⇲   𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘,
𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐈 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 〉 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍  !
XXXX. ✿ CIRCA JUNE 2012.
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠     𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐘
TYLER THE CREATOR, SEXYY RED, GLO RILLA.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The rooftop was unusually quiet for a school day, save for the occasional sound of birds flying overhead. Momo stood with her arms crossed, staring at Okarun, who was pacing back and forth like a trapped animal.

Beside her, Turbo Granny sat on a bench, munching on a sandwich she'd swiped earlier. The cat doll's porcelain body looked almost comical juxtaposed against the seriousness of the conversation.

"Hey, Idiot!" Momo finally snapped, breaking the silence. "Why are you running away from Dot all of a sudden? You do know she was this close to chasing you down, right?"

"I-I'm not running away!" Okarun stammered, his voice rising an octave. His eyes darted around as if searching for an escape. "It's just... it's really hot, so I'm flushed, you know?"

Momo's brow rose as she took a sip from her juice box, her gaze unwavering. "Yeah, sure. And I'm the Queen of England. You're acting weird again, and it's getting annoying. What's the big deal? Dot's always up under you, or you're glued to her side like a lovesick puppy."

"That's not true!" Okarun protested, waving his arms dramatically. His glasses slipped slightly down his nose, and he hastily adjusted them. "I-I mean, it's not like I'm avoiding her! I just—"

"Don't even try," Momo cut him off, jabbing him harshly in the side with her finger. He squirmed away from her, his cheeks glowing an even deeper shade of red. "You're so obvious it hurts. Not that I'm knocking you, but why act shy now?"

Okarun opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he let out an unintelligible noise that sounded somewhere between a squeak and a groan.

"You should've seen him earlier today," Turbo Granny chimed in, her mouth full. "This fool was on his way to her house because she didn't answer his text message."

"Turbo Granny!" Okarun yelled, his voice cracking as he turned to glare at the doll. "I thought you forgot about that!"

Turbo Granny smirked, wiping crumbs from her face. "Kid, I don't forget things that entertain me."

Momo nearly choked on her juice, doubling over with laughter. "Wait, wait, wait—you were going to her house? Oh, this is rich."

"It's not like that, okay?!" Okarun shouted, his face now crimson. He fumbled with his words, his hands flailing. "I just... I find her cute, that's all!"

The rooftop fell silent for a beat. Momo and Turbo Granny exchanged glances, then turned their attention back to Okarun, their expressions equally unimpressed.

"Wow," Momo deadpanned, shaking her head. "You're useless when it comes to this. Absolutely useless."

Turbo Granny nodded in agreement, taking another bite of her sandwich. "Kid, I've seen bold declarations of love in my centuries of existence, and let me tell you—you're not even in the top ten."

Okarun groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Why are you two like this?"

Momo rolled her eyes playfully, leaning back against the railing again. "Look, if you like her that much, just confess. I already told her the same thing."

Okarun's head snapped up, his wide eyes meeting Momo's. "You... you told her?"

"Duh," Momo replied, sipping her juice. "She's as bad as you are. Honestly, you two are like deer caught in headlights."

Okarun felt his stomach twist, his mind racing. Does she feel the same way? He thought, his heart skipping a beat. But before he could process the revelation, Turbo Granny cleared her throat.

"All right, enough of the mushy stuff," the spirit said, her tone turning serious. "We've got bigger problems to deal with."

Momo arched a brow, eyeing the doll suspiciously. "What are you even doing here, anyway? Shouldn't you be back at my Grandma's house?"

Turbo Granny smirked, stretching her small arms. "Seiko said I could roam free. Can't do much damage in this form, anyway."

Momo scoffed, crossing her arms. "Right. Well, you'd better be doing something useful instead of freeloading."

Turbo Granny's grin widened. "As a matter of fact, I've been searching this school for the kintama. And let me tell you, there's a good chance a human found it."

Okarun stiffened. "A human?"

"Yep," Turbo Granny replied, hopping off the edge of the roof. "If a human found them, they'd probably gain the ability to perceive spirits. That means they're basically a beacon for Yokai now. Not exactly the safest position to be in."

Momo's eyes narrowed. "You're saying someone might've picked them up and turned themselves into a walking target?"

"Bingo," Turbo Granny said smugly, folding her arms. "But hey, that's not my problem."

Before she could gloat further, Momo delivered a swift kick to the doll, sending her tumbling across the rooftop. "You're the one who lost them, you freeloading hag!"

"Hey! Watch the goods!" Turbo Granny protested, rolling back onto her feet. "And don't think I've forgotten you owe me another sandwich!"

