#it indeed WAS a love confession kou. how do you not realize.

[yume-fanfare]

top most romantic lines ever

[thebeautyoffanfics]

TBHK boys get break up pranked by reader ?angst to fluff please!!😢👉👈

kou minamoto x gn!reader, teru minamoto x gn!reader, akane aoi x gn!reader, tsuchigomori x gn!reader, hanako x gn!reader, tsukasa yugi x gn!reader, mitsuba sousuke x gn!reader

a/n: heck yea, we love angst to fluff!!!! Thank you so much for requesting <33 (also, by tbhk boys, i just kinda,,, threw my favorites, and some characters that seem to be requested fairly often in there! If i missed anyone you particularly wanted to see, feel free to let me know, and i’ll gladly add them <3)

Also, I’m sorry that these are so short,,;; i’m not entirely sure how to lengthen them;;;; and I’m not sure how well they fit into angst to fluff,,,, i’m really sorry;;;

warnings: none <3

word count: 1,939

Kou Minamoto <3

“Kou, I… I’m sorry, I don’t think it’s going to work between us. I think we should break up.”

Please, don’t make me describe his face… please, don’t do this to me… my heart, my heart hurts just thinking about it. But- his heart hurts worse.

His eyes will widen, but they won’t be filled with the usual sparkle of joy he gets when looking at you. His usual smile and blush will quickly drain from his face, as he narrows his eyebrows in confusion.

“H… huh-?”

“You heard me, Kou. Don’t make me say it again.”

He does his best not to cry on the spot, and you’ll instantly start to feel guilty. You try not to let the guilt get under your skin just yet- it’s a prank. You know it’s a prank, but Kou doesn’t.

“Why? What- what did I do?”

“It’s nothing you did, Kou. We just… can’t work out. Really, it isn’t you.”

His mouth forms a straight line, slightly panicking, but he’ll nod. That… makes sense. No- no, it really doesn’t- not for your relationship. You seemed happy, didn’t you? Did he say something? Did he hurt you? What happened-??

“No, wait, Kou, no- don’t cry, don’t cry-”

“I’m not! No worries, (Y/N), it’s fine, I’ll-”

“It’s a prank, Kou! Please, don’t cry-”

He’d pause, blinking a bit, then tilting his head slightly- confusion written all over his face.

It settled in for a moment, as you hugged him, Kou hugging back instantly. Once it clicked, he was instantly relieved, tightening the hug a bit and huffing.

“You scared me, (Y/N)... I wasn’t crying though. But you did scare me- please, don’t do that again.”

“I’m sorry, Kou, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, I promise!”

Teru Minamoto <3

“I’m sorry, Teru, but I don’t think things can work between us anymore. It’s not you, I just… think we should see other people.”

He’ll raise his eyebrows, then narrow them, confusion evident on his face, much like his brother reacted. He wouldn’t lose his cool- he wouldn’t get emotional. However, he did feel his heart aching.

“Ah… alright. I’m sorry if I did anything, (Y/N). Is there any way we could make things work? Talk to me.”

“You didn’t do anything, Teru. I just- I just don’t think it can work. Sorry.”

Teru bit his lip a bit, nodding. He turned, planning to walk away, but-

But you wouldn’t let him walk away :)) so, you grabbed his wrist.

He’d turn around, offering you a confused expression, the hurt still evident on his face. Honestly, he really needed to get home to sort out his emotions. “If you would, please, let go, (Y/N).”

“Sorry, sorry, Teru! Can’t do that!” You chirped, tugging him a bit so he’d face you.

Our boy is so confused- why are you suddenly in a better mood??

OH-

“It was a prank!” You declared, tossing your hands up, “don’t be mad, please!”

Teru sighed, placing a hand on his chest. “Oh, thank goodness, (Y/N). I was so scared… of course, I wasn’t about to let you go that easily, but, still-”

He pulled you into a hug, resting his head on top of yours. Expect a slightly more affectionate Teru- he’s gonna be a tad bit paranoid now. No way is anyone gonna take you from him >:((

Akane Aoi <3

“Akane, I think we should… break up.”

Panic. Instant panic. You can see the panic on his face immediately, as his eyes widen.

No, no way. This couldn’t be happening to him- years of pining after Aoi, only to have you introduced into his life. You were someone he loved as dearly as he did Aoi. Someone who returned his feelings.

Having you love him was the best feeling ever… this, on the other hand, was anything but nice.

“Break up-? Why??”

He’ll reach for your arms, heart breaking when you stepped back, looking away from him. To him, you were looking away because you felt bad for having to split up. In reality, you were looking away to avoid the guilt slowly bubbling up in your stomach. It’s a prank- that’s what you had to tell yourself. In just a few moments you could hug him and smother his precious face in kisses.

“Because… you’re,” You stepped forward, booping his nose, “too cute!”

“........(Y/N), I promise you, if this is a prank-”

“It’s a prank~!”

Akane groaned, rolling his eyes, but placing his head against your shoulder. “(Y/NNNNN), honestlyyyyy.”

You patted his back, then wrapped your arms around him, kissing the side of his face gently. “I’m sorry, Akaneeee...”

“You’re fine…” He responded, wrapping his arms around you. He may sulk just a tiny bit, but he won’t be like that for long. By the next day, he’ll be acting normal- though he may use that prank against you lightheartedly.

Tsuchigomori <3

“Tsuchigomori… I’m sorry, but I think we should see other people,” You spoke. Goodness knows you had to put all of your acting skills into this one, since Tsuchigomori could see through lies easier than anyone else you knew.

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not.” “(Y/N), you literally cannot keep secrets from me. Lying is no different. What kind of prank is this? A trend?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair- your reaction brought a grin to your spider-like boyfriend’s face.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sure I would have been fairly hurt if you were being genuine, so… don’t bother with jokes like that.”

(Actually, there was a part of him concerned that you were being honest. But! He trusted his instincts, praying that you were just joking. He had never been happier to tell truth from lies.)

Hanako <3

“Hanako… I’m sorry, I don’t think things will work between us. We should break up.”

“Hah?”

A million thoughts run through his mind, despite his somewhat unreadable expression. Was it because he was dead? Of course- he knew it would happen. Who would be willing to date a ghost? A murderer at that. He was unlovable. He knew it.

“...I understand, (Y/N), but… don’t play with my heart like that.”

“I’m not playing around, Hanako. Stop taking everything like it’s a joke.”

Hanako shrugged, ignoring how his heart ached. “I think the joke is you not considering things like the obvious before you accepted my confession. Dating a supernatural is clearly not easy, and you walked into this knowing that.”

This time, you were the one with an unreadable expression. What… did he mean? Was he scolding you? Or… rejecting your rejection-?

“What do you mean?” You sighed, faking annoyance as you placed a hand on your hip.

“I mean, you got yourself into this relationship, so you should be willing to stick with it until the end~. I get it though, so, if you really didn’t think that far, then so be it-”

“Fine, I give in.”

Hanako raised his eyebrows, holding a hand to his mouth, curious as to what you were about to say. Did he really just uno reverse your break up?

“It was aaaaaa prank,” You added, pulling your lower eyelid down and sticking your tongue out. It was impressive- you almost seemed similar to him! Impressive indeed!

Hanako grinned, the pain on his heart being suddenly lifted as he basically tackled you into a hug. Kisses were placed against your cheek, before he nuzzled the side of his face into yours.

“I knew you couldn’t do me like that, (Y/NNNN)~.”

Did he really know that? Of course not. And that fear would never leave him, worrying that he would one day not be enough for you. But! For now, the two of you were together, happy in the relationship you were in. That was enough for him <3

Tsukasa Yugi <3

“We should break up, Tsukasa. I’m really sorry, it just… can’t work.”

Won’t let you break up with him. He won’t- he genuinely won’t.

Clings to you, pouting up at you, as you look down at him, feigning sadness.

“I’m sorry, Tsukasa- please, let go of me.”

“Nope! You’re mine, (Y/N). You can’t break up with me!! You’re mine- forever and ever, no matter what!”

(His expression was wide-eyed and somewhat innocent, but thinking about his words… they were certainly questionable.)

You tried to play along a bit more. Telling him you were serious, attempting to push him away. But, that was to no avail. Tsukasa wasn’t giving in, so you eventually had to-

“Alright, alright. It was a prank, Tsukasa… though I guess it didn’t get far with you.”

“Haha! Nope! And you won’t get far either <3”

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

Honestly? Who knows what that meant. You didn’t get it, and you couldn’t be sure Tsukasa understood either. All he knew was he loved you- therefore, he wouldn’t let you do something so silly like break up with him! Like Tsuchigomori, he's virtually impossible to break-up prank- like Hanako, he's virtually impossible to actually break up with.

Mitsuba Sousuke <3

“I… I think we should break up, Mitsuba. It’s not you, really-”

“Tch. Of course it isn’t me, idiot,” Mitsuba interrupted. He wasn’t there to listen to the extent of your acting skills (though he didn’t realize you were acting). “If you’re gonna split up with me, just get it over with. We should break up? Fine. Not like a pervert like you deserves someone as cute and pure as me anyway.”

Despite his words and furrowed eyebrows, his eyes alone showed how heartbroken he felt. His lower lip trembled a bit, though he attempted to stop it by pouting. No, he wouldn’t be the one crying in this situation! Not yet, at least-

“Great then. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” You retorted, laughing bitterly. Ahh, no, this was getting too real for him- you were serious, weren’t you? Could this be a joke?

Mmh, who cared? Mitsuba was here to defend himself, even if it was at the cost of your feelings. If you were going to hurt his heart like that, then he’d do his best to take a jab at yours- or at least your ego.

“Great. Then, why are you lingering? Getting a last look at my cute face?”

“Hm… yeah-”

“Pervert.”

“Excuse mE, let me finish,” You sighed, ruffling his hair lightly, “surprise! It’s a prank!”

His face was honestly golden- his reaction to hearing that it was a prank even better than his reaction when the prank was in action. Eyebrows furrowed in confusion, though watering just barely from the previous aching in his heart, mouth agape slightly.

Then, his eyebrows furrowed deeper, displaying anger. The way his shoulders sank for a moment showed his relief, though they tensed up quickly, as he prepared himself to yell at you. “Idiot! Pervert! Who do you think you are, trying to play with my heart like that?! What right do you have to-”

You cut him off by cupping his face, pouting slightly- his face burned as he avoided eye contact, hand raised slightly as if contemplating pushing you away. It was clear he didn’t really want you to stop though.

“Sorry, sorry~. I just wanted to get a reaction out of you, Mitsuba. You’ve got very cute reactions, you know?”

“Hmph. You sound like you’re quoting porn-”

“Mention porn one more time and the prank won’t be a prank anymore-”

“Liar. Idiot. Stupid pervert, you’re a liar.”

You laughed lightly, squishing his face as you closed your eyes. “Maybe I’m a tad bit of a liar. But, when you pretend to not be upset, I’m sure you’re lying as well~.”

“Hah. I don’t lie.”

[thewild--flower]

[Translation] Code: Realize Wintertide Miracles Stellaworth Short Story - Saint-Germain

Translation of short story that appeared in the bonus booklet that came with the Vita/PS4 Stellaworth limited edition of Code: Realize Wintertide Miracles. Much thanks to Kou for providing the original scans.

Saint-Germain - Secret Emotions

‘.....Huh?’

It was teatime on a certain day.

