//
A moth flew in the wind.
The air was sharp and with each flap of its wing the moth felt its body ache. Its wings were heavy with rust as ice continued to pervade his body. The light he was encircling was faint, growing dimmer by the day and he couldn't help but feel its warmth lacking.
Then, he heard it.
A crackle.
A large light hissed as the surrounding snow melted into puddles of water. Despite the distance he could feel its warmth.
The moth slowed.
//
The air was tight with a chill that set like fists to metal. Taiju adjusted his sleeves, enclosing his hands in the soft warmth his jacket provided. The frigid morning was a stark contrast to the supposed cool of spring.
".. I should've worn more layers," he grumbled.
Taiju crossed his arms, and his feet tapped the floor with a relentless rhythm. It had been more than 5 minutes since he left the house, and as he remained impassive, the cold slowly crept through his skin. He could move. However, he didn't like the thought of sweating so early in the morning.
His eyes twitched as he felt his temper flare, "They're so slow." He leaned his back to the wall, and his arms avoided touching the metal pole. The streets were silent, spanning long distances with a ghost's detachment.
Taiju felt the faint rays of the sun, its warmth inadequate against the dense air. Slowly clouds—larger than a building slugged towards the sun. Its curved, smooth shape reminded Taiju of the trees he sees in the tv shows. Comical, large, stupid yet strangely comforting. The clouds above his head were reminiscent of compiled cotton balls. If he were to touch the sky, would it be as soft?
Or is it hard like those anime he's seen, soft from a distance yet strong enough to hold a civilization in its cusp?
Taiju felt his eyes widen as a slow breath escaped his lips. "..huh?"
The clouds were large, then, what if there were people hiding in it? Like a secret society of.. birds? Griffins? Dragons?
Sky people?
The clouds swallowed the sun, draping the world with soft shadows of blue. Taiju watched closely, searching for an outline of a person—a creature, anything, something other than clouds - atop an endless mass of air. A person, maybe, was trapped in the clouds. Maybe that's why they fell from the sky.
"Stupid." he scoffed, averting his eyes from the sky.
The shadows covered him, and he felt the warmth dissipate like mist. His eyes settled on the front door. Their home was huge, looming over most of the houses in the neighborhood. Its shape is rigid, and edges sharp with the form of rectangles and materials made from polished stones. Their father said that these types of architecture originated from America, where his work happens. Taiju didn't know what architecture meant, but he was sure it had something to do with buildings.
His thoughts slipped to how easy it would be to secure warmth in the comfort of their home. If he, instead waited inside rather than here.. maybe the chill wouldn't pierce that sharply. Maybe he should get in, find another layer of cloth to wrap around his figure… Then, he would wait for his siblings to finish.
Taiju's eyes steeled.
He didn't like how effortlessly his mind searched for escape. The way his mind tried to betray his convictions with a presence that was absent was almost funny. The house is capable of providing heat, but it lacks the warmth he seeks. His fingers drummed the fabric briskly.
Then, slowly, he saw the doorknob shake. Initially, as if touched by accident, then with increasing force, the door's hinges pivoted, and a short fawn hair peeked out. She looked up, shifting her scarf as she walked past the door. She scratched her cheek, lips curving in a shy smile.
Taiju's lips pursed in an unimpressed scowl, "You're late, Yuzuha."
"Don't be too stingy, Nii-chan!" Yuzuha huffed, waving her hand dismissively, "It wasn't that long besides.." She twisted her arm and pointed to her watch "We still have plenty of time left!" she grinned.
Taiju rolled his eyes, shifting his weight to stand upright. Then, he paused. His sharp canary eyes scanned her from top to bottom. A bright yellow hat caught his immediate attention. Right, she was a first grader now. Yuzuha was dressed warmly, with a snug pink scarf wrapped around her neck and a blue padded jacket.
Taiju's lips twitched. He also should've worn his scarf. Irritation flared faintly, like sparks of electricity coursing through his neurons. Yet, Taiju kept his lips pursed, careful not to let the expression loiter.
He crossed his arms as he walked towards Yuzuha, "Make sure to lock the door. Mom isn't coming home tonight."
Yuzuha's lips stilled, her honey eyes snapping towards him. A worried look flashed Yuzuha's features, lingering until understanding settled. Yuzuha's smile tightened, and she forced a breath out of her lungs. She nodded, her posture regaining its slack "Okay~", she saluted, jogging towards the door.