Momo ignored her, turning to Okarun. "All right, lover boy. Let's figure out where those things are before someone gets hurt. Or worse."

Turbo Granny dusted herself off, muttering under her breath. "By the way," she said, her tone casual but laced with mischief, "there's been a strange woman hanging around. I'd tell you more, but..." She shrugged. "Eh, maybe after school."

"Turbo Granny!" Okarun yelled, his frustration mounting as the doll sauntered away. Momo sighed, rubbing her temples.

"This is going to be a long day," she muttered.

"I've gotta find Odette." Momo's sharp voice cut through the rooftop's still air as she pointed a finger at Okarun. Her tone was firm, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. "You better talk to her. If she's somewhere sulking—which I'm sure she isn't, but you never know—" She paused, shaking her head. "You know what? Never mind. Just handle it."

Without another word, she sprinted toward the stairs, leaving Okarun standing on the rooftop with Turbo Granny, who smirked while munching the remnants of her sandwich.

Okarun sighed, scratching the back of his head. He stared down at his shoes, frustration building in his chest. Momo was right—he had been avoiding Odette for no good reason. What was he so afraid of?

He had kissed her a few nights ago, and she had kissed him back. That moment had been... perfect. So why was he running now?

Was he afraid of her? No.

Afraid of his own feelings? Maybe.

But even he couldn't deny how much he missed her—the sound of her laugh, the way she hugged him, or the subtle sweetness of her perfume that lingered whenever they were close. His lips curved into a small smile at the thought of her teasing him. That warmth she brought to his life, the way she made him feel seen, was something he couldn't run from anymore.

Back in class, Okarun sat at his desk, doodling absentmindedly in his notebook. He drew small hearts, followed by the initials O & K. A tiny alien hovered beside the letters, his pen strokes light and hesitant as he lost himself in thought.

--

The final bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day. Momo, her determination unwavering, scoured the school for Odette. Yet, no matter where she looked, Odette was nowhere to be found.

"Damn it! Now we can't find her, and some random woman is lurking around the school!" Momo muttered angrily, smacking Okarun's head with a sharp thwap. He winced, rubbing the sore spot as he let out a low groan.

"Don't make me feel worse," he said, his voice soft and regretful. "I already know I shouldn't have run away."

Momo sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Fine. Let's just regroup later. Where's Granny?"

Okarun opened his bag, and Turbo Granny's porcelain face popped out with an indignant look.

"Can you not shove me in there like some piece of junk?!" she complained.

Before Momo could retort, a voice interrupted them. "Miss Momo Ayase."

Both Okarun and Momo turned toward the voice, their expressions shifting to confusion as they saw Aira standing a few feet away. Her usually composed demeanor was tinged with seriousness.

"I need to talk to you," Aira said, bowing her head slightly. "Alone."

Momo raised an eyebrow, skepticism written all over her face. "Huh? What for? I'm busy right now."

"It won't take long," Aira insisted, her voice steady. "Please."

Momo hesitated, glancing at Okarun before letting out a reluctant sigh. "Fine. Okarun, you go ahead and start looking for Dot. I'll join you later." She turned back to Aira, her arms crossed. "Let's get this over with."

As Momo and Aira disappeared from the school's building, Okarun was left alone, a growing sense of unease bubbling in his chest.

"Okarun!"

The familiar voice made him whip around, and before he could react, Odette threw her arms around him in a tight hug, her head resting against his chest. His breath hitched, and he froze, his eyes widening as her scent—warm and sweet like honey and vanilla—washed over him.

"We've been looking for you since last period!" He said, his voice frantic but soft to not cause a scene. She pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting his. "Where were you?" He continued to ask.

Odette pulled back slightly, her honey-brown eyes meeting his. "Long story short, I went to my history class for attendance, claimed I had cramps, and stayed in the infirmary. Took a long nap—tired as hell, you know? The nurse even gave me snacks," she added with a giggle.

Okarun felt a wave of relief wash over him. "I-I thought you'd feel a way about earlier. I want to apologize for running off like that..."

"Oh, that didn't bother me. If anything, I thought you needed space," she replied with a small smile. "But thank you for being so sweet lately."

Her words made his chest tighten in the best way. He returned her hug, his fingers briefly intertwining with hers. For a moment, everything felt right again.

"Umm... if you two lovebirds don't mind, I'm getting squished here!" Turbo Granny's muffled voice broke the moment, and both teens quickly let go, their faces flushing slightly.

Odette arched a brow. "So... where's Momo?"

Okarun adjusted his glasses and tried not to get flustered again. "She went off with that girl we saw yesterday. She said she needed to talk to her alone."