Upon not seeing the usual figure of my lover elegantly drinking tea, I tilted my head to the side in puzzlement. I checked my watch to make sure I had not come too early but — that didn’t seem to be the case. It was the same time as usual.

It wasn’t as if we’d made a promise to have it together everyday, but, even so, it was strange for Saint-Germain to not be there. Did an errand suddenly come up?

‘.....Oh. Could it be—?’

*

I knocked a few times, waiting until he answered, ‘Come in’, then entered his room.

The moment I did— my eyes were captivated by ‘something’ beautiful and vivid.

‘Ah, might that be the one you tried on before…..?’

‘Indeed. It is a ‘kimono.’ Though it is a different kind than the one from before—’

From the other side of the beautiful cloth, which was a mixture of light purple and white, Saint-Germain’s face appeared, looking as he usually did. It seemed as if my guess had been correct.

Saint-Germain had a habit of shutting himself up in his room whenever he had a new delivery of rare art and antiques, so he could take his time looking them over.

That said, recently it seemed as if some of his enthusiasm had started to influence me as well. I was completely entranced by the exquisite colours and gold embroidery.

‘Ah, has that one captured your interest?’

‘..... Yes. I think this one is really pretty.’

‘Hahaha. I am so glad you like it. I did order it just for you after all.’

‘Eh? Clothes this lovely, j-just for me…..?’

It somehow felt disrespectful of me to even think of wearing such a beautiful garment. As if reading my thoughts, Saint-Germain smiled as if enjoying himself.

‘Worry not. As long as you follow the correct process, it shouldn’t be a problem. At the very least— you needn’t be worried that the kimono will wear you. You're my lover after all….. there's no one as charming as you.'

*

Ultimately, in the flow of the conversation, it ended up that I would try the kimono on. Encouraged by Saint-Germain, I went to go get changed, however—

'Mmph, here we go….. h-huh? Now what should I do….'

I had previously helped Saint-Germain put his kimono on before, so I had thought that I would be fine on my own but……

Somehow, judging from its structure, it did seem rather as if women's kimonos were made differently. I was able to more or less put it on and wrap it around myself, but after that I wasn't quite sure how to make it so it would hold together.

On the shelf in front of me there was a large bundle of cloth, maybe that was to be used somehow?

'Are you having some trouble, Miss Cardia?'

Saint-Germain's gentle voice across the screen partition. As to be expected, it seemed he had already finished getting changed without any problems.

'Yes, I am. I'm not sure how to fasten this.'

Even if I were to be stubborn about doing it myself, nothing would change, so I simply confessed my current situation.

'Hmm, although it does feel a bit shameful to walk in upon a lady changing….. Miss Cardia? If it is alright with you, shall I help?'

'.....'

Changing clothes— for some reason, I felt more embarrassed about it than usual. That's why, although I did feel a bit hesitant…..

'I-it's alright with me…. But don't stare too much, OK?'

We were lovers after all, even with my current shyness, I should be able to handle it.

'Yes of course. Then, please excuse me.'

—From the other side of the screen, Saint-Germain made his appearance, now dressed in his kimono. The velvety fabric he wore, in combination with the white porcelain of his skin, only made him more overwhelmingly attractive than usual…..

It was like receiving a shock in real time.

Involuntarily, my hands slackened, and the front of my kimono started to fall open—

'Oh dear, do be careful now? It has to be the right occasion for you to show your bare skin.'

Without wasting a moment, Saint-Germain moved to hold the kimono in place, and it was over without further mishap. However, now I was even more embarrassed.

'Ah, I see, you don't know how to fasten the 'obi.' I am only self taught but… let me try and help put it together.' 

Saint-Germain took the bundle of cloth, or, as he had called it, the 'obi', from the shelf, and almost like he was embracing me, began to wrap it around my torso.

'This might be uncomfortable for a moment ….. but please bear with me, alright?'

'Ye-yes…'

I was glad he couldn't see my face directly.

As Saint-Germain leaned closer to me in order to tie the 'obi', in front of my eyes I could see his collar bone area partially showing from a gap in the kimono's loose fabric. Each time he wrapped the cloth tightly around me, I felt his body temperature more strongly than usual.

His behaviour was always gentlemanlike, everything about him was so beautiful, he looked like someone that had appeared out of a dream. But— he definitely existed here in reality, and was my lover.

'.....'

'Haha. If you're embarrassed, you can keep your head down, I don't mind.'

'....Saint-Germain, could it be…. you're getting close on purpose?'

'Of course not. Truly, if I don't do it this way, I won't be able to tie the obi properly.'

'Hmph…..'

It was possible he was telling the truth.

But knowing Saint-Germain, it was also possible he was doing it partially to tease me as well.

I was always the only one getting all embarrassed, it was almost a little annoying….. at the very least, I could at least act like I wasn't bothered, so having decided to ignore his suggestion, I looked up—

'.....'

At the same time, I noticed something.

'.....Saint-Germain?'

'Yes, what is it?'

'Um…. Your ears, they're bright red.'

'Oh, is that so? I can't tell myself…..'

The reason his ears had turned red. That is, in other words—

'.....Um, that is…..'

Because of the thinness that was characteristic of the fabric of a kimono—

The accelerated rhythm of his heartbeat couldn't be hidden completely.

'....Saint-Germain, your heart was beating faster too, because of me.'

When I looked up once more, I saw his face smiling at me.

Although his opened eyes wavered, they steadily took in my kimono-clad appearance—

'—I am seeing my beloved's charming figure up close, feeling the warmth of her body while dressing her up in colours with my own hands. In such a situation, there's no way I wouldn't be nervous, is there…..?'

As if to match his words, his cheeks were flushed a faint red.

[halloweenismyfav]

《 Note: And then there were three! I hope Teru isn't too OOC. 》

《 💐 Teru Minamoto General Dating Headcanons 💐 》

Warnings: None

          ⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

You probably know Teru because of some kind of study group or Student Council situation.

➼ Next thing ya know, you're talking to him quite often.

Teru fell in love with you after a reasonable amount of time. He always knew he felt some sort of way about you, he just didn't realize for quite some time that what he was feeling was indeed love.

➼ He tended to stare into your eyes a lot more than he should've, he would always keep his hand on your shoulder for a second too long, and so many other things he just tried to brush off.

His confession was probably a standard love letter on the desk or in the locker.

➼ It's a really sweet letter too. He says all the things he loves about you, how much he admires you, everything of the sort. At the bottom, his name is signed so you can tell him how you feel later.

Dates with Teru are a bit rare since he has his duties as Student Council President and as an exorcist. But, when you do go on dates, they really make up for the rarity.

➼ One time he brought you to an open field that he lined with candles and danced with you. You cannot change my mind on this one. (He'll probably do the same thing when he proposes a couple years later)

PDA to Teru is mainly one or two kisses here and there and holding hands. Similar to Kou, he feels like it's more special to be intimate in private.

➼ He will tease you a bit if you ask for some affection at school, but he'll give you the affection you crave quite quickly.

Teru's kisses are magical to be honest. He loves to hold you close and tight, again, similar to Kou. (Guess the Minamotos have a thing with PDA and kissing, huh?)

➼ His kisses always start off short and simple, progressively becoming more passionate. Teru has a small thing for breaking a kiss and looking into your eyes for a moment before continuing what he was doing.

People label you both as the "Power Couple of the school". It's not just "Power Couple" either, the "of the school" part needs to be there.

Teru loves to call you his princess/prince/royalty or darling. It fits his charming, princely side.

➼ Every now and again he'll call you baby, but it's always when you two are alone. He feels it's more modest.

➼ And he likes to be called honey, but you didn't hear it from me.

You and Teru never really fight. If you do, it may be because you think he's being a bit harsh on Kou with some things.

Overall, your relationship is one others wish to have and you both love each other greatly.

          ⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

I never meant for this to happen, I'll be honest. I never realized that I would end up feeling like this. But, if I have to tell you the truth, I kind of like this feeling. You always manage to make me blush somehow. Your smile is gorgeous and you never fail to amaze me. I could keep going on and on about all the things I love about you, but this would be an essay rather than a letter. If you feel the same, can you please meet me in the Student Council office after school? - Signed sincerely, Teru Minamoto

                               ~==✦==~

"Teru..." You called to your significant other. He gave a small hum of acknowledgement, not looking up from his paper. "Could I have a kiss please?" You asked. The blonde chuckled a bit at the not-so-new request. "I have to finish filling these out first, darling. Then I'll give you what you want." You pouted a bit but obliged. After a minute or so of silence, Teru pulled you closer to him. You noticed some of the papers were still blank when he pulled you in. "It doesn't look like your done though." You commented. "Yes, but I don't want to keep you waiting too long." The third year pressed his lips onto yours, still holding you close as the act of affection you craved made your cheeks flush. You broke apart for a split second, muttering a small 'I love you' to each other.

                               ~==✦==~

"Where are we going?" You asked while giving Teru's hand a light squeeze. "Well, you know how we haven't been able to be together much recently?" He questioned back. "Yeah..." You replied with an undertone of confusion. You were curious as to where this was going. After Teru safely directed you to where you were both heading, he took your blindfold off. You were then greeted with a big open field littered with lit candles. Your eyes were wide at the lovely sight. You turned to face your boyfriend, "When did you have the time to do this?" Teru shook his head while saying, "It's not important." Next thing you know, you're dancing with Teru in the open field. At that moment, Teru was sure he would do the same for his proposal some years later...

[sol-luminosus]

Same verse as that of ‘Creep’. Happening first chronologically before they ended up on the hallway. Only that this is a Hananene version.

A look into Amane’s own point of view of love.

Title: Lego House

Fandom: Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun

Pairing: Hananene

Genre: Romance/Angst

Rating: T

Chapters: 1 (One-shot)

Summary: And out of all these things I’ve done, I will love you better now.

Yugi Amane was captivated.

It coiled and coiled and turned in the very expanse of his chest, gripping his heart so hard and so intently that he was positive his chest would burst into a thousand pieces at any given minute.

 Nene was gazing at him questioningly, tilting her head of glittering silver locks so a few strands would cascade and slightly obscure her face as it waterfalled and framed the edge of her cheek.

He’d resisted the urge to tuck the stray pieces at the back of her ear.

Just by a moment’s brave surge of will to control himself.

Amane simply answered her concerned expression and previous barrage of questions about his well-being with a gentle smile, hoping that his beguiling expression would be enough to ease the worries in her mind.

He could tell however, that his strained effort had failed, given by the way her brows had furrowed further in a mixture of what seemed to be annoyance and worry from having something clearly hidden from her.

Indeed, the eyes were windows to the soul.

His in that very moment, must have been filled with desperation and longing. Perhaps at least surely, only those two emotions had leaked out.

She couldn’t have seen it, he was positive.

He’d never let her see it.

The clear and vulnerable emotion of love he’d tried so hard to will down and forever entomb in the very depths of his heart. It screamed so deafeningly, almost numbing his senses at times and making him forget of the actuality of things.

That he was dead and Nene wasn’t.

That his future was long gone with his wishes to remain rooted to where he is now as the only thing he should cling to,

That he had let go of his dreams to fly to the moon a long time ago.

A few decades which oddly, seemed to span for as long as an entire lifetime.

That at the very least, he knew he had the power to alter Nene’s fate.

So that he won’t drag her to the same empty abyss that he had long accepted to be irrevocably submerged in until the day he’d received his judgement.

This journey to redemption was and his alone. It will and would have nothing to do with her.

