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Moving on to high school seemed so much harder to class 3E than it actually was. Especially since now, in their third year, they’ve all reunited again in class 3D. High school was truly uneventful compared to their middle school years, no crazy octopus teacher, no government officials as P.E. teachers, and no assassinations. To say the whole class was bored was quite the understatement. However, there was something that piqued the class’ (especially Nakamura’s) interest, and it was the relationship between the two best assassins.
Karma and Nagisa have been attached at the hip ever since the paintball fight. You’d think such a big fight would cause a rift between the two, but it did quite the opposite for them. There was rarely a time where you saw one without the other, and if they ever were separated, they would talk your ear off about each other until the sun set. Needless to say, rumours were starting to spread about the nature of their relationship, and the class believed every word of it.
Their current situation didn’t help said rumours. On this wonderful Monday afternoon, Nakamura was being subjected to the worst third-wheeling she’s ever experienced in her life. They were sitting in the school’s library studying for their math midterm tomorrow. Nakamura felt confident enough, but the same couldn’t be said for the blue haired boy sitting in front of her. His nose was scrunched up in a confused expression, tapping his pencil on his forehead over and over. Next to Nagisa was, of course, Karma, hand wrapped around Nagisa’s waist and helping him study square root functions.
“Nagisa, do you understand why this is the range?” Karma asked softly, a tone of voice reserved for Nagisa and Nagisa only. The shorter boy shook his head, his eyes closing slowly in defeat. Karma chuckles, resting his chin on Nagisa’s shoulder now. “Well you know the values can’t pass the vertex right? So your range will be whatever the Y value of the vertex is to either negative or positive infinity. Understand?”
Nagisa perks up a little and starts writing down his answers. He then takes his paper and shoves it towards Karma. “Is this right?” His voice quivers a little, nervousness evident.
Karma takes the paper in his hands, detaching himself from Nagisa. He smiles slightly in the blue haired boy’s direction. “Perfect score! Ah Nagisa, you might beat my math grade this year if you keep this up.” Karma teases. This is met with a light punch to his shoulder from Nagisa.
Nakamura wanted to cry at the sight in front of her. Never has she felt more single in her life. Suddenly, the door to their study room opens and a certain green haired girl walks in. Nakamura thanks every deity that she no longer has to deal with her friends’ flirting alone.
“Hi guys!” Kayano sits herself next to Nakamura and throws her bag on the table.
“Hi Kayano, do you feel ready for tomorrow’s exam?” Nagisa asks, pulling his eyes away from Karma and turns to face Kayano.
“Eh, kind of? I mean I’m not gonna ace it or anything, but I think I’ve got the hang of it. Oh yeah, Sugino wanted me to ask what your plans are for the weekend. Something about a new restaurant opening near his house.” Kayano asks the group.
“I’m free!” Nakamura responds all too quickly, which earns her a laugh from Kayano.
“So are we.” Karma responds, answering for Nagisa too.
“Great! He said to meet at the train station at 12, Okuda and Kanzaki are also coming!” Kayano opens her phone and texts their answers to Sugino.
The room goes quiet when the group goes back to studying for their test. They were all fairly excited for this hangout, after all, it was another opportunity to examine Karma and Nagisa, no?
-
It was now Friday morning and the whole class was too tired to even function. A loud bang is heard as the door opens though, waking everyone up suddenly. It was Nagisa, barging in and dashing towards the back of the classroom where Karma’s seat was. The shorter boy slams a paper onto Karma’s desk, which makes the other boy’s eyes widen a little. Nagisa just stands there, bouncing slightly, waiting for a response as Karma scans the paper. The redhead shoots out of his seat and screams very loudly.
“A 91?” Nagisa laughs loudly and practically jumps up and down.
“I know! I’ve never gotten such a high grade in math before! I mean this has to shoot my average right up, right?” Nagisa was talking rapidly, his hands moving as quickly as his words. Karma just stared at the excited boy in front of him with a soft smile.
“Congrats, Nagisa.” Nagisa laughs excitedly at the other's words.
“Thank you! And well, obviously I couldn’t have done it without your help.” Nagisa’s smile lights up the room. At that moment, Nagisa goes on the tips of his toes and wraps his arms around Karma’s neck. Karma mirrors his action, his arms slinging around the other’s waist.
…
A HUG!?