Odette's smile faded instantly. "What girl? Please don't tell me it's Aira."

Okarun nodded hesitantly. "I think so. Why?"

"Didn't think she'd actually go through with her plan," Odette muttered, her tone sharp. "I talked to her earlier. She's delusional and thinks she's some kind of savior with her looks or something. And her energy? Way off. I'd bet good money she's the one who has your golden balls."

Okarun blinked, completely confused, while Turbo Granny let out an impressed chuckle.

"Well, you've got a sharp nose, kid. I'll give you that," Turbo Granny said.

"Let's go," Odette said firmly, grabbing Okarun's hand and pulling him along.

The two of them raced through the hallways, their footsteps echoing loudly against the tiled floor. Odette's grip on Okarun's hand was firm, her determination fueling every step.

"Where are we going?" Okarun asked breathlessly.

"To find Momo before something happens," Odette replied without looking back. "And if Aira has your balls, we're getting them back. No way am I letting that girl mess with my friends."

--

Odette's heart pounded in her chest as she and Okarun raced through the abandoned building, following the faint traces of Momo's spiritual energy—able to detect that Momo ended up using her powers recently. The air felt heavy, suffocating even, and the faint echoes of yelling and screaming spurred them onward.

They skidded to a stop as they entered a wide, dimly lit room. The sight before them made their stomachs drop.

Momo was pinned to the ground, struggling beneath Aira, who held a glowing golden ball in one hand and a cross in the other, pushing them dangerously close to Momo's face.

"Miss Ayase! We found the place!" Okarun shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Momo whipped her head toward them, her eyes alight with relief. "Dot! Okarun! She's got your ball! She's the strange woman Turbo Granny talked about!"

But Okarun quickly shook his head. "She's not the strange woman! She's the one being targeted by the strange woman!"

As if on cue, an eerie voice echoed through the room, chilling them to the bone. "I finally have you now, Aira."

The trio turned toward the sound, and their blood ran cold as the atmosphere shifted. The entire area turned a sickly pink hue, and standing before them was a grotesquely tall, ghostly woman. Her features were haunting, with unnaturally long limbs, hollow eyes, and hair so silky and flowing it seemed almost alive.

"I've been waiting all this time," the yokai said, her voice quivering as though she were about to cry. "Until you became able to see me. Here's Mommy!"

Odette froze, her eyes locked on the spirit's face. Her mind reeled as flashes of her dream overtook her consciousness—the misty field, the figures of the lost souls, the yokai her grandmother had mentioned.

"Odette! Odette!" Okarun's voice snapped her out of her daze. She blinked, realizing she had been standing completely still, unable to move or speak.

She shook her head, grounding herself. "Right! Momo!" she said, rushing forward to help.

Odette crouched down beside Momo, prying Aira's hands away with surprising strength. "Are you okay?" she asked, glancing at Momo's wrist, which bore faint red marks from the struggle.

"Um, Where the hell have you been?!" Momo yelled, half-scolding as she caught her breath.

Odette winced. "I skipped the rest of my history class and crashed in the infirmary. I should've told you. My bad."

"Fine—whatever...We've got bigger problems right now!" Momo said, sitting up and pointing toward Okarun, who was now mid-battle with the acrobatic yokai.

The yokai leaped from wall to wall with terrifying precision, her movements inhumanly fluid. She launched herself toward Okarun, her silky hair whipping around like a weapon. He barely managed to dodge, stumbling back as her hair struck the ground with enough force to leave cracks.

Odette stared at a voice from her dream whispering in the back of her mind. Spirits will retaliate against guidance at first glance...

Her heart leaped into her throat as she saw the yokai wrap its hair around Okarun, pulling him closer to her sharp, grinning mouth. Without thinking, Odette's legs moved on their own.

In a flash, her red scythe materialized in her hands. She hooked the blade inside the yokai's gaping mouth and pulled with all her strength. "Let him go," she growled, her voice unnervingly deep and laced with fury.

Both Momo and Aira froze at the sight. The aura around Odette shifted, her pupils narrowing into sharp, cat-like slits. Even Turbo Granny, peeking out from her hiding spot, let out a low whistle of approval.

But the yokai was stronger than Odette anticipated. It twisted its head violently, shaking off the scythe. With a swift kick, it knocked Odette backward, sending her skidding across the floor.

"Odette!" Momo screamed, running to help her, but she was intercepted by a swift tendril of hair that sent her flying into a pile of debris.

Okarun was the next victim. With a horrifying screech, the yokai opened its mouth wide and swallowed him whole.

