Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho


Chapter 4

Origami


"If you can't go back to your mother's womb, you'd better learn to be a good fighter." ― Anchee Min

Hanako

"Tell me, why we stopped at the flower stand?" Kaito groaned beside me.

"Well, his mother is still in the hospital, right?" I insisted as I looked through the different types of flowers. I ended up choosing a combination of chrysanthemums, carnations and verbena at the recommendation of the florists. She said that these flowers were good for people in the hospital because of their small amounts of pollen. "When someone is sick you give them flowers."

"Fine, fine," Kaito waved me off. "Just hurry up, I still have assignments to do and my book isn't going to write itself."

"I know the way home from the hospital," I reasoned. "You don't have to come with me. Especially with your attitude, people with bad energies shouldn't visit someone in the hospital."

He looked me up and down for a moment before he sighed and nodded his head in agreement. "I guess I am pretty ticked off by Minamino, I probably shouldn't visit his mother like this. Are you sure you know the way home?"

"I'll be fine, Kaito. I'm a big girl, I can handle myself." I asserted. "Worse comes to worse, I'll find a map."

And that conversation was how I found myself following one of the nurses towards Minamino-san's room.

"Minamino-san, are you up for a guest tonight? It's one of Shuichi-kun's classmates," the nurse introduced. I couldn't hear Minamino-san's reply but it must've been positive since the nurse motioned for me to come back in. "Her health has improved quite a lot recently so her energy is up, but visiting hours end soon so try not to take too long." The nurse closed the door on her way out to give us privacy.

I smiled at the woman in front of me, she looked much healthier compared to how I imagined someone who was considered terminally ill just a few weeks ago. I quickly bowed – still not used to the custom – before introducing myself. "Hello, I'm Minamino-kun's new classmate. I don't mean to disturb you tonight but I was—I mean my cousin and other classmate were eating with him afterschool and he left his bag." I felt so frazzled and was wishing Kaito had come with me after all. "He mentioned coming to see you tonight and Aki-chan – our class president – couldn't come so she gave me the address and so…um…oh these flowers are for you!"

I handed the bouquet of flowers over to her which she gracefully took into her delicate hands. I noticed the collection of scarring on her arms. They've faded indicated they happened a while back, but they were still clearly there on display. I knew better than to ask.

"Thank you for bringing his bag, along with the flowers, dear. But I'm afraid you didn't introduce yourself to me yet."

First impression, incredibly kind and nurturing mother. Good for you, Minamino-kun.

"I'm sorry, I just moved back to Japan after being overseas for so long so I'm still trying to remember my Japanese etiquette," I explained. "My name is Hanako Yu."

"You don't have to worry about proper etiquette with me, Yu-san," She assured. "I just feel lucky getting to meet one of my son's classmates. This is twice just this week that I've met one of Shuichi's friends."

"Well, I feel lucky getting to meet your son today," I said the words before I was able to catch myself. "I mean – he was very welcoming towards me today, Minamino-san."

"Feel free to call me Shiori, Minamino-san makes me think of my mother," she joked. "I'm not big on formalities either."

"In that case, you can call me Hanako," I smiled, finally feeling myself be able to breath again. "I prefer it that way." I was almost completely relaxed when I remembered my purpose for coming. "Um, Minamino-kun left his bag at the café we were eating at today. I just came by to drop it off since he mentioned coming tonight. I hope he hasn't gone home already." I placed the bag on the seat located beside her bed.

"He actually hasn't stopped by yet," Shiori said. "But he did call saying he would be here soon. Did you want to wait for him?"

"No, it's okay. I'm sure I'll see him at school tomorrow," I answered. "I really just came to drop off his bag." I bowed again. "Well, I should let you get some rest."

"Wait, Hanako," Shiori interrupted. "I know you said you just transferred to his class, but I wanted to ask you a question. Is Shuichi happy at school?"

I frowned for a moment. How was I supposed to answer this question when I had just met the guy today? Wasn't it strange enough that on my first day I decided to pop in and visit his mother? Oh god, he's going to think I'm a freak.

