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“Are you lost? That’s no good, there’s an evil spirit lurking in the shadows waiting to prey on pure souls such as yourself. Why not come with me? I’ll protect you.”
The town was unfamiliar. It was small compared to the bustling city she was raised in. It was intimate in a way that was looked down upon back where she came from. When they spoke of gods and saviors, they directed their prayers to a single man.
Hanako-sama.
Hanako was a god of miracles left to toil away in a mortal body. His strange remedies and odd rituals proved successful. He offered refuge for those lost and abandoned, and helped them find their footing. So it was not uncommon to see face-splitting smiles plastered on the faces of the townsfolk whenever he passed by. And it was not unnatural to see their town grow as more people decided to stay near their god in case things started to grow unstable.
Nene heard of these rumors when she stumbled into their settlement. She heard of a god who brought miracles and fortune to those he favored. But she also heard of a touch so fickle, any living being would die soon after making direct contact with his skin. Her best friend had told her of the wonders that came with meeting this god.
“Should you ever find yourself left with nothing but the clothes on your back, seek the god of miracles, Hanako-sama. He asks for very little when you meet him. However, the price for staying too long can cost you your life.”
Hanako-sama was an odd man. He took her in as her best friend had said he would. He demanded very little for his services like rumored. His miracles ranged from small coincidences to the seemingly impossible. And his touch? Truthfully, Nene hoped never to witness the curse that came with such a comforting sense of the body.
“You’re Hanako-sama?”
“Please, call me Hanako-kun.” He smiled bright and cold when he offered a hand. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“How do I know to trust you?”
“Then shall we have a nice conversation over a cup of tea to get to know each other first? What are your special skills? Mine happens to be making miracles.”
The earth was rich and the trees around her were strong and healthy. In the small garden created just for her, Nene sprinkled some water into the dirt as she hummed. “I hope you grow to be as beautiful as the flowers back at home.”
“I’m sure they will,” someone answered behind her. Nene whirled to see her savior in the shadows, the dirt around him reeking of salt and blood.
“Hanako-kun! Back from your fishing trip?”
“With plenty of fish just for you,” he raised a bag as emphasis. “How is your garden?”
“It’s still a slow start, but I think it’s doing well. Would you like to see it for yourself?” Nene stood up and out of his way. Hanako shook his head.
“You know me, Yashiro. Anything I touch dies soon after without fail.”
“Only if it’s direct contact, right?” She pinched his coat sleeve to drag him to the garden space. “But just looking at it is fine.”
“Well, it’s certainly an adorable sight,” Hanako brushed a gloved hand against the small leaves of the sprouting buds.
“What happened to just looking,” Nene teased.
“I couldn’t help it, seeing life being nurtured like this. And besides, they looked cute.”
“Just the sprouts?” Nene pouted. Hanako laughed as he pinched her cheeks, rough leather taking hold of her flushed cheeks.
“Are you jealous?”
“Why would I be jealous of my garden?” She looked away as she crossed her arms.
“Don’t be like that,” Hanako released her cheeks as he waved his bag of fish. “I went out of my way to get us some fresh fish too.”
“We live by the sea,” Nene snorted as she collected her effects and slipped her hand in his. “How do you want it today?”
“I’m not picky. Anything you make is delicious.”
As the breeze brought in a cool relief to the sweating pair, Nene ignored the growing scent of salt and blood that followed them, though she couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose. Meanwhile, Hanako looked unbothered. She wanted to sigh. How should she bring up that he was not the most pleasant to walk beside?
“Hanako-kun, if you don’t wash up once we get home, I won’t cook you dinner.”
“Pardon?”
“Even if I were to live with you, I don’t have anything to give in return. I don’t think I should overstay my welcome.”
“Overstay? You would never. Your company alone is all I need.”
“Hanako-sama, over here!” The two turned their heads to a group of townsfolk as they took a walk around town. A portly man excitedly waved as the group came to greet them.
“Can I help you?” Hanako asked stiffly. His fingers twitched when Nene squeezed his hand.
“Hanako-sama! My son has gotten better thanks to the medicine you suggested!”
“Hanako-sama, it’s like a miracle! My father can walk again!”