Taiju watched as Yuzuha fiddled with the key, his foot on its toes as he peered over her shoulder. Everything should be in place. He'd make sure of it so that when mom comes back…
His eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sudden tug on his pants. He turned his back, eyes dropping towards the source of the force. The hands that gripped the fabric were small yet strong. Taiju squatted down, smiling lightly. He asked, "What's wrong, Hakkai?"
Hakkai's cobalt eyes hesitated before meeting Taiju's canary ones. Hakkai's mouth opened, yet no words came out. But that didn't matter. His eyes spoke for him.
Taiju paused. Then he pressed his hand above Hakkai's short zaffre hair, tousling it. "Mom is gonna be alright."
The words felt hollow in his tongue, like a prayer recited by a nonbeliever. Taiju's smile stretched softly, "So.. don't worry about it, ok?"
Taiju didn't like the way his throat tightened as he said 'alright'. He didn't like the way his nerves were set ablaze as he waited for Hakkai's response.
Fighting was easier—straightforward. It didn't matter how long the brawl lasted or how much bruises covered their skin. The punches conveyed their feelings, their anger, their frustration, their fear, the guilt; whether it was hard or soft, their actions spoke louder than words. They didn't need to talk. The moment fists clash with flesh, the opponent is already provoked.
He could still feel it.
The sharp heat wrapped around his fists as it met flesh. The muffled sound of protest like a person talking with their mouth full.
The sharp morning air reminded him of winter.
There was something about the cold, biting wind that made him prone to surrender to his impulse. An irrational thought that violence would somehow bring warmth in the wretched weather.
Perhaps it was wishful thinking.
His winter started the moment his mother grew weak from illness, after all.
Winter came faster for him than it normally would.
Unexpected, like rain during a perfectly clear weather, devastating like the collapse of your home, cruel like an enemy who feigned friendship.
Maybe that's why he chose to stay out of the house. Why he endured this chill instead of staying within the comfort of their house.
Staying felt like a lie.
Staying felt like being in a bubble, aware of the illusion of permanence.
He didn't want to linger inside a space where the presence he longs for is absent. Their mother would return, and he knows it. He believes it. Fervently. Devoutly.
Yet his every visit challenges that perception.
'Annoying.'
Taiju's fists curled, his knuckles turning white from sheer force.
Somehow, despite winning. Despite learning and adapting to fights, he felt no satisfaction. The followers he gained from each fight were a responsibility he'd rather avoid. He didn't like how their eyes shone with fervor, like their victory was tied to him.
The faint rustle of plastic echoed in his mind, growing sharper as the memory grew clearer. Taiju squatted before a boy, older than him as his figure loomed over the bruises that marred the boy's skin. Taiju's shoulders heaved, rising with a rhythm that contrasted his calm features.
The boy below him clad in green shivered, raising one arm to shield his face. His hands were trembling. Whether it was from the cold or the physicality of his defeat, Taiju didn't care. All that mattered was that this person annoyed him.
He was in a good mood, too.
Taiju raised his arm, his fingers were already clenched, primed to continue his assault.
"I-I S-SURRENDER!!" His voice cracked, and he stumbled, trying to create a distance between them.
Taiju tilted his head. Then he exhaled sharply, moving closer. "Hey, what's with you?" he hissed, irritation seeping in his words.
Taiju pushed a finger towards the bruised figure, "You were the one yapping on how're gonna defeat me." He pressed further, "And I gave you the chance, didn't I? "
The figure crossed his arms above his face, his face yet from tears and snot. His lips chattered, and his mouth moved, yet no coherent words formed. "I-I d-din't–hic! So-Sorr-So-rry."
Taiju rolled his eyes, "When someone's asking ya somethin, you answer." He clasped the jaw of the brunette, moving it up and down like playing with a puppet
"You stupid or what?"
Taiju's nose twitched, and his ears sharpened. He heard the footsteps, clicking on the asphalt with a cadence that betrayed confidence. There was also a clatter of…something, like glass pressed with other containers along the crinkling of plastic.
'Is it a grown-up?'
Then the sound stopped, and Taiju felt a shadow falling across his face. He glanced up. As his eyes took in the sight, he couldn't help but feel his frown grow deeper.
