Akari

Yesterday was the worst day of my life. It was a disaster.

The entire apartment's water supply was cut off due to some unforeseen circumstances. The shortage will last for a week until the repairs are done. Without any water, wouldn't you call it a disaster as well? How am I going to live for a week?! Thankfully, there was a solution.

I have to... I have to... LIVE WITH KARMA FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK?!

"You don't have much of a choice," he said. "Considering how important water is to people nowadays," he said. "And since I'm the closest to your apartment, I am the perfect choice," he said. "I think Rio and Megu went on a trip so you can't stay over with them," he said. "So you have to live with me for a week! Isn't it exciting!" he concluded.

I begin to suspect if Karma is behind all this to get me live with him.

"There are conditions of course. Since my parents aren't around, you have to wake me up and make me breakfast. I want sunny-side-up eggs. And also... a morning kiss is enough to wake me up," said Karma as he snickered devilishly.

Damn you Akabane. You are definitely behind all this. I'm going to report you to the police!

*****

Day 1

Karma leads me through his house. It is a simple double-storey Semi-D but only affordable by those who are richer than average. Its exterior is painted in a dull shade of gray and white with a modern design, unbefitting to Karma's burning personality. On the inside, it looks simple as well, lacking of any extravagant decorations but has everything essential. It has a British-style living room larger than my own apartment, with a few colourful statues of elephants and Hindu gods, probably his parents' trinkets. I carefully ascend the flight of stairs while the coolness of the marble floor kisses my feet.

"I would love to have you sleep with me in my room," Karma says as he opens the door to one room. "But I don't want to be assaulted at night. So you'll sleep here. Don't bother locking though. I have the key."

So who sounds more like the one who'd assault people in their sleep?

My room has a simple design. The window lets in enough sunlight to illuminate the room. There is a dresser to my left and a cupboard to my right. A few steps and I'll reach the bed. I drop my luggage to the floor and sprawl across the bed.

"The bathroom is next to your room. Mine is across the corridor. So if you in need of someone to comfort you at night, I'll be of your assistance," Karma explains. "When you're cooking breakfast, don't burn down the house."

I glare. "Since when I decided to make breakfast for you?"

Horns pop up on his head as he approaches me. I make a run for it but he grabs my hand and pulls me backward. Then with his strong limbs he pins me to the bed, his face inches from mine. I blush as his breath tickles my face.

"I have plenty of ways to make you comply. And don't forget, you're in my house," Karma blackmails me with ease. "There is no escape."

What did I get myself into.

"Get off!" I shout. My blush burns my face badly.

"I don't wanna~ It's been so long since we get to be alone with each other~"

"AKABANE KARMA!"

He laughs as he stands. "You're just so cute. I'll make dinner."

I lie on the bed as the blush refuses to ebb. I am really staying with him the whole week. It sounds scary-Megu will kill me for this-but I feel irrefutably happy. I get to stay with him for the week!

*****

Day 2

The stupid alarm that idiot sets for me wakes me up at 7 in the morning. 7! It's summer! I'm supposed to sleep till 9! Unwillingly I drag myself off the bed, clean myself and stomp down the stairs deliberately to wake him up. But he is still soundly asleep.

"Perfect eggs..." I mutter. "I can't do perfect sunny-side-ups!" I drag my legs to the kitchen. It is huge, fully equipped with the state-of-the-art refrigerator, oven, microwave, stoves, etc. I open the fridge and a cool wave kisses me. The fridge is also replenished with fresh food-vegetables, protein, fruits, and snacks-chocolate, candies, juices. Karma's parents filled it up to make sure their dear son doesn't starve for the entire week.

I take eggs, ham, bacon and some fresh oranges. I place the skillet over the stove and heat it up with some oil. Then I begin the arduous task of getting perfect eggs. Damn you, Karma. Honestly, sunny-side-ups aren't in my list of favourite things because I fail every single time. It's either the yolk burst or the egg was overcooked.

Well, but for Karma's sake, I'll do it!

I crack open the egg and its contents slowly flow to the skillet. Perfect egg perfect egg prefect egg! I chant. Yes, that's it! That's-Oh hell no the yolk exploded!

I'll... I'll take that egg for myself.

Second try: Yes, cracked perfectly. Slowly pour it down... yes! Perfect yolk! Wait for a while... Take it up slowly and put it on the pla-damn it exploded again!

Looks like this is mine too... Why do I have the feeling I'll be having plenty of eggs for breakfast today?

