『 𝐒𝐈 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 』 𝐊.𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐄

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟓

As you followed Karma through the bustling metro station, you couldn't help but feel a sense of relief was over you. Despite your initial confusion at his unexpected presence, you found comfort in his familiarity and confidence.

Throughout the journey, Karma maintained his casual demeanour, occasionally exchanging light conversation about how with you. Despite his reputation as a troublemaker, you found him surprisingly easy to talk to, and his presence helped ease your nerves.

Eventually, you reached your stop, and couldn't help but feel grateful for Karma's unexpected assistance. Turning to him, you offered a heartfelt thank you.

"Thank you so much for helping me out, Karma. I really appreciate it," you said sincerely.

Karma shrugged, nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. "No problem at all," he replied cryptically.

"I'll see you tomorrow then!" you waved and began walking to your apartment.

"Alright then," Karma replied as he began waking with you again.

"Karma?"

"yeah?"

"I know my way from here, I'll be fine"

"Good for you."

"I mean you don't have to follow me anymore."

"I know I don't but I kinda have to"

"What, why?"

"I live like two buildings down from you," Karma casually remarked.

You couldn't help but scoff in irritation. "You couldn't have said that twenty minutes ago when I was feeling like a super bad person for making you take a whole ass detour just to drop me off because apparently, I'm the perfect actress for Dory if Finding Dory ever became a live-action?!" you rambled in annoyance.

"Nah," Karma replied, with a nonchalant shrug, his smirk never faltering.

Rolling your eyes at his lack of concern, you couldn't decide whether to be frustrated or amused by Karma's attitude. "Well, thanks for the enlightening information," you sarcastically said, though a hint of amusement crept into your tone.

Karma simply chuckled in response, clearly unfazed by your annoyance. "Anytime," he replied, his confidence radiating like a halo around him.

With a shake of your head, you continued on your way, knowing that with Karma around, there would never be a dull moment. Despite his infuriatingly smug demeanour, there was something undeniably captivating about him that left you intrigued and eager for more.

As you walked together, you couldn't shake off the feeling of annoyance mixed with a hint of amusement at Karma's presence. His nonchalant demeanour and cocky attitude grated on your nerves, yet there was something undeniably magnetic about him that kept you engaged in conversation.

"So, what were you doing still out?" you asked, bringing up the point you'd thought of but put away earlier.

Karma shrugged casually, his hands tucked into his pockets as he walked with effortless grace. "Just exploring," he replied with a smirk. "Figured I'd take a detour and see where the wind takes me."

You couldn't help but roll your eyes at his vague response. "Of course," you muttered under your breath, earning a chuckle from Karma.

As you continued on your way, Karma's presence seemed to draw attention from passersby, his confident stride and mischievous grin drawing attention wherever he went.

Despite your initial annoyance, you couldn't deny the thrill of being in his company, as if you were caught up in his whirlwind of spontaneity and adventure but then you'd spent like what? an hour with him? If you've learnt anything from your lifestyle, it's that appearances can be extremely deceiving.

"So, what's your story?" Karma asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence between you.

You hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal to this enigmatic stranger. "There's nothing permanent in my life to tell you about. There's a change happening way too often to keep track of for even me sometimes," you replied vaguely, not wanting to delve into the details of your personal life too quickly.

Karma just hummed in response as he suddenly halted. You were about to ask him if something was wrong but you took note of your surroundings and saw that you were already at your house.

You turned to find Karma standing still beside you, his gaze lingering on the building before you. His usual smirk softened slightly, replaced by a thoughtful expression as if he were contemplating something.

"Looks like we've arrived," you remarked, breaking the silence that had settled between you.

Karma nodded, his gaze still fixed on your house. "Yeah," he replied softly, his voice betraying a hint of introspection.

You couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind, but you didn't want to pry. Instead, you offered him a small smile. "Well, thanks for the company," you said, hoping to convey your appreciation for his unexpected presence.

Karma returned the smile, his amber eyes meeting yours with a hint of warmth. "No problem," he said simply, his tone sincere.

With a final nod, you turned to unlock the door to your house, feeling a mixture of gratitude that the day had gone well despite its rocky start and exhaustion now that it had finally ended.

As you stepped into the living room and dropped your school bag onto the couch, a wave of relief washed over you. The familiar surroundings of home offered a sense of comfort after the chaos of the day.

But before you could even take a seat and unwind, a voice that was both familiar and dearly loved cut through the air, startling you out of your thoughts.

"Where the hell were you [NAME]?!"