For a moment, he was sure his heart had swayed. When she’d regarded him with those iron-willed gems for eyes expressing her desire to live her life the way she wanted with a lifespan that could barely be a fistful, Amane just couldn’t seem to peel his eyes away from her. She’d called out to him—reached out with those two hands clasped together as if in a fervent prayer.

The same position as she had back when she’d first summoned him in the bathroom stall.

And all the while, although it was her own wish that should have nothing to do with him, she’d undauntedly declared that she would no matter what, journey to the moon together with him.

He knew he’d seen them before. On that very night however, they’ve shone and glimmered much more blindingly than they’ve ever before. The stars in her eyes had enthralled and bewitched him so that at that moment, he was certain he’d forgotten about anything else for a split second.

That he wasn’t the infamous Honorable No. 7 called Hanako-san.

That he was simply a child burdened with a sacrifice far too heavy for him to carry than what his small shoulders could have handled.

That he was just Yugi Amane, a socially awkward teenager who was in pieces and had eyes which reflected an unsettling amount of wisdom for his age.

And she was just Yashiro Nene, a girl with her head up in the clouds in search for dreams of true love and a promising long life ahead.

But he’d only forgotten for a split second.

How he’d wished, that he could’ve told her with all the honesty and transparency that his resigned heart could offer, that he was content enough with seeing the entire universe in the depths of those two luminous, ruby eyes.

Those very eyes he’d come to love ever since he was just at the tender age of nine all those years ago in that festival.

“Hanako-kun, what’s with you today? You keep spacing out for no reason and there’s clearly something wrong. I’m not going to stop prying unless you tell me—“

The sudden boisterous noise of the bathroom door swinging open and slamming on the wooden wall had both of them jumping out from their positions.

“Oi, Hanako! This is bad. Nii-san is out on a rampage right now because the mokke are running wild in the student council office. He’s talking about ‘exterminating all spirits’. What if he goes after you during his crazy fit?”

The golden specks in Amane’s eyes had turned dark with mischief, hovering over to the loud intruder in the name of Kou with a teasing expression and fingers touching his lips in a bid of mockery.

“Oh, what’s this? You’re suddenly so worried about me? Could it be? Are you in love with me?”

The blonde haired boy had reddened a dusty shade of pink from both shock and embarrassment, before the bellow of his voice had come booming in a strong effort of denial. “I am not, you crazy apparition! Maybe my brother’s already tried smacking you before I came here that’s why there’s suddenly something wrong with your head. In the first place the one I love is sen—“

His sentence had been cut off none too curtly, with an audible slap of skin ringing through the four corners of the room from having a palm slammed flatly over Kou’s mouth, effectively silencing him down. The leader of the School Wonders could barely show any sense of sympathy for the exorcist’s angered protests from the evident pain of having his teeth graze and split the skin of his lips.

“Oh, look at the time. Shouldn’t we hurry over to this mokke massacre you were talking about?” Amane had animatedly declared, glancing over to the wrist of his free arm where a nonexistent watch was strapped.

Kou had struggled to wheel away the hand clasped so tightly over his face. If he’d had the sense to be as livid as his brother would be in situations like these, then he’d be absolutely convinced that Amane had actually tried to suffocate him just to get him to stop talking, with the sheer amount of pressure he’d used reminding him far too irksomely of wood glue.

“What are you saying? We haven’t been here for long. In the first place we should hurry up and think of a strategy firs—“

For the second time on that afternoon, Kou had found himself being stopped midway of his musings, only having to have realized then that Nene had been in the bathroom all along. His eyes had grown wide with startlement, before having the familiar creep of a blush climb its way back up to his face with the difference in shade ten times as strong compared to the previous flush of color he’d donned just minutes earlier.

His dimwitted self which entirely lacks self awareness had almost confessed to her indirectly and in the middle of a bathroom of all places. Nene had only stared at him with an exasperated expression, a combination of what was obviously that of displeasure from the two of them bickering nonsensically and the urgency of the situation which they were very, very clearly stalling at that moment.

“Oh, yeah. You’re right! Let’s get going already.” Kou had laughed nervously to himself, the embarrassment hiking further up in his throat with his voice clearly about two octaves higher than normal before speeding up and out first out of the bathroom.

“What the heck was that about? Is there something wrong with my face?”

“Other than still looking human and not resembling a radish yet, I think you’re perfectly fine.”

Nene had turned to him with a brief look of irritation, before harshly spearing him on the head with the sharp ends of her hair pins.

“Hmph, stupid Hanako-kun acting all weird and suddenly calling me a radish, again.” She’d grumbled in frustration under her breath, with an injured Amane cradling his head in his palm and having his complaints about Yashiro’s ruthlessness ignored to be whisked away by the wind.

In the midst of his half-heartedly hurt reverie, his thoughts had peddled back to Kou’s would-have-been confession, noting how easy it was for him for the words to flow and cascade from his mouth.

And he was certain that had he been not there and the setting at the very least, had been somewhere that wasn’t as peculiar and off-putting as a bathroom, then the blonde boy would have not hesitated. He could picture him perfectly in his head, the words which Amane had kept from spilling running freely with his heart completely exposed and in its rawest for her to have as her own if Nene would willingly accept.

The very thought of her responding and reciprocating his feelings had caused an unutterable amount of fear to brew in Amane’s chest.

For he who was nothing more but a sham that could merely falsify and imitate what little of his memories could correctly recall as ‘life’, Kou was the living, breathing counterpart to his lies—someone who actually had the ability within his reach to promise her happiness.

He knew, and frankly, he didn’t really need to be reminded.

It was never a competition from the beginning.

And Amane was neither a willing contender.

His eyes in the shade of a precious mineral had darted on her back, watching with a somber fondness as the slope of her slight shoulders further sagged from her dipped mood exclusively caused by him just minutes prior.

Amane’s stare had narrowed in a sentiment of strangled affection, one that he was absolutely terrified for anyone or anything to ever decrypt from him.

“Maybe just for a little while. If it means I can keep you, I can stay in love with you for a little while longer.” The words had gone out and died in a whisper, coherent but with every syllable surely indistinct enough for anyone other than himself to understand.

She’d whirled her head around in query, certain that she’d heard him speak but not quite catching his words as she’d been lost in her own embittered sighs and grievances over the grating spectral being.

Amane had simply smiled at her, that same tenderly lonely smile he’d given her earlier that day when they were in the bathroom.

And Nene had only felt the same sting of emotion she’d felt back then as well; puncturing and aching yet beckoning her to him at the same time.

Creep: (Same verse/Tsukanene version)

[alvacchi]

Phantom Thief Hanako-kun AU Story: Chapter 9- Falling For You

I finally got to this part. This will be interesting.

Comments are appreciated! Thank you guys for reading. Enjoy!

---

-Recap time!

-Previously, Yashiro, Kou, and Teru look for Mitsuba due to Kou worrying for him

-They found him safe and sound with Hanako who was disguised as Hana at the time

-Mitsuba's conversation with Hanako revealed a secret

-While Yashiro and Hanako decided to continue the deal they made, they both started feeling something for one another

-What will happen?

-Yashiro was still looking into Yako's case of Missing Misaki

-Yakoo and Satou were now reported as missing since there was no contact with them so far

-Other people seem to have been disappearing too and it was concerning

-As Yashiro was looking through the files at Tsuchigomori's detective agency one day

-Tsuchigomori suddenly told her that she was off the case

-Yashiro: "What?? Why?! Tsuchigomori-sensei! I can do this! I may not have found much so far but I haven't given up!"

-Tsuchigomori: "I know that. I've granted you permission but Yako-san had told me that there is a police detective who volunteered to help her out. I don't know much of the details but the detective was just recently discharged from the hospital. Since they're a professional, Yako-san put them in charge so I'm afraid you don't have much of a say. You're still an apprentice, Yashiro-san."

-Yashiro was not pleased.

-Yashiro: "Can't I still do something about the case though?"

-Tsuchigomori: "They will be coming here in a few days to pick up the case files so perhaps you could speak with them."

-Yashiro: "Alright!"

-The door to the agency opened at this moment

-Yashiro turned her head from Tsuchigomori to see her best friend Aoi coming in

-Aoi would come by the agency once in a while to check up on Yashiro

-Yashiro: "Aoi!"

-Aoi: "Nene-chan, I'm here to visit~! How are you doing?"

-Yashiro: "I've been pretty busy. Actually, this is perfect timing. I've been meaning to talk with you about something. Let's go grab a drink!"

-Aoi: "Oh?"

-Yashiro: "See you, Tsuchigomori-sensei!"

-Tsuchigomori did a nonchalant wave as they left the agency

-Yashiro and Aoi both went to a cafe outside to chat with each other

-Yashiro told Aoi what was troubling her and how she had been feeling lately

-Aoi: "You know what I think? You've definitely got a crush on Hanako~"

-Yashiro spat out her drink, choking a bit

-Yashiro: "WHAT?!"

-Yashiro's yell attracted attention from people around her and she quickly looked around and lowered her voice

-The people went back to minding their own business

-Yashiro: "How did you know I was talking about him? I didn't even mention his name."

-Aoi: "Who else have you been in contact with who has those traits and level of charisma? Nene-chan, I know you."

-Yashiro: "Indeed. You know me so well, Aoi"

-Yashiro put her head against the table as she internally cried

-Aoi: "Don't worry~ I'll keep it a secret ♡"

-Yashiro: "Aoi....it doesn't make any sense. He's not even my type."

-Aoi: "Hm that's true. But why not try confessing to him and see how that goes?"

-Yashiro flustered at her words

-Yashiro: "W-wait Aoi! You know what you're saying, right? I mean, he's a criminal."

-Aoi: "You don't have much experience with guys anyways. You always get fooled by a pretty face. I think it'll be good for you."

-Yashiro felt like she was getting stabbed in the heart by Aoi's words. She was spot on.

-Yashiro: [sweatdrops] "Eah well you're not wrong...I wonder if it's too soon though"

-Aoi: "Grab the chance when you can, Nene-chan!"

-And with that, they started talking about other topics and catching up

-Akane was still as usual attempting to confess to Aoi

-The topic of missing people came up in their conversation

-Akane mentioned to Aoi that he hasn't been hearing from Yamabuki-kun lately

-He actually insisted on coming with Aoi to the agency since he was worried something might happen

-Yashiro: "Eh? So, where is Akane-kun?"

-Aoi: "I put him to sleep~"

-Yashiro: "You what now, Aoi?!"

-Aoi: "It's okay. I'll be back to see him before he wakes up. Hanako's escape tactics are pretty useful~"

-Yashiro: [sweatdrops] "Aoi...."

-They finished up their conversations and drinks and headed off to their homes around sunset

-Yashiro was expecting Hanako tonight since a pink Mokke came earlier in the day

-She waited in her apartment until his arrival

-A knock at the window and Yashiro opened it up for Hanako

-Yashiro: [smiles] "You came."

-Hanako: [smiles] "Of course I did."

-Hanako hopped inside but he didn't sit down

-Hanako: "Hey detective, how about we do something different today?"

-Yashiro: "Different?"

-Hanako: "Let's go out."

-Yashiro fought her blush down as she realized he meant to go somewhere else

-Yashiro: "But isn't it pretty late to be going out?"

-Hanako: "Don't worry. I'm with you. And if anything happens, I'll protect you."

-Yashiro's blush surfaced from those words

-Yashiro: "Okay, let me get dressed first."

