Pink Sparkles and Morning Plans

Yuki adjusted her scissors-shaped earrings and smoothed down her sparkling pink dress. The morning sun streamed through the salon windows, casting rainbows across the mirrors. Her pink heels clicked on the polished floor as she arranged her styling tools.

"Another beautiful day in Nakaibito," she said to herself, twirling so her pink waves bounced around her shoulders.

Maki looked up from organizing hair clips. "Did you see the notice from the town council? Five families requested emergency appointments."

Yuko spun around in her chair, her scissors glinting. "Emergency appointments? That sounds serious."

"Very serious," Maki nodded. "The parents said their boys refuse to cut their hair. They've been hiding from barbers for months."

Yuki's pink eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Hiding from barbers? How strange."

Through the window, she spotted five figures with long, tangled hair hurrying past. They moved quickly, glancing nervously at the salon before disappearing around the corner.

The Arrival of Fear

An hour later, the salon's front door chimed. Three mothers walked in, dragging five boys behind them. The boys had hair so long and tangled it covered most of their faces.

"Please help us," said the first mother, out of breath. "These are Ren, Riku, Haruto, Kenji, and Hiroto. They haven't cut their hair in eight months."

The boys huddled together like scared rabbits. Ren peeked through his greasy bangs. "No scissors," he whispered.

"We're not going anywhere near those things," added Riku, pointing at Yuki's styling station.

Yuki stepped forward with a gentle smile. "Hello, boys. I'm Yuki. What happened to make you so afraid?"

Haruto's voice cracked. "Last barber cut my ear. Blood everywhere."

"Mine buzzed off my whole eyebrow," Kenji mumbled.

"People think we're girls now," Hiroto said, his face red with embarrassment.

The mothers exchanged worried looks. "The school called yesterday. The boys can't attend classes looking like this."

Maki and Yuko appeared beside Yuki. All three girls sparkled with determination.

"Don't worry," Yuki said softly. "We'll help you feel brave again."