'It's just a girl.'
Taiju blinked. His nose caught a scent of rosemaries, vanilla, citrus, and spices from the bag of plastic she held on her arm. His eyes drifted towards the bag of condiments she held, and as he looked closer, he felt his head ache. He wasn't familiar with cooking, yet the objects gathered inside the bag felt random, like clothes gathered in a panic.
It felt like every food that could evoke flavor was dumped in the bag.
The stranger followed his gaze, then lifted the bag slightly. Then, her lips curved in a vague smile as if facing a child caught red-handed.
Before Taiju could comment, her gaze swept across the scene, alternating between the bruised boy and Taiju. His eyes steeled, eyes squinting as he studied her expression.
He remembered the flashes of emotions most showed when seeing him. Fear, disgust, pity, hatred, admiration. He waited. Wondering which face the girl would make.
The silence draped the surroundings as their minds churned, eyes fixed as if looking away was a grave sin.
Then, she spoke.
"If you didn't tell anyone where you are, you probably won't be found."
Her voice was level, soft like a parent's scolding. The words felt deliberate as if it were meant for him. It was spoken with clarity and understanding that Taiju lacked.
Her face softened as she gave him a polite bow, "Good evening." she said, a farewell rather than a greeting. Slowly, she turned her back, walking in that slow cadence that contrasted with her small figure.
The air was sharp and frigid, yet Taiju momentarily forgot about the chill and the body that he had encircled. He gaped, his eyes still fixed in her distant silhouette.
She hadn't reacted like how he expected him to.
She didn't show a negative inclination towards his behavior, yet it wasn't positive either.
Detached yet sympathetic.
His mind stirred.
What does she mean?
What exactly did she see?
What does she know?
Why?
Why does she sound so ...certain?
Who is she?
Taiju pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind, like dragging a correction tape over scribbled lines.
She wasn't here.
He never saw her again even after waiting in that street.
Maybe she was just an illusion.
Focus.
A ghost of his desire to be found.
Focus.
Taiju's jaw tightened.
Focus.
His eyes met Hakkai's with the intensity of a boy barely hanging by a thread. Hakkai blinked, caught off guard. Taiju tried to soothe his face, his expression struggling to regain its impassive state.
"But..", Hakkai glanced at the door, where their mother used to be. "Mom promised to play with me today.." His head hung low as he pursed his lip.
Taiju stayed silent, unsure which words would placate Hakkai.
Yuzuha noticed.
Catching the twitch of hesitation in his hand.
She shook her head as she skipped towards his side, "What are you grumbling about, Hakkai?"
Yuzuha stretched his cheeks wide, "Mommy doesn't know how to play that game, but don't worry! Your big sis plays better than most grown-ups!"
Yuzuha patted her chest lightly, "I can even beat you with my eyes closed~"
"Yar..wying" Hakkai muttered, feeling the weight of her fingers as it pressed on his face. His hands clasped Yuzuha's in an attempt to pull her hand away.
"Hmmmm? What's that? I can't understand you~" She leaned closer, kneading Hakkai's face like dough.
Hakkai pouted as small tears welled at the corner of his eyes. He turned towards Taiju as if asking for help. Taiju tilted his head as he shrugged. Hakkai's lips trembled, and he reached out for Yuzuha, but she quickly evaded.
Yuzuha stuck out her tongue, "Catch me if you can~!"
Hakkai glanced at Taiju and Yuzuha intermittently, then he curled his fists. "YUZUHAAAA"
Hakkai ran towards Yuzuha, and Yuzuha glanced back, picking up speed as Hakkai grew closer. Taiju sighed, watching the distance grow. He tilted his head towards the front lawn. His steps maintained its leisure rhythm as he walked towards the door, and he grasped the handle, twisting it.
Taiju let out a satisfied hum as he continued to shake the knob. 'It's locked.'
He strolled towards the sidewalk, noting Hakkai's faint figure. Taiju's lips quivered, and his hands ruffled the back of his head. "…I don't want to run." He squinted his eyes, "But Hakkai might get hurt.."
Taiju sighed.
He pulled his sleeve and checked the time.
'7:42.'
Less than 20 minutes.
Like Yuzuha pointed out, there was plenty of time.