Third try: You better not fail me this time, egg! Cracked open it, poured it down, let it cook... hmm... how many oranges I need for juice? One, two, three-No! The egg! It's overcooked! DAMN IT!

Adding another egg to my breakfast... I hate myself.

Fourth try: Fourth times the charm? Come on, don't disappoint me, egg! Focus, Akari, focus! ... And it's done! Lift it up slowly... Perfect! Yes!

I laugh happily. One egg is enough for him. I'm not going through that again.

Next, I sauté the ham and bacon. They look mouthwatering with all their juicy fat. I needa write them down for my next shopping list. I peel off the oranges and place piece by piece into the blender. Add in a minimal amount of sugar... Voila! The entire breakfast set is done! Bon apetit!

It's already 8 in the morning when I'm done. I stomp my way up the stairs, failing to wake that idiot. I crack my knuckles. "Time for a good ol' wake-up call you'll never forget." I mutter. Then with all my might I kick open the door, causing a loud ruckus echoing in the empty house. "GET UP YOU LOUSY REDHEAD!"

However, Karma is unperturbed by the loud noise. He sleeps on his bed peacefully, his body flipped over with his face planted on the pillow. With slight movements his arms hug the pillow and he sniffs it as if it is his heaven. I glare at him, stepping in to throw him off the bed.

"Akari..." he mutters abruptly. I freeze. Is he sleep-talking? "Akari-chan..."

I blush. Karma's thinking of me in his sleep? Is he seeing me in his dreams?

"Akari-chan, you're so soft..." Karma continues as he hugs the pillow tighter and caresses it. He buries his face deeper into it. Then he kisses it. "Let me hold you longer..."

So now the pillow is me thanks to your perverted dreams.

A surge of anger courses through my veins. Despite looking so cute and vulnerable in his sleep, I jerk his ear till his eyes snap open, shrieking in pain. Karma rubs his ear, glares at me. "What the heck?!"

"Oh you're awake," I say, faking a smile to hide my murderous intent. He stiffens. "I was told to wake you up so I did. And I found out you're having such a desirable dream. I wonder what is it about?"

Karma pales. He gulps. "Nothing special..."

"Really?"

He nods sheepishly, averting his eyes from mine.

"Breakfast is ready." I continue faking my smile, while killing him countless times in my mind. "Just so you know, I really hate perverts." I hiss, warning him. He sighs.

I wait for him at the dining table. He comes down minutes later with his hair still messy. Sniffing the scent of breakfast wafting in the air, he looks surprised at the plate of breakfast before him. He stares at it, then at me.

"You made this? Looks nice." He glances at my plate. "Why do you have so many eggs?"

"Eat your breakfast," I demand and dig into mine.

Karma snickers. "Did you fail in making perfect eggs?"

"Shut. Up."

He laughs as he confirms my failure. Taking a sip from his orange juice, he lifts one piece of bacon to my mouth. "Say 'ahh'..."

I zip my mouth and glare at him.

"Come on~ I know you want it."

"We are not some lovey-dovey couple feeding each other food."

"But we are living under the same roof now."

"It's temporary."

"I doubt it."

I grit my teeth. "It's not going to be permanent."

"It's just a matter of time. Maybe you'll decide to move in to my room when this week is over." He smirks as he waves the piece of protein before me.

"I hate you."

"Awww I love you too Akari."

Interpreting hatred as love, you must be getting really good at this. With reluctance I eat the bacon he feeds me. My blush returns to humiliate me.

Karma chuckles when he wins the battle. "Now feed me."

Unwillingly I feed him a piece of bacon and he eats it happily. With a wide grin on his face, he continues eating his food. "You are such a cute tsundere."

"Shut up!"

He laughs.

*****

Day 3

When I have finished the arduous task of preparing eggs for him (and succeeded only at the third try. Improvement? ) I stomp up the stairs again. Even if I'm the one making breakfast, can't he be early and help me out? He's the better cook here!

I kick open his door. "DAMN IT KARMA! WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO BE AWA-" Yet my sentence is cut short because the scene before me is unbelievably stunning.

Karma stands next to his bed, completely awake. Water drips from his wet hair and rolls down his perfectly streamlined torso. A beige towel wrapped around his waist, reaching his knees. His clothes sprawled on the floor messily. Mercury-gold orbs widen in shock while a red hue dyes his pale face.

In short, I am seeing Karma naked with nothing but a towel.

The most common reaction comes knocking at my door-the explosion of red on my face. I cover my eyes and shout furiously. "WHY THE HELL ARE YOU NAKED?!"

