(Your POV)
"Pfff, your secret didn't last long," Nakamura chuckled as you slumped deeper into your chair.
"I can't believe Koro-sensei sold me out like that," you whined as you were reminded of the events that had taken place just a few hours ago.
"Do you think they'll be okay?" You watched the spaceship leave.
Your eyes were full of sadness as you forced yourself to push away all those negative thoughts.
'Karma is going to come back,' you reassured yourself. 'He won't leave you (Y/N).'
"Nurufufu, I'll make sure they're safe." Koro-sensei appeared right beside you and patted your head. "So don't worry about your boyfriend (Y/N)-chan~" His grin went from ear to ear, your face going pale at the word he had used.
"Koro-sensei!" You shrieked, cheeks turning red as your classmates' stared at you.
"Kyaaaa!!" He screeched upon realizing his mistake.
But before you could scold him, he used his superspeed to flee.
You then turned around, a scowl present on your face as you watched him fly into the sky and reach the ship.
"Wait a sec-" Maehara shook his head as he processed your teacher's words –"you're dating Karma?"
"Huh? So (Y/N)-chan is actually dating Karma?" Okano blinked.
"I totally saw it coming." Fuwa smirked.
"Ah! That's so cute!" Kurahashi squealed as she excitedly jumped up and down.
"Dammit Koro-sensei!" You mumbled.
"His fangirling can be such a problem sometimes," Sugino agreed and sighed miserably.
"Huh? Did something happen to you too?" You tilted your head.
"Ah don't remind me," he sulked.
"Oh~" Nakamura grinned deviously. "What happened, Sugino?" She wiggled her eyebrows like crazy. "You can't just drop this bomb and bail."
"Did he do something to you and Kanzaki?"
"Who-Who says Ka-Kanzaki was involved?" He stammered, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.
"Does he really think we haven't figured it out yet?" Nakamura whispered to you.
"Hey! I heard you!"
"Then tell us you coward!" She slammed her fist on the table.
"Ah geez!" Sugino groaned in defeat, knowing fully well Nakamura wasn't planning on letting this one go. "Well, you see," he cleared his throat, "it happened after school. I was walking downtown and saw this bakery with chocolates. And well, since Valentine's day was approaching, I decided to take a look."
"You know it's the girl who's supposed to give you the chocolates right?" Nakamura stifled a laugh.
"Gee! You're sounding just like him!"
"Ehh? Did you bump into Koro-sensei?" You blinked.
"Yeah." He slumped in his chair. "It was so embarrassing!"
"What did he do?" You couldn't help but giggle.
"He told me it was the girl who was supposed to give me the chocolates and I told him I already knew," he explained. "But then he began rambling nonsense."
"Nonsense?" Nakamura smirked knowingly. "What type of nonsense?"
"Well, he said that if Kanza- a girl-" he quickly corrected himself upon taking notice of Nakamura's wicked smile –"didn't give me anything, he was willing to put on a wig and a dress and offer me some chocolates."
"That's not too bad," you laughed.
"He did that when we were inside the store. In front of all the customers," he deadpanned, dead on the inside. "He was choking me as he wailed and cried because he didn't want me to end up alone on Valentine's day."
"Oh~ But what if you did end up alone?" She wiggled her eyebrows.
"Nakamura!" You gasped at your blonde friends.
"What? I wanna see Koro-sensei in a wig." She simply shrugged.
"Last time it happened, it was in Nagisa's parent-teacher meeting." You cracked a smile. "He even told his mother that he was actually bald and had been pretending all along." You laughed out loud at this part. "Poor Karasuma-sensei though."
"Dammit! I would've loved to see that," Nakamura whined. "It's a shame he didn't record it."
"Speaking of Valentine's day." Sugino then smirked, a revenge plan forming in his head. "Nakamura~ are you planning on giving out any chocolates this year?" He quickly turned all the attention towards her.
"Oh, don't think I didn't catch onto your little game Sugino. I see what you did there." Your friend's eyes narrowed. "But as a matter of fact, no."
"Huh? Really?" He arched his eyebrows.
"Yeah, it's not like anyone in the class deserves my chocolates." She shrugged nonchalantly though you knew she was just putting on a brave face.
"But you can give formality chocolates," you decided to suggest.
"You think so?" She arched an eyebrow, not really convinced.