If there’s one thing the class knew about Karma is that he didn’t do hugs. Not without any ulterior motive at least. Sure he’s hugged Nakamura before, but not without sticking a paper on her back that said “I need a girlfriend so bad.” So seeing a genuine hug between the two was more than shocking.
They break apart and the whole class just stands there, mouth agape. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The two boys look at the class then back at each other.
“What?” Karma asks. The whole class shrugs and scrambles back to whatever they were doing before. Nakamura however goes to Nagisa’s desk, where he is now in a conversation with Kayano.
“A 91 eh Nagisa? Very impressive.” Nakamura grins. Nagisa nods his head with a soft thank you before the teacher comes in and urges everyone to sit down.
Ah, so he didn’t have a strong reaction when Nakamura congratulated him, just as she thought.
Those two HAVE to be dating, right?
-
It was now lunch, the best part of the day according to Kayano. She thought she’d treat herself today and get the large portion of pudding from the cafeteria. Absolutely beaming, she returns to her cafeteria table, where Nagisa and Karma were already sitting.
“Bigger pudding, eh? Can I try?” Karma asks, leaning over the table, eyes shining towards the sweet treat in front of him. Kayano hesitates for a moment before handing Karma the spoon.
“Only a small piece, ok! You always eat half the thing when I let you have a bite.” Karma giggles and takes a spoonful of the pudding (with approval from Kayano on the size.) The two had bonded over their love of sweets ever since middle school, even fighting for the last portion of cake in front of everyone. They agreed to share after that. In fact, Karma and Kayano bicker about a lot of things. Of course, it was never with any malice or genuine annoyance with each other, but Karma loved to test the waters of Kayano’s patience. The topics were always quite mundane too; What period was next, what the correct answer is for homework, what Nagisa’s favourite movie is. Kayano was ashamed to admit that Karma was right most of the time. Especially if the topic of discussion was Nagisa.
Speaking of. The blue haired boy was resting his head on his arms, paying no attention to the conversation his two friends were having.
“Hey, Nagisa,” Kayano pokes him, which makes Nagisa jump up suddenly. “Everything good?”
Nagisa nods and goes back to resting his head. “Just tired, had a lot of homework last night.” He mumbles, the sound muffled by his sleeve. Kayano nods her head in understanding. Karma however speaks up.
“If you’re tired, you can rest on my shoulder. Leaning like that is back for your back. Don't wanna damage it right, star assassin?” Karma grins. Nagisa rolls his eyes but takes up Karma’s offer, gently resting his head on his friend’s shoulder.
Yeah, right! Friend, my ass! Kayano thinks. In any other circumstance, she’d think this is a perfectly normal interaction between friends, but as previously established, Karma is not the one for physical contact. Hell, even Nagisa’s reaction was weird. Typically, he’d respond frantically saying no, that’s not necessary! Or I don’t want to burden you! Very weird to say the least.
And it’s made even weirder when Karma brings his fingers and tangles them into Nagisa’s, now short, hair. Nagisa doesn’t flinch, actually he doesn’t react at all, simply leaning into the taller boy’s touch. Kayano decides not to comment on it, instead deciding to entertain Karma by asking about any new movies his favourite director might have made. The redhead proceeds to talk her ear off about a new spy thriller for the rest of lunch.
-
It was finally Saturday, the group’s fated meet up. Nakamura was excited, not only to be with her friends, but to actually get a good look at Karma and Nagisa outside of school. She rushes to the train station to find Okuda, Kayano, Sugino and Kanzaki already there. That means her two main characters were the only ones missing.
“Hey guys! Karma and Nagisa not here yet?” Nakamura joins the group.
“Nah, not yet. Bet Karma’s taking his sweet time right now.” Sugino replies, somewhat annoyed.
“Nagisa’s not usually late to stuff though? Maybe they’re coming together?” Okuda adds on, bringing her hand to her chin in thought.
“Wouldn’t be surprised, those two can’t spend a second without each other.” Kayno answers.
“It’s a little sweet, don’t you think?” Kanzaki cuts in.
“It makes me want to puke.” Nakamura retorts. The group giggles.
“Ah they’re all here! Karma, I told you we were gonna be late!” Nagisa’s voice beams in the train station.
“Relax, I bet Nakamura just got here too.” Karma grins in her direction. The two boys walked towards the group.
“Way uncalled for!” She claps back.
