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Spook 11: The 4pm book stacks
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"Oh, I am a actually!" You nodded, smiling.
The girl studied the cover of the book you were previously carrying before flipping to the first page.
"Hanako? The one that's like a cat?" You let out a giggle at the image of Hanako as a cat while Yashiro stared confused. The green haired girl brought her hands up to her head, resembling cat ears.
"Yeah, an annoying cat." Yashiro muttered.
"Yeah, a really clingy cat." You muttered.
"Capricious, selfish, and childish. Is yours like that too?" Sakura asked, playing with her hair as she sat down on the window sill.
"I wouldn't say he's selfish.." You pondered, going over all your interactions with Hanako. The memories of when he'd kissed you came back.
Yashiro suddenly began to tug at the hem of your uniform, pulling you close to her as she whispered.
"Is this Hanako's girlfriend or something?"
You paused, thinking about it. After what happened at the confession tree you tried your best to accept the two of you would just stay friends. And yet it still hurt thinking this could possibly be his girlfriend.
"If you want to know more about him...you should go to school Mystery No.5." That was the last thing she said before walking off out of the library.
You and Yashiro looked at each other in confusion before running after the girl.
Unfortunately, Yashiro rammed into one of the teachers, causing you to halt as well. You were quick to recognize the teacher as Tsuchigamori, who didn't seem to be all that happy at being knocked over.
"Wh-What are you doing? You can't run in the library." The teacher scolded, adjusting his glasses.
" We're sorry, sir! We're looking for someone!" You grabbed Yashiro's hand, dragging her off the teacher only to realize there was now no sign of the girl.
"She's gone?"
"Dammit."
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"Aoi, Aoi, Aoi!" You called out to your friend who was currently helping clean the class chalk board.
"Good morning, Y/n!" The girl greeted, waving at you as she continued cleaning the board.
"Morning, Aoi. If you don't mind me asking, do you happen to know about Mystery No.5?"
"Oh, yes i've heard of it? Did you want it learn about it?" The girl asked smiling as she walked over to her desk to take a seat. You nodded happily.
"Yeah!"
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"So, you can learn anything about anyone. Makes you curious, doesn't it?" Aoi asked after explaining the '4:00 pm book stacks' to you. Along her explanation, Yashiro arrived, sitting down to listen to the rumor as well.
Unlike Aoi, Yashiro knew why you wanted to know about the school mystery.
"I guess i'd like to read people's books too!" Aoi exclaimed in her usual sweet voice. The girl then turned around, giving you a smug look. "And what about you, Y/n? Are you gonna read the book of your little crush?" She asked, referring to when you had mentioned your crush while she told you about the confession tree.
"About that.." You paused, recalling your efforts to try and put down your feelings for Hanako. "I decided it was never gonna work between us."
"What!?"
"Why!?"
You gave the two a shrug, not feeling like explaining to why you've been trying to lose feelings. Yashiro seemed to be more shocked than Aoi, seeing as she had seen the way you and Hanako were together.
"Anyways, i've got to go! I'll see you both later." You waved at your two close friends as they did the same. Aoi continued to tell Yashiro about the book stacks while you walked out the class.
It wasn't long 'til you heard shouting coming from down the hall. An older voice and a younger one.
Out of pure curiosity, you walked over to Kou who was -a little too boldly- arguing with a teacher.
"Kou? What's goin' on?"
"Y/n! Good timing!!" Kou waved at you while you took a stance next to him. Kou then looked back at the teacher. "It's my teacher! He's being mean!"
You looked back at the teacher who you recognized as the teacher from the library. He had obviously been able to recognize you as well.
"You're the girl from yesterday.."
"Yeah, sorry about that." You turned over to look at Kou who was giving a harsh glare at Tsuchigomori.
"What did you do now, Kou." You asked the boy, or more so scolding him like he was a child.
He gave a pour in return, pointing at Tsuchigomori. "I did nothing! He's just being mean!"
"I was just asking if he could stop going into the girls restroom." Tsuchigomori stated nervously and awkwardly, staring at Kou blankly.
You glanced at Kou who wasn't backing down on this. "I'm just doing it to protect the students!"
"It is a little weird, Kou."
"WHAT!? You're supposed to be on my side!"
"I've been getting a lot of complaints from female students" Kou threw a small fit, letting out a yell of frustration while you covered your laugh.
"I'll report you to your guardian." Tsuchigomori threatened plainly, only making you laugh a little more.
"It's alright, Kou. You'll live through it." You patted the boy on the shoulder sympathetically while he continued on whining.
"At least you're here, Y/n." The boy spoke dramatically before continuing, "Not even Hanako was here to keep me company."
"Huh? He's not here? Did something happen? He's okay, right?" You asked all at once while Kou dug into his pocket before pulling out a paper.
"Yeah, that weirdo left this." Kou showed you the paper which consisted of multiple doodles. A dragon blowing fire at two stickmen, his hakujoudai, and his arm waving.
I'm the corner of the paper were two more stickmen. Although one was a stick woman. The two figures were holding hands, a heart above them.