"Yeah, why not?" You said casually. "You can give them to Okajima for example. He will probably thank you for it. Lately I've seen him bugging a lot of the girls." You sweatdropped. "I think he's trying to find out if he has a secret admirer or something."
"I'll pass on that one." Nakamura grimaced.
You pouted. It's not like she was forced to give chocolates to anyone, it wasn't mandatory as it was more of a fun way to celebrate Valentine's day. Nonetheless, you couldn't help but feel sad for her. Underneath that playful and happy persona, she was hurting. You were pretty sure she would've liked to give them to Nagisa but, as she had already told you, she didn't want to go behind Kayano's back.
"Wait!" You perked up, a lightbulb went off in your head. "Why don't you give them to Maehara?" You proposed since you remembered he had admitted having a small crush on your blonde friend back at the school's festival.
"Maehara?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Yeah, why Maehara?" Sugino tilted his head.
"He's very nice, don't you think?" You faced Nakamura. "And he's always ready to stand up for what's right. Don't you remember he was the first one to stand up to Takaoka-sensei?" You began listing, hoping that this would make your friend see him in a different light and not just as the class' flirt.
"I guess he isn't that bad," she admitted though she wasn't fully convinced.
"Of course he isn't!" You insisted. "He's always taking one for the class. Plus, it was also him and Isogai who held Karma down so that he wouldn't attack Nagisa."
Nakamura remained silent for a few seconds as she pondered on what you had just told her.
"Hmm I'll think about it." She gave you her verdict.
You instantly smiled, hoping that, by focusing her attention on someone else, it would help her move on from Nagisa.
"They're here!" Yada suddenly broke into the classroom, panting and out of breath.
The three of you were quick to shoot up from your chairs and ran to the lake where Karma and Nagisa would be landing. After what seemed like an eternity, the spaceship was finally in sight.
"I'm so glad they're safe." Kayano sighed in relief as you immediately shook your head in agreement.
"Ah I see," Nakamura smirked, "the damsels are waiting for their knights."
Once the spaceship had safely landed and cooled down a little bit, the door opened and the two boys soon stepped outside. The whole class immediately erupted in cheers, ecstatic at the success of the mission.
You, on the other hand, smiled widely and sprinted over to the two boys. You didn't care that the spaceship had landed in the middle of the lake, you didn't care that you were dirtying your uniform. You were just glad that they were safe and sound.
You forcefully crashed against the two boys and pulled them into a tight hug.
"We missed you too (Y/N)-chan." Nagisa smiled as the three of you pulled apart.
"Nagisa!" You then heard Kayano call, quickly making her way towards the blue-haired boy.
Since Nagisa was too busy being interrogated by Kayano and Nakamura, you decided to focus your attention on Karma.
"I missed you." You brought him in for another hug, your hands travelling over to his head as you began playing with his red locks.
"Aww you're so cute when you're worried," Karma teasingly poked your cheek.
You simply rolled your eyes though you couldn't fight back a relieved smile.
"By the way," you pulled apart. "The whole class now knows we're dating. You can thank Koro-sensei." You shot your nosy teacher a murderous glare which he responded to by flashing a nervous smile. Had he really been spying on the two of you right now?
"Why doesn't it surprise me." Karma rolled his eyes. "Couldn't expect much from such a meddling octopus." He raised his voice so he could hear it and playfully stuck his tongue out.
"So how was it?" You changed the topic and ignored your teacher's shrieks and whines as he begged for forgiveness.
"Heh, Nagisa nearly pissed his pants." Karma grinned from ear to ear.
"Karma!" The blue-haired boy's face turned red in embarrassment. "You promised you wouldn't tell anyone!"
_________________________
"(Y/N) honey." Your mother sent you a soft smile which took you aback.
For today's dinner, it seemed like she had decided to go for her warm and loving persona...
"Yes?" You reluctantly lifted your gaze from the plate, having no interest in the conversation.
"So, I've been talking to my co-worker and he told me that casting will start soon." She smiled, ignoring your lack of enthusiasm.
"Casting?" You frowned. "I didn't sign up for any of that."
"Of course you did."
"No. I didn't." You said through gritted teeth, quite annoyed that she kept insisting.
"(Y/N), this isn't up for debate." She flashed you a creepy smile.
"But I already told you I don't want to be an actress." You retorted.
"What did I just say (Y/N)?" Her smile fell, clearly not enjoying the fact that you were going against her.
Your eyes narrowed. Was she really not going to consider your feelings? Was she back to puppeteering your life?