Taiju's eyes roamed the streets, quickly scanning for their traces. The frigid morning air grazed his skin like a billowing cloth, and he carefully put adequate strength in his foot, trying not to slip.
==============
Taiju walked at a leisure pace. He decided not to chase his siblings. He knew that the moment Hakkai caught his figure from a distance, he would sprint faster, not to catch up to Yuzuha but to outrun her. The game between the two would turn into a race between the three of them. They wouldn't be late, but they sure would be smelly.
And Hakkai..
Hakkai is stubborn.
A memory replayed in his mind. Vivid, bright. A recent incident occurred a few weeks before. He remembered the rush of adrenaline that pulsed through his veins, the heat in his throat, and the lightness in his steps. His calves contracted, the tension vibrating with each step. The gale whisked past his skin and tousled his hair, and in its resistance, Taiju sprinted faster.
"Nii-chan!!"
Taiju's eyes flicked towards the voice, his pace staggering as he controlled his momentum.
Hakkai rushed towards him, his breaths uneven, and his short, stubbly legs ran to match his motion. As the distance between them shortened, Hakkai slowed, shoulders shifting as he exhaled roughly. He crouched, his palms clutching his knees as he took deep, heavy breaths. Taiju stood still, waiting. Then he tilted his head, the faint curiosity morphing into interest.
Slowly, Hakkai looked up, his jaws clenched as his eyes met Taiju's. "I w-want!.. run! with you, Nii-chan!" he declared, his cobalt eyes glimmering with determination.
Taiju crossed his arms, amusement tugging the corners of his lips. "But you're already tired."
Hakkai shook his head vehemently, "No! I can run!!"
"Really?"
"Yeah!" Hakkai vigorously nodded his head, "Run! I can! I can!"
Taiju chuckled as he shook his head, "Think you can keep up with me?"
Hakkai's head bobbed, a large excited smile forming in his lips.
Taiju crossed his arms, "Alright."
Hakkai beamed, and he pumped his fist.
Ever since that day, Hakkai would continue to chase after Taiju, engaging in races. He was energetic, a lively ball of energy that continued despite the exertion. Of course, Taiju made sure to avoid the objects that blocked the route. However, Hakkai was insistent, trying to weave through the obstacles as he ran.
Taiju sighed as his shoulders slumped. "I told you not to go there, Hakkai."
Hakkai averted his gaze, tears spilling out of the edges, yet he remained firm, dead-set on not meeting Taiju's eyes. He could feel the heat surging from his chest to his head. He swallowed his cheeks, trying to suppress his groans.
"Being stubborn is fine and all.. just dont be stu–!" Taiju's eyes widened, and his hand pressed on his mouth. "..g-get hurt! J-just be careful.." he stammered, his breaths producing an uneven laugh. Taiju winced, cursing his rotten mouth.
Hakkai stayed silent, hiding his knees with his arms.
Taiju crouched down, "Hey. I'm sorry. I'm not mad, Hakkai."
Hakkai shook his head, his brows curved in a frown as his eyes closed.
Taiju paused as if weighing his choices. Hakkai felt shame swirling in his chest, making his stomach queasy. His fingers scratched his skin in a slow, disturbing rhythm, marking his skin red like a growing burn.
Then suddenly, Hakkai felt a weight above his head. He opened his eyes, confusion filling his face like a stamp on paper. He raised his head, eyes following the outline of a hand.
Taiju's hand hovered in Hakkai's hair before slowly pressing his palms to the surface of Hakkai's head. His movements were clumsy, careful in a way that lacked assurance.
It wasn't like the Taiju he knew.
His big brother had the broadest back.
An energy that made others want to follow him.
He was always sure.
Certain.
Yet Taiju held him like he was a brittle vase that could collapse.
Like his brother was afraid of breaking him.
Hakkai's eyes stayed glued to Taiju's arm. His tears had stopped flowing a long time ago. Confusion was still present within his eyes, but slowly, it waned.
Taiju's brows creased in focus, as if reassuring a child was more strenuous than a fight. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he gazed at Hakkai with a slow, skittish smile. "I'll carry you home. Then. We'll treat your…battle scar, okay? "
Hakkai nodded.
Taiju moved closer, turning his back to Hakkai. Hakkai opened his arms before slowly curving in Taiju's neck. Hakkai frowned, willing his short arms to wrap around Taiju's neck.