One was named 'me', an arrow pointing at the male stickman. The other one was named 'y/n', pointing at the female stickman.
"Hey Kou, can I see the paper?" You asked while the blond boy nodded, watching as you ripped out the corner piece with stick figure you and Hanako.
You hated yourself for doing that and yet part of you couldn't help it.
"He's off at a meeting?" You couldn't help but ask even if you already knew the answer. "So..I won't see him today?" You felt disappointed at that.
"A meeting?" Tsuchigomori randomly chipped in. "Ack! Minamoto, what time is it?"
Kou thought about it for a quick second before replying, "A little after four."
Tsuchigomori quickly began running off through the hallway after receiving an answer. "Damn it! I had a meeting at 4:00! And Kou, please stop going into the girls bathroom!" And with that, the teacher was gone
You looked over back at Kou who was still disappointed at being told to stay out the women's bathroom. His sad face made you smile fondly.
"It's okay Kou. At least you don't go in there out of sheer pervertedness like Hanako."
Kou then nodded triumphantly, giving you a proud smile while you pat his head happily.
"Also, Kou?"
"Hm?"
"Would you like to join me in the library?"
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"Nothing! I haven't found anything!" You spoke solemnly, a frown on your face as you rested your head on the book shelf, Kou now being the one to pat your head soothingly.
"Don't worry, Y/n! I'm sure we'll find something!" Kou cheered, giving a bright grin.
You lifted your head, returning the smile.
"Yeah, you're right! I'm glad you're here to help me, Kou!" You beamed, your smile widening.
Just then a butterfly fluttered past the two of you. Odd to see a butterfly in the school library.
"What's a butterfly doing here?" You tilted your head as both you and Kou walked over to it. The moment the two of you reached out to touch it, a small explosion interrupted. You held your ground as Kou fell over.
Before the young exorcist could fully hit the ground you grabbed onto his wrist, hoisting him back up.
It wasn't long until the smoke cleared, reveling a butterfly door in the middle of the book stacks.
"Thanks, Y/n." Kou muttered, opening the door.
"Don't mention it." You replied happily, peeking your head through the open door while Kou did the same.
This part of the library was different. Much older. Its walls were cracked and the paint of it was peeling. There were cobwebs and dust in every crevice and corner as well. And much like Yako's boundary, the floor had a small layer of water.
"Whoever's boundary this is definitely took good care of this place." You said sarcastically, taking a step inside the library.
"Don't worry, Y/n! I'll protect you." Kou told you proudly, striding closely behind you.
"And i'll protect you!" You cheered.
You and Kou walked through the library, silence filling the area as you could only hear your feet hitting the water.
The moment you were about to take another step, a small pink mokke hopped over to you, holding a lamp in its hand. "Need light?"
"You pink marshmallows are everywhere." You took the lamp from the Mokke, making it easier for you to guide yourself and Kou through the area.
In return you gave the mokke a lollipop, making the bunny creatures ear bend down to pick it up.
You brought the light forward, flashing it against the books in front of you and Kou.
"I don't really know much about this place..." You uttered, regretting how you left Aoi earlier.
Just then, more footsteps were heard behind you. Footsteps that didn't belong to you or Kou.
"Y/n!" You snapped your head behind you, noticing Yashiro who was rushing over to you. "I thought i'd find you here!" The daikon legged girl yelled, holding a tiny note in her hand.
"I was worried you would open the red book if I didn't show up." The girl nervously glanced around the library, remembering how her last trip to a boundary had been.
"Huh?"
"White books are for living people, black books are for the dead, and red books can't be opened."
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"Hours..." You threw the book you were holding onto the water, creating a splash. "It's been hours...And we've found nothing!!"
You now lay on the wet floor, done with life.
Kou had his head on the bookshelf, also done with life.
Yashiro was sleeping on a table, much so done with life.
"Yashirooo." You spoke sadly, your friend's eyes slowly opening. "There's something in your hair."
Kou walked over to Yashiro, realizing what you were talking about. He reached out, revealing a butterfly similar to the one you saw before.
The same time he did that, Yashiro turned around. Kou immediately backed away, blushing.
The butterfly began flying away as quickly as the three of you had found it. You chased after it, Kou and Yashiro following from behind.
The butterfly then landed. On your book.
"I want Hanako book. Not mine?" Much like the others, your book was white. Your name the title.
"Here, Y/n." Yashiro and Kou moved a ladder for you to be able to reach your book. You didn't want to waste time, but you were curious.
You climbed the ladder, sitting at the top step. You pulled your book from the shelf, opening to a random page.
Nothing seemed that interesting as it was all stuff from your life you already knew.
'Month: ♡, Day: ☆, Hanako kisses Y/n L/n's cheek although the girl mistakes it for something more.' You cringed at that, remembering the moment all too well.
When you looked away from the book, you saw Kou and Yashiro were no longer there.
You made two assumptions.
