. Surely, he must be mistaken: attraction doesn't feel anything like the maddening skip of his nonexistent heart, nor does it feel like the flourishing fire underneath his skin, right? Attractive was a word Hanako reserved for girls and girls only. No matter how Kou presented, he is still, at heart, a guy with a goofy attitude, unwavering strength and feisty reactions to match. How can Hanako feel attraction—the word feels like a slur in Hanako’s mind—towards Kou?
Finding the answers in the present seemed daunting to Hanako, the specifics becoming much too convoluted to his liking. It was easier to ground himself in the what-if, immerse himself in his imagination where he could safely explore topics without the harrowing chance of being known.
Hanako imagines what life would be like if this was their reality: Kou, the girl exorcist, spending each and every day with Hanako and Nene joking around as they always do. Their friendship wouldn't look too different, he supposed. Kou retaining the same boyish attitude would be a double-edged sword; in addition to their unchanging arguments, Hanako would bond with her more, enjoying her tomboyish relatability over Nene’s. She would be a fun person to be around, having all the qualities of a guy and the flirtability of a girl. Reiterating the hypothetical basis that Kou was a girl, Hanako would have absolutely no shame in flirting with her. He’d revel in seeing her impassioned reactions—oh how she’d be red and sputtering before charging at him with her raiteijou—with all his heart. Could anyone blame him though? She has all the looks to back up a small crush—adorable wide smiles, pretty eyes, delicate hands and a lean figure—not to mention her kind and considerate nature would make the perfect girlfriend.
…
Now that Hanako thinks about it, he probably wouldn’t mind dating Kou.
…if Kou was a girl, of course!