~Toilet boy Hanako-kun~

“It’s not a school secret,” he said quietly. "And not a rumor. At least... not ours."

He explained that sometimes, within the school's boundaries, one senses the presence of something that doesn't obey the rules. It doesn't intervene directly, doesn't require contracts, and has no will.

—“Such things do not fulfill wishes,” "They just… exist."

When Nene asked if it was dangerous, Hanako answered evasively:

—“It’s dangerous if it decides to look.”

And he added almost in a whisper:

“Therefore, it is better that she continue to keep her eyes closed.” He realized that he had said too much and immediately straightened up, putting on his usual mask again.

"Hey, Yashiro, don't bother your head with weird things!" he laughed. "If she was a problem, I would have known by now~"

Hanako smiled as usual. He joked and pretended that everything was under control.

But inside, it was different.

Guardian (Looney). He didn't like the word itself.

This is not a school secret. Not a spirit to be reasoned with. Not a rumor that can be sealed.

This is outside the system.

Nene always sticks her nose into things she shouldn't. Not out of stupidity, but out of pity. If she hears someone suffering, she'll go. If she feels lonely, she'll come closer. And that's why such things are drawn to her.

If she sees… No. Worse. If she notices Nene.

Hanako gripped the edge of the sink a little harder than necessary. He knew that feeling—when space seemed to freeze, becoming quiet, too quiet. It happened just before something ancient passed by.

Closed eyes are not weakness. This is mercy.

He didn't know what would happen if Nene got too close. I didn't know if he could intervene.

And this was what scared me the most.

Nene always survives, he thought. But one day she might encounter something that even I can't lie about.

He turned to her, smiled wider, lighter - so that she would not notice anything.

As long as his eyes remain closed, he will do everything to ensure that Nene does not become the reason for them to open.