~To The Story~
"Ah-- Sorry, sorry!!"
Karma blinked a couple of times, halting straight in his tracks before you came running into him. The redhead was casually walking down the hallway at school, but his path was quickly cut off when he turned the corner and almost collided himself with you due to your running.
You had a mini heart attack when you almost ran into him. And from that split second, your eyes were met with a pair of mercury irises. It was the very first time the two of you made direct eye contact. However, since you were going through a lot during those times and had a billion things going through your head right now, it didn't take you long to forget Karma's face.
The two of you were once strangers, and neither of you was aware of the relationship the two of you will develop in the near future.
"B-bye! Sorry again!" You ran past him, with a sloppy wave, looking like you were in a hurry which didn't leave any room for Karma to say anything back to you.
Karma quietly glanced at you running off before shrugging and continuing his walk, internally glad that you didn't try to strike up a conversation with him.
That short interaction happened around second year. Thinking back to those days, Karma would sometimes wonder what would have happened if he tried to befriend back then. Would your first and second years of junior high have been easier? Would have he comforted you that day he caught you crying alone?
If only he didn't just see you as the school's idol alone. You were a normal girl which he learned in third year. You get stressed when it came to school work, you loved hanging out with your friends, you had such a love for sweets and desserts, and you had a lot of family problems.
It did take Karma some time for him to fully understand who the real you are. A sweet, naive and innocent girl who he ended up falling in love with and cherishes the memories he made with you this one year and wished for more.
A large, decorated room. Bright lights, people dressed in their very best for this event and blending perfectly well for the gala.
Karma was not used to this. Social events were never really his cup of tea. If he's being honest, he would admit that he feels out of place. In fact, he has told you that he would feel out of place when you invited him to come to this gala, but all he received from you was a cute giggle and telling him that he'll be fine.
Yes, as long as you were with him he will be fine. But, right at this moment, you weren't. Nope, just a few minutes ago you left him just to briefly talk to your parents at another table while he sits alone to wait for you. Well, he wasn't completely alone. Asano was sitting at the same table as him.
The tension used to describe the two isn't awkward. Which would be appropriate at a time like this. Considering the boy was your now current boyfriend while the other one was your ex-boyfriend and not to mention former fiance. But, no it wasn't awkward, it was more like a hostel atmosphere.
"Just to make things clear, I don't plan on becoming all buddy-buddy with you," Karma said plainly, arms folded on the table. Every now and then he would take glances at you so he can admire how adorable you look dressed up in a kimono and what added to the appearance was the ordainment on your hair. If it was just the two of you in the room, then Karma wouldn't let you leave his grasp.
"The feeling is neutral. Now, could you not talk to me so much."
"Wow, petty aren't you?"
Asano threw him a glare. "You literally stole my fiancee from me."
"Don't you mean ex?" Karma corrected. Asano twitched an eyebrow at Karma's lame way to correct him. "I don't want to be those kinds of people but... ya know."
Asano's glared deepened.
"Okay, okay, I get it, you have every right to hate me. If it wasn't for me, (y/n)-chan would still be engaged to you. And I'll admit, I did make some moves on her even after she told me about the arranged marriage. I would say I'm sorry... but really, I'm not."
It's no surprise that Karma wasn't sorry for meddling in your relationship with Asano. The strawberry blond was not his friend, so there was no reason for him to not continue to see you. Karma feels that his actions are justified because you were forced to be with Asano.
"Whether you are sorry or not, it doesn't make a difference to me." Asano's tone was sharp but remained in control. "I'm only putting up with you for (y/n)'s sake. And for her sake, I hope you haven't gotten her involved with one of your shenanigans or fights."
"You think I'm idiot--"
"--Yes."
Karma glared at him but went on to what he was about to say. "Of course I haven't gotten my princess involved with anything of the sort. Those fights are for my own personal fun time."
"I would appreciate it if you didn't use that ridiculous pet name in front of me."
"You're just jealous cuz you can't call her that~" Karma remarked smugly. "Well, I suppose you can but she might find it awkward."
Asano had already told him himself that he accepted the reality of you being in love with Karma for a while now, but that didn't make dealing with Karma any less painful.
"How on earth did her parents-- the same parents who keep her sheltered-- agree to let you see her?"
