I R O H A I N U K A I
犬飼 彩葉
student no. 29
Winter was cold and gloomy, practically fitting for what happened after that night. But for once, his presence managed to get my mind off such things.
When Korosensei told us about his past, I never expected that (1) I'd be able to relate so much, (2) that it'd have this much of an impact and (3) that Karma wouldn't leave my side until I was all better.
As a result, the redhead stayed with me for nearly the entire winter break. He made sure that I was alright, as if I were so fragile that I'd break down any second.
Just his mere presence was enough to lighten the mood even just a bit.
After all, the experience had been pretty hectic. On the first night, when we couldn't even decide who'd take the bed or the couch, it was then that we realized that we clearly didn't think it through.
It was pretty funny, how I had to call Hiyori in order to figure out where that extra futon was. And there was also the fact that she gleefully told me that she was glad when I told her about my friend staying over, not mentioning that this friend just happened to be a guy as well as the person I was dating.
Karma had no qualms about it. With my guardian away, and his parents elsewhere, knowing that we'd both be home alone, we decided to sleep over for a couple of days during the holidays.
"It's to keep the pests away" he even mentioned, pertaining to Ishikawa who used to come over all the time.
And with the thought that it might as well be the last holiday we'd spent together, I appreciated it a lot. Even if it did mean having our friendly banters 24/7.
"Heh~ Who knew you could actually be a decent cook" he remarked when we were having dinner.
"You really adore picking fights don't you?" I retorted, quite annoyed by the fact that I just followed his recipe.
"Your welcome" he smiled teasingly.
"Just wait 'till I beat you at the next round, I'll make sure that you'll be cooking dinner tomorrow" I huffed.
"Okay, it's our last night together after all".
"Ugh" I sighed. "Are you really going to let me starve?".
"You'll be with your folks', I highly doubt they'd let you starve" he scoffed.
"Whatever" I rolled my eyes at him before changing the subject. "So, what do you wanna do tomorrow?".
"You mean for Christmas?" he raised an eyebrow.
"I mean for your birthday, dumbass" I told him. "Don't tell me you forgot?".
"You talk as if I'm stupider than you are, Iroha. If I recall correctly, you're the one who's read a book upside down---"
"You still remember that?" I deadpanned.
"Of course~" he smirked. "Well, for tomorrow, how 'bout we record you saying---".
"Movie it is then" I cut him off.
"I can beat you at the arcade afterwards" he added.
"Right" I looked at him and stuck my tongue out, "As if I'd let that happen".
✖︎︎●✖︎
I looked up towards the star-filled sky that resonated with all the Christmas lights and decors around town. It truly did give of a rather Christmasy vibe. With all the couples around that is.
Karma and I weren't much of the PDA type though, so I highly believed it looked like he was dragging me by the arm.
After couple of games and a tie between, us we decided to settle things at home. I shivered right when we exited the arcade, watching the snow pile at the ground.
Of all nights, it just had to be a white Christmas.
"I bet you want to go home and sleep the rest of the night" Karma guessed my thoughts.
"Eh, but it's your birthday. I don't really mind" I said.
"Hm?~ What's this? Are you actually trying to be a good girlfriend?~"
"Ha? I've always been a good girl---" I was about to retort, before he placed a scarf around me. "What's this?".
"Your Christmas present" he answered nonchalantly, avoiding eye contact. "I made sure that it was fluffy as fuck, or however you said it".
"Heh~ Now who's the sweet one?" I teased him, knowing just how he's always hiding his embarrassment.
"Though, I do have your birthday and Christmas gift at my apartment, so we should probably head back" I added.
"I still have to make dinner, huh?" He sighed, "Damn, I want something warm".
"Hm, how 'bout hot pot?" I asked.
"You don't even have one" he countered.
"Then some Ramen" I retorted.
"We might as well eat out then".
"Eh? Fine by me. Your gifts could wait".
"What happened to doing what I wanted to do?".
I chuckled and gave him a sheepish smile, "Then we eat out and go back home".
"I swear---" he trailed off right before my phone buzzed.
– – –
From: Okaa-san
Subject: Merry Christmas
Hey, hun. It's been awhile but I was finally able to spare some time to greet you a Merry Christmas. Sorry I couldn't call. Your father and I are busier than ever but we managed to clear up our schedule in the New Years. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
– – –
I sighed, Karma peering from behind me.
"I guess they're really looking forward to seeing you" he told me. "Isn't that nice?~".
"I bet Dad isn't though. More like, I don't feel like seeing them..." I admitted, before feeling his hand on my head.
"Think of it this way, when I'll come to you immediately" he said. "If you beg, at least".
"Way to ruin it" I hit his arm softly.
"I'll head to your place after the New Year's then" Karma assured me.
"What is it this time, I admit defeat?" I cocked a brow.
"Well, we can work on that" he remarked.
I hit him harder.
"Ow~ Iroha-chan, that's domestic violence" he feigned hurt, smirking at me.
"You better work on your personality, this new year, Bakabane".