Pink Curls and Morning Mist

Yuki adjusted her scissor hairpins as morning sunlight streamed through the salon windows. The pink-haired girl checked her reflection, smoothing her elaborate curls and straightening her matching pink dress.

"Another busy day at the Scissor Squad salon," she said, polishing her scissors earrings. Her purple eyes sparkled with excitement.

Maki swept the floor nearby, her green hair catching the light. "I heard the Tanaka family is bringing their twin boys today."

Yuko looked up from organizing hair products, her blue braids swaying. "Those boys haven't had haircuts in months. Their hair is so long people keep mistaking them for girls."

Through the window, Yuki spotted five figures approaching. Five boys with shaggy, greasy hair that hung past their shoulders walked reluctantly toward the salon. Their parents followed behind, looking frustrated.

"Oh my," Yuki whispered. The boys' faces showed pure terror as they stared at the salon's scissor-shaped sign.

One boy stopped completely, shaking his head violently.

The Sparrow's Warning

The salon door burst open as the parents dragged the five boys inside. Each boy had hair so long it covered half their faces, tangled and greasy from months of avoiding scissors.

"Please, we need your help," said Mrs. Tanaka, struggling to hold her twin sons Ren and Riku. "They refuse to cut their hair."

The other parents nodded desperately. Mr. Sato gripped his son Haruto's shoulder while Kenji and Hiroto pressed against the back wall, shaking.

"No scissors!" Haruto screamed, pointing at Yuki's earrings. "They'll hurt us!"

A small sparrow suddenly flew through the open door, chirping frantically. It landed on Yuki's shoulder, ruffling its brown feathers.

"What's wrong, little one?" Yuki whispered.

The sparrow chirped again, then flew to the window. Outside, three older boys approached carrying enormous garden shears. Their leader, a tall boy with spiky black hair, grinned wickedly.

"That's Ryusei and his gang," Ren whispered, terror filling his voice. "They're the ones who gave us bad haircuts before. They said they'd cut our hair again if they found us."

The five boys huddled together, trembling as the bullies pressed their faces against the window.