“Hanako-sama, I performed the ritual you instructed me to do and my child has returned home after disappearing so long ago!”
"As you predicted, this year's harvest provided us more than enough to make it by, much less sell!"
“I’m very relieved to hear all of this,” Hanako said, nothing more, nothing less.
“Hanako-sama, won’t you come over for tea again?”
“What about holding a feast in celebration?”
“Really, is there anything we can do for you?”
“No, nothing of the sort. Helping you is enough for me,” he responded. “I have some plans today, I’m sorry but I cannot visit any of you today.”
“I see, I see.” Nene felt all eyes turn to her and she hid behind Hanako to evade their gaze. “Well we certainly don’t want to disturb you now~” The crowd dispersed with giddy whispers and speculative murmurs. Nene felt the back she hid behind relax with a sigh.
“Tired already, Hanako-kun? We can go home if you want.”
“No no, I just find myself unable to relax in front of anyone but you.” Nene made a half-bleat, much to her own chagrin. Hanako laughed and pointed in a general direction. “Let’s go now, shall we?”
The boutique they eventually entered was overwhelmingly posh, Nene could feel faint at the sight of it. Hanako chuckled as he pushed her inside. “Hanako-sama, what can I do for you today?” The owner greeted them as soon as the door closed behind them.
“Can you please show her what you’ve prepared for today?”
“Oh, the clothes you had specifically ordered? Right this way—“ Nene was passed to the owner and ushered inside a changing room on her unsteady feet.
“Everything seems so expensive here,” she mumbled as the owner assisted her.
“Good quality calls for a high price,” deft hands tugged the strings of the corset unexpectedly. Nene wheezed her agreement. “As I thought, this really suits you.”
“Thank you,” Nene said as she looked at the mirror, the dress being fitted. Her thoughts wandered to the group they had encountered earlier, with face-splitting grins and eyes filled with gratefulness and admiration. Nene hardly left their cottage in the woods, isolated from the town. But whenever she was allowed to, she could see it as clear as crystal. “Hanako-kun is really loved by all…”
“He gave us hope and offered us a place where we belong, as I’m sure he did for you."
“He did,” Nene nodded. The owner stood up after adjusting the sleeve length and turned Nene’s head to face the mirror.
“One beautiful lady, ready to be wed.”
“You jest,” Nene laughed as she spun in a slow circle. Her white dress adorned with frills and as soft as cotton was hardly a typical look for a wedding gown. There was also the matter of having known Hanako for a mere two months and never bringing up this sort of event. Nevertheless, Nene dashed out of the room to jump in his awaiting arms as she laughed. “How do I look?”
“Beautiful,” he answered, breathless. Oh, this was a reaction she loved to see. “Like a goddess.”
“Stop it,” Nene swatted at his arm. “Me? A goddess? When you’re the god we look up to?”
“I mean it,” Hanako pouted, only making her giggle harder. “Stop laughing when I’m telling the truth.”
“Ow ow ow, okay— I’m sowwy.” She tried to remove the hands pinching her cheeks. “Hanako-kun, leggo of my cheeks.”
“If you insist.” Hanako let go and flicked her forehead. Nene whined, unladylike, as Hanako went to pay for her dress, laughing from the moment he paid to the moment they returned home. All the while Nene was pouting in the background, upset to see the tables turned so quickly.
“If you’re a god, why do you choose to mingle with us humans?”
“What makes you think gods are any less human?”
“Hanako-kun, wake up!” Nene grumbled as she tried to tug the blankets off of him. Hanako responded by rolling away from her hands, taking the blanket with him to wrap himself in. “Hanako-kun, it’s past noon already!”
“Don’t you have a garden to tend to? I’ll be up by the time you come back.” He curled into himself and sighed in relief when Nene let go of the blankets. She huffed.
“Who was it? Who was the one to ask me to wake them up so they can buy the donuts they wanted freshly made?” She saw him flinch before stretching with a yawn. “Come on, up. The donuts will be gone before we can even get there at this rate.”
Hanako whined as he picked his gloves off the nightstand and tugged them on. He was halfway through pulling himself up and off the bed when he fell back down with a flop. “I’ve lost all my strength.”
“Hanako-kun…” Nene sighed as she turned her back on him. “Alright, I’ll get it myself.”