"I'm afraid, I don't have a clear answer for you, Shiori-san," I replied honestly. "I actually transferred today, so I haven't gotten to see much of the class dynamics yet."

"Oh," Shiori seemed disappointed. "Thank you for answering, dear."

"But he did seem very warm and welcoming towards me today," I added quickly hoping I could ease her worries. "And from what I've seen he seems to get along with everyone."

Probably best to leave out Kaito's strange rivalry with him.

Shiori started to smile again. "Thank you for saying that, Hanako-chan, and for helping Shuichi out. You seem like a very sincere and genuine person. I hope you and my son get to become good friends. Once I'm settled back home, I'll have Shuichi invite you over for tea."

"That sounds lovely, but there's no need to thank me," I replied. "I was happy to help today." I bowed one last time and excused myself from the room.

She was such a lovely mother. She was kind, warm and supportive. A part of me felt a little jealous that my own mother would send me away to Japan rather than care for me the way that Minamino's mother seems to care so deeply for Minamino-kun.

I had to physically shake myself out of my thoughts. Thinking like that doesn't do anyone any good. Instead I focused on the road back towards the train station, trying to do my best to remember the directions Kaito had told me. 'Take the E train heading East and get off after two stops!' Kaito's voice continued to replay in my head. When I did finally return home, Kaito greeted me nonchalantly, barely lifting his nose out of the book he was reading, and my aunt and uncle were quick to offer me first go at the tub before we had dinner together.

'This is a nice house. This is a good place to be. This will be for the best.' I repeated to myself as I let myself soak into the unfamiliar tub.

The following day, Kaito forced me to arrive at school much earlier than I needed to. He said something about an "Emergency Literary Meeting" AKA he finished his book and wanted to discuss it with his book club. Of course, I didn't have to follow after Kaito, but I get too paranoid over possibly being late and I still wasn't sure of my way around Sarayashiki.

I sat down at my seat, staring at the empty classroom in front of me.

Something about the room just felt so lonely to me. It was almost too depressing, and clearly, I was starting to lose a grip of my senses. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions under control. It was easy when other people were around me, but – at least for the time being – was alone.

This feeling is temporary.

The inner voice inside myself reminded me. I closed my eyes and lowered my head onto my desk. Just try to relax, Hanako. Just a few deep breaths and then people will start filtering into the classroom.

"Yu-san," A soft hand touched the edges of my shoulder. "Are you feeling alright?"

I lifted my head and my eyes were greeted by a forest of green. "Minamino-kun?" My focus failed me for a moment, too absorbed by Minamino's bright green eyes.

"Are you alright?" he frowned as he took a seat beside me. The back of his hand touched my forehead, testing for any sign of a fever but the only warmth I could feel came from him. "Doesn't seem like a fever, but you do seem a little cold."

"My body tends to run colder than normal," I explained softly, still partially captivated by him. "I'm okay though."

I knew that Minamino-kun was attractive. It was the first thing I noticed about him when I sat down yesterday. There was no denying that – within any room – he would be the one who pulled everyone's attention. It wasn't just that his hair was a surprisingly dark red and handsome features, either. It was also the way that he carried himself in a room. He sat up straight and the look in his eyes was the kind that made you realize that there was much more to the world than you originally thought.

"I won't pry if you say you're feeling okay," he accepted. "Just know that you're welcome to share your thoughts if you want to."

"Thank you," I said, pulling my gaze away. The room was still empty, does he usually arrive this early?

"I should be the one thanking you," he replied. "Mother told me that you brought my bag to her. I appreciate it."

"You don't have to thank me," I admitted. "To be honest, after I got to the hospital, I realized how creepy it actually was – my first day meeting you and I was already in your mother's hospital room. So please, don't thank me."

He laughed gently, almost like he wasn't used to letting himself go. "I didn't find it creepy, and I'm sure I've done worst in my lifetime, so don't fret."

"Oh, really? You've done stranger things than stalk your new classmate to their mother's hospital room?" I challenged, letting myself ease into the conversation more.

