Pink Scissors and Morning Sunshine

Yuki hummed a cheerful tune as she unlocked the doors to Nakaibito salon. Pink ribbons decorated her curly hair, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. She wore her favorite pink dress and matching high heels that clicked against the polished floor.

"Another beautiful day to make magic happen!" she said, twirling around the colorful salon.

Her pink scissors gleamed on the counter next to her special clippers. Rainbow-colored bottles lined the shelves, and fairy lights twinkled overhead. Everything was perfect and ready for customers.

Maki burst through the door, her own styling tools jangling in her bag. "Yuki! Did you see the notice board outside?"

"What notice?" Yuki asked, adjusting a pink mirror.

"Five boys are coming today. Their parents signed them up for mandatory haircuts." Maki's voice dropped to a whisper. "They're the ones who always run away when they see scissors."

Yuki's smile faltered slightly. She had heard stories about these particular boys and their fear of haircuts.

The Fortress of Fear

Just then, the front door chimed and five boys shuffled inside. Their hair hung in long, tangled messes that covered their eyes. Ren kicked at the floor with his sneakers. Riku crossed his arms and glared at the pink scissors on the counter. Haruto, Kenji, and Hiroto huddled together near the entrance.

"Welcome to Nakaibito!" Yuki chirped, stepping forward with a bright smile.

"We don't want to be here," Ren muttered.

"Yeah, our parents made us come," Riku added, his voice shaking slightly.

Yuki noticed how their eyes kept darting to her scissors and clippers. She picked up her favorite pink scissors to show them the pretty design.

"These are special—"

"NO!" all five boys shouted at once, jumping backward. Haruto actually climbed onto a chair.

"We're not getting our hair cut!" Kenji declared.

"But your hair is so long you can barely see," Maki pointed out.

"We don't care," Hiroto said firmly. "Scissors are scary. Last time my mom cut my hair, she nicked my ear."

The boys formed a tight circle, facing outward like a fortress. Their fear filled the colorful salon like a thick cloud.