-Hanako waited down at the bottom of the apartment

-Yashiro finally came out and went to Hanako

-Yashiro: "Sorry to make you wait!"

-When Hanako turned to face her, the first thing he noticed was her hair

-Hanako: "You let your hair down"

-Yashiro: "You did mention it before. So where are we going?"

-Hanako: "I'll take you there. Follow me."

-Hanako took her hand and they started walking

-It took a while before they reached their destination

-The silence didn't bother each other though

-Rather, they felt comfortable in each other's company

-Hanako and Yashiro were now at the rooftop of a building, staring up at the night sky

-There wasn't really anyone around at this time

-Yashiro: "Wow, the stars are so pretty tonight."

-Hanako: "They really are huh."

-Yashiro: "Why this place?"

-Hanako: "You can see the stars clearly from here."

-Yashiro: "You've been here before?"

-Hanako: "Yeah, I held a heist here in the past."

-Yashiro: "Really?"

-Hanako: "Yep. I guess at the time, you weren't an apprentice yet. Detective Tsuchigomori was also at the heist. Good times~"

-Yashiro: "It sounds like you know Tsuchigomori-sensei."

-Hanako: "Haha I didn't mention it before but we had our own little conversations."

-A pause

-Hanako: "Hey detective."

-Yashiro: "Hm?"

-Hanako: "You're not seriously falling in love with me, are you?"

-Yashiro:

-Hanako: "I'm just recalling one of my conversations with the great detective. He told me once that if I kept up my behavior and actions, I may make someone seriously fall for me and hurt them, which is ironic since I'm a gentleman thief haha. Well you can forget that question--"

-Yashiro: "And what if that happened?"

-Yashiro couldn't keep her mouth shut

-Yashiro: "What if I really did fall in love with you?"

-Hanako's eyes widened in shock

-At first, his chest was filled with happy delight but dread quickly took over his body when his mind registered Yashiro's words

-Hanako: "...You're kidding."

-Yashiro: "I'm not! I think to Hanako-kun, I actually lo--"

-Hanako suddenly grabbed Yashiro by the waist and lifted her against his side

-Hanako: "A phantom thief and detective cannot be together. Not with me."

-Hanako started walking along the roof edge with Yashiro, the wind blowing in their direction

-Yashiro: "AHHH I'M GONNA FALL! I'M GONNA FALL!"

-Hanako: "Let the breeze calm you down. I'll let you down if you take back your words."

-Yashiro: "I won't! You said that you would protect me just earlier!"

-Hanako: "I did but--"

-Yashiro: "Is there a reason why you won't use my real name at all? I've told you before, didn't I?"

-Hanako: "I..."

-Yashiro: "Do you not love me back? ....You never really thought that I was cute?"

-Yashiro's tears were threatening to burst

-Hanako felt overwhelmed by the situation as he stared eyes wide at Yashiro's crying face

-His mind was in so much shock

-He accidentally let go of Yashiro

-And Yashiro

-She was falling

-Off the building

-A moment later, Hanako screamed in horror when he realized what he did

-Hanako: "YASHIRO!"

-He dived after her

-Yashiro was currently feeling like an idiot as she was falling

-She thought she got ahead of herself and confessed without thinking

-Hanako: "YASHIRO! GRAB MY HAND!"

-Yashiro snapped out of her thoughts to see Hanako reaching his hand towards her

-She was pissed that he decided to finally use her name after she called him out on it

-At this critical moment, she decided to be stubborn

-Yashiro: "NO! DON'T TOUCH ME!"

-Hanako: "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!"

-Yashiro: "YOU DON'T EVEN LIKE ME SO DON'T TOUCH ME!"

-Hanako was running out of time. They were about to hit the ground.

-Hanako: "LOOK! I'LL PROMISE NOT TO TOUCH YOU AGAIN SO PLEASE FOR THIS TIME LET ME SAVE YOU!"

-Yashiro widened her eyes as she reached her hand up for him to grab on

-Hanako held Yashiro as they floated down safely using his fancy garment as a parchute

-They stayed in each other's arms once they were on the ground, Yashiro burying her face in Hanako's shoulder

-It really wasn't fair

---

-Mitsuba had returned to his apartment earlier that evening

-When he opened the door, he wasn't expecting Tsukasa to be hanging out in his room

-Mitsuba: "What?! What are you doing here?"

-Tsukasa: "Now now don't be like that, Mitsuba~"

-Mitsuba: "I don't have any photos for you. Wouldn't you rather hang out elsewhere like the news department or something?"

-Tsukasa: "Sakura and the other guy aren't there right now. I don't feel like sneaking in. Besides"

-Tsukasa peered over at Mitsuba with his eyes that seemed to be an endless void

-Tsukasa: "I know what you've been doing, Mitsuba"

-Mitsuba felt complete dread and terror

-How did Tsukasa know?! He left his phone off for a reason!

-He thought he wouldn't get tracked that way!

-Unless

-Mitsuba touched his hair clip

-There could be a tracker in his hair clip

-Mitsuba felt like he was sweating his life away

-He was a fool to think he could get away from Tsukasa

-Tsukasa may have been spying on him

-Tsukasa: "You know..."

-Mitsuba snapped out of his thoughts to look at Tsukasa. To what he's holding in his hands

-Tsukasa was holding pictures of Kou that Mitsuba had taken before

-Tsukasa: "I noticed that this guy's important to you and he cares for you. Hey...what if he could experience what it's like to be dying?"

-Mitsuba flinched

-Mitsuba: "DON'T TOUCH THOSE!"

-Tsukasa stared him down

-Mitsuba: ".....please"

-Tsukasa grinned

-Tsukasa: "Don't worry Mitsuba! I like you! So that's why I got someone to make sure you stay safe!"

-Mitsuba: "What?"

-A person appeared behind Tsukasa

-Tsukasa: "Meet Shijima Mei! She's a police detective!"

[recentanimenews]

Bookshelf Briefs 6/20/21

As Miss Beelzebub Likes, Vol. 12 | By Matoba | Yen Press – When you have a main couple as innocent and naive as this one, it’s going to take a lot of struggle to get them together. Indeed, even figuring out what love actually is is tough for Miss Beelzebub, much less that she’s in love with Mullin. And then, just as she’s ready to tell Mullin how she feels, he’s seized by self-hatred and doubt, thinking she’s far too high a station for him. This leads to her being depressed and avoiding him, which… repeat as needed. Thankfully, they do eventually manage to confess to each other. The series may not end with the wedding on the cover, but this is good enough. It was sickly sweet at times… but that’s why everyone read this series in the first place. – Sean Gaffney

BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 4 | By Kaori Tsurutani | Seven Seas – While the series is based around the premise of a teenage girl and an elderly woman bonding over BL, it’s become apparent that this is Urara’s book. Which makes sense—she’s the one searching for a goal. The creation of the doujinshi is very much an up-and-down process, one which we see throughout this volume. It ends at “Comitia 128,” with our unlikely friends manning their own booth. Sadly, said booth—at least so far—has no actual buyers. Honestly, I would have hoped the sheer oddity of the pairing behind the table would have been a draw, but I suppose it’s hard to look beyond the tables. I think this ends with the next book, so it’s time to binge before the finale. – Sean Gaffney

Her Royal Highness Seems to Be Angry, Vol. 1 | By Kou Yatsuhashi | TOKYOPOP – This seems to be a classic case where I’m really intrigued by the ideas this brings to the table, but the execution is not as stellar. A young woman has it all—powerful magic, her isekai’d-from-Japan boyfriend, and a kingdom who loves her—then it’s all destroyed and she’s killed. When she wakes, she’s in the body of a noble far into her future. Magic is a sad shadow of its former self, and she herself is, essentially, a villainess. Most of the book, unfortunately, then sort of slips into standard shoujo romance, but I like the idea that she doesn’t HAVE any memories of her current self, and has to fake it and deal with everyone’s hatred. I might check out the second volume. – Sean Gaffney

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, Vol. 12 | By Izumi Tsubaki | Yen Press – It amazes me how this book can still be so funny even after all this time, and I credit this to its central premise, which is that everyone in it is a complete dumbass—but never all at the same time. It’s a comedy rule; there has to be someone to react. Sometimes it’s Sakura, despairing about a relay novel that gets out of hand. Sometimes it’s everyone else in the cast watching the continuing car crash that is Seo trying to get Wakamatsu to recognize her feelings. And sometimes it’s Hori and Kashima, where his confession turns out to be, perhaps appropriately, a giant excuse for drama. These kids are all terrible at life, and are all so endearing, I don’t know what I’ll ever do without them if this ever ends. – Sean Gaffney

Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 13 | By Sorata Akiduki | Viz Media – It’s good for you! Builds character! That’s what it feels like most of the first part of this volume feels like, as Shirayuki is off to the North, meaning she and Zen will be spending a long time apart. That said, it’s as much about their little group of five than it is about the couple, as it’s clear Shirayuki is going to miss Mitsuhide and Kiki just as much. And as for Obi… well, the love triangle that dares not state its name comes pretty close this time around. (It’s a well-known fact that a majority of the series’ fans, at least in the West, want her to hook up with Obi instead, so the plot twist is not surprising.) All this plus a long, unrelated short story to pad out the volume! Still great, though. – Sean Gaffney

Spy x Family, Vol. 5 | By Tatsuya Endo | Viz Media – A large chunk of this book focuses on Anya and her difficulties at school—not only is it an elite private school, but she’s a girl who spent her life as an orphan, experimented on and abused, and she’s lied to Loid about her age to seem older. So, needless to say, schoolwork is proving tough. Normally she can get by by using her powers (i.e. cheating), but that doesn’t work during the new moon—which matches with exams. It’s tense, but also leaves us plenty of choice hilarious bits. Elsewhere, Yor attempts to learn to cook, and we introduce a colleague of Loid’s who is obsessed with him and VERY upset she was not chosen to be his fake wife for this mission. Everyone should be reading this Eisner-nominated manga. – Sean Gaffney

Teasing Master Takagi-san, Vol. 11 | By Soichiro Yamamoto | Yen Press – One of the reasons that folks seem to be more tolerant of Takagi than they are of Nagatoro or Uzaki is that, for the most part, Nishikata enjoys hanging out with her, and while he finds the teasing frustrating, it’s not because she’s bullying him, it’s because he’s so competitive. Half the time Takagi doesn’t even need to tease him—he shoots himself in his own foot. Even when he literally ends up fanning her like a queen, it’s on him. And, once again, the fun comes from realizing they already ARE a couple, it’s just he can’t really admit that. The most interesting chapter has one of their friends briefly ponder using Nishikata as a fake boyfriend, but it doesn’t even last long enough for Takagi to ponder jealousy. – Sean Gaffney

What Did You Eat Yesterday?, Vol. 15 | By Fumi Yoshinaga | Vertical Comics – The back cover blurb for this volume says, “A hard-working middle-aged gay couple in Tokyo experience new challenges both at work and at home.” Really, that about sums it up. Kenji has taken over management of the beauty salon and must figure out how to delegate some of his new responsibilities so that he’s still able to have dinners at home with Shiro. Most of Shiro’s story is about his parents, who are considering selling their house and moving into a retirement home. In between, there is some shopping for ingredients, a lot of veggies getting chopped, many burbling pots, and incalculable TBSP of soy sauce. Oh, and also everyone tries not to eat too many carbs, which is extremely relatable. I’m particularly keen for the next volume, as Shiro will be meeting Kenji’s family for the first time. Good, as per usual. – Michelle Smith

By: Sean Gaffney

[littlemisssquiggles]

Ok so. Oscar as Nene (got drag to supernatural stuff like Os got drag to become a huntsman) Ruby as Hanako (playful, deeper than you think, family issue🤣😂) Jaune as Kou Pyrrha as Mitsuba GO BRAINSTORM NOW YA KNOW THE STORY OF HANAKO KUN🤣😂❤️❤️❤️

Hehehe,indeed I do know the story of Hanako-kun,Ly. Especially now that I’m all caught up with both the anime and the mangaseries. Although I will say this though, theanime adaptation of the Mitsuba chapter was one hundred times moreheartbreaking to see play out in animated form. I mean it was alreadysaddening to read about in the manga when I first started but to see it now infull living colour…my heart. Dem feelsman!