There was a slight glint to his eyes when I challenged him, he contemplated for a moment before he gave a handsome smirk and said, "Would you believe me if I told you I was once the leader of a band of thieves attempting to rule the underworld?"

I stared at him for a moment, taken back by his response, before laughing hysterically at his joke. "Okay, sure, Mr. King of thieves, good one. That would definitely be scarier than my stalking skills."

"Rather than stalking, I'd rather admire your deductive reasoning on going to the hospital rather than me home," he laughed along. "You'd make a wonderful addition to my ragtag bunch of bandits and ex-convicts."

"Maybe in another lifetime," I agreed, still giggling at the jokes.

"Yes, perhaps in another lifetime," he said – face full of whimsy. He gave me a look for a moment – as if he was sizing me up for something.

"So…what made you leave so quickly yesterday?" I asked hoping I wasn't prying too much.

"I remembered that one of my friends needed help with something yesterday," he replied almost robotically, as if the answer had been rehearsed prior to our conversation. "He had an argument with one of my more short-tempered friends and I figured it been best if I helped them sort it out."

"Ahh…one of your subordinates from your band of thieves?" I asked jokingly.

"Unfortunately," he sighed, playing along into the joke. "The two of them aren't the best at listening to one another, and most likely would've killed one another had I not stepped in between them." He rolled his eyes slightly at the memory. He smirked to himself at a joke that had flown past my head.

"The best of men always gets caught in the crossfire," I commented. "What was the argument about?"

"I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you," he said the phrase seriously and in almost perfect English. A part of me grew anxious at my stepping over the boundaries but he quickly chuckled slightly and followed up the comment with a question, "How much of Japan have you seen since your arrival?"

So, I guess we're back to standard questions. It was quite a 180 spin on the conversation, but I went along and appreciated that he still took the time to talk to me. "Just Mushiyori and Sarayashiki, I'm still getting lost which is why I had to follow Kaito to school so early," I complained. "But my family did use to go to Kyoto a lot when I was younger. My grandfather owns a shrine there."

"I'm not too familiar with Kyoto," he replied. Frowning slightly. "If I recall correctly, there's quite a number of them there."

I nodded my head, unable to recall all of the other shrines in that area. "His is one of the smaller ones, but it's actually the first shrine of Kyoto – at least according to grandpa. It's usually only visited by locals or people who do heavy research trying to look for it. It's right at the base of Mount Kurama."

Minamino started choking on…air? I patted his back to hopefully help him regain his airways.

"As lovely of a sight as this is," Kaito – who seemed to pop out of nowhere – mused. "Is Minamino okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Minamino answered. "Just swallowed down the wrong tube."

"I see," Kaito nodded. "Well, people will be trickling into the classroom soon, so I would suggest the two of you remove yourselves from your happy little bubble that you've created."

"Kaito, what are you blabbering on about now?" I asked him, peeved at the statement he made.

"Considering that you didn't even notice your favorite cousin walked into the classroom a few five minutes ago, I'd say my assumptions are correct," he teased before returning to his own seat.

"Like I've said before, you're my only cousin," I retorted despite knowing it wasn't a good comeback.

The rest of my day went by smoothly. Despite the never-ending questions about life in America, everyone treated me normally and respectfully. One of the first things I noticed was that Japanese students weren't quite as bold as American students – which to me, was a positive. The boisterous personalities I had been so used to previously were nowhere to be found.

At my old school, I was one of only three Asians in my class. While I'm sure my old classmates would disagree, I always felt as if it caused a divide between my peers and me. While the other students would be bringing in sandwiches that their mothers had prepared for them my lunch staples were usually homemade rice balls and cut up fruit. One time in 2nd grade my mother had packed me fish – one of my favorites – and my classmates has spent the rest of that day teasing me over my "smelly" lunch. I still remember the sad look on my mother's face when I came home, lunch uneaten and asked her not to pack it for me anymore. Since then I had grown accustomed to bringing lunch money and paying for the standardized meals the school would provide.