“Really?!”
“But don’t expect me to share them with you, assuming there’ll still be some left by the time I get home.” Nene turned around to mimic eating. “I might just gobble them up before I make it to the front door.”
“You wouldn’t…”
“Try me.”
“You leave me with no other option.” Hanako sprung onto his feet and took her wrist, twirling them around until she tripped onto bed. He rolled her up in his blankets and booked it out of the house.
“Hey!”
“I’m not sharing—!”
“Come back here, you— You cheater!”
“I was only teasing, Yashiro~ Come on, don’t you want a bite?”
“Keep that sticky thing away from me, you cheater.”
“You’re still going on about that?” Hanako licked his fingers clean as they walked back home. Nene refused to meet his eyes when he peered at her face.
“Come on, don’t be like that. We even got you some jelly-filled donuts too.”
“Hmph!” Nene leaned closer towards Hanako to avoid a group of children barreling past them. They watched the kids eagerly enter the bakery they had just left when there was a shout from their other side. A little boy whimpered at their feet, having tripped over a stray pebble.
“Are you okay?” Hanako asked as he squatted to make eye contact with the child.
“M…hm…” The boy himself looked unsure. They all looked to the boy’s scraped knee to assess the damage. At the very least, there was no blood. “I think I’m okay?”
“You think?” Hanako chuckled. The boy laughed along sheepishly. Hanako took a handkerchief out of his pocket and said, “Let’s wrap it up just in case. Wash your knee once you get home.”
“Okay!” Nene watched in mild surprise as the boy took the cloth to tie around his knee in response. Hanako sat still as they watched the child get back onto his feet and wave goodbye, running to the bakery.
“Maybe he’s used to getting injuries,” Nene mused. Hanako remained squatting on the ground. “Hanako-kun?”
“He’s going to die,” he whispered in horror. Nene sat down beside him in alarm.
“What do you mean? What happened?”
“My hand. He grazed my hand.” Nene looked to see the ungloved hand and inhaled sharply.
“You’re a god of miracles, aren’t you? Can’t you prevent his death?”
“I’ve tried before,” Hanako’s breaths came out short and quick and his words became winded. “It’s never worked, no matter what I do. I couldn’t save them. I couldn’t save him—“
“What if you warn him? Tell him to be more careful?” Nene shook his shoulder when he didn’t respond. “Hanako-kun, there has to be something we can do.”
“Let’s do that,” he gasped after they watched all the children leave the bakery. Nene scrambled to meet up with them after hurriedly reassuring Hanako she’d be back soon.
“You all, please wait!” She gasped for breath while the children looked at her curiously. “Please make sure you keep him safe,” she said as she pointed to the boy they encountered.
“Uh, okay.”
“Why though?”
“Kind of weird…”
“He tripped earlier.” She tried to explain without coming off as creepy has she already has. “So I just wanted everyone to keep an eye out for him.”
“Ah, he’s always been clumsy!”
“So that’s where you got the handkerchief!”
“We’ll be careful,” the children assured her.
“Thank you,” the boy bowed as the children ran ahead once more, this time looking back to wait for him. Nene nodded to herself before running back to Hanako’s side. He’d yet to pick himself up off the floor.
“Let’s go,” she coaxed him into standing and held his glove out to him. Hanako took it numbly, staring at the children with glassy eyes. Nene pulled him back home where he collapsed against the door immediately after it closed. “Hanako-kun!?”
“I’m sorry,” he said, over and over again. He apologized to the air and to her as she fretted over him. “I’m sorry.”
“It was an accident,” she said. “Everyone will be careful, don’t worry.”
“I didn’t mean to,” he sobbed. “I didn’t want this.” Nene could only watch helplessly as he strode to his room and slammed the door shut, leaving her alone in her unease.
“Do you want me to stay with you tonight?” Nene asked during supper. Hanako nodded mutely. “Okay.”
Bedtime with Hanako consisted of her taking a seat beside his bed and holding his hand. Hanako wrapped towels around his face that night. If it were any other time, she would have laughed. Today, though, she could only feel sadness in the air.
“It’s okay, Hanako-kun. It was an accident,” she patted his hand and wondered if it was sweaty after being trapped in those leather gloves all day.
