Episode 8: Gender Crisis
" Mito-san, we're home! " Gon called out as he entered.
The others followed suit. I hung back, suddenly feeling awkward and shy.
" Haru! What are you doing outside? Come on in! " Gon urged me, tugging on my sleeve-covered wrist. " Mito-san is waiting for you! "
I aimed my gaze at the floor as Gon led me into the house.
" Mito-san, this is Haru, my newest friend that I was talking about earlier! " Gon announced.
" It is a pleasure to meet you, Haru. I'm Mito Freecs, " Gon's aunty told me.
She extended her hand out.
It was then I looked up at her. The woman was really pretty and looked to be about her mid twenties with short red hair and green eyes.
Bashfully, I reached out for her hand and shook it.
" The pleasure is mine, Mito-san, " I told her, diffidently. " Thank you for inviting me over. "
She gave me a warm smile.
" You're welcome, dear. "
" Nee, Mito-san, could we have dinner now? " Gon asked his aunt. " I'm really famished. "
" Is there something else you can think about other than food? " Killua teased him.
The twelve-year-old pouted as he rubbed his tummy.
" I'm hungry so I need food, Killua. "
All of them laughed.
" Well, we'll have an early dinner now because today is the first day of the Whale Island Festival, " Mito declared. " And we'll be going to there. "
Gon groaned.
" Do we really have to go there again? "
" Yes, we must, Gon, " his aunt answered firmly.
Soon, everyone was seated and eating dinner together. I could not help but smile. It was a first. Usually, I had to steal food or scavenge around for leftovers if I was hungry.
" Haru? "
I looked up at the mention of my name.
" Yes, Gon? "
" Would you like to come along to the festival with us as well? "
" I'd love to! " I exclaimed. " But, would it be a bother? "
" No, not at all! " Gon's aunt answered quickly, putting down her fork. " But, of course, you are not wearing that robe of yours. "
Now, there was utter silence as everyone stopped eating and turned to look at me. I could almost hear a pin drop.
" M-My robe? " I stammered, perturbed. " I-I can't wear it? "
Mito-san shook her head, no.
" No, this is a festival and I want you to wear something to match this event, " she said gently but firmly.
" Really? "
" Anyway, it is rude, you know that you have never shown me, your face. I would like to see your face, Haru. "
I did not reply as I bowed my head low.
" Oh, can we, Haru? I want to see your face as well, " Gon told me.
" Why? " I asked them, softly. " My face is as normal as they come. I don't think that my face is very interesting to look at. "
" We'll see, " Mito's mother suddenly spoke up.
Now, I had no appetite to eat a single bite.
I thought I could at least hide my face…
Now, they would really know who I really am…
If they see…
Would they still accept me for who I am…?
" And that will go to all the boys as well. You will wear yukatas, " Mito-san insisted.
There was a series of groans around the table.
" Can we wear our usual? " Killua asked her.
Mito-san smiled at him and shook her head.
" No, you can't. "
" Man! " he complained grumpily. " Why do we even have yukatas?! "
" Because that is what people normally wear to festivals, " Gon's aunty told him sweetly.
As we were clearing up, Mito-san called me aside.
" Haru, can you come with me for a moment? " she asked. " I want to confirm something first before you go with the other boys to change. "
" But the plate-washing… " I trailed off, wanting to steer clear of her at all cost.
" I'll take it from here, Haru, " Gon told me, kindly. " Go with Mito-san. "
Grudgingly, I placed the plates down and stepped away from the sink.
That's it…!
I'm finished…!
Quietly, I followed her upstairs to her room.
" Close the door and lock it, " Mito-san ordered.
I obeyed her.
For a long moment, there was only silence as she scrutinised me.
Oh why…
Why is everyone doing this to me…?!
First Kurapica…
Now her…
Then, who's next…?!?
" Haru…are you a girl? " Mito-san asked me.