Hair Dyes

Everyone was holed up in their rooms.

In the silence of the night, only the distant sound of the wind crossed the corridors.

Cassandra arranged a bottle of wine on the table.

"So? What did you think of them?" he asked with a slight smile.

—They are interesting. — he replied . Kairo , leaning back in bed, his gaze distant.

— Kind-hearted people… something rare around here, — said Cassandra.

"How about we celebrate this day with another glass?" Cassandra raised her eyebrows playfully.

"Fine by me," Kairo replied, pouring the wine.

As he did so, he discreetly dripped a few drops of a clear liquid into one of the glasses.

Cassandra, distracted, didn't notice.

They both toasted.

The sound of the crystal echoed softly in the dim light of the room.

A few minutes later, Cassandra's vision began to blur.

— (I'm… dizzy… I think I had too much wine…) — she thought, putting her hand to her forehead.

"Is everything okay, Cassandra?" Kairo asked calmly.

“We better sleep…” she muttered, staggering to bed.

— Yes, good idea. — he replied. Kairo , watching her lie down.

She closed her eyes… and within moments, she was fast asleep.

Kairo waited in silence, until he heard the soft sound of her breathing.

— (It seems like you've already fallen asleep... forgive me, my precious jewel... but I need to do this.) — he said Kairo thoughtful.

He got up slowly, his steps light as shadows.

He placed his hand on the wall beside the bed… and his body passed through the solid surface, disappearing from the room.

Koharu was in her room changing, getting ready for bed, when a figure emerged from the wall.

She gave a muffled scream, covering her body with the sheet.

— Hey! Don't shout! — he said . Kairo , also blushing.

— I just came to talk, it's urgent. — he continued Kairo .

"Urgent? Now?" she whispered, irritated.

"Couldn't it be tomorrow?" Koharu asked .

— No. It has to be today… and no one can know. — he replied seriously.

Koharu sighed and crossed her arms.

"Okay... but first, could you turn your face away?" Koharu said .

“Oh, sure.” Kairo looked away, a slight hint of embarrassment on his face.

Koharu quickly put on a light nightgown and turned back to face him.

"Okay. Now you can talk. This power of yours… can you pass through walls like that?" Koharu asked .

— Yes. I can use it in two ways. — he replied . Kairo .

"The first: I pass through everything for five seconds, but the recharge takes thirty. The second: ten seconds of intangibility, but then the recharge time is an hour," Kairo explained.

— I see… — she replied, curious.

"And this time, which one did you use?" Koharu asked .

— The five-second one. — he replied . Kairo .

Koharu nodded.

"Okay. So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Koharu asked .

Kairo took a deep breath.

— It's about your priestess friend… Shana. — he replied Kairo .

"Shana? What's wrong with her?" Koharu asked .

—You must have noticed… she looked at me strangely all day. — he replied Kairo .

—So you noticed… but you managed to hide it. — Koharu said .

—But why did she look at you like that? — she asked .

Kairo was silent for a moment, and then replied:

— I know. And it's a… complicated story. — he replied . Kairo .

Koharu stared at him intently.

— Tell me. — said Koharu.

— You know that Cassandra and I are known as “armed robbers,” right? — he said Kairo .

—No… I didn't know that. — Koharu replied .

Kairo let out a tired sigh.

— Yeah. Life was never easy for us. Six years ago, we were living on the streets, surviving on scraps and petty theft. Over time, we started stealing weapons and selling them on the black market to get food. — he said . Kairo .

"But... what does this have to do with Shana?" Koharu asked .

—Wait, I'll be there soon. — he said . Kairo , resting his hands on his knees.

“Do you want to know how we stole those weapons?” he asked . Kairo .

Koharu nodded in agreement.

—Seducing people. We used drugs to drug our targets and steal without a fight. When the target was strong, we took potions that prevented sleep—because, well… the “act” was exhausting. — he said . Kairo .

“Wait… don’t tell me you and Shana…” her voice wavered.

"No. It was different with Shana. There was no drugging, no theft. She had nothing of value to steal," he replied firmly.

Koharu blinked, confused.

"So what happened?" Koharu asked.

Kairo looked up at the ceiling, the memory heavy in his voice.

"We were expelled from several cities. One day, in Atorin, I met a drunk woman in a bar… she said she wanted to have fun to forget the boyfriend she lost. You can probably guess who it was," he replied . Kairo .

Koharu widened her eyes.

"It can't be… Shana?" Koharu asked .

— Herself. — she answered. Kairo .

They say anyone who tried to take her out of the bar… got beaten. — Kairo laughed humorlessly.