Honestly, even though the thing you wanted most was for your parents to change for the better, excusing their mood swings and behaviour was getting more and more exhausting. You were getting tired of always being pushed around just because they were incapable of solving their own issues.
"Mother, I don't want to be an actress." You stood up from the dining table. "You can't make me be something I don't want to."
Your voice was firm, your eyes locking with your mother's as you gathered all your courage and confidence to stand up to her.
A year ago, you would have agreed without complaining because you believed that by doing so, you would appease your parents and you could be a family. But after what had happened with Akiro, after everything you went through with Kaori, Karma and the end class, you had now realized that you couldn't keep on living with that mentality because you would eventually burn out. It was time for you to start doing things for yourself and that was something your parents had to understand if you really were to become a true family.
"Stop talking nonsense and sit down (Y/N)." Your mother's nails dug into the table.
"Hanami, just stop," your father sighed at her insistence, his voice tired, as if he were already bored with the whole situation. "She clearly doesn't want to be an actress."
You felt the temperature in the room dropping drastically as your mother murderously glared at your father.
"What. Are. You. Doing?" She seethed, dragging along each word. "Rui, this doesn't concern you."
Your father frowned at her remark, his lips pressing tightly together as he stared at your mother.
"(Y/N)," he said, "go to your room."
"But-" you were about to complain.
"Don't make me repeat myself." His blood red eyes locked with yours, making you obediently nod your head and comply.
You were about to do as you were told but just as you were going up the stairs, you stopped yourself. What was going on?
You bit your bottom lip and after debating for a few seconds, you decided to listen in on their conversation. You knew it wasn't right to eavesdrop but you couldn't help it.
"You know Hanami? Maybe I would've gotten more involved in (Y/N)'s life if you weren't so overbearing," your father said, his expression going back to his usual poker face.
"Are you saying I'm controlling?" Your mother's eyes narrowed, her tone dripping in venom as you gulped at the intensity. There was just so much tension...
"I'm just saying you should stop trying to control her every move." He shrugged casually.
"Oh please," she scoffed, "as if you're any different."
"Really?" He chuckled humourlessly.
"Yes," she replied, her tone ice cold.
"Do you know why I'm starting to pay more attention to her?" Your father then raised an eyebrow as you leaned in to get a better view, curiosity burning inside you.
"Why?" Her jaw clenched tightly.
"I realized I had been mistaken all along." He casually shrugged his shoulders, his statement surprising you. Was he really going to own up to his mistakes?
"Oh really?" Your mother scoffed. "Well that's a surprise."
"Indeed," he replied, not caring that she was saying it sarcastically. "I realized I should've been more present in (Y/N)'s upbringing."
Your heart was beating faster than ever as an unexpected warmth burned inside you. Could this be it? Was your father actually changing for the better? Could you finally be a family?!
"At least you're recognising it now." Your mother's brow furrowed in displeasure.
"Anyways," he simply ignored her comment and continued his speech, "I've now realized I should've gotten more involved in our daughter's education." He paused, "because it's pretty clear you haven't exactly done a good job."
You gasped in shock but were quick to cover your mouth with your hand, not wanting to give yourself away. Luckily, your parents were too caught up in their argument to even notice.
You watched as your mother's jaw clenched, her eyes filled with only hatred and fury towards him. You gulped. You could only wish she wouldn't explode. You really didn't want them to argue. Not when your father finally seemed to realize his past mistakes.
"I don't know what you've taught her but from what I've seen, you've been quite lenient. Did you never teach her proper manners?"
Your whole body froze, your heart seeming to stop as you took in his words and realized where this was going.
"It's no wonder she ended up in the end class with those delinquents," he continued.
A smirk played along the corners of his lips, fully aware of the fact that this last remark had successfully hit a nerve since your mother's expression turned more and more sour.
"And you never taught her not to talk back? To respect authority?" He raised an eyebrow. "It's a pity because, with proper guidance, she could've gone so far."
"You're insulting my parenting?" Your mother chuckled dryly.
"Of course not my love." He shook his head. "I just think that, from now on, it's best if I'm in charge of her education."
You unconsciously took a few steps back, your body trembling as you realized the implications of your father taking you under his wing.
"Well forget about it," your mother growled. "I'm (Y/N)'s mother and I say what's best for her."