"I just took a shower?" Karma replies as if it is the most normal thing in the world.

"T-that d-doesn't mean you can w-waltz around in a t-towel!" I turn my back at him.

"I'm in my room. It's not somewhere public."

Finding my accusations useless and realizing it was my fault without knocking the door first, my legs are set into action to leave. But they paralyze and it takes all of my energy to make a baby step. Seeing him naked is shocking-

...And tempting.

Get those thoughts out of your head, Akari!

But Karma grabs my wrist to prevent my escape. "Living under a roof with me, this is something common. Don't be shy. Since I'm already naked..." Karma whispers into my ears, sending chills down my spine. "Why don't we have some fun now?"

You pervert! "Karma-"

"Just kidding." He spits his tongue. "Wouldn't want you to assault me out of your lust right?"

It dawns on me that despite being a poisonous debater I'm lost at words against Karma.

He lets go of my wrist and closes the door behind me. I wait for him at the table and he appears minutes later. When I see him in a dark blue shirt, I am reminded of his naked torso. I blush and avoid eye contact.

"Pasta and salad? Neat. Oh, my egg. How come you got two? I want another one too. Make me another one please. Ahh... we're having apple juice? Looks tasty." Karma shoots me without leaving a gap for my reply.

I refuse to stare at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bump into you naked..." I mutter, my voice barely audible.

I sense his smirk. "I like you seeing me naked. It tempts you more to confess to me so you can own this perfect body right?" He points to himself.

"Pervert."

He laughs. He hands a piece of lettuce to my mouth. "Open wide~" Reluctantly I eat it. My face heats up with the blush.

"Feed me~" he demands. I comply and feed him pasta.

We are behaving like a couple despite actually being one. Putting aside the awkward incident, living with him is nice. I get to be closer to him. I learn his usual knacks and weird hobbies. He has a set of rare spices from throughout the world tucked safely in the kitchen drawer, treasured as his proud and pride. He must really love cooking. In his room, he has a sack of 'tools': the famous wasabi torture, mustard, ghost peppers, firecrackers, fake cockroach, fake poop, stink pellets of Manami's creations etc-his arsenal for pranking. On his study desk are textbooks he didn't bother to tidy-a sign that he is diligent in studying. On shelves are cooking books, novels and Math reference books. On the top shelve is a recognition award to commend him on his top place in academics during Primary Grade 6. I spot a photo frame on his desk. It is a picture of him and his family: his mother with long red hair and his father with golden eyes. That's probably where he inherited his good looks.

It hit me like a train. I didn't take a picture with Karma before.

Now I feel the urge to take a picture with Karma so that he can keep it in his room and stare at it whenever he misses me. I am placing this wish on top of all my priorities. But knowing how cunning the redhead is, he would set conditions for his own entertainment. Determined, I don't care what difficult conditions he will set. I fish out my phone as I approach him. He stops eating and looks up startled. Pointing my finger at him, I turn up my volume to steel myself. "I want to take a photo with you!"

Karma widens his eyes in surprise. "Oh. Ok."

That was easy. Too easy. I sense some trickery.

He stands next to me, taking my phone and set the camera to selfie mode. I close the gap between our faces. My eyes train on the camera as the screen shows both of our faces. I realize our faces are close enough to touch. I try hard to suppress the blush on my face. Karma lights up a bright smile as he presses the button.

"Again," he demands. Our faces are closer once more. As I wonder should I flash a toothy grin or light up a small smile, Karma presses the shuttle.

It takes me awhile to realize something warm and soft is on my left cheek. It sends jolts of electricity coursing through my body as I indulge into its unexpected warmth. Lasting for only a few seconds, I wish it could stay longer. When the phone replays the photo it dawns on me that the warm and soft object isn't just any object. It's something that belonged to Karma, one of his tools utilized for intimidation.

In short, his lips.

The photo shows clearly his lips are kissing my cheek, him winking at the camera playfully. My look, well, my look is the look of bewilderment as I sunk into my internal dilemma on how to present myself for the next photo. Clearly he has caught me off guard and did what he wanted.

I am blushing now. Okay, I confess, it's not just some blush. It's fuming red like a huge tomato, ready to be pluck for eating. Speechless, I watch as Karma's eyes train on the photo, smiling with pure satisfaction. Then the smile evolves into a smirk as it turns crooked at one corner.

"KARMA!" I finally shout till my lungs explode. "Delete it!" My face is still fuming.