—The bar owner suggested she steal money from a customer in exchange for entertainment. She refused. The man became furious… and called me. He said that if I didn't agree to "replace" her, he would turn Cassandra and me over to the authorities. — he continued Kairo .

Koharu covered her mouth in shock.

—So you guys… — Koharu muttered.

— Yes. I tried to refuse, but Shana… insisted. Not out of pleasure, but I think out of anger, loneliness… desperation. She cried in the middle of the act. She said she hadn't expected to find someone who would make her feel alive again. And then… she wanted to do it again. Three more times. — she replied Kairo .

Koharu felt her heart race.

"Wait, you mean she still…?" Koharu asked.

— Yes. She looked at me today the same way she looked at me before. As if she wanted to start all over again… even though she knew her boyfriend was in the same group. — she replied Kairo .

Koharu looked down, confused.

"Why are you telling me all this?" she asked .

Kairo opened his mouth, but before he could respond, a sound rang out at the door.

"Koharu? Are you awake?" It was Fujimoto's voice.

— (Damn… if he sees me here with Kairo , it will seem really weird…) — Koharu thought.

Kairo quickly looked at his hands.

INTANGIBILITY: ready to use for 5 seconds.

He held Koharu's hand.

— Jump with me onto the mattress. Now! — he said Kairo .

— What? — She blinked, but ended up obeying.

They both jumped and fell onto the bed… disappearing under the covers in the same instant.

Koharu widened her eyes.

"Be quiet," he whispered .

Fujimoto turned the doorknob.

The door was unlocked.

"Koharu, can I come in?" Fujimoto asked.

Silence.

No response.

— (He must be sleeping.) — I thought.

He closed the door again, without making a sound.

— (The right thing would be for us to sleep in pairs, to avoid risks. I'll talk to her about it tomorrow.) — I thought

Inside, Koharu let out a slow breath.

"He left… can we go out?" Koharu said .

K airo did not respond immediately.

— Hey… Kairo ? — Koharu asked .

She noticed his serious look.

"It seems you understand the situation," he said with a tired smile.

"Then, let's continue our conversation," Koharu said .

"Why did you need my help so much?" Koharu asked .

— Because I want you to stop Shana from trying to get close to me again. Cassandra believes in you… and I don't want any more trouble. — he replied Kairo .

"I understand. Leave it to me," Koharu said .

Koharu tried to get up, but forgot where she was.

— Ouch! — He hit his head on the headboard.

"I always forget we're in bed," Koharu said .

Kairo chuckled softly.

— Be careful… — said Kairo .

But in the movement, Koharu's nightgown got caught in a piece of the blanket…

and tore with a soft snap.

Koharu looked down, blushing up to her ears.

She turned her face away, trying to hide it.

"Hey, Kairo ... how long until you can use your power again?" Koharu asked .

Kairo closed his eyes for a moment.

— Let me calculate, — he replied. Kairo .

—It's been thirteen minutes since I last used it. — he said . Kairo .

"Thirteen minutes?! All that already?!" Koharu exclaimed .

Kairo gave a slight smile.

—We talked a little about me, about my power... now I want to know a few things about you. Is that okay? — he asked . Kairo .

—Okay, she replied , curious.

"I'll start with my power. It's called FEELINGS. I don't know how to use it properly yet, but it seems like I can create anything from my feelings," Koharu said .

—Interesting ... It's a beautiful gift. — Kairo commented, impressed.

"And what else do you want to know?" she asked , trying to break the tense atmosphere.

— Your hair, — he said suddenly.

— It's blond, but it has reddish and blueish parts. Why? — he asked Kairo .

Koharu laughed.

"Oh, that's easy. In my world, there are things called hair dyes. We can change the color whenever we want, but we have to wait a few days to change it again," Koharu replied .

— I see... your world seems as amazing as you are. — he said Kairo , in a light tone.

Koharu blushed.

— Thanks, but that pick-up line won't work on me.

Kairo raised an eyebrow.

—Actually... I lied about part of it. — he said . Kairo .

Koharu crossed her arms, suspicious.

"I knew! Which part?" Koharu asked .

— Your world is not as amazing as you. You are more amazing than it is. — he replied Kairo .

Koharu turned her face away, her cheeks completely red.

"You're terrible at making jokes," Koharu said .

— (She's having fun...) — Kairo thought , holding back a smile.

"So, how long does it take to recharge the power?" she asked .

— Fourteen minutes left until the short. — he replied . Kairo .

"Fourteen?! We only talked for three!" Koharu complained .

—That's right, — he said, amused.

“So, how about we talk about something else?” he asked . Kairo .

"Okay. About what?" Koharu asked .

Kairo watched her for a moment.

