Yes, it's me again. I decided since I have school off that I would update this. Sorry if the last chapter wasn't satisfying. It's kinda like—oh I don't know—the ending of Spirited Away?

I'll make this chapter longer I swears. Please review~

Chapter 2: The Boy in the Forest

"What do you mean? I'm trying to get home." Chihiro chimed, a bit nervous around a boy. She was used to be around boys, but this one had an unearthly glow to him that made her stomach queasy and her heart flutter. "I should be asking you the same thing."

The boy stared at her with a stoic expression, not entirely sure he should be talking to her. "Just leave already, then. You're stinking up the whole place." Chihiro was hurt. She didn't stink, did she? After a few hours in a car, sweat can work its magic on you…

With her cheeks puffed out, Chihiro pushed past him. She was mad. "Fine! I'll leave! I hope that monster eats you!" Now Chihiro's parents had told her not to wish bad things upon another person, but she was just trying to stand up for herself. She never had much luck with boys, especially attractive ones. It must be bad luck.

The boy stared at her as she walked past—correction, stomped past. He balled his hands into fists, then ran up to her, grabbing her hand. "Wait! You're going the wrong way."

Chihiro ignored him, biting her lip to hold in tears. Why was she crying? She was forced to move to a new town, her parents told her to stay out of their way for awhile, and this boy was being a total jerk. She had something to cry about. Her chin trembling, she turned to look at the boy with shiny eyes.

"Don't touch me."

Chihiro lay on her bed, half asleep and half dead. She was worn out. She had such a magical day with flowers and Ms. Zeniba. Then that boy came along...

That boy…What did he say his name was again?

"You can't stay long here. The forest changes at night. Come on, Chihiro." How had he known her name? She was sure she hadn't said it, 100% sure. He still had hold of her hand as they ran down the dirt path. He was right about her going in the wrong direction—as they ran the way they were supposed to go, Chihiro could smell the scent of flowers becoming more faint. With every step, she heard less of the running water. It made her sad, but she knew it was for the best. Her parents were probably worried about her.

She began to breathe heavier as the ran, her hair sticking to sweat that formed on her forehead. The back of her throat cried for water, and the top of her tongue felt rough. She was dehydrated, and she didn't care. For now, all she could focus on was how cold this boy's hand was. It was like he had been in the snow without gloves on. It was oddly refreshing as they ran, cooling down at least one part of her body.

Soon, she saw the roofs of house, causing the boy to halt. Chihiro fell to her knees, her body still thinking she should be running. She wrapped her hands around her neck, a bit too dramatic for the situation, and gasped for air. "W-Water, please..." She cried out, licking her dry lips with a dry tongue. The boy took a water bottle out of his kimono. It wasn't plastic like she was used to seeing. It was flexible and soft, almost like cloth. But cloth couldn't hold water in, could it? She decided not to question and drank.

"This is as far as I can take you. I'm sorry I couldn't do more." He seemed disappointed in himself. Chihiro thought he was the nicest person in the world right now. She placed the water bottle back in his hands and smiled.

"No, you did good...um...name?" She tilted her head in curiosity. She really wanted to know now. The idea of him being a jerk was gone, except for the part about her having to run.

He replied with a smile, a nice one. "You can call me Haku, Chihiro."

She had totally forgot to ask how he knew her name. He had probably been eavesdropping on the conversation she had with Zeniba. She didn't want to believe the legends about this place.

"Chihiro, dinner's ready!" Her mother called her down, making Chihiro jump. Since when did her mother cook this late? They must have been busy with the packing. She was glad they did her bedroom first, the room just as big as the one she had before. Her white dresser stood proud and strong by the window, a gentle breeze coming in from the open window. It was night time, obviously, and the cool air made her room a bit more welcoming. The house was stuffy, seeing as they just moved there. She probably had one of the best rooms in the house.

"I'm coming, Mom!" She called back, her voice cracking as she finished her sentence. Maybe she was getting sick. She shrugged it off, grabbing her salmon hairband off the dresser to tie her hair in it's usual ponytail. One of these days she would braid it, but not now. She was too lazy.

As she came downstairs, she was welcomed with the warm smell of mackerel and rice. It was probably the easiest thing to cook, and Chihiro loved fish. She came into the dining room, sitting down at the round table. Her parents were sitting closer to each other than her, so she said thanks and began eating. The mackerel was salty on her tongue, just like sweat.

"So how was your day, Chihiro? I heard you went to the river," her father spoke up, a goofy smile on his face. She nodded, swallowing hard as she tried to get the thought of sweat out of her head.

"Haku...I like that name!" Chihiro finally felt at ease for a bit, watching the pale skin on Haku's face turn a slight shade of pink. It was actually cute.

Haku took her hand again, kissing the ring finger. "May this protect you during your time here, Chihiro." The area where he kissed felt oddly cold, like a ring around her finger. A slight heaviness on her finger made her want to question again. But instead, she decided to give a kiss of her own. She puckered her lips up slightly and stood on her tip-toes, planting a soft and gentle kiss on Haku's forehead.

"May that be a good luck charm!"

"So what did you do Chihiro?" He mother asked.

Smiling to herself, the girl simply stated:

"I met a boy!"

So was it better this time? I hope you guys like the idea I have...Oh, and Haku won't have an appearance for a few chapters...His character is so hard to write for...*Le sighs* I might be posting another fanfic soon, so please read it if I do!

Review and do that little thingy thing...f-something.