"Parents just love me," Karma said with a smirk.
The I'm-not-buying-that-bull-shit look was clear on Asano's face.
Karma snickered. "Yeah, that might be a bit of a stretch. Not only did I pull out the good well behaved boy card on them, I told them that I was the one who stopped a certain stalker from harassing the school's idol."
Asano gave him a suspicious glare. "You're lying."
"I'm not," Karma confirmed. "Go ask (y/n). It's not enough to get them to completely adore me like they do with you, but, whatever." The redhead shrugged.
Okay, Asano figured Karma isn't lying nor did he think he had a reason to be lying, especially since he knows the stalking incident is a very sensitive topic for you.
"Ah, I see." Asano nodded his head, finding himself grateful for Karma's action. He remembered how stressed you were for that entire month and how scared you looked whenever he visited you at the hospital.
Before anything other words were exchanged between the two rivals, you came back from talking to your parents.
"I swear, sometimes I get the feeling my parents only adopted me as a trophy daughter." You muttered annoyingly, taking the empty seat that was in between Asano and Karma. "What were the two of you talking about?" You asked with a smile, unaware of the tension that was going on.
"Nothing." The two boys said at the same time.
You blinked and glanced at the two boys. "...alright?" You softly cleared your throat. You then felt Karma grab your hand from the other table.
"Is anything exciting gonna happen?" Karma asked in an almost drawled-out tone.
Karma's appearance alone did make him blend in well with this sort of crowd, and that is thanks to the tuxedo he was wearing, but his attitude and boredom were something different.
"Speaking from experience, no..." You said sheepishly, feeling bad that he's bored because you understood. "But the food is supposed to be good."
"The fact that you've never been to any kind of social event doesn't surprise," Asano commented.
"And the fact that (y/n)-chan dumped you for me doesn't surprise me or anyone."
"Karma... could you like... not!" You shook your head.
"Ha, oops!" Karma put on an innocent smile. "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes, you did." You sighed.
In the past, you would have been more stressed, and anxious about those two being in the same room together with you, but after some feelings were resolved, and time has passed, those nerves soon started to ebb away. As long as the two boys are reminded that they shouldn't get violent. Making fun of each other is fine, however, but only in a friendly matter where it doesn't escalate into anything bad.
"You guys are going to the same school, you might as well learn to tolerate each other's presence," you said, keeping calm. "I don't want any more drama."
"No need to worry, we're getting along just fine~ but if mister-big-shot here starts to act like a jealous ass, then I can't be held responsible for his immature actions"
Asano scoffed, "yes, I'm the immature one."
"You're both immature, geez." You jeered. "Can you both at least pretend to get along in front of me?"
"Right, sorry." Both, Asano and Karma said at the same time, feeling like they got guilt-tripped from you.
"And don't take Karma's teasing to heart. That's just how he is. Please make sure you keep him out of trouble in high school." You patted Karma's head with your free hand.
"You're making him my babysitter?" Karma was not hiding the fact he was displeased with that.
"Yes," you said with no shame.
"The best I can do is make sure he doesn't get expelled," said Asano, thinking he shouldn't bother arguing with you after everything he put you through.
Karma was gonna make some kind of witty remark but didn't when he felt his phone buzz. He internally questions why someone is calling him. His friends know that he's at the gala with you. And it couldn't be his parents caused they just called him a while ago.
Questioning wasn't going to solve anything, so took his phone out and saw that it was Nakamura texting him.
Nakamura: KARMAAA, (y/n)-chan isn't answering my text, so I'll just have to settle with you. Be sure to pass on the message to her. Yeah, I get you guys are at the gala, but that doesn't mean you guys can ignore me!
Nakamura: So I'm texting you because I know you always have your phone handy in case you want to take a photo for blackmail. Oh yeah, why am texting you? Well some of us decided to set up some fireworks at the park. Wanna join?
To pass on the message, Karma nudged you to get your attention and showed you the screen.
Once reading the first message, you suddenly remembered that you didn't bring your phone with you. "Tell her we'll be there." You said to Karma, thinking hanging out with your friends will be nice.
"Alright," said Karma, replying to the text message. "Anyway, I have to hit the restroom, while I'm gone, I would like it if you don't on my girlfriend." The delinquent stared straight into Asano to which the strawberry blonde just rolled his eyes.