"Have you ever been in love? " Kairo asked Koharu.

Koharu froze.

Her face turned red.

— N-no ! I've never been in love. — Koharu replied.

— No need to lie — Kairo said calmly.

— Even I've fallen in love... and regretted it. — he revealed Kairo .

"I'm serious! I've never been in love with anyone," Koharu said embarrassedly.

—But have you ever dated? — he insisted.

— Yes. A pretty boring guy, to be honest. — she replied , trying to sound natural.

— Was it out of interest? — he asked. Kairo .

—Yes... on both sides, I think. — she sighed.

—And now, how much time is left? — she asked nervously.

— (The five-second one is almost ready... five minutes to go.) — he thought Kairo .

— Five minutes. — he replied. Kairo .

“Finally!” she said , relieved.

But Kairo smiled slightly.

— Before we leave, I want to ask you something. — he said Kairo .

"What?" Koharu asked .

—What was your most unforgettable kiss? — he asked . Kairo .

Koharu blinked in surprise.

—My ex's. He was… good at it. — Koharu replied .

(That's a lie. I've never kissed anyone...) — Koharu thought.

Kairo tilted his head.

—Want to try one of mine? — he asked . Kairo .

"You're terrible with jokes," Koharu replied .

"I'm not kidding. You said his kiss was good because it was your first. I can show you what a real kiss is, so you won't be embarrassed when you have a real boyfriend. How about that?" he said . Kairo .

Koharu looked at him, confused, her heart racing.

—O - okay… but just a kiss. Nothing more than that. — Koharu replied .

—Deal, — he replied .

The two approached slowly.

And then, their lips touched.

It was brief, but intense.

Koharu felt a shiver run through her entire body and her face burned with heat.

(So this is it… this is what a real kiss feels like…) — Koharu thought.

— So? Was it better than his? — he asked . Kairo , with a slight smile.

— His was… much better. — he said , turning his face away.

Kairo chuckled softly.

— Liar. I know how to recognize a first kiss. Yours was. — he said Kairo with a smile.

Koharu stood still, her heart racing.

—I -I … sorry. I lied. I've never kissed anyone before. — Koharu said blushing.

Kairo looked at her calmly.

—And does this boyfriend really exist? — he asked . Kairo .

Koharu swallowed hard.

— Yes, there is. I just… I'm ashamed of never having kissed, despite my age. — Koharu replied .

Kairo sighed.

"Then prove it. Touch my heart and use your power. Then I'll know if you're telling the truth," he said . Kairo .

She hesitated, but obeyed.

She placed her palm on his chest and murmured:

- FEELINGS.

A soft white light appeared.

Out of nowhere, seven pots of hair dye fell onto the floor.

Koharu widened her eyes.

"Wait, what?! You want to dye my hair with all this?" Koharu asked .

Kairo smiled.

— I'll test them one by one until I find the color that suits you best. — he replied Kairo .

"Hey, it's my hair! Let's choose it together, okay?" Koharu said .

— Okay, — he replied , taking the pots.

Koharu sighed.

The seven pots of ink created by Koharu's power shone on the floor, each with a distinct color.

"There's something written on these jars..." Koharu said, leaning over to read the labels.

— Yes, it does. — he replied. Kairo , pay attention.

Koharu frowned.

"They're just telling you the colors of each pot," Koharu said .

Kairo raised his eyebrows in surprise.

—So this is what you see? — he asked . Kairo .

"Uh, yes... why? Are you seeing something different?" Koharu replied .

Kairo held back a sigh.

(Her power made everyone see something different on the labels. My purple label says “sensual.” My blue label says “lightness.” My green label says “healed.” My yellow label says “relaxed.” My orange label says “good-natured.” These aren’t ordinary dyes—they affect her feelings. I bet the outfit she created has some effect, too. This… will be interesting.) —he thought Kairo .

"Hey, you got distracted," Koharu called .

"Did something happen?" Koharu asked.

—I was thinking… about which dye to use on your hair first. — he replied.

"I see. And there's another weird thing: it seems like the number on each pot appears twice. But it doesn't explain what it means," Koharu said .

“Let me see.” Kairo picked up one of the vials.

The label changed before his eyes:

“If the dye remains on Koharu’s hair for more than 1 minute, the dye’s effect will be activated.

If it remains for more than 1 hour, the effect becomes permanent.”

(Right. I have to be wise about the order. And I already know which one I'll leave for last.) — he thought Kairo .

"Do you want to choose the first color?" he asked .

— I want. Orange. — Koharu decided .

Kairo dyed her hair orange.

A minute passed. Koharu's expression became euphoric, smiling.

