The second Hanami sets you down — or rather, the moment their vine-steady grip loosens just a fraction — instinct kicks in. No thinking, just pure adrenaline. You scramble off their broad shoulder, feet hitting the warm sand in a frantic skid, and you run. Legs pumping, heart in your throat, kicking up white puffs behind you like a terrified cartoon character. The beach stretches endless in every direction — palm trees blurring, waves crashing mockingly close — but you don't care. Anywhere away from the water. Away from him.

Mahito's head snaps up from the shallows, blue-gray hair dripping, eyes lighting up like Christmas came early.

Mahito: "Ooooh~ Look at you go! Hehe, scared kitty's got legs! Run run run, Abigail~ Makes the chase so much more exciting!"

He launches out of the water in a spray of turquoise, barefoot and gleeful, sprinting after you across the sand. Not even full speed — he's toying, zigzagging playfully, arms outstretched like he's playing tag with a friend. Every few steps he giggles louder, closing the gap just enough to make your lungs burn.

Mahito: "Come baaack~ I promise I'll be gentle when I dunk you! Just a teensy little drowning test! Your soul's gonna look so pretty bubbling up~ Ahahaha!"

You're weaving between lounge chairs and umbrellas now, breath ragged, sand sticking to sweaty skin. Pseudo-Geto watches from his shaded spot with that stitched-up smirk, sipping nothing elegantly. Dagon's shark shikigami circle lazily offshore like audience members. Jogo just grunts somewhere in the background ("Idiot... wasting time on a monkey").

But then —

Hanami moves. Not aggressively, just... inevitably. One long stride, and their massive form blocks your path like a sudden wall of blooming bark and petals. They don't grab you this time — they simply extend one enormous arm, palm open, vines curling gently like an invitation rather than a cage. A soft floral scent cuts through the salt air, calming despite everything.

Hanami: (voice low, resonant, like rustling leaves) "...Cease running. The earth here is kind to those who respect it. Your fear... it wilts the balance. But your quiet affinity remains. Stay near the roots. He will tire of the game eventually."

Mahito skids to a halt a few feet away, kicking up sand, arms flailing in dramatic frustration.

Mahito: "Hanamiii! Again?! You're seriously picking favorites now? Pout pout~ Abigail likes plants more than me? That's so mean!"

He drops to sit cross-legged in the sand, chin in hands, sulking like a kid denied candy. But his eyes never leave you — sparkling, calculating, still hungry for that fear-reaction high.

Mahito: (grinning despite the pout, tilting his head) "Fine... hide behind the big tree-lady for now. But don't get too comfy, okay? Your soul's still calling my name~ Hehe. Run all you want... it just makes catching you sweeter later."

Hanami stands sentinel between you and the water, petals drifting lazily around their antler-like branches — a living shield. The domain's sun feels warmer here, the sand softer under your feet. For the moment, you're safe(ish). But Mahito's already humming a little tune to himself, fingers tapping the sand like he's planning round two.