You couldn't help but sigh in relief. In fact, you had never been more happy to hear her say those words. Even though you knew she was far from perfect, at least she seemed willing to defend you and was actually looking out for you right now.
"Really?" Your father arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms against his chest
"Yes," she seethed. "You don't get a say in her future so you can start forgetting whatever you have planned for her."
"Hmm... then why don't we just ask her?" He suddenly proposed and smiled darkly.
A lump formed in your throat. Your father had both you and your mother cornered. He knew you would refuse which would subsequently settle their argument. And even if you did accept, what good could it be if you weren't going to be happy? So right now, whatever you said would leave your mother with no say in the matter and your father with the upper hand...
(L/N) Rui definitely knew how to exploit every situation to his advantage...
"Why don't we ask (Y/N) what she wants to be?" He insisted.
"There's no need for that." Your mother's eyes narrowed. "(Y/N) is going to be an actress."
"Well, I don't agree." Your father's eyebrows furrowed. "I think she should consider becoming a doctor. It is a well-rounded job that will turn her into a very cultivated and admired woman. Not just some common entertainer with barely any culture."
"(Y/N) is going to be an actress," she repeated the words very slowly, "and that's final."
Her words kept ringing inside your head as your whole world began to fall apart, crushing any little hope you had left.
"So she's going to be some circus freak?" Your father scoffed in disdain. "Sorry to disappoint you dear but I'm her father and I also have a say in this."
"Oh, so now you're taking up that role," she snorted.
"I find it necessary," he simply replied. "As I said before, you haven't been doing a good job raising her."
"Well you haven't been the best guidance to Akiro either, have you?" Your mother smirked, your father's smile falling immediately upon hearing his name.
"I mentored Akiro as I saw fit." His voice was low and so intimidating that it made your hair stand on end. "Ever since elementary school, Akiro has been at the top of his class. In fact, he was such an exceptional student that he skipped a grade." Your father smiled in superiority. "And what have you accomplished?"
Your mother's mouth was set into a sharp line as she continued glaring at your father. After a few seconds, she spoke up, ready to counter-attack.
"(Y/N) has filmed a movie. Not that you would be aware of. You never paid any attention to her." A victorious smile tugged at the corners of her lips upon seeing your father's frown.
"Oh," he finally said after a brief pause, a small smirk present on his face. "So that's how it's going to be?"
Your mother didn't say anything, her eyebrows knitting together as her eyes never left your father's figure.
"You know? It's ironic how you're making me the villain here," he laughed humourlessly, "when you've never paid any attention to Akiro either."
"I do pay attention to my son," your mother said through gritted teeth.
"Well you sure have a strange way of showing it," he snorted.
This seemed to trigger something in your mother, the crease in her forehead deepening as her whole demeanour changed.
"Of course Akiro would leave with a father like you."
A wave of sadness flashed through your father's blood red eyes. But just like that time at the hospital, it was so brief it went nearly unnoticed. Instead, his usual unemotional and unbothered expression now contorted into one full of anger and outrage as he began to raise his voice.
"I did not push away my own son." The argument got more and more heated. "It was you Hanami! It was you who pushed him away!" He exploded. "You never paid attention to him, you never cared for him, did you?!"
His sudden yell startled you. You had never seen him lose control before.
"How dare you say those things?!" Your mother screamed. "How dare you accuse me of not loving my own son!?"
"Because it's the truth, Hanami!" He yelled back. "No wonder Akiro left with such a mother like you!"
"If it's my fault, then why isn't he returning your calls?!" She snapped, your father's eyes widening slightly, as if he wasn't expecting your mother to know about that. "If you've been such a wonderful father then why do you still not know where he is?!"
"Maybe because he doesn't want to associate himself with you!" Your father replied, his frown more and more prominent. "Maybe he doesn't want to associate himself with the mother who never loved him!"
"You never loved (Y/N) either," she screamed. "So no. You don't have a say in her future, understood?"
Their eyes were full of hatred as a deafening silence settled upon the room.
"(Y/N) is going to become an actress," your mother declared. "Whether she likes it or not."
A/N: Their 'love' for their children is kinda... twisted and toxic... :/
At least Reader now knows the truth :)
Anyways, "Empty Promises" finally reached Part 2: Adulthood and the first chapter has already been updated, hope you guys like it!
Also, I've started school a few days ago and it's already getting quite demanding so updates may be a little irregular from now on (though I'll try my best)
Have a wonderful day wherever you are!!