"Nuh-uh," he says and spits his tongue. "It's such a cute candid photo. Geez I am grateful your brain didn't function fast enough to slap me in the face." He presses a few buttons on my phone deftly. "And sent."

The word is sensitive to my entire being. Shocked by Karma's kiss and even horrified by his intention to expose it to the world, I claw at him to retrieve my phone. He adeptly avoids my hands and raises the phone sky-high out of my reach.

Karma laughs at my unfruitful attempts. "Relax. I just sent it to my phone so that I can set it as my home screen wallpaper. I'm not showing the world how cute you are."

"Karma!" The spot where he kissed me feels greasy. "Ewww my cheek smells like pasta!"

"Want me lick it off for you?" He smirks.

I blush. "No!"

"Then next time I'll make sure my lips are clean."

"N-next time?!" The heat residue on my face burns. Catching me off guard with that kiss is by far a good attempt and I admit I like it. But it is too embarrassing and awkward. It's a ruse to make me confess. Yes, it definitely is.

Karma will be teasing me with all his obnoxious acts till I give up.

Oh hell no.

Stubborn girl. Well, enjoy his ceaseless 'affection' unless you confess.

*****

Day 4

I still fail at making perfect eggs.

This morning I decide to cook a different and tastier breakfast according to the cookbooks I 'borrowed' from Karma's room. I'm making French toasts and blueberry pancakes accompanied with Karma's favourite sunny-side-ups. It's too much work but for the sake of Karma's taste buds I have to do it. Think of it as a week's rent. So that he doesn't make any ridiculous demands as payment.

"Flour, I need flour," I say as I search high and low. When I find one, I begin my hunt for the other ingredients: sugar, baking powder etc. The blueberries are fresh from yesterday's shopping. And now I need to hunt for a huge bowl and a beater.

After getting all the ingredients and tools needed, I sift the powdery ingredients and beat eggs and milk in a bowl. Then I mix everything together to form soft dough and fold in the blueberries. And I have to- "Leave it aside for an hour?!" I gape at the words on the book. My stomach growls in protest.

"Fine!" Angrily I curse myself for not reading the entire recipe before I begin. I turn my focus to the French toast. "Gah! This is too much work!"

Hold it in, Akari! For Karma's sake! And for your sanity!

"Wait, what should I do first?" I pore at the fine print. Dang these words are ridiculously small.

"Whisk together the eggs, milk and cinnamon," says Karma.

I reach for the spoken ingredients then freeze. I turn and Karma is leaning against the wall, watching me with amusement. "Why are you here?"

He raises his eyebrow. "It's my kitchen."

"You're supposed to be asleep."

"I figured you might need some help." He scans me from head to toe. "And I stand corrected."

I look at myself. My hair is messy. My clothes are splotched with white spots of flour. Tiny pieces of egg shells glue to my hands. I smell unpleasantly as the sweat from all the work drenched my shirt. I can't continue working in such an unhygienic mess. "I'll clean myself and continue it later."

"I'd starved to death by then." Karma grabs a blue checkered apron from a hook on the wall which I fail to notice for the past 3 days. Deft hands tie the knot behind him and he covers his hair with a bandanna. He begins working after he thoroughly washed his hands. I stand next to him, watching the ginger chef using his hands adeptly in a field completely unrelated to assassination and pranking. He makes cooking look easy. He in an apron is unimaginable. But watching him for a while, I find it suit him irrefutably. He looks professional and manly. And he also looks so damn good in an apron. Boys who cook add stars to their charisma, no matter how devilish they are. I am drawn to the redhead who remains focused on his cooking. If he turns his head around, he probably find me drooling all over him. Ok, that's exaggerating, Akari, stop it.

How I wish to find a boyfriend like him who is so good in cooking I don't even need to step into the kitchen anymore. I'd just wait in bed for him to serve me breakfast. When I come home from school he'll be doing all the cooking while I lounge on my sofa doing whatever I want or just watch him cook.

... What is wrong with me?

Karma finishes the French toast half of my time. He looks at me. "Go clean yourself. I'll be done when you are."

I bob my head mechanically. I notice a spot of flour on his cheek and wipe it off. His eyes widen in surprise at my touch. "You look good in an apron." I blurt out.

He stuns as a red hue dyes his cheeks. "Oh," he mutters absentmindedly.