“It’s my fault,” he said instead.
“…Get some sleep, Hanako-kun.” She leaned in to peck his cheek when he stopped her with his hand. He pressed his lips against the back of his palm and laughed self-deprecatingly.
“Save those lips for someone better, Yashiro.” Her face fell but she let him turn his back on her. Still, she remained in her seat to watch over him.
Rest came fitfully for them both. Nene made it her duty to sleep only when he fell asleep himself, yet Hanako tossed and turned for hours. When sleep finally did take hold of them, it was restless.
And when news came that the boy had slipped and tumbled over the balcony of a nearby inn, Nene could only look at Hanako in concern. He looked empty, as if he’d expected it. But most importantly, his eyes screamed of guilt.
“It’s not your fault,” she said for the umpteenth time.
“It was always my fault,” he murmured as he shut himself in his room for the rest of the day.
“Do you have anyone out there that cares for you?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I was left with nothing after my fiancé broke off our engagement, but I know there are friends I left behind that care for me. The townsfolk here seem to care for you, but I was wondering if there was anyone you left behind that cares for you too.”
The town was eerily quiet when Nene took a trip to buy groceries. It threw her off momentarily, but she steeled her nerves and trekked on. Nobody had been the same after the boy passed away. Of course, the spoken consensus was that the boy had an untimely passing. The roots of it was what caused unease. Some saw Hanako’s panic that day and passed it on. It was his curse that afflicted the poor child, they said. Yet some tried to insist it was a mere coincidence. Hanako-sama would never do such a horrid crime, even unintentionally! Whatever the reason, Hanako had kept himself shut away in his room and the town was growing restless at his lack of appearance. And for that reason Nene became his caretaker, doing his errands for him as best as she could while making sure to at the very least keep him alive.
Today was different though.
Not a soul in sight nor a murmur in the wind, Nene could have mistaken the place as a ghost town if not for the sudden shout coming from the edge of the settlement.
“I’m telling ya, he’s no god!” This voice…!
“Nonsense! He’s cured so many of us and brought us to prosperity, how can you explain that!?”
“Can’t they be coincidences?” That guy was here too?
“All of them?” Nene began to push her way through the crowd with halfhearted apologies, her mind focused on getting to the front to see if her ears weren’t deceiving her.
“Well—“
“Kou-kun! Mitsuba-kun!” She burst through the crowd and excitedly ran to greet her friends. They looked just as surprised to see her as she did them.
“Senpai, you were here this whole time?!” Kou dropped his pack to sweep her into his arms. They exchanged a tight hug before Nene did the same with a less enthusiastic Mitsuba.
“What are you doing here, Kou-kun? What’s this about not being a god?” Nene asked in concern, dread building in her gut when Kou raked a hand through his hair with a sigh.
“I’m talking about that Hanako guy. According to my brother, he’s scamming everyone here.”
“Hanako-kun? But his miracles are real, Kou-kun.”
“My child was adamant about running away to the Capital and nothing I said could persuade him otherwise. I asked Hanako-sama for advice. Offering a rabbit a day for two whole weeks as he said did indeed change my child’s mind! How do you explain that?”
“My father had been in an accident that left him with a permanent limp until Hanako-sama prepared us with medicine even the doctors didn’t know how to make. Before you knew it, my father could walk and run just fine!”
“Haven’t you considered that these things would have happened sooner or later? Maybe he convinced your child to stay or maybe he made you believe what he gave you would work wonders!” Kou shouted back with equal frustration.
“Why are you consuming an untested and unknown entity anyway, do you want to die early?” Mitsuba mumbled under his breath.
“How dare you!”
“And that boy’s death some time ago, why do you insist it’s a curse? Why do you say it was an accident when it was clearly premeditated murder!?”
Kou’s declaration rang in her ears incessantly, high pitched and screeching until she could only block her ears to stop it in some way. Murder? No, Hanako would never. He looked so scared for the child after a feathery touch and looked so heartbroken when news reached his ears. It seemed the townsfolk shared the same sentiment, because they started pushing the boys out of town, screaming at them to never come back.
“Don’t be tricked, he’s an evil man taking advantage of you! Senpai, can’t you see it?”