Here, it was different. Kaito and I would spend the night before preparing our bento boxes alongside my aunt. I grimaced when she pulled out the smoked mackerel to add into our lunches before realizing that here it was normal. Kaito mocked my face asking if I was constipated but once I explained the backstory to it his only response was a disappointed "oh" before adding in an extra scoop of fish into my meal and telling me to get over it.

The most interesting part of my day was when my homeroom teacher had called Minamino and I into the teachers' lounge – which was much more organized and accessible compared to chasing down different teachers in different classrooms – and told both of us to look for a club.

"Here it's normal for students to take on one or two clubs, our school really pushes for students to explore extracurriculars," he told me. "And Minamino, we overlooked it before because of your mother's illness but since things are improving there, I was thinking I would suggest you searching for one as well." He handed both of us a piece of paper with a list of different clubs that were searching for new members. "Why don't both of you look after school today and see if any pique your interests."

We nodded our heads in agreement, bowed and excused ourselves from the room.

"Well, Yu-san, looks like we have a new task at hand," Minamino smiled. "Would you like to accompany me after school?"

I smiled back, happy at the opportunity to get to spend additional time with him. "I'd be honored, are there any clubs you're interested in?"

"Perhaps the science club?" he mused looking down at the list we were given. "They've been recruiting me for quite some time. And yourself?"

"I like art, but I usually do that on my own time," I frowned. "How are the martial arts club here?"

"Fairly reputable – although I believe they don't participate in competitions as often anymore," he explained. "It's more mixed martial arts here along with Judo and Aikido and most students have separate dojos they use for their serious training."

"I see, that could work out for me," I considered for a moment. "I may not look like it but I'm actually a 3rd degree black belt in Karate. Americanized Kenpo – which I know isn't traditional – but it was all I had in the States."

"Actually, I quite respect Kenpo," Minamino clarified. "It's much more versatile and in some respects could be more useful for actual fighting."

"Exactly! Or at least that's what my shishou in America kept saying to us," I laughed remember the passion he had during our classes. "Do you do martial arts?"

"Recreationally," he answered. "I'm not a part of any clubs or dojos but I think I could possibly hold my own in a fight."

And that was how – with Kaito's reluctant blessings – I got to spend my afternoon with Minamino. We took our time looking at the different clubs together – most were begging Minamino to join them – and explored the school. Turns out while amazing at so many subjects and activities, Shuichi Minamino was not perfect.

The first club that we visited had been the school's Art Club. It seemed like a relaxing group to join – most of them either worked on their own projects or did small crafts together. Today they had been practicing origami – the group was working on creating a thousand paper cranes for them to deliver to a local children's hospital. They also made a few other shapes and patterns and while we sat down and joined in it became apparent that Minamino wasn't well versed in the art of paper folding.

The gaggles of girls who continued to praise his crane (which looked more like a boat in my opinion) were interesting to say the least. Overall, I left them with about ten cranes and a few flowers to add to their piles along with a promise to stop by their club every now and then.

The next club we stopped by was the Science club. One step into the door and the club members were already begging Minamino to join them and become their club president. He refused the presidency but did add his name to their list of members. I debated on joining in but quickly realized that their science was more geared towards chemistry and robotics rather than the life sciences that I found interesting.

Our last club – Martial Arts – was the most interesting by far. It was a group of about fifteen members and the only female – who I later found out was the younger sister of the captain – in the room was the club manager. Minamino, who was warmly welcomed, declined their offer of joining. I, on the other hand, did not have as pleasant of a welcome.

"We don't have females in our club," the captain, Ryo Tanaka, stated firmly when I asked who to give my form to.

"And why the hell not?" I challenged. This was proving to be a bigger battle than I originally anticipated. "I'm a third-degree black belt in America!"

"Because females are physically weaker and we wouldn't be able to have real practices with you around," he argued back. "Wouldn't you agree Minamino?"

"I wouldn't count her out, Senpai," Minamino defended. "It's never a good idea to underestimate your opponent."