"Karma... please," you slumped your shoulders. Karma just grinned cheekily at you before getting up to his feet and left. Despite Karma's teasing, you were glad he seems to be okay now with leaving you alone with Asano.
"Honestly, I don't think I'll ever understand as to what you see in him. Nor how you put up with him," Asano shook his head.
"I went out with you didn't I?" You grinned.
"Oh, haha." Asano drawled out, giving you a disapproved look.
You chuckled at his reaction. "Seriously though, I'm quite used to his antics, just like he's used to mine. Although, in the beginning when we first met, it did feel like I was putting up with him."
"Yeah?"
Silence was followed.
"You okay?" Your eyes glazed over him. "... I-I mean, I probably should have told you I was bringing Karma as my date. So I don't blame you if you find this... awkward."
"Awkward? Mh." He glanced to the side, pursing his lips for a moment. "Maybe at first, but I'm fine now. Plus, I kinda had the feeling you were going to invite him. So, I was mentally prepared, although I don't think I can say the same for your parents,"
"Ah, yeah. Whether they get used to him or not, doesn't really matter. The main thing is that I don't have to hide him anymore. But Karma still puts up a good boy act in front of my parents."
"... And it's working?"
You shrugged, "for the most part, yes. He's pretty good at pretending to be a model person."
"Yet he can't be like that during school hours," the strawberry blonde sighed.
"According to him, it's too much work playing the good boy act." You chuckled.
Asano could see Karma saying something like that. He concluded that Karma is only putting up that sort of act for you, and only you.
"He's actually quite the softy when he wants to be."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"Anyway," you said, thinking it would be best to not talk about Karma in front of him. "How are you getting along with your dad?"
"We're fine... although, he has turned quite the doting parent," Asano mumbled annoyingly.
You laughed. "That's adorable."
"It is not." Asano couldn't stress his words enough. "What is wrong with you?"
"Aw, don't be like that. I think it's great that you guys are getting along."
"Still, if you were to speak to my father, could you not talk about me?" Asano asked with a hint of stress.
"Hm," you smiled amusingly. "Maybe~?"
"Wow." Asano did not mirror your amusement to which you laughed. He was a little annoyed at your choice but decided to let you be and continue to tease him. It has been a while since the last time the two of you spoke like this.
And to you, it felt good to talk to Asano as a friend again.
On time, you and Karma arrived at the park. It was the same park where you confessed to Karma and the first time you guys hugged. The park was empty, so you guys decided to wait for everyone else to show up. By doing so, you and Karma sat down at a patch of grass.
The gala ended not too long ago and the first thing you and Karma did was head to the park. Overall, the gala was fun, you spent most of your time with Asano and Karma.
"I think we came a little too early." You adjusted the blazer that Karma draped over you to keep you warm.
"That's fine, we can be alone then," Karma smiled at you. His tie was loose as well as the white shirt.
Cheeks clouded in the colour pink, you nodded your head, liking the idea of being alone with Karma for a while. The two of you were barely alone at the gala. You were under the eyes of your folks and Asano's so privacy was what the two of you needed at the moment.
"But Geeeez~ that sure was boring." Karma drawled out, tilting his head back in a sluggish matter. "I would have had a lot more fun if you let me put some wasabi on Asano's meal."
"I told you before we got there; no pranks allowed." You said strictly.
"Could you have made an exception?"
"No."
From that, Karma frowned. You simply smiled at him before cupping his cheeks to bring him closer to your face.
"I appreciate you coming, though," you said, graciously, then pressed your lips on his giving him a sweet kiss that made his head spin with pleasure. "I had fun 'cause you were there."
Karma gave you his most genuine smile that will always make your heart race. You felt him tenderly tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, and then put an arm around you and bring you closer to him.
The peaceful silence overtook the two of you. The only thing the two of you did was watch the crescent moon that still shone bright white into the sky. Because the moon had become more and more unstable this past year with a huge chunk of it being blown up and whatnot, visible parts of it were being broken off.
You wonder if he's watching over everyone right now... wherever the afterlife is.
"I miss him."
