Pink Scissors and Purple Eyes

Yuki skipped down the cobblestone path of Nakaibito village, her pink curls bouncing with each step. Her scissors earrings jingled softly in the morning breeze. The magical hairdressing salon she shared with Maki and Yuko stood just ahead, painted bright pink with silver trim.

"Another perfect day for makeovers!" she sang, twirling so her pink dress fluffed around her.

As she approached the salon door, loud shouting erupted from the village square behind her. Yuki spun around, her purple eyes widening. Five boys with wild, tangled hair that reached their shoulders were being dragged by their parents toward the main street.

"No! We don't want haircuts!" screamed one boy.

"Please, just leave us alone!" cried another.

Their greasy locks swayed as they struggled and kicked. Several villagers stopped to stare, whispering among themselves. Yuki noticed how the boys' long hair made them look almost like girls from a distance.

She touched her scissor-shaped hairpins thoughtfully. Something told her this wasn't going to be an ordinary day at the salon.

The Rope and the Shoemaker

Yuki hurried into the salon, her heart racing. Maki and Yuko looked up from organizing their magical hair tools.

"Did you see those boys outside?" Yuki asked breathlessly.

Before they could answer, the salon door burst open. A short elderly woman with wild gray hair and a crooked smile hobbled in, dragging a rope. At the other end, five boys with tangled hair down to their shoulders stumbled behind her.

"These are the troublemakers," the woman announced cheerfully. "I'm Mrs. Tanaka, the village shoemaker. The parents asked me to bring them here."

The boys huddled together, their greasy locks covering their faces. The tallest boy stepped forward.

"I'm Ren," he said firmly. "We won't let you cut our hair!"

"I'm Riku," whispered another. "Scissors are scary."

"Haruto here," mumbled the third boy. "Please don't hurt us."

"Kenji," said the fourth quietly. "We had bad haircuts before."

"And I'm Hiroto," the smallest one squeaked. "Everyone thinks we're girls now!"

Mrs. Tanaka chuckled and untied the rope. "Good luck, magical girls. You'll need it!" She skipped out, leaving the terrified boys behind.