Taiju chuckled. He placed his hand on Hakkai's arm before pushing it closer to his neck, "Hold on tight."
Taiju felt his lips twitch, "..and he still continues to run with me after getting his knees scraped." He shook his head, "idiot." he muttered, his tone light.
Taiju raised his arm, sliding his fingers at the surface of his jacket. He studied his watch, eyes following the faint movement of the hands as they inched towards a certain direction. Taiju scratched his neck.
He should pick up his pace, too.
The walk towards the school was uneventful. Their route towards the school was desolate, with only a few outlines of adults heading towards the train station. Taiju wondered if the other routes were as gloomy as this. The district they lived in was full of wealthy working class adults. The children were sparse like a fruit among a plethora of bushes, like color in a grey landscape.
Vibrant.
Eye catching.
Clear.
Maybe it's the light, but sometimes Taiju felt that this place was too bleak. Silence hung like an obligation rather than reprieve. Different from the stillness in the church. The winters here were jagged, summers distant despite the lively buzz of the cicadas.
Taiju stepped forward.
Then the rush of noises welcomed him like a greeting from an excited friend. It pulled him towards the heat. The bustle of the morning was a sharp contrast to the noiseless district. Students clamored, their footsteps, a distinct beat that overlapped one another. Voices lively and smiles hooked their lips.
Taiju felt his hair move as a bicycle rushed past him, and the bell rang with a sharp click. Taiju shook his head. His eyes searched the crowd, hoping to see a glimpse of a pink scarf or maybe a distinct zaffre hair.
Taiju clicked his tongue.
His sharp canary eyes fixed to the faint outline of a building. Considering the time it took for him to get here, it was possible that the two were already in class. His gaze dropped, deciding to follow the long line of yellow hats.
================
"Pop Quiz!" He chirped, gesturing to the stack of papers in his desk.
Taiju felt his jaw grow slack. Mind churning with disbelief.
Then, groans of disapproval echoed in the room. A few students drew a sharp inhale, eyes bulging towards the man before them.
Onodera raised his hand, "Sensei!! It's just the start of class! You can't be serious?" his voice trembled with protest.
"Yes, we just came back from winter break!" she chimed.
Okitani shook his head, "You haven't discussed anything yet, Sir!"
Voices of agreement resounded throughout the room. For once, Taiju agreed with his classmates.
It was too sudden. He knew that this teacher was prone to assign abrupt tasks, but today, he was truly caught off guard. They just came back from break, for goodness sake. Besides, he doubted there was anyone who actually read all the lessons in advance during the break.
Taiju's expression softened. Well, it wasn't like he was that unprepared. Taiju sat in his seat with his palm resting in his chin.
Taiju recalled his winter break. There wasn't much to be done other than visiting their mother and making sure his siblings were well fed. Taiju's gaze slackened as his focus drifted to his right hand. There was a small patch of pink skin lined at the edge of his palm and a few lines that curved haphazardly in his hand.
He didn't expect cooking to be hard. Their mother had always carried herself with large strides in the kitchen, and the knife glided past the chopping board with ease and skill.
He was tall enough to reach the stove without needing any platform. Maybe that was a blessing.
Serizawa shook his head, smoothing over his sleeves. "Whats the principle in my class?"
The students slumped as they intoned, "Always prepare for the unexpected."
Serizawa nodded with satisfaction, and his lips curved. "You shouldn't worry too much, though! Hanemiya–chan from class 3-A finished in less than 5 minutes with perfect scores!"
Okitani groaned, "But it's Hanemiya-san, Sensei!"
"Yes. But she is a student like you. You should take her as an example."
Onodera huffed, "Hanemiya, Hanemiya.. always Hanemiya."
Tanaguchi smirked, "I know, right?"
Sato rolled her eyes, "I don't know why the teachers like her. She's super creepy."
Suzuki chuckled, twisting her pen, "Don't be too obvious, Ryouko-chan, the teachers might get mad~"
Sato grinned, "And what? They'll cry to their oh so precious Hanemiya-chan?"
Okitani jeered, "Careful girls, you might hurt her feelings~"
The three of them shared a look before erupting to a fit of giggles.
Taiju shook his head, wincing as their laughter rang like an annoying alarm clock. "Be quiet" he glared.