"I know you do." Karma gently stroked your cheek. "I do too. Now don't cry anymore, otherwise, he won't be able to rest in peace."
You only nodded at him with a smile.
"Right, sorry."
The pain of losing Koro-sensei hasn't wavered in anyone's heart. However, you don't have to go through the experience alone. You had your boyfriend and friends to help you along the way.
"We'll wait five more minutes for them," Karma suddenly announced.
"What if they show up once we're gone?"
"It's their fault for taking too long," was Karma's argument. "Plus it's kinda chilly out tonight. We can head to my place if you want."
"But I told my parents we were going to the park."
Karma had such a mundane expression on him for your words. "Really? You're gonna start being honest with them again? They still think you're a virgin."
"K-Karma!!" Your face turned scarlet to which Karma was hoping to get out of when he made that comment. "I-I thought I told you not to talk about it out loud!"
"I'm only speaking the truth."
"You just wanted to get me flustered!" You accused him.
Karma rolled his eyes. "Duh." He pulled you closer to kiss your forehead and kept his hand around your shoulder. "Speaking of getting you flustered, I have to say you look breathtaking in that outfit."
The butterflies began flying around your stomach from that comment alone. You were hoping he would comment on your appearance at least once tonight.
You giggled. "Thanks. I wanted to look nice for you."
"You always look nice though."
Just a second ago he was saying things that would get you embarrassed, but now he was being smooth. You shyly averted your gaze from Karma, all while blushing and a ghostly smile.
"Ow!" Karma suddenly cried out when he felt someone from behind kick him. Both of you turning around to see Nakamura was the one responsible for kicking your boyfriend.
"Alright kids, relax, this isn't a love hotel. So you," Nakamura narrowed her blue eyes at the redhead. "Control yourself."
"Nakamura-chan..." You mumbled embarrassingly while Karma sent her a glare.
It was then Kayano appeared behind her, grabbed her shoulders and pushed her to walk past you and Karma. "Keep walking."
"We brought the fireworks," Nagisa announced, trying to brush off Nakamura's previous comment and walking over to the open space of the park with everyone who has shown up.
"Everyone else will be here soon," Sugino said.
"We would have been here sooner, but someone," Nakamura threw a glare at Terasaka. "Lost the lighter."
"You made us stop to get snacks," was Terasaka's argument. "Finding the lighter didn't take us long."
"There better be something sweet!" You called out. Terasaka huffed some air in annoyance that no one is listening to him to which Itona told him to forget about it.
"Uh..." Nagisa checked inside of the white bag, "I think we got something for you... Ah," the blue-haired boy took out your favourite snack/candy and tossed it to you. "Catch!"
"Yeah, thank you!" You said happily once you caught it.
"Ah, (y/n), that's really pretty ordainment." Kayano crouched down right next to you, admiring the accessory on your hair.
"Thanks, it was a Christmas present. But, it's pretty heavy," you smiled sheepishly, before taking it off and then placing it on the girl's head. "You can wear it for now."
"Are you helping pudding lover over here impress Nagisa?"
"You zip it!!" The green hair girl hissed at Karma.
To keep Karma quiet when you noticed Nagisa's curious glance you plopped a piece of candy into his mouth. Kayano sent Karma a 'you better keep your mouth shut' look before walking to where Nakamura is to get some snacks. Karma stuck his tongue at her when she wasn't looking.
"She can't take a joke, can she?"
"Not if it's about spilling her secret," you scold him quietly.
"I wasn't, relax~"
You found yourself frowning at him, but then your face softened at his usual carefree attitude and smile. Your eyes then wandered towards your friends; seeing Terasaka and Itona trying to take out all of the fireworks from the bag and Nakamura annoying Terasaka for who knows what. Sugino and Nagisa were picking out their snacks from the bag with Kayano.
Has it really been a year? You remember being in this same park feeling lonely and crummy. But now, here you are, one year later, surrounded by amazing and wonderful people you wouldn't trade in for anything. It's crazy to think that a lot has happened since coming to class 3-E, goods and bad. But you wouldn't have it any other way.
'Thank you for this one year, Koro-sensei.'
~End Of Chapter~
How Asano and the reader actually became friends.
Asano:...
(y/n):....
Asano:....wanna talk about how terrible our parents are?
(y/n): Sure.