"Oni-chan, maybe you should give her a chance," the manager, Yui Tanaka, suggested. "Usually you do a spar before letting someone in, right?"

"Thank you, Yui-chan!" I agreed. "I will take a sparring match if that's what needs to be done. What do you say, senpai? Afraid to lose to a girl?"

There was a fire – a burning passion – ignited in his eyes at my challenge. "So be it," he agreed. "But you'll be going against me. Go borrow a Gi in the back – they're probably too big for you though." He pointed to the closet with a smirk on his face.

Yui-chan helped me change into the uniform. She even wished me luck and told me to kick her brother's butt for her. Turns out her brother had been the one who barred her from joining the club as a member rather than as a manager. That sexists pig.

I walked out of the changing room and saw Minamino standing off to the side.

"You don't have to stay – you've already chosen your club so you can head home," I suggested.

"I'll wait," he encouraged. "I'm rather interested, actually. Good luck, I hope you get to join."

"Thank you," I smiled at his encouragement.

Ryo Tanaka was a tough opponent. He liked to assert dominance over his opponents. He placed a focus on attacking – clearly taking advantage of his strength and size advantage over me. But where he placed a focus on attack – I took my time by going on the defensive. I was quicker, more agile in comparison, and his hotheaded personality would prove to be his downfall.

"Not much of a fight if you just keep running away," he mocked. "Starting to regret this?"

"No need to rile me up, Senpai," I smirked. "Just trying to get a feel for my opponent is all."

I dodged his kick as he started trying to back me towards the center of the ring, taking away my opportunities for dodging. I managed to block his following attack before spinning and catching him off guard with my roundhouse kick to the side. His next move, however, made contact, when he recovered with an attack towards my right. I moved quickly enough to be able to minimize his efforts of knocking me down. I pulled through using my signature Kuzushi Waza technique, resulting in me pinning him down to the ground.

"AKA NO KACHI!" the referee announced pointing me as the winner of our match.

I extended me hand out to Tanaka-senpai, which he surprisingly took.

"Okay, sure, you're in," he announced. "It's been a while since anyone's been able to defeat me, so congratulations."

His attitude was still boisterous – especially compared to how well-mannered most of my classmates were – while his words did still contain a cocky attitude, he was granting me entrance into the club. We bowed to each other as a sign of respect.

Yui congratulated me as I handed her my forms for the club and the uniform she let me borrow.

"Thank you," I said to her. "Maybe you should try talking to your brother again about joining the club. I get the feeling that you might actually have more potential in martial arts in comparison to him."

"Maybe," she agreed. "To be honest, he's a really nice older brother. I think he started the 'no females' rule mostly because he didn't want to see me get hurt."

"Try again," I encouraged. "I bet you'll be able to put up a better fight than he could."

She laughed with me before saying she'll consider m suggestion.

"Congratulations on your victory," Minamino greeted when I came out of the locker room. "I was quite impressed with your moves."

"Thank you!" I blushed at his words. Hopefully he'll assume my reddened cheeks were from the matchup rather than as an actual blush.

We walked in silence towards the train station. I started to pull out the directions that Kaito had written out for me before Minamino pulled at my hands.

"Allow me to walk you home," he suggested. "You're still unsure of the area, correct?"

"Kaito gave me directions," I responded not wanting to waste his time.

"I'm aware," Minamino countered. "But it's getting late. I'm well aware that you can handle yourself, should you need to, but I'd be happy to escort you home."

"You talk like an old man sometimes," I grinned back. "Most people our age don't use the term 'escort' or is it just a Japanese formality thing that I'm not aware of yet?"

"Maybe," he laughed along to my joke. "In all honesty, I rather enjoy spending time with you and would love the opportunity to talk with you some more without your cousin glaring at me the entire time."

"Ah, so you've noticed," I looked to the side, ashamed of how obvious Kaito's dislike for Minamino was. "He can be rather…overprotective."

"I think it's nice," he argued. "Having a support system is important. I wish I had cousins close to me like you with him."