"So? What did you think? I thought it was great!" Koharu asked ,

"You're... quite excited. But, sorry, I didn't like it." Kairo smiled slightly.

"Then let's move on to the next one. You choose," Koharu said .

Kairo took the red and dyed the strands.

—I didn't like it. — she complained , pouting.

"And you?" Koharu asked.

(I'll wait a minute before giving my opinion.) — he thought Kairo .

As soon as the minute passed, Koharu impulsively leaned in to kiss him, Kairo dodged, serious.

“Why did you swerve?” she asked, not understanding.

"That's not the point. Next color: green," he said , keeping his voice steady.

Kairo dyed it green. Koharu took a deeper breath, less impulsive, and quickly asked to move on to the next one.

(Using purple can be dangerous. If with red — “love” — she already wanted to kiss me, with purple — “sensual” — she might want to go further. Better to neutralize it.) — he decided Kairo .

— I think the color that suits you best is black, — he said .

"Black? Why?" Koharu asked .

"Cassandra has yellow hair, Shana has blue hair... and purple doesn't suit you. Let's try black," Kairo replied.

— Okay . — said Koharu.

Kairo dyed his hair black.

Koharu looked at herself, surprised by the contrast.

"I look… beautiful like this. What do you think?" Koharu asked .

Kairo waited a moment, calculating the effect.

— You look wonderful in that color, — replied Kairo .

Koharu blushed.

— (What is this feeling? Suddenly it feels like… I shouldn’t lie to Kairo . Why?) — thought Koharu.

—Thank you for the compliment. — she smiled.

"Do you trust me now?" Koharu asked .

— There's just one thing left to confirm, — he replied .

—I thought you already trusted that I would fulfill what I promised… — Koharu said.

— It's quick. Just a few questions. — he said . Kairo .

"Okay," Koharu agreed .

— Do you like anyone here in the group? — he asked . Kairo .

(I'm going to lie. I can't say I'm starting to… like Fujimoto.) — Koharu thought .

She opened her mouth and the words escaped on their own:

"I think I'm starting to fall in love with Fujimoto," Koharu replied .

Koharu widened her eyes and covered her mouth with both hands.

— (Why did I say that?!) — Koharu wondered.

— What happened? — he asked . Kairo , neutral.

"I shouldn't have told you ! It was something I wanted to keep to myself, but for some reason I… I told you!" Koharu said .

(Be careful what I say… One wrong step and this thing explodes.) — he thought Kairo .

—I know why you said so, — he stated .

“Do you know… why?” Koharu asked .

— Because you still don't recognize your own feelings. And besides… I'm afraid something I didn't want is happening. — he said Kairo .

"What?" Koharu asked .

— You're starting to fall in love with me. And that's why you're afraid of losing me if you lie. — he replied Kairo .

Koharu blushed in embarrassment.

She began to scratch her back, uncomfortable.

— What is it? — he asked .

"The label on the clothes I created... It was supposed to come without a label. It 's annoying me," Koharu replied .

— Can I see? — he asked. Kairo .

— You can… but it's just to get rid of whatever's bothering you. — Koharu replied .

Kairo examined the small, multicolored tag.

— Can I touch the label? To see if it's an insect. — he asked .

— You can, but only remove what's bothering you. — Koharu replied .

Kairo lifted the label and read silently:

“The clothing label accumulates all the magical-sentimental power that passed through Koharu.

When you cut the tag, make Koharu eat it: when she swallows, the clothes will tear and all the accumulated emotional power will flow into her.”

(So the tag accumulated the effects of the inks. If I cut it and make her eat it, the power will enter her. If Koharu can make Shana forget me, there won't be any confusion in the group... and Cassandra can keep smiling like that.) — he thought Kairo .

—It seems there really is a little bug here. — he said Kairo , simple.

"I'll have to remove the tag. Can I?" Kairo asked.

— You can. — Koharu replied .

(Without scissors… how do I pull this out?) — he thought .

At the base, in small letters, it read: “Pull here to release.”

Kairo pulled; the tag came loose.

— Ready. — he showed .

— Thank you. — Koharu smiled.

— Oh, and I saw something written: if you eat the tag, your power increases for three days. — he said Kairo , testing the waters.

—That's a lie, — she replied suspiciously.

— So… how about testing it? — he asked Kairo .

Koharu crossed her arms.

"Only on one condition: if I eat it, you trust me," Koharu replied .

—Deal. Take the tag. After a minute, the effect activates. — he said Kairo .

Koharu took a deep breath, picked up the small tag… and swallowed it.

Sixty seconds later, a white light erupted from his navel, expanding like a ring of moonlight across the room.