Their smiles faltered, "Shiba-kun, you're not defending her, aren't you? "
"Don't care. Haven't met her. Shut up." he scowled, voice clipped like his temper.
"Right! It's not like anyone likes her."
"She's so stuck up."
"No friends, haha!"
Sato leaned closer, "Maybe except that weirdoshima."
Taiju tapped his pen on his desk, "Hey."
Sato shifted her gaze, turning towards Taiju.
Taiju tilted his head, "If ya don't wanna listen, should I teach you a lesson?"
A chill crept up the back of their spines, slow like the trickle of water. The drum of the pen was louder now, filling the space between them like a guillotine over their heads.
They knew, of course, who Taiju was.
He was hard to miss.
Taiju towered over their batch members, his eyes were fierce, and his face was sharp like a polished blade. He looked out of place among the soft population of 3rd graders. Many said that he started his path to delinquency in first grade. His staggering height caused the older kids to think they were his age and picked on him.
Others said his father taught him how to fight. That his father was a member of a yakuza, and Taiju was his heir. Of course, whether it was true or not didn't matter. No one dared to ask Taiju about his past.
But the Taiju from the rumors was different from the Taiju they knew. Taiju was silent, arrogant yet compliant. He never did anything to stand out in class, never antagonized teachers or classmates. The most harm he would do is run his harsh mouth.
In fact, Taiju was one of the honor students in class.
Maybe it was because Taiju was so quiet in class that they forgot.
Taiju was one of the biggest troublemakers in school.
Taiju smirked, "See? It wasn't that hard, right?"
The three of them nodded their heads.
=====================
"I didn't even do anything." He grumbled, shaking his hair. His eyes twitched as he saw the faint figures of Okitani and his friends.
Apparently, Serizawa-sensei thought that he was blackmailing them into sharing his answers. Taiju denied it, of course. Yet the three acted like they were forced to deny it, answering while looking at him like he was going to bite off their heads.
Who wouldn't get suspicious?
Taiju groaned.
He really wanted to punch that Okitani dude's face.
Scratch that maybe that Suzuki and Sato too—Sato especially. Gosh. Her laugh was grating on his nerves.
Taiju pushed the classroom door hard, and a loud bang reverberated in the halls. Countless eyes turned towards him, and the hallway grew quiet.
Taiju scowled, and the rest of the eyes averted their gaze. As he stepped into the hallway, the crowd parted in the middle, avoiding him like a plague.
He didn't care how much they gaped.
If they want to do something about it, they should tell it straight to his face.
He'll give them a couple of beatings as a lesson.
Then, as the silence of the hall filled his ears, he started to recall the test.
It wasn't hard.
He expected it to be much more difficult. However, the questions played with their previous discussions, testing the extent of their knowledge and understanding.
Taiju turned. His loafers clicked against the floors as he descended on the stairs, and his fingers glided in the metal poles easily.
Some questions, however, weren't discussed. He assumed it was a preview of their future discussions. That didn't mean he found it hard to answer. Those questions were within the text he studied during the break.
Except for the last one.
The question wasn't a multiple choice item where you have an equal chance of getting the right answer. It was an error correction item. The type of question is where you have to identify the wrong word from the statement and write the correct answer.
He remembered skimming past that topic when he was studying over the break. It was the very last topic that the book covered, and he believed that no one would've read that far, let alone answer the reasoning clearly.
He was proven wrong today.
"..Hanemiya, huh?"
The name lingered in his tongue like ink to cloth.
He's heard that name whispered in the library, scorned in his class, praised in the teachers longue, muttered by the older grades. It was like the name was engraved in the school, acknowledged, challenged, remembered. There was a sense of immortality present in the way it was uttered.
Taiju has never met her, though.
He didn't think their lives would cross.
Maybe, one day, she'll become his classmate.
It was possible, after all, since class rosters change every year.
He wondered what it would be like to have a genius as a classmate. To know that despite your efforts, you will always get overshadowed by one talented girl.
Maybe that's why she is shunned.
Jealousy..
Somehow, it's more terrifying than admiration.
Taiju let his feet guide him. He pivoted, avoiding a group of children chasing each other. Taiju raised a brow, and then his eyes traced the direction they came from. He sauntered towards the room, letting his steps echo loud enough to announce his presence.