Andto imaging Pyrhha Nikkos being Jaune’sMitsuba in a RWBY-inspired Hanako universe is so tragically fitting thatit’s bloody perfect. Y’know it was actually @mojo72400 who first suggested thepotential of a Rosegarden AU based on Hanako-kun. However at the time, I ridiculouslythought that Toilet-Bound Hanako-kunwas about a anime girl who had to survive the social ladder of highschool witha terrible condition that forced to suffer from infrequent trips to the toilet.That’s what the title made me think the story was about. I know that soundssilly in hindsight but can you blame with a title like that? Now imagine howpleasantly surprised I was to realize that TBH was definitely better than I canever imagined.

Anyways,that being said, now that I’ve familiarized myself with the Hanako-universe(and have officially joined its fandom community---Whaddup my toilet-bounddudes!) you can bet your bum that I’m definitely game for a Barn- Bound Ruby Rose RWBY Rosegarden AU and I second the idea of Oscar Pine being the Nene ofthis universe.

Oh!But instead of Oscar being afflicted with the Mermaid’s Curse, let say…that Oscar’s curse is called the Pumpkinhead curse.

 Likeimagine…Oscar being a farm-bred countrypumpkin who had to move to the city to attend high school and becauseof this, he’s affectionately been christened the nickname of “country pumpkin” by his peers.

Let’s say…that much like Nene, Oscar’sstory was that he had a crush on one of his upperclassman and wanted to make awish to change his appearance so that his crush could finally notice him andmaybe become his girlfriend. Let’s say…that having grown up on a farm far outin the countryside, Oscar has always dreamed of living in the city and hadbasically dreamt up this little fantasy of what his dream “highschool experience”would be and for the sake of this AU, one of his ambitions was somehow becomingthe proud lovingly devoted boyfriend of the most popular girl at school.

Nowaccording to rumours around the school, Oscar’s crush liked “tall handsome city boys” so unfortunatelyfor Oscar, his small, cute farm boy look wasn’t going to cut it for him inwinning over the affection of his future girlfriend.

Atfirst Oscar thought that his luck with his crush might not change until heheard a rumour about one of the schools Seven Mysteries. Mystery No. 7---TheRuby Rose of the Abandoned Barn house in the back of the school compound.Basically the deal was that the Ruby Rose was supposed to be some kind ofsupernatural jinn who grant one wish to anyone who is able to successfullysummon it.

Longstory short, Oscar goes to the barn in hopes that he could successfully summonthe Ruby Rose. But to Oscar’s surprise, rather than summoning a super imposingmystical genie of the magic arts here to grant him any wish he so desired likehe had imagined in his impressionable overactive farm boy imagination, Oscarinstead finds a ghost girl dressed in a red hood who addresses herself as RubyRose.

Basicallythe idea I’m having here is that before making the choice to go live in thecity, Oscar lived a rather sheltered life in a small town where the only thinghe had to connect with were books that his aunt would lend him. So because ofthis, let’s say Oscar has a skewed,child-like impression of what the real world is. In a nutshell, he’s very naïve. Not stupid. Just gullibleenough to believe a silly school rumour about a supernatural being who cangrant him his wish to make him desirable enough for his crush to love him.

(YesI know that sounds silly and totally out of character for Oscar but since Oscaris meant to be Nene here I tried to give him the key Nene-isms---her thirst for the love of the oppositesex--- while maintaining some of his canonical RWBY traits).

Anyways;like I said---Oscar successfully summons Ruby: He didn’t really have to domuch. Just leave a plate of chocolate chip cookies and milk in the centre ofthe room while say “Ruby Rose” three times.

Howevershenanigans happen which result in Oscar failing to get his wish from Ruby who,as it turnt out, can’t really do anything to change Oscar’s appearance.

Thisthen leads to Oscar eating a cursed cookie that he took off of Ruby.Let’s say…the cookie is heart-shapedwith red velvet icing and strawberry hearts on one side while the other side wasdecorated like a Halloween pumpkin face.

Let’s say…the idea behind thecookie---the Cursed Pumpernickelcookie--- is that should two people share the cookie, they would be boundedtogether for all eternity and live a lifetime of love, happily ever after.However should the pair’s love not be mutually reciprocated with only one halfof the cookie being eaten, the recipient of the eaten half shall fall prey tothe Pumpkinhead curse.

Thisis what ends up befalling poor Oscar. The idea I had was that, much like Nene,Oscar pilfered Cursed Pumpernickel off of Ruby while she was sifting throughher pocket for another token to help him “woo” his crush.

Whenasked about the cookie, Ruby harmlessly informs Oscar about the “power” of thePumpernickel cookie, not thinking that Oscar would ever be so foolish enough to actually eat itknowing the details of its curse. However, unfortunately for Ruby, Oscar wasthat foolish and eats one of half of the Pumpernickel cookie with the intentionof giving the other half to his crush to bind them together forever.

Let’s say…in this AU, Oscar’s crush is Neon Katt. Like Oscarhas had a crush on her since his first day of high school, falling head overheels in love with her just because she and her friends were close with Oscar’supperclassman pals and Neo was always super nice and affectionate withOscar---y’know like your best friend being nice to your kid brother who has anobvious crush on her type of scenario.

SoOscar goes to give Neon the other half of the Pumpernickel but as he does,their moment is interrupted by Flynt. Let’ssay…in this AU, Flynt and Neon areclose childhood best friends who’ve secretly had feelings for each other foryears. (Because in the squiggle shire, we still ship Funky Cat or whatever the name of Flynt x Neon’s ship is). So Flyntconfesses his love to Neon and much to Oscar’s heartache, Neon reciprocates hisfeelings. She even forgets that Oscar was even standing there before Flyntreminds her of his presense.

Butas Neon goes to take the reaming half of the Pumpernickel that Oscar was aboutto offer her, Oscar, doing his best to hide his sadness, makes up some cock andbull story about the cookie being bad and no longer good enough to give Neonanymore. He then congratulates Flynt and Neon on their newfound relationshipbefore running off; claiming to be returning to class.

Assaid, Oscar is heartbroken---realizing how foolishhe had been for pursuing Neon. But before Oscar could lament on hisfoolishness, he is suddenly overtaken by the Pumpkinhead Curse. Oscar is turned into a pumpkin. Thenext thing Oscar knows he opens what he assumesto be his eyes, looking up to find Ruby standing over him. However for some oddreason, Oscar could no longer feel his hands or his legs. He suddenly feels very, very different.

Itis then when Ruby holds up a mirror to Oscar to show his new pumpkin body---asmall bright orange pumpkin with a fluffy head of leaves and vines which Rubyhad been kind enough to carve out his eyes and mouth so he could see and talkto her. She even took the liberty of carving out tiny holes where Oscar’sfreckles would be on his face.

WhyI like the concept of Oscar’s curse being the Pumpkinhead curse is, not justbecause it was inspired by the Oz character of the same name but mainly becauseof a quote that Jack Pumpkinhead said after he had first come to life:

“…It will take me alittle time to discover whether I am very wise or very foolish…”

 Ilike the idea of Oscar winding up cursed because his affection for Neon and hisdesperation to have her return his feelings had made him foolish in his pursuitof love or something along those lines. I like this idea just as much as I likethe idea of those afflicted with the Pumpkinhead Curse ending up becomingpumpkins to be added to the patch of a supernatural entity known as the PumpkinKing.

Y’knowhow in Hanako, we had the Mermaid Queen apparition who told Nene that if shebecame her servant she would be loved by her and her fish people? Well for thisAU, my idea is that Oscar would become apumpkin in the Pumpkin King’s Patch to be marriedoff to one of his literal spoiled rotten pumpkin-headed children. Sobasically by being cursed, Oscarunintentionally set himself up to become the future groom to the Pumpkin King’s eldest daughter whose been knownto eat her husbands, much to the farm boy’s dismay since not only did henot want to be a pumpkin for the rest of the life but he certainly did not wantto be married off to a pumpkin either at the tender age of 14.

Soto avoid becoming the Pumpkin Princess’ latest snack and umpteenth deadhusband, Ruby makes Oscar a deal he couldn't refuse. Much like Hanako did withNene, Ruby binds herself to Oscar and becomes his "girlfriend" as a means of keeping the Pumpkin King fromclaiming him for his daughter (which basically becomes like a sort of runninggag with the Pumpkin King and his minions constantly trying to persuade orstraight up kidnap Oscar into becoming the future little Pumpkin Prince).

Andto seal to deal that they were now bound together, Ruby eats the other half ofthe cursed Pumpernickel Cookie before kissing Oscar while he was still inpumpkin form which turns him back into a proper human boy.

Sobasically Oscar also ends up losing hisfirst kiss to Ruby; much to the farm boy’s embarrassment.

Butbottom-line, Ruby and Oscar were now bound together through the PumpkinheadCurse. However, because she had went out of her way to help him, Oscar beingbound to Ruby almost meant that he owed her indefinitely.

Andconsidering that Ruby was now Oscar's quote unquote "girlfriend", she pretty much make lives up to that titleby ensuring that Oscar played the part of her so-called lovingly devoted“boyfriend”, wading on the jubilantly childish yet mysterious apparition handand foot while additionally assisting her in her maintenance of the balancebetween the living and supernatural world. Because in Oscar’s case, it waseither that or being a talking pumpkin head turned pumpkin groom married to hisgiant pumpkin wife in constant fear of being eaten for the rest of his life.And that’s my idea for Oscar’s Nene-inspired story for this AU which I guess canwork as a nice little basis for it. Y'know do something similar to the originalHanako series but with a squigglytwist to it, in a sense. Besides I love the concept of Oscar being a cutelittle pumpkin more than him being a fish like Nene. But that's my idea.

Asfor the rest of the RWBY cast as Hanako-inspired characters---Well... as Imentioned before, I really dig your idea of Jaune being the Kou of thisuniverse. We can even maintain the same idea by having him come from a longline of spirit warriors dubbed the Arc-Angels or “Arc Knights” (see what I did there) with his older sister Saphronbeing a more experienced one watching over her brother’s development whilesimultaneously acting as a teacher at his high school along with her wife:Terra Cotta who is the school librarian. I like the idea of Terra beingcompletely oblivious to her wife and her family’s connection to thesupernatural world due to Saphron wishing to keep both her wife and their toddlerson away from that kind of life style. Perhapsyou can even have an idea where Saphron abandoned her duties as an Arc Knightbecause she desired a normal life with a family of her own.

Perhaps…you can have somethingwhere the Arc Knights, being the only spirit warrior family within the mainsetting of the story, were the sworn protectors of the land of the living;working to exorcise any wayward apparitions.