"You don't have cousins?" I asked.

"Afraid not," he answered. "My mother was an only child and my father passed away when I was young, so we've lost touch with his side of the family a long time ago. I believe he had a half-brother but – as far as I'm aware – he never married or had children."

"I'm sorry to hear about your father," I replied.

"It's in the past," he replied easily. "My mother is currently dating someone who has a son so if things continue to get serious between them, I may be looking at a new stop brother soon."

"And do you like them? The man your mother is seeing and his son?"

"Hatanaka-san is a very kind man," he answered, a small smile forming on his lips. "I'd be happy to entrust him with my mother's happiness."

"That sounds lovely," I commented. "I hope the relationship works out then if you like them so much. Your mother was lovely when I met her last night."

"The feelings were mutual," he commended. "She kept asking about you when I went to visit last night. She's ready to provide you with a full course meal and she hasn't even left the hospital yet."

I giggled with him. "You have so much love for your mother," I said. "It's wonderful, your eyes sparkle when you talk about her. Sometimes your smile doesn't reach your eyes when you talk, but when it comes to your mother it's wholehearted."

His darted away from my view and his cheeks turned red, possibly from embarrassment at the sentimental words. "I wasn't always like this, I was such a monster to her," he continued, still averting his gaze from me. "I was a rather…solitude child growing up. Very independent for my age and I made it pretty clear I didn't need her as a child. I'd even tried to run away from home a number of times. I think I might've broken her heart. She lost my father soon after having me and her child – which should symbolize their love – didn't need her."

I frowned, trying to picture the loving son beside me acting otherwise. "What changed?"

"Did you see her arms last night?" he looked at me – eyes clouded. He waited for my nod before continuing. "The scars on her arms were caused by me. I was trying to reach for a container on a high shelve but fell backwards. She protected me from the broken glass and plates on the ground. She smiled at me, said "thank goodness you're okay" and when the bandages came off, the scars remained."

"I see," I replied a sad smile forming on my face. "You realized how much she loved you and you couldn't leave."

"Yes," he contemplated before chuckling to himself. "I suppose that was the moment I became what some might call 'a momma's boy'."

"I'm happy to hear that your relationship with her is much better now," I replied.

"As am I," he replied with a sweet voice accompanied by a genuine smile.

A soft but comfortable silence followed after the conversation as the train we got onto was getting more and more crowded. The seats had all been taken when we got on but be managed to find an area against one of the walls. Minamino was taking the brunt of the pushes and shoves, protecting me from the other people that were trying to make their way onto the crowded 5PM train. I wanted to tell him that he didn't have to but looking at him made it seem like the crowd wasn't as bad as it truly was. He stood his ground strongly and without issue. While the other passengers seemed to struggle against the shoving, Minamino stood using only one hand holding on the strap above us for balance. Looking at him from this angle, it was easy to understand why Kaito called him a pretty boy.

We hopped off the train once we reached Mushiyori. I told him the address of Kaito's house and some of the landmarks in the surrounding area. He seemed confident on which streets to take so I followed suit trusting him to guide me.

"Yu-san," he prompted. "Might I ask you a question I've been curious about?"

"Call me Hanako," I replied still preferring being called by my first name. "And sure you can ask me a question, not sure if I'll answer it though." I chuckled at my own joke.

"Fair enough," he agreed, a soft laugh escaping his lips. "Why did you move to Japan?"

I contemplated not answering his question, but he's been so open with me about his mother it only felt fair to give him just as much openness. "Honestly? It wasn't really my choice."

He was quiet, waiting for me to continue.

"It was my mother's idea," I admitted. "My parents are going through a pretty rough patch right now and thought it would be best if I lived with my Aunt and Uncle while they settled their disagreements."

"I'm sorry to hear that," he frowned.

"Don't be," I responded waving off any guilt he may feel for asking. "I was used to it – the fighting I mean – and it is nice not hearing arguments between them every morning. It just kind of sucks that they shipped me off without really asking for my opinion. Dad said that they needed space so they could learn to be a family again, but conveniently forgot that I'm also their family and being sent away." I sighed, partially relieved that I could release some of my pent-up emotions. "Don't tell Kaito though, he doesn't know."