“He’s not a bad person, he saved me.” She replied meekly. “Please don’t speak ill of him in front of me, Kou-kun. Leave.”
Kou’s pleas fell on deaf ears as he was made to leave the town. Nene turned away from his desperate cries and Mitsuba’s disappointed gaze. She had some groceries to procure.
“Everyone seems to place a high level of faith in you. What’ll happen when you lose it?”
A more thorough investigation was conducted after the boys’ visit. Whether it was to ease the doubt manifested from Kou’s accusations or because they were starting to doubt Hanako’s powers, Nene neither knew nor cared about. All that mattered presently was how jumpy Hanako became after hearing of Kou’s and Mitsuba’s appearance.
“Are you staying home today too?” Nene asked after coming back from tending her garden.
“No, I thought hiding would only make things worse.”
“I’m sorry about Kou-kun. He’s always quick to jump the gun but he means well most times.”
“That’s perfectly alright. Kids like him are hard to come by,” Hanako admitted as he left the house with Nene by his side.
“Is there anything in particular you want to do or anywhere you want to go?”
“Ah… no. I just thought some fresh air would be nice.” Nene laced their fingers together as she took the lead.
“Well, I have something to do so why not accompany me?”
“Sounds good.”
The town was different again, today. Whispers held a distrustful tone and smiles sent their way was strained and dishonest. Nene felt her hands grow clammy and stole a glance at her companion’s expression. Hanako held a carefully blank stare as he let Nene pull him around. His posture was stiff as he walked, slightly so but noticeable enough to tell of his discomfort.
“Hanako-sama…” A woman greeted them nervously. He said nothing this time and left them in a suffocating silence until the woman realized he was waiting for her to continue. “This is about my husband. You gave me medicine a month ago, saying he’d be up and about in no time. It’s true that it happened, but… he died a few weeks after.”
Nene felt the world spin as she processed her words. Hanako put a hand on her back to stabilize her as he gauged the woman’s plight and said, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Is that all you have to say?” The woman said in increasing volume, exasperated. Angrily she fisted his shirt and yanked him forward, spatting, “He died because we trusted you, and all you have to say is sorry? Explain yourself! How could this happen?!”
Hanako squeezed his fingers around her wrist until she let go with a yelp. Fixing his clothes, he smiled mockingly. Both women shivered at the unfamiliar sight. “I said he’d be able to get out of bed and run around, didn’t I? And you said he did just that. Am I in the wrong then?”
“You— You fraud! If you were able to pull off miracles, my husband would still be alive to this day! I’d rather see him bedridden than greet a tombstone for the rest of my life!” The woman sobbed as she screamed at him. “Apologize!”
“Didn’t I already?”
“You—“ Deciding she was getting nowhere, she left the scene, fuming.
“Hanako-kun…”
“Ah, that was unbecoming of me, wasn’t it?” He sighed. “Everyone’s on edge I suppose.”
“That was awful,” Nene agreed. “But think of the others. What will they say and think of you once they hear of this fiasco?”
“What do you think of me?”
“I’m asking about—“
“And I only care about what you think.” His honey eyes started to darken as he awaited her response. Nene felt crushed under being put on the spot. Her thoughts were muddled and everything was blanking.
“I… I don’t think any less of you,” she said eventually. “It’s like you said… everyone’s on edge now.”
“Good.” Hanako’s eyes brightened and his lips quirked in genuine happiness. “Now, didn’t you say you had something planned?”
“Is it alright if you wait outside?” She mumbled. Hanako took one look at the place they stopped in front of and hummed in understanding.
“Alright. Don’t mind me and take your time,” he said as Nene walked into the boutique he’d taken her too not long ago.
“Oh, just in time. Right this way then,” the owner set down a bundle of clothes and led her into the changing room. “You’re quieter than usual,” came a whisper while Nene was fitted in a couple of dresses to try out.
“Just… thinking.”
“Everyone has been after those boys caused a fuss,” came the agreement.
“How did he save you?” She received an owlish stare. Nene hurriedly said, “if you don’t mind me asking.”
“No, I don’t mind at all. It was just so sudden,” the owner laughed in embarrassment. “Compared to everyone else hoping for a miracle, mine was really petty.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case. What was it?” Nene asked with anticipation. Love? Blooming business? Even a place to call home?