The classroom door stood ajar, yet students were missing from their seats. Taiju shifted his weight, leaning on the door. His gaze fell on the two seats that were occupied. Yuzuha was there, crayon at hand as she scribbled over the paper. Her face was encased in a frown, and her tongue sticking out, her hands moved in a frenzy as she grasped multiple colors at once.
Taiju snorted, and his palm quickly grasped his cheeks. He bit his lip, and his eyes avoided Yuzuha. At the side of her desk was her pink scarf, folded with care. Taiju paused. The folds were familiar, reminiscent of how their mother folded their clothes.
Then, he noticed a movement in his peripheral vision. A boy, like Yuzuha, was hunched over his table, yet his movements were more careful. His hands moved softly, each stroke drawn with attention that was unlike a child's.
Most children drew with no outline in mind and drew with spontaneity. Yet the boy had direction, and his fingers selected the colors with confidence.
Slowly, the boy stiffened, his head slowly turning towards him.
Taiju raised a brow, intrigue dancing like a flame.
Somehow, the boy sensed him watching.
Taiju met the boy's glare calmly.
The boy clenched his jaw and averted his gaze. His palms opened as he grasped each crayon and threw them in his pencil case. The composed movement he performed when he was drawing seemed like a mirage. The boy before him was a mess.
Yuzuha flinched, and her head snapped towards the boy. Then her eyes weaved through the classroom, "Ah!" she exclaimed.
Yuzuha met Taiju's gaze, and she shrugged, "Sorry, Nii-chan, I lost track of time, hehe."
"Hanemiya-kun, were you waiting for me?" Yuzuha probed, filing her drawing in her bag.
The boy paused, his mouth agape. "..W-waiting for..?" Then, as if his mind finally processed the information, he shook his head, "N-no, my nee-chan is coming to pick me up."
His shoulders shrunk, "Nee-chan is just…late." he murmured.
Taiju's lips quirked. Wasn't he just thinking about her?
Taiju uncoiled his arms, adjusting his legs to stand upright. He raised his hand, ready to call Yuzuha to leave, but his breath hitched.
A girl moved past him, her long umber hair swaying with the wind. She rushed towards the younger boy, her steps brisk and even as she drew closer. The boy, upon seeing her approaching, beamed. His feet stumbled as he ran towards her, "Mii-nee!" He exclaimed.
The boy pressed his face to her chest, arms wrapping around her figure, "What took you so long, Mi-nee?" He grinned.
The girl stopped. Her fingers reached out, moving with a rhythmic surgical grace as she combed his hair. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Tora-tan."
Taiju's hand slacked, and his heart thumped louder as the voice reached his ears.
The soft, detached voice rang louder than any noise that echoed in the hallway. Taiju felt the chill surge towards him, similar to that winter night near the convenience store.
Her hands trailed past his cheeks before settling in his collar. Her hands smoothened the creases, and she pressed the button together. "It's too tight," he winced.
She hummed, "But it has to be right, Tora-tan or else others will think you're easy." Her voice was even, spoken with weight that was hard to ignore.
Taiju didn't move. He couldn't. He felt like he was back in that street, staring at a creature who fell from the sky. "You." Taiju rasped, feeling a weight pressing down his throat. "The bag of spices."
Her head turned, slow, methodical. Then, as their gaze met, her lips softened before curving into the same vague smile she greeted him with.
"Oh", she tilted her head, a lock of umber hair cascaded past her chin, "You're here too." Her eyes alternated between him and Yuzuha.
"And you're still waiting." she noted.
Taiju's breath faltered. His hand trembled as he curled his fists. "Hanemiya Miyuki." He recited, then he met her gaze. "Your name. That's your name, isn't it?"
Her eyes curved. "Yes." She nodded, "And you're Shiba Taiju-kun, right?"
Taiju's eyes widened. His mouth bobbed like a fish underwater.
How?
The boy peeked at her side, hands clutching her arms, "Mi-nee, is that one of your friends?"
The girl didn't answer.
Her eyes were soft, distant with a warmth he couldn't describe. It flickered and burned like a campfire in the middle of winter.
"Who knows?" she mused.
Miyuki clasped Kazutora's hands before giving Taiju and Yuzuha a polite nod. "Have a safe trip. Until next time, Shiba-kun, Shiba-san."
Then she walked away.
The ghost.
She was real.