Chapter Text
It was a death day.
Not a metaphor, either. Hinaru could smell the death like they could smell burnt toast, and left a copper taste in their mouth. It was like Hinaru bit the inside of their cheek too hard after falling a test.
It was terrifying.
Who was gonna die?
Who was gonna die from an overdose or a car wreck?
Hinaru always knew if someone was gonna die that day, the same bitter smell in the air and the sinking feeling in their stomach. They never told anyone for the first few years until they saw their sister dead in her bed with pills scattered around her.
They never really recovered from that.
Their parents blamed Hinaru. And who wouldn’t?
Hinaru was a curse. A stupid worthless child.
Even worse that they weren’t normal.
— —
They came out at 14 to their parents. That they liked girls and that they wanted to go by they.
Their parents broke.
“YOU STUPID WORTHLESS BRAT!” Their mother screeched. “きみわできないこ*!”
Worthless child.
“You cursed your sister and you have the audacity to tell us this?!” Their father spat.
Hinaru flinched. “I just want to feel comfortable…”
“YOU DON’T DESERVE THAT!!” Their mother screeched before bursting into tears.
“ください…**” Hinaru whispered, their voice cracking slightly.
“SHUT UP! うるせい***!!!” Their father yelled before slapping them across the face.
Hinaru’s face shot to the left. They held their cheek, biting their lip so hard that they tasted iron. “I’m sorry…” They whimpered.
Their mother stood up. “Go to your room.”
“Mom, please…”
“NOW!” Their mother screeched.
Hinaru stood up, quickly bowed, and ran as fast as they could.
— —
Hinaru stepped out into the open street, their eyes glazed over as they loosely held their bag.
The smell was stronger outside.
Maybe they were the person dying.
They smiled softly. Maybe that was good.
Maybe they just—
“HINARU-CHAAAAN!” Their best friend, Mena, ran over from a few yards to their left.
Hinaru blushed slightly, but kicked their right ankle to scold themselves.
“It’s Hinaru-san, Mena…” They whispered.
“Right, right, sorry! You know I suck at remembering things…” Mena smiled, that precious smile that made Hinaru’s heart flutter. They looked away, their heart pounding out of their chest.
Mena hugged them. “How was your weekend? Study for the English test?”
Hinaru stumbled back at Mena’s sudden hug, their face bright red. “Yeah, I studied. I didn’t have a lot to do this weekend.” They mumbled.
Mena laughed. “You’re never busy on weekends, huh?”
“Yeah… Mother and Father want me to study anyways… you know?”
Mena’s smile faltered. “Yeah.” She looked away slightly, blinking back tears. “I had a job this weekend. Pet sitting for the grandpa on Kiro Street. Total mess there.”
“You never told me you worked,” Hinaru said, adjusting their weight.
“Just a few hours. Useful money, after all,” Mena said, trying to wave it off.
Hinaru brushed off the heavy feeling on their shoulders, grabbing Mena’s hand.
“Wanna… walk… to school together? I mean… it’s not too far… and my parents are asleep, can’t drive.” Hinaru mumbled, kicking themselves again. Idiot.
Mena perked up. “Sure! I always like walking with you!” She smiled again.
Oh my God oh my god oh my god oh my God….
Hinaru smiled like a 5 year old. “Thanks, Mena!” Hinaru exclaimed, hugging Mena as tight as they could.
Mena hugged them back.
*you can’t do it
**please
***shut up