"Removing the mermaid's curse would sever your bond with Yashiro. And are you prepared for that?"
Hanako grimaced, but quickly resolved. "Yes."
"Then I'll take that as my payment."
"Huh?"
"In order to grant your wish, something equally as valuable must be given in exchange. No more, no less." she looked at him with an eerie smile. "You understand, don't you?"
Her words hung in the air as the rain pelted down. Hanako gave a singular nod. After all, he was in the business of wishes as well. He knew the rules.
"Yes, I do."
Yuuko opened her palm to reveal a red string of yarn. "Tie each end to yours and Yashiro's pinky finger. Then..."
She gave a demonstration with her own hands.
"...pull until it snaps."
"Hanako-kun?" Yashiro called. The door to the girls' restroom shut behind her as she rushed in. She was urgently led here by hakujoudai.
"Yashiro..." a warm yet painful smile was upon Hanako's face as he stood in front of the window, the light illuminating from behind him.
He held up his pinky finger; a string of red yarn wrapped around it. "Today, you will be completely freed from the mermaid's curse."