1. They went off to find their own books.
2. They snuck off to make out with each other.
You shrugged this off, fine with being on your own as you went back to reading. You continued flipping through the pages, coming across a red page with its title as, "The future."
You knew you should stop at the red page but you had gotten too curious too.
'Month: ♡, Day: ☆, She learns the true identity of school mystery No.7'
'Month: ♡, Day: ☆, She learns her own true identity.' You couldn't take your eyes off that page, confusion brandished your face.
"This is getting confusing." You told yourself, flipping to the next page. The moment you did you noticed the way the book began dripping red.
"Crap."
Despite that, you didn't put the book away. Instead, you decided to finish reading.
'Month: ♡, Day: ☆, She almost experiences her first true kiss but is pulled away.'
'Month: ♡, Day: ☆, Y/n meets someone new who takes an interest in her.'
'Month: ♡, Day: ☆, School Mystery No.7's real name is Amane Yugi.'
The name sent a horrible ache to your head. You slammed the book shut, stuffing it back into the book shelf. Thats when you noticed an ominous shadow looming over you.
You saw the reflection of a monster in the water below you. Just as it was about to lash out at you, you scrambled down the ladder, almost tripping while doing so.
"Y/n!"
"Y/n!"
Yashiro and Kou rushed over to you from wherever they came from. Kou grabbed yours and Yashiro's wrist, leading the two of you back to the exit.
"Y/n! I told you not to read the red books!"
"It wasn't red in the beginning!"
"It's locked!" Kou pulled on the door handle but it didn't budge. The three of you sullenly looked back at the monster.
Yashiro hid behind Kou, covering herself.
You stood next to the boy, throwing every book you could find at the creature that just seemed to be a larger version of you.
Kou took out his exorcist weapon, forgetting about the seal that was put on it.
The weapon crackled but hardly emitted any lightning. Thats when realization hit him.
And it hit him hard.
"AHHHH! I FORGOT!"
By now Yashiro had tears in her eyes as you and her stood behind Kou. Sadly, you had ran out of books to throw.
The creature raised an arm up, ready to attack the three of you. It wasn't enough time for the three of you to run away.
"STUPID HANAKO!!"
You placed one hand on Yashiros back, the other on Kou's. And with that you pushed them out of the way of the apparition.
You squeezed your eyes shut but before anything could happen, a slashing noise was heard.
Two cold hands placed themselves on your cheeks, finally causing you to open your eyes. Hanako floated upside down in front of you, staring deeply into your eyes with a smile.
"Sacrificing yourself for others, Y/n?" Hanako's smile disappeared as he gave you a frown. "What about how i'd feel if something happened?" The ghost turned upright, standing beside you.
"You're lucky I got to you in time." Hanako grabbed your hand in his own before turning is attention to the two others sitting on the wet floor. He gave them a glare.
"What?" Kou asked after a second of silence.
...
"Nothing!" Hanako hugged you into his chest, one arm hanging loosely around your neck while the other was on your waist.
You smiled, part of you happy to just be in his arms. Your hands held onto the arm around your neck.
"Ahh! What have you done!?" A new voice interrupted. One you knew belonged to Tsuchigomori.
The four of you looked at the teacher. Hanako loosened his grip on you. Tsuchigomori ran over to the pile of books on the floor.
"T-teacher!?" Kou and Yashiro yelled while Tsuchigomori kneeled down, holding a book.
"Nooo! Look what you've done to my precious books!" Just then another monster appeared, right behind the teacher.
Kou and Yashiro immediately started yelling for him to watch out meanwhile you attempted to pry Hanako off of you.
Another limb came from Tsuchigomori. "Here I am trying to keep my mouth shut... and you two just won't stop yapping. It's annoying."
The teachers random change in demeanor was a shock. "Ugh. This is why I hate kids."
Yashiro and Kou got taken off the floor by the new arms coming from Tsuchigomori. Hanako pulled you closer to him, making sure that you didn't get taken away as well.
"These books have turned red. You read the entries from the future, didn't you?"
"If you aren't gonna go help them, can you let go of me so I can?" You muttered to Hanako while the other two continued getting scolded.
"Nope~! They aren't you so I don't care." Hanako shrugged, resting his chin on your shoulder now.
"How are you planning to make this up to me?" Tears brimmed Yashiro's eyes again as Kou seemed to be more shocked than scared.
Hanako finally let go of you, walking over Tsuchigomori before poking him in the back.
"No bullying." Hanako said simply while Tsuchigomori stared down at him.
"I know, I know, Honorable No. 7. I won't lay a hand on the boss's guests." The teacher dropped the two on the ground as they landed with a thud.
"Especially your special guest." Tsuchigomori pointed a finger at you, knowing your face from anywhere.
With that, Hanako walked back over to you, grabbing onto your hand while he began to explain the 4 pm book stacks.
"School Mystery No. 5. He's the curator, Tsuchigomori." Using his free hand, he pointed at Number 7.
"You kids play nice, okay?"
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Kingston
ᶠᵃʸᵉ ʷᵉᵇˢᵗᵉʳ ♥︎
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