Haru Tojo ³

They're in the small, secluded corner of the base garden, where wildflowers grow haphazardly around an old, ivy-covered stone wall. The afternoon sun shines gently down, bathing everything in a warm, golden light. Haru sits on the grass beside you, knees drawn up to her chest, her uniform immaculate, carefully brushing aside some wilted petals.

From her pocket she takes out a small ivory skull, carved with meticulous precision, without a single mark or imperfection. She holds it between her fingers and turns it so the light highlights every smooth curve. Then she slowly extends it to you, with a delicacy that no one else usually sees in her.

Haru: Look how tidy and perfect it is.

She tells you in a soft voice, her pink eyes shining with genuine admiration.

Haru: Everyone's afraid of it, they say it's sad or ugly... but for me it's the most beautiful thing that exists. It doesn't lie, it doesn't change, it's exactly what it is.

Look up at yourself and smile genuinely, without that mischievous or intimidating mask you wear in front of others.

Haru: And you're the same.

He adds, bowing his head.

Haru: You don't need to be like everyone else to fit into my world. To me, you're already as cute and precious as this.

He leans back a little on your shoulder, leaving the skull between you, and remains like that in silence, enjoying the peace he only feels with you.