“Revenge.”
“What…?” Her blood ran cold.
“To get back what was taken from me. To have my family suffer the way they did to me.”
“Hanako-kun… granted that wish?”
“It was a miracle. All he did was shake their hands and the next thing I heard about them was that they were all found mysteriously dead at home. In hindsight… I never should have associated myself with him any further after that.”
“What do you mean? Do you not believe in Hanako-kun’a powers?”
“Believing it or not isn’t the issue. It’s his willingness to grant my wish that’s the problem. Think about it. Only a cold-hearted person would agree to kill not just a person, but an entire family, without reservations.”
“That’s… so you think he did something to them?”
“Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. Maybe he had some else do it in his stead. Whatever the case, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture.” Nene was helped into her original attire and asked, “So? Do any of them catch your fancy?”
“Ah… no. Maybe next time.”
“Understood.” The owner nodded sympathetically. “Have a good day.”
“Nothing today?” Hanako asked when she exited the store.
“Nothing today,” she repeated.
“Pity, I was looking forward to seeing you all dressed up again.” Despite herself, Nene couldn’t help but blush at his usual remarks. “Maybe next time.”
“Maybe,” she parroted again.
“So what will it be? Will you live with me for the time being?”
“Okay.”
“So quickly! You shouldn’t be so trusting of strangers, even after one cup of tea. Do you trust me that much?”
Dear Kou-kun,
I’m sorry for the rudeness I showed when you came to visit. I was shocked to hear what I had. Hanako-kun has been nothing but kind since the day I met him, and from the reactions of others, they felt the same way. There’s no way he’d do something like that!
But seeing you reminded me of how I’ve been remiss to notify everyone back at home of my well-being, so I apologize for this too. I hope my rude send-off doesn’t make the arrival of this letter sour your mood. I’m open to hear back from everyone too, if they’re willing.
Love,
Nene
Dear Kou-kun,
I hope this letter finds you well. You’ve not responded to my previous letter, so I assume something has happened and it never reached its destination. I’m writing to try again.
Hanako-kun’s been skittish ever since you came. Everyone has been, truth be told. The case of the boy who supposedly slipped from the inn’s balcony was deemed an accident before you came, and only after you left did people begin to speculate that it was no mere accident. I find it hard to believe so. Who would harm such a young and innocent child? But today, I heard that it might not have been an accident, but staged as one. Hanako-kun doesn’t seem to like having this mentioned around him so I avoid the topic, but it makes me wonder…
Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well. Maybe I’ll start sending them mail myself soon.
Best wishes,
Nene.
Dear Kou-kun,
They say third time’s the charm! I hope your silence is due to happenings in delivery and not because you’re ignoring me. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you to that point, I’ll stop soon if I don’t get another response or so. How is your family? Our friends? I wish to see them again soon, but Hanako-kun has been neglecting self-care and I can’t find myself leaving him while he’s in this state.
Truth be told, I’m a little scared. Hanako has been very standoffish and rude towards his dissenters. Just the other day, he said he cared only for my opinion of him. The way he looked at me while he waited for me to answer him was a face I’ve never seen on him before, let alone directed towards me. And it was that day that I learned he was willingly to create miracles centered around harming others. If that’s true, then the boy’s death could truly be premeditated…
I’m sorry. You could be right. Hanako-kun could be a fake and a murderer. You might be right, but some part of me can’t find myself to believe it wholly. But if possible, could I ask that you write back this time? This whole situation is leaving me frazzled and a little lonely. I feel I have nobody to turn to, least of all to Hanako-kun. Maybe even visiting in person again could ease some of my worries! Of course, only if you want to.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours,
Nene
Senpai,
I’ll be visiting. There’s something I want to discuss with you.
-Kou
(These letters were found months later, poorly buried in the dirt of an abandoned garden.)
“Won’t you stay by my side?”
“Of course.”
“And why is that?”
“The Wilsons took everything they could carry and left their house. This makes them the third family today.” Nene reported to Hanako, who remained in bed and away from the sunlight casted through the window.
“Good for them. They can leave for all I care.”
“Hanako-kun…”
“Are you going to leave too?”