Let’ssay Saphron estranged herself from her family, choosing to work more closely withthe apparitions to focus on maintaining better peace between the two worlds. Butbecause Saphron had left, her baby brother Jaune was forced to take her placeand the two share an interesting dynamic where Jaune wants to prove that hecould be a great spirit warrior who won’t quit like his sister did and Saphronhas to look out for him while feeling guilty for partially making Jaune thewarrior that he was now. That’s one idea.

Nowthat I think about it. This type of story could also work for Weiss and Winter. Like I can easilypicture Weiss being an alternate version for the Kou character of this universewith Jaune being her Mitsuba. OR…perhapsin this AU, the Schnees were a rival spiritwarrior/ exorcist family to the Arcs?

Perhaps…unlike the Arcs who were open to working inharmony with the apparitions, the Schnees were not. Instead the Schneesused their family power to enslave apparitions and use them as their pawns incombat.

Let’ssay, while the Arc Knights adhered to the old school spirit warrior code, theSchnees were necromancers---summoningthe dead to fight their battles for them with little respect their pasthumanity when they were alive which the Arc family greatly frowned upon. (Imean the Schnee family semblance is practically the RWBY equivalent ofnecromancy so in this case it works)

Perhaps…you can even have athing where Jaune and Weiss are rivals coming from strong spirit warrior/exorcistfamily bloodlines or clans so the two basically grew up opposing one anotherfrom birth.

Howeverlet’s say… Jaune secretly has feelings for Weiss and at first Weiss didn’tcare much for Jaune; choosing to focus mainly on maintaining her family’s honouras encouraged by her older sister Winter.

Howeverlet’s say…Weiss ultimately shows asofter side to herself, taking an interest in Jaune’s wellbeing as a “friendwho knew him” after he gets himself involved with a ghost girl named Pyrhha (whowas resurrected by darker apparition) and started committing some questionable acts. Or something alongthose lines.

Idefinitely dig the idea of the Arcs and the Schnees being rival clans whomaintain balance in the supernatural and living world---but while the Arcscoexist in harmony with the apparitions on parlayed allegiance with theMysteries (such as Ruby Rose), the Schnees have a different way of doing thingsdespite fighting for the same cause. And this rivalry is reflected in thecharacter dynamics of Weiss and Jaune (who are students of Oscar’s highschooland his fellow upperclassman) and also their older sisters---Winter andSaphron. I’m going to change my earlier concept. I’m going to make Saphron theschool librarian along with her wife Terra while Winter Schnee is the homeroomteacher of Oscar’s class. Yeah that’s better, I like that better.

Movingalong, I definitely like the idea of Norabeing Oscar's version of Aoi-chan. Since Oscar is the focal character herein Nene’s role, I think Nora can work really, really well as the person acts asthe closest thing to a best friend he has.

Or….maybeJaune can be Oscar’s best friend in this AU but Nora is still his Aoi-chan? Maybeyou can even add a little detail where Nora is Oscar’s foster sister. Like perhaps…in this universe, the Arcs arelong-time friends of Oscar’s family (meaning his aunt and uncle in the farcountry) who were more than willing to allow him to live under their roof whilehe’s in the city pursuing his high school education.

Sobasically let’s say, in this AU, Oscar lives with Jaune who is staying withSaphron and Terra. Baby Adrian alsoexists in this AU too so Oscar and baby Adrian interactions and hijinks canensue.

Ialso like the idea of Nora and Ren also beingtenants of the Cotta-Arc household. Let’ssay…Ren and Nora are basically Jaune’s best friends and adopted siblingswho were taken in by the Arc family when they were kids and ultimately movedout with Jaune to live with his sister.

Soin a nutshell, in this AU, Team JNPR 2.0 or ALPN live together with Jaune, Renand Nora maintaining their roles as Oscar’s surrogate big brothers and sisterand the closest thing to friends he has at school.

Let’s say…in this AU, due to hiscountry upbringing and his introverted demeanour, Oscar has been having a hardtime adjusting to the city and making friends in his new school and class. Butat least he had his big brother Jaune and friends to look out for him.

Asa matter of fact, I love the idea of Ren and Nora being the Aoi and Akane ofthis AU only with a small difference. Much like Aoi and Akane, Ren and Nora arechildhood best friends with Nora having an obvious crush on Ren.

Butrather than Nora being revealed to be one of the Mysteries like Akane, I'm moredigging the idea of Ren being partapparition and the first time he reveals this is to protect Nora. Like imagine…Nora constantly being the onepursuing Ren making her feelings for him obvious just like in RWBY but we don’tknow how Ren feels for Nora. We know he definitely cares for her but we're notaware of his love for her until he reveals himself as one of the Clock keepersto save Nora. 

Likeperhaps Oscar, Ruby and Jaunebelieved that Nora might’ve been masquerading as one of the Seven Mysteries dueto her mysterious dark past sharedwith Ren only for Ren to intervene and reveal himself as the true supernatural.I think that can work.

Asfor who I think the Mysteries in this AU could be, that's definitely tricky---Iknow I definitely want Ozpin to be part of the Three Clock-keepers alongsideRen. Oz can be the Clock-keeper of the Past, Ren the present but I’m not surewho the Clock Keeper of the Future would be to stir up trouble. I kind of low-key want to make Zwei theClock Keeper of the Future. Why? Having a sentient doggo control the futureand wreak havoc? Sure why not XD  

Asfor Mystery No. 2, I’m thinking maybe Blake? Perhaps her mystery could be called “The Staircase of the Beast”?Perhaps this title was shared by her and her “lover” in this universe beforethings turned Grimm when bad rumours started to spread about her lover whichturned them into a beastly monster as a result of it. 

Likeyou can say that originally Blake’s mystery was called “The Belladonna Staircase” and it used to be a sort of romanticspot that blessed couples until the rumours turned her mystery into the“Staircase of the Beast” which only preys on couples.

Ithink that can work swimmingly. As for who would play Blake’s lover in this AU,I don’t care. I’ll leave that for you or anyone to insert whoever you shipBlake with, Ly. I’m not touching that can of worms =_=);

Movingalong, since we established that Pyrhha is the Mitsuba in this AU, she willbecome Mystery No. 3.

Asfor Mystery No. 4, I think Penny works excellently here. I can definitelypicture Penny P. as one of the Seven Mysteries. Not to mention that herpersonality certain reminds me a lot of Shijima Mei.

Thesame can be said for Qrow Branwen as Mystery No. 5. His personality definitelymatches Tsuchigomori the most, at least in my opinion.

Asfor Mystery No. 6, well since the manga is now getting to touch base on hischaracter and storyline as one of the Seven Mysteries, I don’t quite know muchabout him as yet. So I’ll hold off on my choice on who could play his role fromthe RWBY universe.

Lastly,as for who will be our broadcasting clubtrio in this AU; well I think it should be obvious. In my eyes, I’mthinking Cinder Fall could play a goodequivalent to Tsukasa Yugi. While she may not share the family relation asTsukasa does to Hanako/Amane Yugi, I still think that Cinder can work as Ruby’santithesis given their connection from the canonical series.

Notto mention that Cinder Fall is the one character who can match Tsukasa’s eerilymalicious nature, in my opinion. So with Cinder as Tsukasa, this puts EmeraldSustrai and Mercury Black as her versions of Sakura and Natsuhiko with Emerald,of course, being the one bonded to Cinder like Ruby is to the Oscar.

Ithink that aspect of it definitely works a lot. But again these are just only my ideas I’m spouting. Nonetheless, letme know what you think Ly?

Didthis squiggle meister deliver well onserving up enough good brainstorming food for ya ;) I hope I did. Cheers fam!

~LittleMissSquiggles (2020)

[currentlyreadingmanga]

Toilet-bound Hanako-kun: Chapter 8 - The Confession Tree

My thoughts so far: okay so I’m starting the manga on this chapter since I’ve already watched episodes 1-4 of the anime which cover chapters 1-7. The story so far is not at all what I expected (in the best way possible). I really like the dynamic we are establishing with what seems to be our main trio (I already kinda ship Hanako and Yashiro but I guess that’s to be expected). I also love the mechanic they explained regarding the rumors and the effect they have on the aparitions, it’s very cool and I can’t wait to meet the other mysteries. Also I’m incredibly curious about Hanako’s past and from some comments I’ve seen online of manga readers sobbing about the angst, I’m more that sure that this series will make me cry at some point.

Previously: We last left of with the resolution of the Misaki Stairs arc (and an adorable little peck on the cheek that I was not ready for). Also, we were introduced to two new characters, Natsuhiko and the green haired girl, which seemed to be keeping tabs on Yashiro and Hanako, and they also seemed to have a grey/black version of Haku-Joudai named Koku-Joudai. I’m curious to know if one of them could end up being an aparition like Hanako or if they could be working for one of the seven mysteries (since the girl was shown in the anime to be the one on the radio spreading the rumors about the mysteries)

Now onto the new chapter!

Okay so the chapter starts with what seems to be one of Yashiro’s daydreams about her prince charming, bless her heart

One thing I’ve found really interesting about her so far is her personality: she’s definitely a romantic person, someone whose head is on the clouds and thrives on romantic and over the top gestures and stories. But at the same time this idealistic part of her also shows us (like how she realised herself in episode one) that it’s not so much that she’s in infatuated with every pretty boy she meets but more so that she’s in love with the idea of being in love, of having the kind of romance you see in movies or read in books.

And this panel once again reinforces that idea we established in chapter one.

Kinda went on a long tangent there but anyways, she’s daydreaming and-

pffft that made me laugh. I see that Hanako’s little kiss affected her more than she wants to admit even to herself. That’s adorable omg. Poor thing can’t catch a break and starts yelling NO in the middle of class. That’s really not good since people have already seen her “talking to herself” in the hallways.

Okay but this cover page?? and this title??? I smell the romantic tropes coming and I’m totally okay with it omg

We skip to gardening class and we learn that it’s been a month since Yashiro and Hanako met and the bond was forged.

“I don’t think anything good’s ever come from it” keep telling yourself that, sweetie, but you know you like his little sassy self even if just as a friend by now.

Omg

That really hit her hard, huh? Denial is not just a river in Egypt, Yashiro dear

But she says she’s never been kissed before and I understand how much importance she puts into it. With her romantic personality, she probably wanted it to be a special occasion with someone she already had feelings for

Gotta say, it’s kinda refreshing to see that this is one of the first things she considers. Because while Hanako does seem to have a teasing personality in general (or at least it seems to me so far that he enjoys teasing her in particular), as she starts to connects all the shipping moments so far, it is a logical conclusion to reach.

Aoi arrives and oh! Yashiro actually talks to her about what’s been happening with Hanako (omiting the ghost part, I assume)

Aoi seems to agree that he seems to like her and 

That’s an awfully happy reaction for you to later say that “he’s not your type” (then again, she’s probably happy already by the fact that someone likes her, but still) 

“I can’t tell her he’s a ghost, so...” okay, good lol

Okay yeah, she’s definitely over the moon with the idea that he might like her

Now Aoi presents the idea of “why not date him anyway to see what it’s like”. And I’m a little conflicted, I know she means well and I know that’s not where this situation will probably go, but it could also lead to a scenario of where he feels like he was lead on.