“But I was right, wasn't I?” Karma’s smile just gets larger. Nakamura has no choice but to bow her head in shame.
“Still! You know how I hate to keep people waiting.” Nagisa pouts at Karma, a quite adorable sight rather than intimidating.
“Right right, I’m sorry.” No one decides to comment on the elephant in the room. Karma and Nagisa were holding hands. And they didn’t stop holding hands even when they reached the group.
“Alright then! I’ll show you guys the place, it’s this sushi restaurant, apparently pretty good. Well that’s what my teammates say.” Sugino starts leading the group towards the restaurant. Nagisa lights up at the mention of it being a sushi restaurant, which makes the redhead chuckle subtly.
After walking for a few minutes, the group entered the restaurant. It was small and had a homey feeling. It had plants lining the windows and a sofa in the back. They decided to sit at a circular booth near the front of the restaurant, one big enough that it would fit all seven of them. Nagisa and Karma sat next to each other towards the back of the booth, next to them sat Nakamura. Across from the three was Okuda, Kayano and Kanzaki, with Sugino sitting at the end of the table. The waitress comes soon enough to greet them.
“Good afternoon everyone! How many menus can I get for you?” They all look at each other, but Karma answers before anyone can say anything.
“Six is fine.” The waitress nods her head and rushes to get the menus.
“Karma, we’re seven. Someone’s not gonna have a menu.” Kayano speaks up.
“Nah, Nagisa and I can share one.” Karma threw his head back, closing his eyes.
…Sure…Let’s pretend that’s a normal thing to do between friends.
The menus arrive and the seven of them rush to look at what looks good. Nakamura tries to focus on her order, but she can’t help but overhear the conversation happening right next to her.
“Ugh everything looks so good…but I don’t really have enough money to get everything I want.” Nagisa said as he was holding one side of the menu, Karma holding the other.
“Get it, my treat.” Is all Karma responded with.
“Karma, no. I’m not making you pay for me.” Nagisa looked up at the redhead with a stern look. Karma just looked back, a smirk forming.
“Come on, won’t you let me spoil you a bit?” Karma leans in closer to Nagisa’s space, his teasing smile getting nothing but wider.
“Karma…It’s expensive…” Nagisa turns away, his face reddening.
“So what? I’m offering because I can afford it.” Karma turns back to the menu and starts looking for his own order.
“Fine…But you have to let me buy you something after.” Nagisa gives up.
“Alright.” Karma smiles, not a smirk, a genuine smile.
They all order and the food comes out very shortly afterwards. There were at least 5 plates in front of Nagisa, the boy looking at each one with intense hunger. He picks up his chopsticks and sticks a piece into his mouth. His eyes shine and his smile grows wider.
“Karma Karma, you have to try this one!” Nagisa holds up the roll to Karma’s mouth expectantly. Karma takes the piece into his mouth and grins slightly.
“That is good.” Nagisa bounces slightly at Karma’s affirming words.
“Ah can I try?” Sugino asks. Nagisa shoots him a look and hesitates before putting a roll onto Sugino’s plate. Now Nagisa is usually very generous, he'll share anything with you…unless it was a very good piece of sushi.
The lunch goes rather smoothly after that. The gang laughs at Kayano’s story of her and her sister as kids, they focus when Okuda explains her chemistry homework and they all look at Kanzaki in amazement when she explains the new game that was released a few days ago. They all pay their own bill after their lunch (with the exception of Nagisa) and head out to take a walk.
They pass a movie theatre when Nakamura suddenly grabs their attention.
“Yo nerds, isn’t this that one franchise you guys are obsessed with?”
“What?” Karma snorts.
And there it was. On the wall of the theatre was a giant poster of Sonic Ninja. The cinema was having a re-release to celebrate the franchise’s 15th anniversary.
“Oh yeah it is! Didn’t you guys go to Hawai’i to see it with Korosensei?” Kanzaki asks.
Karma and Nagisa look at each other, their eyes sparkling in excitement.
“Guys can we please go see it! The last day for showing is today!” Nagisa rambles quickly.
“I’ll pay for all your tickets! Please, I ask for nothing else from you.” Karma adds on, just as fast.
The gang starts laughing at the boys’ desperate pleas.
“Sure, why not?” They all agree.