“Of course not. I’m going to stick to you until you’re tired of me.”
“I’d never get tired of you.” Hanako sat up with a dopey smile and sleepy eyes as he said, “As long as you’re with me, I don’t care what the others think.”
“That’s not exactly a good way of thinking,” Nene sighed as she sat on the edge of his bed.
“Why does it matter?” He grumbled as he lay back down, hooking an arm around her waist. “You’re all I need.”
“That’s flattering but—“
“The others can leave. They’d get in our way. It’s not my fault they don’t believe me anymore. I was forgotten this way before,” Hanako muttered. Nene leaned down to hear him better. “The moment they depend on my miracles and stop putting their own effort into things, the moment karma strikes to punish them, they call me a fraud and start saying outrageous things. That’s why I like you, Yashiro. You still believe me. You still love me. Right?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
“And that’s why I said you were a goddess… Hey, Yashiro. Have you considered it? Being a goddess.”
“No, never!” Nene laughed. “What would I even be the goddess of? Radish legs?”
“But would you become one?” Hanako asked seriously, brushing past Nene’s attempt at humor. “Would you become my goddess?”
“That’s not possible—“
“I know of a way. Don’t you trust me?”
“…I do.” Nene cupped his cheek and trailed her hand downwards to his chin. Lifting it, she pressed her lips against his. Hanako slapped a hand over his lips. “I do trust you.”
“Yashiro, you—“
“If I’m going to be a goddess, touching you like this won’t matter.” She unbuttoned his shirt and left a trail of feathery kisses from his collarbone down to his stomach.
“Yashiro.” Hanako pushed her down and squeezed her thigh. “Do you know what you’re doing? Because I don’t think you know what you’re getting into.”
“I might not know what I’m getting into, but I do know what I want.”
Hanako pushed the skirt of her nightgown away as he shucked off his clothes. Thumbing her lips, he whispered, “Prepare yourself.”
And that was all the warning she got before he devoured her, leaving nothing but moans and cries throughout the night.
“There are a lot of ways to express your love for someone. Some people fall for the flowers and chocolates, for whispers proclaiming love and kisses that are said to taste like lemons. You seem like that type of girl.”
“Well! How do you express your love then? Breakfast in bed? Surprises on anniversaries?”
“Curious? Maybe you should stay with me to find out.”
“Senpai! Senpai, are you home?” Kou ran down the path leading towards the cottage with Mitsuba following behind.
“What makes you think she’s still here? She could have moved out like the others.”
“She said this was her third letter. Mail rarely gets lost and there wasn’t any news on that happening, so that bastard must have done something—“ The two gagged once they reached the fence surrounding the abode.
“It reeks! What the— Wine? And something else…”
“Senpai!” Kou ran ahead and barged into the building. The door rattled against the force he exerted, but did little to resist. The blond looked at the unlocked door in surprise before shaking it off and wandering the building. “Please answer, Senpai!”
“Wait.” Mitsuba pulled him back by the collar as he passed a door down the hallway. “Can’t you tell that this room has the strongest stench?”
“You don’t mean?!” Kou shouted as he tried to open the door, growling when he realized it was locked. “Stand back!”
“You can’t possibly—“ Kou interrupted him with a shout.
“This damn door—“ The door rattled as Kou attempted to force it open before finally being knocked off its hinges. “Sen-“ he trailed off in horror. The woman he’d been looking for lay soaked in a tub full of wine. Her mouth was twisted in a pained smile and eyes were glassy as it stared at them unseeingly. She almost looked at peace, as if she was relaxing in a bath after a long day of labor. The floor around her was stained with dried wine but apart from that everything seemed normal, like she didn’t try to escape or think she was in danger.
“Minamoto-kun,” Mitsuba tapped his shoulder and pointed to a wall. “Look.”
I forgive you.
Its recipient had long since fled, and if he ever saw this wine-stained message, Kou reckoned his guilt would have consumed him whole. Would they have both laid on the floor of that room, soaked in red and lingering with misguided love? He didn’t know. He didn’t want to know. All he saw was a devotion misplaced and love unreciprocated with an innocent woman alone when she shouldn’t be and a man made of too many lies that even having one exposed broke him. All that was left behind was proof of his sins.