Anyway, Aoi says that she should probably get ready since it seems likely that he will confess soon

Ah, here it is, our new mystery or aparition and Yashiro notices that something is off about this whole situation. If she doesn’t remember the tree being there, could it be because of new rumors? and also, why is she the only one notice it? I’m guessing it is because of her bond with Hanako, and that lets her have a stronger connection with the spiritual world in the school; just like during the last arc, since she and Kou were the only ones who noticed the people who had gone missing.

Nevertheless, it seems like we can see the tree work its magic right now and um-

ngl I was so confused for a second there by his lukewarm reaction lol so he’s practicing to confess to Aoi and his friend here is being a good sport about it kinda by helping him

Aoi points out how there seem to be a lot of new couples lately thanks to the influence of the confession tree

When Aoi suggests that a “special someone” could be asking Yashiro soon to meet him under that tree she’s all like “nooo of course he wouldn’t”. And that in my book means “of course he will but probably not to confess to you because come on, the couple can’t get together so soon”

And yep

Seems it will go that way. You know, the “one person thinks one thing, the other thinks another thing but both of the think they are on the same page but then they realize and it’s embarrassing” way. I kinda hope I’m wrong though because if he doesn’t confess, Yashiro is probably gonna be really sad about it and I don’t want her to be sad

Okay, next day. Yashiro is excited to tell the news to Aoi but it seems something happened that made her cry

Oh

I guess I should have seen this coming when they mentioned the onslaught of new couples but I didn’t expect that it would work even on people who weren’t actually confessing to each other. I wonder if it would work its magic on any type of confession, even the ones that were rejected, or if it worked here because even if they were practicing, his friend still said “yes”

These two are pretty cute together but it seems like Aoi isn’t taking it so well.

Apparently she knew that Akane liked her (it seems like it’s been like this for a long time since they’re childhood friends) but she rejected him. Or that’s my guess since she says that she doesn’t like him and the day before she knew that he was practicing to confess to her. But yeah, for her to be this torn over it, I think that she likes him more than she wants to admit. Huh, seems like Yashiro and Aoi have a lot in common in that regard

Anyway, it seems that Yashiro wasn’t able to talk with Aoi about her future meeting with Hanako under the tree but that’s not gonna stop her

I love Yashiro so much, bless her heart and this manga’s self awareness 

This chart omg I love it pffft Poor Kou and Hanako, classified as little wild boys. I’m a firm believer of the idea that it doesn’t matter if you have a clear “type”, you could still fall for someone when you least expect it. So what I’m trying to say is that this won’t stop me from hoping that this ship comes true. I’m already invested

Now she sees it waiting by the tree and thinks “he can be pretty cool sometimes” while blushing. That’s good, Yashiro, acceptance starts with baby steps

Oh man, here we go. I think I’m right but I don’t want to be

Ahhhhhhh this is beautiful but I feel like Yashiro’s happiness is gonna get crushed real soon ahhhh

Ahhh baby she’s so happy that she was confessed to, I can’t

And there it is. Hanako is urging her to turn him down quickly and she looks so confused ;n; bby

Is he trying to get the spirit to show up by forcing it to work harder since the confession didn’t work out naturally? It would be a way to do it, I guess, and it would answer my question from earlier

Yep, that seems to be the case. And by the sounds of it the tree doesn’t sound very happy about this

I-I don’t know what I was expecting from this tree but it really wasn’t this omfg that face

Yashiro voices my thoughts by saying “gross” and the tree feels very offended by this and tries to attack her but it seems he can’t touch her.

At first I thought Hanako had stopped it, but it looks like Yashiro had a protection spell on her cheek. Well, I’m guessing that Hanako still stopped it since it says “seven” and it makes sense that he would cast something like that on her considering how prone she is to find herself in this situations

Now the tree is trying to justify its actions but Hanako replies that what it’s is nothing more than meddling with people’s lives and yeah, that about sums it up. Even if the core goal was to make the couples happy, it still went overboard like with Akana and his friend.

Aaaaand Hanako defeated it. Now it’s a really small tree. And he explains that it is a “kodama”, meaning a supernatural tree and that its methods were indeed forceful when it started gaing power thanks to the rumors.

Oh. Oh no. Now that he’s explaining everything to Yashiro he’s like “but didn’t you already now this since you were helping me?” and she’s trying to convince herself that she’s not bothered by it but she clearly is and awww baby it’s okay.

Oh nox2 Hanako realized what she was thinking and he’s gonna tease her about it but I don’t think it’s a good idea right now oh no

Noooooooooooooooooo she’s crying oh no ;n; She wears her heart on her sleeve and she was so happy, poor baby

You know, I heard that this series gets angsty later on but I didn’t expect to be fighting back tears so soon

Well, Hanako is obviously startled by this reaction. She’s so embarrassed and oh, he says that the kiss he gave her was the moment he placed the protection spell so she wouldn’t get attacked by supernatural for a while! Ohhhh that explains why the writing appeared on her cheek, makes sense

But anyway, she says it was confusing and tbh she has a point, specially when you consider it in relation of how he normally behaves around her. She’s walking home, and I can’t really blame her, even if it was a misunderstanding, she probably feels like her emotions were played with a little bit

Oh this is a beautiful double page spread:

He took his hat for the first time! and you can tell that he really feels bad about what happened. Like, yes, he enjoys teasing her but I truly believe (at least so far) that he would never really try to hurt her on purpose

Ahhh and the next close up of his face! baby boy, he looks so sad noooo ;n; and he really does look like such a young boy, which can be easy to forget due to his easy going and teasing Hanako of the Bathroom self.

He asks her to stay with him until she’s done crying since he probably doesn’t want her to leave while she’s still upset ahhhh (ಥ﹏ಥ)

“Today, at this moment, for the first time...I felt like I wanted to know more about him” (TдT) (TдT) (TдT)

[labyrinth-of-headcanons]

Can’t help falling in love

Summary: “Some things were meant to be and now there was nothing he could do about all of these feelings he had inside of him, tearing him apart, because he couldn't help falling in love with you. “

Character: Ren Kouen, Fem!Reader

Genre: Songfic, Drama

a/n: I don’t know why I wrote this. When I choose the song (which I really like btw, good song), I actually thought about a happy ending. I don’t even like drama. But here goes nothing, grab some tissues and enjoy yourself!

"Can't Help Falling In Love" - Elvis Presley

Wise men say Only fools rush in But I can't help falling in love with you Shall I stay? Would it be a sin If I can't help falling in love with you?

„She may be pretty, but not from nobility. Not a good match for the prince, if you ask me.“

„Then again, he does not want to marry no one, does he? What a stubborn prince he is. He's not going to get younger.“

To this day still, it wondered Kouen just how much aristocrats liked to gossip, even though he didn't gave it too much of a mind, he had more important things to handle. This ball was plain boring, the people attending where hideous, the music tiring and yet, he had to sit it through, occasionally holding conversations with the way-too-nosy nobility, that came to attend.

However, there was a ray of light, something shining even in this utterly boring festivity, something saving his mood. And they were right: You were pretty. The prettiest girl to attend even, your hair shining as the sun goddess’s herself, your dress blue like the ocean. Your jewels were no match to your eyes, glimmering brightly at the person you were talking to. Oh, how the prince envied the young lad, smiling clumsily at you as he tried to pay you a courtesy visit. No matter how awkward the man looked, at least he was able to talk to you. At least he was able to hear you laugh at him.

Kouen was indecisive about what to do. He'd much rather walk over and talk to you, than sit on the throne and observe the situation. But the strong regime of his stepmother did not allow this freedom to any of her children, so he could not do as he pleased, watching you from afar. More than just the few gossiping nobles had reminded him of his position and where you stood, when compared to him, and yet...

When you finally looked up, meeting his gaze and your blue orbs shining in the red of his, there was this distinct tugging in his chest and the prince felt a cold shudder go down his back.

Like a river flows Surely to the sea Darling, so it goes Some things are meant to be Take my hand, Take my whole life, too For I can't help falling in love with you

„Actually it goes down into the ground behind the palace, ending in the sea on some point. The palace was built on top of it.“

With a mesmerized nod, you let out a quiet: „Is that so?“, taking your time to look down the flow of the river. It's not like the end was in plain sight and still you looked like it made much more sense now that he had explained it. Even though you acted like most people were expected to in his presence, somehow Kouen found it immensely intriguing how you bound your real feelings into it. Kouen couldn't help remaining stiff next to you, but it was sure to see how much he held himself back.

If only he was born more sociable, he could have made you compliments. He could have told you how beautiful you looked in this suited bordeaux red dress and how stunningly your hair swayed in the wind, delivering the soft smell of roses to him. Maybe he would even have told you how much he adored the smile you gave him, when he helped you over a few steps, on your way through the royal gardens and maybe he would have held on to your hand forever, if you didn't take it from him with a light blush on your face.

The sound of your name, teared the prince out of his thoughts. The two of you turned around, seeing your father wave at you, the empress and a man he recognized as another diplomat from one of the many countries Kou had conquered, accompanying him after their business talks were over. It was a signal. A signal for you to return now, so the two of you could take a carriage home. Far away from Kou, the palace, him. And you would go, even if he didn't want you too.

You bowed politely, gracefully and, how he found, even bitterly. Shortly you looked up at him, smiling once more, before setting your foot in motion and walking the first few steps. It was painful seeing you go and it made him do something, he didn't think he'd ever would. The distance was short, you could hear him clearly, when he spoke your name. Making you turn around and cocking your head slightly to the side, asking what the matter was.

„It would be a pleasure to stay in contact with you, Lady ___“

You smiled, nodding as you agreed. Telling him that he knew where to find you and indeed, he remembered it clearly like on the day he heard about you for the first time.

And so he wrote, in the awkward and clumsy manner only a man of his sternness and indelicateness could manage to do, a letter. You responded soon and he wrote faster. And with ever envelope again, he felt his heart jump, when he opened it.

Like a river flows Surely to the sea Darling, so it goes Some things are meant to be Take my hand, Take my whole life, too For I can't help falling in love with you For I can't help falling in love with you

To the two of you, the spot by the river became something sacred. Something, only the two of you could have treasured the way you did. The months went by, spring to summer, summer to fall and all there was, was you. You in the white dress, you with closed hair, you in the late night confessions you brought to paper and sent to him, you in his thoughts, you in his mind. His hand on top of yours, your eyes upon his face. There was no way the two of you were able to get any closer than this, though sometimes he just knew that you wanted it too. There was just no one in the world, who understood him better, no one who dared to speak up, when he fell out of order, like you did, no one who looked at him with the same desiring eyes as you. And there was no one he loved more than he loved you either.

„Will the river freeze in winter?“, you asked, watching the light waves of water hopping over the stones and branches inside the waterbed.

„No, never. Running waters don't freeze.“

„I see.“, you mumbled thoughtfully, in your eyes a certain gleam of longing.

„Then, at least, there might be some hope for us.“, you finally said, loud and clear to his ears. He held your hand tighter.

„Even if we can't be together, we'll still have the promise to never forget what we feel for each other. Our feelings never freezing, as long as we remember them“

Kouen nodded. It was time and both of you knew it. Whatever he had to say to you, this was the moment. It was now or never, so he leaned forward, holding your hand tightly as he kissed you. The first and the last kiss he was ever going to get.

As the clock signalized the time, he finally let go. There were no more words to be spoken, there was no moment for the two of you anymore, as you pulled up your dress and rushed your way back over the stone path. That beautiful white dress, which was made only for you, only to be worn one time. You were careful not to ruin it before the ceremony.