Odette scrambled to her feet, clutching her scythe tightly. She ignored the pain radiating through her body as she rushed to Momo, helping her out of the debris. "Are you okay?"

Momo coughed, waving off the concern. "Forget about me! That thing swallowed Okarun!"

Odette's eyes burned with fury as she turned back to the yokai. The woman seemed oblivious to their presence, her attention now fully on Aira. "Every one of you... I'm in the middle of an emotional reunion here!"

"Emotional reunion?!" Odette snapped. "You just ate my friend, you hag!"

Aira, now dangling in the yokai's grip, looked down at Odette and Momo. "What the hell is going on? Are you guys enemies with this demon?"

Momo rolled her eyes. "Girl, shut up! You're the one who started this mess!"

Turbo Granny finally emerged from her hiding spot, brushing dust off her porcelain body. "That's an Acrobatic Silky," she declared nonchalantly.

"An acrobatic what now?!" Odette asked, still clutching her scythe.

"It's a yokai. Red dress, silky hair, does flips all the time. Total show-off," Turbo Granny explained, pulling out a phone she had swiped earlier to search for information.

"Hey, where and how did you get Muko's phone?!"

Before Odette could question further, Aira's voice rang out again. "I am the chosen one! Because I'm too pretty! I defeat monsters like you!"

Silence.

Acrobatic Silky's expression twisted into something even more sinister. "You called me a monster," she hissed, her hollow eyes narrowing.

Before anyone could react, she opened her mouth wide and swallowed Aira whole.

Odette and Momo stared in stunned silence as the yokai turned its attention back to them.

"It's all your fault!" Acrobatic Silky shrieked, her hair lashing out wildly. "You tempted Aira into becoming delinquent and going against her Mother!"

"We don't even know her like that!" Odette yelled back, ducking as a strand of hair nearly took her head off.

Momo wasn't as lucky. A tendril of hair wrapped around her neck, lifting her off the ground and swinging her violently through the air. "Call me 'Mommy' and apologize!" the yokai demanded.

Odette's scythe materialized once again. With a precision honed from hours of training, she slashed through the hair, freeing Momo and catching her mid-air. "You've got your kid back! Leave the rest of us alone!"

Acrobatic Silky let out a guttural scream, her hair growing longer and more erratic. She lashed out at Odette, wrapping her up tightly. The grip was suffocating, her body straining against the pressure.

"You just won't shut up, will you?" the yokai snarled. "Fine, I'll swallow you too!"

Odette's vision blurred as the air was squeezed from her lungs. Her scythe vanished, her strength fading rapidly.

But then something shifted. A dark, red-and-black aura erupted around her body, burning away the strands of hair like dry paper. Acrobatic Silky screeched in agony, releasing her hold on Odette, who fell to the ground gasping for air.

The yokai's hollow eyes met hers, and for the first time, a flicker of fear passed through them. To Acrobatic Silky, Odette wasn't just a human anymore. The dark energy enveloping her revealed the terrifying form of the Reaper Spirit protecting its host.

In her eyes, the Reaper Spirit loomed like a void, a hooded figure with two glowing red dots for eyes. Its presence swallowed all light, exuding an aura of absolute finality.

"Come on now, haven't you eaten enough for lunch?" Turbo Granny said nonchalantly, emerging from the shadows.

Acrobatic Silky turned her hollow gaze toward the doll, her expression contorting with anger.

"Hey, nobody," Turbo Granny continued, "I'm still willing to forgive you, so why don't you cough up the brats you swallowed?"

The yokai snarled. "What are you? Can you not speak to me like that?"

"Why don't you show some respect? I'm your elder, punk!" Turbo Granny snapped.

"Sounds like you've got a death wish," Acrobatic Silky hissed, her hair twitching as it slowly began to regrow.

Turbo Granny ignored her threat, addressing Momo and Odette instead. "You ate some hair when you swallowed the psychic brat. Use that to ignite her from the inside."

True to Turbo Granny's insight, Momo, who was still inside the yokai's stomach, ignited Acrobatic Silky's hair with a lighter. The flames spread rapidly, forcing the yokai to wail in pain and expel both Momo and Aira.

"So hot!" Okarun yelled as the pair tumbled out. "Miss Ayase, that was way too reckless!"

"Huh? Okarun, you were the first one to get eaten! Don't patronize me!" Momo retorted, glaring at him.

Their clothes were singed and tattered, but they were alive. Okarun cradled Odette's half conscious body in his arms, his expression one of deep concern, while Momo carried the dazed Aira.

"Rescue successful," Turbo Granny said with a smirk. "Now it's time for the counterattack, damn it!"