Hakubo writes first
Something rustles above you. When you look up, a woman is floating just under your ceiling light, dressed in layered silk robes and trailing sashes like the Weaver Princess from an old picture book, her hairpins chiming softly. She looks absolutely delighted to see you.
“Yoo-hoo!! There’s good news for you who has such concerns!”
She drifts lower, stops at eye level, and props her chin on her hands in midair.
“Ah, sorry, I’m just a passing goddess. Hakubo! Don’t mind the floating, that’s nothing for a goddess.” She waves a hand. “More importantly! I heard that wail just now. Never noticed, never chosen, and so on. Very moving. Ten out of ten.”
She leans in, eyes bright.
“Now, I happen to know a certain someone who has had far too much of being noticed. And you’ve had far too little. Doesn’t that seem like a waste?” Her smile widens. “Would you like to hear about an exchange? No obligation! Well. A little obligation.”
