Chapter 8: Clouded Heart

April 15
Namimori Middle School

Students were whispering among each other. More specifically, sophomore students are whispering among each other.

Ring!

Everyone got into their classrooms and took their seats. In Sawada's class, two chairs are left empty again.

"I heard Hibari expelled Lala and Xerion."

"Do you know why?"

"It says that she did some serious crime and he won't allow it."

"I thought they were only suspended."

Takeshi looked out the window, deep in thought. Gokudera was texting some person and Tsuna listened to their conversations. Pure silence enveloped the classroom when the teacher entered the room. The students stood up and greeted him and sat down afterwards.

"I suppose you've heard the rumours about Lala-san and Xerion-san." Sensei started. "It is not decided whether they are expelled or suspended. For now, they are under probation. So, please stop it with those rumours."

"Hai, sensei!" the class replied. Then class started.

Reception Room

Hibari lay on the green couch on the reception room, deep in thoughts about his dead childhood friend. He couldn't forget about her. She was the reason Hibari became who he is now. From a weak and naïve child, he transformed into a strong carnivore who can protect his people.

/ Flashback

May 5, 2002
Hibari Residence

Hibari's house was located on top of a hill for safety and protection. The only ones who can go there are close friends and relatives. During this time, Hibari and Yuki were playing among themselves. The two of them played pretend while the grown-ups have some business to attend to.

"Yuki-chan, are you feeling well?" 'Doctor' Hibari asked.

"No, doctor. I feel hot." She replied, followed by a cough. She sat on the futon while Hibari sat on the floor.

"Let me take your temperature then." Hibari ran out of the room to get the thermometer, leaving Yuki alone. Yuki lied down on the bed and covered herself with a blanket. For her, it was cold. Very cold.

Hibari took a while before he was able to return to the room. When he entered, he ran to Yuki's side and held her hand.

"Yuki-chan, wake up." He begged, gripping on her hand. "We're just playing, right?"

She was silent. At first, she was all red before Hibari left. When he returned, she was silent and pale. As if she's… dead. Hibari felt his tears run down his cheeks.

Once again, he ran out of the room. "Okaa-san!" he shouted as he ran through the hallways. "Okaa-san!" His mother came running to him and pulled him into an embrace.

"What's wrong, dear?" she asked, stroking Hibari's hair trying to calm him down.

"Y-Yuki-chan…" he replied, crying. "S-she won't wake up… W-what should I do?"

His mother hurried to the room, carrying Hibari in her arms. She opened the room and approached the futon and looked at her. She sat down near the futon and examined her.

"Misa-san wouldn't be pleased about this…" his mother murmured as she let go off Hibari. She took Yuki's wrist and checked her pulse. What was there to check anymore?

"Is she okay, okaa-san?" he asked, holding the sleeve of her kimono.

"Y-yes. S-she's just tired, I guess. I'll call Misa-san, I'll be right back."

Hibari's expression lit up. He was happy that his best friend was only tired and not… dead. Hikari (Hibari's mother) hurried off to get Yuki's mother.

Well, after that day, they never saw each other again.

/ Flashback end

"Yuki…" he muttered before falling into a deep sleep. His bird companion, Hibird, looked at him before flying off again.

Namimori Shopping Mall
5 pm

Lots of people started to swarm around. It's time to go home, play around until curfew. In a grocery store, there she was in the junk food aisle, only staring at the products with blank eyes. A few people would bump into her and stare at her, she ignored it all. By the end of the aisle, she stared at a chocolate product for a few moments before sighing.

"Kufufu~" a chuckle echoed just behind her. "Do you want this? I'll buy it for you if you want." Then he took the chocolate bar and smiled. She turned around to see the man, at the moment her eyes landed on his face, her expression brightened, and her eyes were suddenly full of life.

"Y-you're Mukuro Rokudo…" she said, on the brink of crying. "I never thought I'd meet you!" She added before hugging him tightly. Mukuro smirked before hugging her.

"You're so beautiful, Lala-chan." He whispered before pulling away from the hug. "Come on, I'll pay for this." He then pulled her gently and walked to the counter with Lala in his arms.

Maybe it's for the better if I do marry, Mukuro Rokudo. She thought as they walked. It's better than forcing myself on that… Kyouya.

Based from her expression, Mukuro has already a big hint on what she's thinking. Possibly the most devious smirk started to form on his lips.

Kokuyo Land
6: 30 pm

They stood in front of the run down park.

"This is where you live?" she asked. "I-it's not that it's uncomfortable looking or anything, b-but it's because I r-really never thought anyone c-could live in a place like this…"

Mukuro looked at her, his mouth agape and his eyes a bit widened at her words. "Kufufu." He chuckled. "Living here is a bit of an inconvenience, but we don't let it hinder us from living like everyday people."

She looked at him and smiled. They went onwards. Passing by a few broken down rides, stands and such, they finally reached the building Mukuro calls home.

"Mukuro-sama!" Ken called as he approached the couple along with Chikusa "Who's that…? Don't tell me…"

"Ken. Chikusa." He said. "Meet Lala Francoise. My fiancée."

The two men students looked at the woman, surprised. "I've heard of Chrome Dokuro." She informed. "May I meet her?"

Mukuro's body started to emit mist. A lot of mist…

"A-ano.." she muttered. "What happened…?"

A smile formed on Lala's lips. "Please take care of me, everyone!" she asked while bowing. "I promise I won't be a burden."

"Tch. Don't think you'll be treated so nicely since you're Mukuro-sama's fiancée." Ken growled.

"Try to feel at home, Lala-sama." Chikusa said.

Chrome stayed silent.

I hope this life goes well. Lala thought. I wonder what'll happen next.

A/N: Don't forget to read or check out our other story "Hello! How Are You?". It's a Hibari x OC story. Currently have 7 chapters.

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