"He doesn't?" Minamino questioned.

"Nope," I smacked my lips for emphasis. "No one knows actually, not even my aunt or uncle or grandfather. My parents didn't want anyone in the family getting into their business, so we told everyone that it was because I was an uncultured swine who became too Americanized." I laughed – a little too loudly – at the joke of an excuse my parents had come up with. "That along with complaints of the American public school system and increased costs of living. All of which are valid points – just not the point."

Minamino stopped for a moment and placed his hand gingerly on my shoulders. I knew ahead of moving here that Japanese people weren't the most public with their touches so for him it must mean a lot to offer his comfort like this.

"I'm sorry for the circumstances surrounding your move," he spoke. His voice was quiet but firm. "But I am glad that I got to meet you." He hesitated a moment. "I know we just met yesterday, so stop me if this is starting to sound strange, but I mean it when I say I'm glad you're here."

I smiled at him, happy that it wasn't just me who felt like that. "I'm glad I got to meet you too." I responded before diverting the seriousness into a small joke. "But you do make a point that it is strange we just met yesterday but are already at the point where I've met your mother and you're walking me home."

He laughed along, "We'd best slow down otherwise we'll be walking down the aisle next week."

My face flushed and heat rose immediately to my head at the comment. "Right, right," I responded back – hoping the clouds and darker skies would keep him from noticing. "Vegas is a looonngg ways away so best if we really slowed down."

The rest of the way was walked in awkward silence. Awkward for me at least – I couldn't say for sure with him since he seemed as cool and poised as always. But awkward and I did not get along. At all and we still had a few turns left during our walk home.

"Sooo….what do you usually do during lunch?" I asked. I'd been wondering since both yesterday and today he seemed to have a habit of disappearing.

"I'm usually eating in the stairwell by the roof," he replied. "Not too many people pass by there and I like to use the time to work on assignments I've missed due to my absence."

"That sounds pretty lonely, though," I frowned. "You don't eat with anyone?"

"I'm a rather solitude creature by nature," he explained. "I prefer my quiet moments."

"Well if you ever change your mind, feel free to eat with us in the classroom," I suggested.

"I may take you up on that offer," he agreed before stopping in front of the house. "So long as Kaito doesn't try to kill me."

I laughed. "He'll get over it."

"Hopefully, but for the time being it seems he's intent on watching," Minamino said, and sure enough I caught the sights of a curtain moving where his window should be. "Well, I'll be seeing you at school."

"Yes, see you at school," I agreed. "Thank you for walking me home."

"I was happy too." he said with a gentle smile. A gentle smile that did not quite reach his eyes. Instead his eyes seemed clouded like there was something holding him back.

He was about to turn around before I said, "Wait!" I reached into my pocket and pulled out the origami cherry blossom flower I had made earlier while we were traipsing around the school looking at clubs. I reformed it before handing it to him. "Here, not much but it's yours if you want it – since you couldn't seem to make one earlier. As a thank you."

He took it from my hand and gave me his thanks for the piece of origami and watched as I walked back into the house behind me.


Notes: Thank you to Damaged Forest Spirit and summerneverlasts for their reviews last chapter! Each review, click, favorite and follow helps to motivate me to keep working on my story so it means a lot to me each time. I hope this chapter is satisfying enough for everyone reading!

I really liked getting to dive into Hanako's POV this chapter, especially since her introductory chapter was so short. This time I hope people get a better idea of Hanako as a character and the way that she's going to start interacting with the people around her. Keep in mind though that I purposely chose to write each chapter in a separate character POV so there will be biases based off of how each character views the world/other characters so for Hanako right now she's seeing Kurama through rose colored (pardon the pun) glasses like the way most people would react to meeting a cool, new, attractive person that they may be interested in getting to know.

Next update will be Kurama POV and will feature a visit from a few characters that we know in love!