Chapter 8

Spook 8: The Confession Tree (第八の怪：告白の木) is the eighth chapter of AidaIro's Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun.

Summary
Nene imagines a handsome prince offering her a kiss, only for him to turn into Hanako. Nene accidentally rejects him aloud, disturbing the class.

During gardening practice, Nene reflects on everything that has happened in the month since she met Hanako. She freaks out again upon recalling the kiss on her cheek, which was the first time she'd been kissed. Nene then suddenly wonders if it'd been because Hanako likes her, which might even be why he saved her from the mermaid. Aoi comes by then, and Nene talks to her inside the gardening building.

Aoi agrees that Hanako seems to like Nene, though Nene says that he isn't her type. Aoi suggests dating him as a trial anyway, and tells Nene to be prepared since he will surely confess soon. Aoi then says that confessions are popular lately, pointing out the Confession Tree in the garden (although Nene does not recall it being there previously). According to the rumours, those who confess under the tree will definitely be bonded together. Two people arrive under the Confession Tree right then: Akane and Lemon. To Aoi and Nene's confusion, Akane confesses to "Ao-chan" towards Lemon, who responds half-heartedly. Aoi guesses that it's a practice confession. She also points out that the have been more couples in class lately, almost all of whom confessed under the Confession Tree, and says that Nene might be called there soon too. Nene demurs, but blushes.

That evening, while Nene is cleaning the toilet, Hanako asks her to meet him under the Confession Tree after school the next day.

The next morning, Nene arrives to tell Aoi the news, but instead finds Aoi in tears. After their practice confession yesterday, Akane and Lemon begun to like each other, and have decided to start dating. Aoi is conflicted, even though has only ever liked Akane as a childhood friend.

By the end of school, Nene still has not been able to discuss with Aoi. As Nene walks to the practice garden, she considers how to respond to Hanako's expected confession. Hanako is already waiting under the tree, and promptly confesses to Nene, asking her to date him. Nene is excited at getting her first confession and first boyfriend, until Hanako whispers instructions to quickly turn him down. Nene does so (belatedly), causing the Confession Tree to rebuke her, rising and revealing a face on its trunk. The Tree tries to attack Nene with a branch when she calls it gross, but is foiled by Hanako's protection spell on her cheek.

TBC