They enter the cinema and let Karma pay for their tickets. No way would they pass up the opportunity for a free movie. Nagisa also buys Karma a bucket of popcorn to share, keeping his earlier promise to buy Karma something in return. They managed to find empty seats in the middle of the theatre, so all seven of them sat in a neat row, Karma and Nagisa sitting next to each other at the edge.
Soon enough, the movie starts, and Nagisa quickly grabs onto Karma’s arm in excitement. Karma can’t hide his own excitement very well either, his leg bouncing up and down in anticipation.
Nakamura kept a close eye on the pair, noticing how they laughed at the same time, whispered jokes about the movie in each others’ ears, teared up at a particularly sad moment, and looked at each other when the girl was confessing her love for the main character. The blonde had to admit that the love they shared for the movie was quite endearing, even if she didn’t understand all the super hero nonsense.
After the movie ends, they exit the theatre and are greeted by the night sky. The moon shines brightly, reminding them of their beloved teacher always looking down upon them. They all smile at each other softly before walking back towards the station.
“Today was really fun guys!” Okuda says, once at the station.
“Yeah! We should totally do this again!” Kayano adds, jumping happily.
“Definitely” Nagisa smiles. “Well, we’ll see you guys on Monday, yeah?” Nagisa and Karma start to walk away together.
“Wait, you’re leaving together?” Sugino asks.
“Yeah? We made plans to stay over at my place after this hangout.” Karma adds nonchalantly.
“Ah come on, you know we gotta give these two lovebirds some privacy eventually.” Nakamura teases, hooking her arm around Sugino.
“What do you mean?” Nagisa cocks his head to the side with a curious gaze.
“You know, when you’re dating you’re allowed to have your own privacy.” Kanzaki backs up Nakamura’s point.
“But, Karma and I aren’t dating?” Nagisa responds flatly.
…
WHAT?!?
-
Karma and Nagisa arrive at Karma’s house all tired and immediately throw themselves onto the boy’s bed. Today was fun, yes, but they also enjoyed just staying in and rotting the night away. This time though, the air was a little different. There was this tension between the two, and they didn’t know how to explain it. They knew deep down that their friends’ perception of their relationship wasn’t completely wrong, deep down they knew about their hidden feelings, normal friends don’t act the way they do. Normal friends don’t feel the things they do for each other. They had to talk about it, the tip-toeing was getting quite frustrating for both of them.
“Karma…” Nagisa starts.
“Yeah?” Karma turns his head towards Nagisa.
“...What do you think about what Nakamura and Kanzaki said?” He asks, testing the waters.
It takes a couple of seconds for Karma to respond, but when it does come, it hits Nagisa like a truck.
“I think I’d like that.” Karma just smiles.
“H-Huh?” Was all Nagisa could muster.
“Dating you, I mean. I think…yeah, I’d like being your boyfriend.” Karma turns his whole body towards Nagisa now, laying on his side.
The shorter boy just stares, his cheeks flushed. He knows Karma isn’t lying, he can usually tell when he is. But now, his eyes were as hard as rocks, his voice didn’t have any sort of teasing tone, he was being serious.
“I’d like that too…” Nagisa answers, his face turning away slightly from the boy in front of him.
Karma smiles and brings himself closer to Nagisa.
“Then…Can I do this?” Karma cups Nagisa cheek, a touch so soft it can rival a swan’s feather. He brings his forehead down to Nagisa’s, waiting for his answer. Nagisa eventually nods.
Their lips join together, a silent confession of everything they’ve been holding up until now. All the I love yous slipping past their tongues in the form of a chaste kiss. A passion so strong it could withstand the force of a thousand boulders. They break apart and giggle at their act.
“I can’t believe it took me so long to tell you.” Karma whispers.
“Really? How long?” Nagisa asks, his smile only getting wider with each word.
“Since the paintball fight, well that’s when I realised I liked you, so it could’ve been before that honestly.” Karma sighs, embarrassed at his confession.
“That’s not as bad as mine, god Karma I’ve liked you since first year middle school.” The shorter boy retorts.
“Really? Wow, so you’re way lamer than me.” Karma teases.
“Shut up.” Nagisa giggles. They fall silent after that, a comfortable one, simply enjoying each other’s company.
So maybe their friends were right, but they wouldn’t admit that. They’d go back to school on monday pretending nothing had ever happened, keeping this little secret relationship to themselves.
…They’ll probably figure it out anyway.