„Ready, my dear?“, your father asked, smiling, as he proudly presented himself in his most traditional clothes.

One look - you could only spare to do it once - you sent back to Kouen, as he stood there by the river, reciprocating your look. You father followed your gaze, he looked at you, sadness in his eyes. Reaching out his elbow to you and you linked your arm with him, as he softly mumbled:

„I am so sorry. It's necessary.“

„I know.“, you replied, finally turning around, facing the building which was bound to be the place for the most beautiful thing you would have in your life.

„Then let's go.“, your father said, moving you to the entrance.

Even if the young man, who had awkwardly asked for your hand in marriage - just as awkwardly as he had introduced himself on the ball, months ago - was a good match, when the two exchanged the rings to each other, you couldn't help the tears from rolling. Just this much it hurt, that you had to finally wake up from the dream and realize, that there never was a chance from the very beginning, that the person you were going to marry, would be the prince. No matter how much you had fallen in love with him.

He too, just couldn't bare to see you walk out, hand in hand with your husband, from the church, even though it should have been him by your side. So he turned away, directing his gaze at the river, continuously flowing down to the sea. Some things were meant to be and now there was nothing he could do about all of these feelings he had inside of him, tearing him apart, because he couldn't help falling in love with you.

[recentanimenews]

Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun – 05 – Love is In the Air

…Or at least it seems that way, with Nene and Aoi’s class suddenly chock full of new couples. Rumor has it when you confess to someone under a certain tree on school grounds, you’re assured to become a couple. When Aoi’s childhood friend who likes her practices on his male friend, the next day they’re a lovey-dovey couple.

When Hanako-kun suddenly asks Nene to meet him under the tree, she begins to consider if he likes her, rather than wonder what apparition he’s trying to rein in. The source of the successful confessions turns out to be a kodama, or tree spirit. Hanako does indeed confess to Nene, but compels her to reject him, rendering her bait for the kodama, which he then defeats.

Afterwards, Hanako teases Nene for hoping it would be a real confession, only to make her cry genuine tears. Realizing he was reckless with her feelings, Hanako chases after her, takes her hand, removes his hat, and offers a sincere apology, and insisting she stay with him until her tears stop. It’s a very moving scene, aided in no small part by Ogata Megumi’s excellent voice acting.

Seeing Hanako-kun without his hat sparks a newfound interest in learning more about the mysterious ghost boy, including what crime he committed and how he died. Hanako is suspicious of her prying, however, and places Kou between them as a buffer. When Minamoto-senpai is brought up, Nene sings his praises in an admiring, flowery tone, unaware the subject of her praise is not only right behind her, but Kou’s big brother.

As it happens, Teru has come to take Kou aside and admonish him for his lack of progress. His duty is to defeat the Seven Wonders, including Hanako, and Teru is not pleased with the fact Kou seems to have become chums with him. “There are no good apparitions,” warns Teru, who decides if Kou can’t do the job, he will, setting up a major confrontation with Hanako in the near future.

Nene, meanwhile, just wants to learn more about Hanako, and having limited success in the school library. Then a gorgeous, doll-like green-haired girl approaches her, and suggests she visit the Fifth Wonder, the 4 O’clock Library, for more info. Later Aoi warns that while white and black books are fine, one must never read a red book. Three guesses what color Hanako’s book is…

By: sesameacrylic

[recentanimenews]

Bookshelf Briefs 10/24/19

Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 7 | By Io Sakisaka | Viz Media – Somehow I missed reviewing the sixth book, and may have missed reading it as well. In any case, things aren’t going well for our lead couple, which is suffering from the usual miscommunication drama that infects shoujo series like this. Indeed, it infects the rest of the cast as well, and so we have Kou’s brother getting in trouble for seemingly having an affair… with Futaba. It’s not what it seems. But it does inspire Shuko, who was terrified about what would happen to her crush, to confess to him. Fortunately, he’s a good teacher, so rejects her. We’re also getting some setup for a beta couple, which I think I would enjoy more if it wasn’t so obvious. This was a good volume, but I’ve grown to expect great from this series, and it wasn’t that. – Sean Gaffney

Cats of the Louvre | By Taiyo Matsumoto | Viz Media – I expected it would only be a matter of time before Cats of the Louvre was licensed, but I was initially a little surprised that Viz was the company bringing it over—up until this point, every volume of the “Louvre Collection” (including Hirohiko Araki’s Rohan at the Louvre and Jiro Taniguchi’s Guardians of the Louvre) has been released by NBM Publishing. But, on the other hand, Viz has been Matsumoto’s primary publisher in English. Viz has done a beautiful job with the release if Cats of the Louvre, combining both volumes of the Japanese edition into a single, hardcover omnibus. In part, the narrative follows a declining colony of cats that lives in the hidden corners of the Louvre and the humans that come into contact with it. Both Matsumoto’s storytelling and artwork are atmospheric, magical, and melancholic. But while there’s some darkness to the work, there’s also hope. – Ash Brown

Hakumei & Mikochi: Tiny Little Life in the Woods, Vol. 7 | By Takuto Kashiki | Yen Press – I think we’ve now caught up with Japan, so expect more of a gap before the next volume of this. Till then, we see our not-a-couple couple use bird mail delivery, get taken advantage of by local doctors, have troublesome friends over for the night, wait in a very long line for food that may not live up to the line, etc. Easily the best chapter is also the most serious, as an old mentor of Hakumei’s dies and sends her a final sake bottle, which she and Mikochi wander all over to try to drink quietly before Mikochi finally moves on so Hakumei can grieve a bit. This is always going to be the sort of series where “we couldn’t buy the cups” is gripping drama, but that’s why it has its fans. – Sean Gaffney

Himouto! Umaru-chan, Vol. 7 | By Sankakuhead | Seven Seas – Is this the end of the superdeformed Umaru? Well, no, but it makes for a nice change of pace, as Umaru realizes that she’s been hanging out with friends normally for a while, and wonders if she can admit to them her big secrets—both her slothful little self, and also her masked gamer. The message turns out to be “don’t rush growing up,” which is a bit disappointing but not surprising given this has like five more volumes to go. We also see the “rival” girl again, and she turns out to also be connected to this extended family in an oblique way. Unfortunately, emphasizing the similarities between her and Umaru works a bit TOO well—sometimes I can’t tell them apart. This is the definition of moe cuteness. – Sean Gaffney

Magus of the Library, Vol. 2 | By Mitsu Izumi | Kodansha Comics – The main selling point for this series is present and correct—it is gorgeous, and rivals Witch Hat Atelier for the prettiest manga in Kodansha’s stable right now. The main plot involves a somewhat older Theo setting out to take the Kafna test, despite the fact that it’s a job, much like “librarian” is here, seen as being for women. He’s joined by a young woman who seems to tick off every single box in the “easily flustered love interest” box, to the point where I actually found her a bit annoying. The series sure does love its books, though, and also loves its grueling three-day-long test, which is known to break many of its participants. Can Theo pass? If you guessed “I bet we find out in Book Three,” you’re right. – Sean Gaffney

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Vol. 6 | By Hideyuki Furuhashi, Betten Court, and Kohei Horikoshi | VIZ Media – With the departure of Master, Vigilantes seems to be settling in for the long haul. Koichi discovers two new applications for his powers, which leads him to engage villains in ways he really shouldn’t, though this comes in handy when he helps Aizawa take on another enhanced Trigger user. In fact, there is lots of Aizawa in action, which I appreciate, as well as an example of how effectively Midnight’s powers work in the field when she goes undercover to figure out who is dosing young men with the drug. Meanwhile, there’s a mysterious speedster lurking about who easily dispatches the villain that Aizawa and Koichi struggled with. This prequel really seems to be coming into its own and I find myself increasingly captivated by it! – Michelle Smith

Mythical Beast Investigator, Vol. 2 | By Keishi Ayasato and Koichiro Hoshino | Seven Seas – Last time I called this very readable but extremely forgettable. The two qualities invert in this second and final volume, as the “twist” that happens halfway through the book is rather startling, but I don’t really like the way that it’s handled, which seems confusing and probably reads better in the novel this is based on. The focus, appropriately, changes over to Kushuna, the grumpy rabbit demon accompanying Ferry on her journeys, and we see how they originally met and how he was won over to her side. But… ergh, I don’t want to spoil the twist, but let’s just say I disliked it and leave it at that. On the bright side, I’m very glad the series ends with the second volume. – Sean Gaffney

Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, Vol. 9 | By Kagiji Kumanomata | Viz Media – The bulk of this volume is given over to the demon castle’s Summer Festival, which naturally Syalis is SUPER EXCITED for, despite meaning that outsiders might actually notice she has the run of the place. With that in mind, she does a café (well, haunted house was taken) which features her, as a hostage in big fake handcuffs, begging for food. It’s brilliant and also hilarious. We get a beauty pageant, which Syalis manages to lose despite seemingly being a shoo-in, as well as the final bonfire, which she sleeps through, much to her horror. The rest of the book is just as funny, and while the gags aren’t original they arrive with precision timing. This remains a fantastic comedy manga. – Sean Gaffney

That Blue Sky Feeling, Vol. 3 | By Okura and Coma Hashii | VIZ Media – I reckon some people are going to be disappointed by the ending of That Blue Sky Feeling, in that Noshiro and Sanada are not yet formally dating, but if one looks only at the change in Sanada, then it’s a satisfying ending indeed. Probably because of his experience being accepted by Noshiro, when Sanada’s long-time friend Ayumi asks whether he likes boys, he tells her the truth. And when Noshiro starts going out with a girl, it’s Ayumi who knocks some sense into Sanada, telling him that his feelings do matter in this situation. After Noshiro ditches his date to hear what Sanada has to say, it’s confession time and it looks like the feelings may be mutual. But what really stands out to me is Sanada’s face there at the ending—happy and at peace. His love was not rejected! I hope we get more Okura in the future. – Michelle Smith

Tomo-chan Is a Girl!, Vol. 5 | By Fumita Yanagida | Seven Seas – Beta couple Carol and Misaki get the main focus in this book, though they aren’t actually a couple. Carol seems to be waiting for Misaki to take the lead, and he just isn’t doing that—though seeing her and Misuzu threatened by some punks turns on his inner rage, as the cover art shows. As for Carol, once she finds that Misaki is trying to get stronger by spending time with Tomo at her father’s dojo, Carol suddenly finds herself jealous—and decides to do something about it by seemingly seducing Jun. Of course, she’s not really doing this, but it does serve to show off Jun’s paralyzing fear of intimacy, and also possibly the sexiest “rawr!” in all of manga ever. I love this series. – Sean Gaffney

The Wize Wize Beasts of the Wizarding Wizdoms | By Nagabe | Seven Seas – After a wizard named Wizdom bestowed the shape and intellect of humans upon beasts, the demi-human tribes built a grand academy. The Wize Wize Beasts of the Wizarding Wizdoms is a collection of BL short stories set at that school. I must say… as a major fan of Nagabe’s The Girl from the Other Side, I thought I’d like this more. Some stories are charming, like “Mauchly & Charles,” in which a human is clearly in love with his bear friend, but others are darker, like “Doug & Huey,” in which a crow sabotages his peacock pal’s efforts to find a girlfriend so that he can remain closest to him, or “Alan & Eddington,” in which the latter brews a love potion intending to make out with the former and leave him with no memory of their encounter. I was expecting more whimsy, I think. – Michelle Smith

By: Ash Brown