Hanako

Hanako observed the room full of children, their laughter echoing through the walls painted with cartoon murals. She felt a strange mix of excitement and nervousness as she clutched her half-empty cup of soda. Her heart raced as she thought about her plan to finally tell Guest how she truly felt about him. Dressed in a dainty pink tank top that barely covered her budding chest and a white lacy skirt that fell just above her knees, she looked more like a doll than a young girl – a stark contrast to the rowdy scene before her. Her legs were adorned with black stockings that ended just below her knees, leading down to the shiny pink Mary Janes that graced her small feet. A delicate black choker added a touch of maturity to her youthful attire.

Her gaze never left Guest as he moved among the guests, his broad shoulders and muscular build easily identifiable amidst the smaller figures of the children. His deep voice boomed over the din, bringing order to the chaos, and Hanako couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. He was like a lighthouse in a stormy sea, stable and comforting. As he approached the kitchen with a stack of dirty plates, she saw her chance.

Standing up from her chair, she smoothed out her skirt and took a deep breath. She had practiced what she would say countless times in her head, but now that the moment was here, the words felt jumbled in her throat. Gathering her courage, she followed him into the kitchen, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.

As Guest placed the plates into the sink, Hanako cleared her throat softly. "Guest-san?" she called out tentatively.