I leave him and return minutes later. The scent of fresh breakfast wafting in the air makes my stomach thunder. I sit across Karma who still has the bandanna wrapped around his head. I take a bite from the pancakes-heaven. A mouthful of French toast-paradise. The taste is perfectly balanced and its fluffiness is irresistible. The blueberries are sweet and juicy. The maple syrup blends in harmony with the French toast.

"Want ice cream to go with it?" Karma says as he points at my plate. I perk up, happiness glittering in my eyes like a kid. He smiles and takes one box of chocolate ice cream from the freezer. He scoops double for me and himself. Ice cream goes well with everything. My face glows with pure enjoyment. I love ice cream. I take large bites from the ice cream and eat it with the breakfast. I glance at him. He focuses on me instead of his breakfast with one of his arms supporting his head. He smiles when I grin widely.

Moments with good food are the best. But moments with him are treasure.

*****

At night, I have a gig at a café. The band I played with at the amusement park called me up yesterday and asked me if I wanted to earn some cash. I immediately said yes. My uncle had my electric guitar delivered to Karma's house-of course, not lacking some of his teases why would I be staying at a boy's house instead of his. I accidentally left it back in the US and it took some time to have it return to my embrace. It is clad in a shiny metallic purple coat adorned with reddish and golden burning flames.

Karma follows me to the designated café where I recalled it is also where Isogai works. When we are there, Isogai is there too with Maehara, Hinata, Nagisa, Kaede and Manami. Too bad Rio and Megu went on family trips. I quickly invite Rinka, who arrives just in time. Isogai isn't working but decide to have a gathering there with them. What a coincidence.

I leave my friends and go to a room where the band waits. The only female in the band, a beautiful bassist with long blue hair, dyes locks of my hair red with colour crayons. I pore through the music scores quickly while she does my hair. Luckily I have to sing only one song.

10 minutes later, the show starts.

*****

Karma

"Eh? Akari-chan is singing on stage?" Okuda gasps. She looks at Karma with admiration directed to Akari.

"I commend her bravery," Hinata comments as she sips her juice.

"I believe Akarin can do it," says Rinka in a monotone voice. She turns to the stage, waiting with anticipation.

Kayano gleefully grins. "I wonder what song she would sing!"

"Karma-kun," Nagisa starts. "Akari-chan plays the electric guitar as well?"

Karma nods. "Apparently it's some hobby she cultivated during her stay in US. She's good at it."

"Rocker babe huh?" Maehara absentmindedly mutters. Karma gives him with a stern gaze. He does not need words to make the playboy stiffen and regret his comment. Even if Maehara means it without any intention of hitting on his Akari, Karma still dislikes it. The gaze is warning enough for Maehara to be careful with his words and his thoughts or the next calamity coming in the playboy's way is unending hell of torture.

Maehara gulps, sheepishly avoiding Karma's gaze while Isogai sighs. Isogai is a different matter. Karma can let it pass if Isogai still has feelings for Akari because he believes the ikemen truly loves her and probably still does. Karma's belief is to let Akari be loved, be it the love coming from him or another guy. He wants more people to love Akari so that if the redhead isn't around, Akari still has someone to lean on. Isogai is a very perfect candidate.

Hinata looks displeased. She sips her glass empty and continues sipping air absentmindedly. It isn't Karma's business to interfere between Hinata and Maehara, but Maehara should be more conscious to stop looking around and focus on the girl who has stayed by his side through hardships-the roller coaster and the ghost house.

Karma sips his juice, listening silently to his friends' chatters and waits for Akari's appearance. Without seeing her for a while and he starts to miss her. Oh love.

The spotlights at the stage abruptly lights up. They direct their attention to the stage as the noises around them ebb. Stepping on stage is the band he met before and Akari with her guitar, dauntless and prideful. Her hair is combed to the left side of her head and glimmer in a red hue. She doesn't wear make-up but looks just as beautiful. The song begins with a guitar intro and the voice Karma loves sings in a melodious tone.

Loving him is like driving a new Maserati down a dead end street

Faster than the wind, passionate as sin, ending so suddenly

Loving him is like trying to change your mind once you're already flying through the free fall

Like the colours in autumn so bright just before they lose it all

Losing him was blue like I never know

Missing him was dark grey all alone

Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met

But loving him was red

Loving him was red.

An alien sensation explodes within Karma. A strong sense of fuzziness, giddiness and happiness all mixed up, giving him a sweet yet addictive concoction to taste. On first taste he loves it. Even with the dim lighting he is sure someone can see how red his face is-just as much as his burning crown. On cue, his friends look at him, understanding the meaning in the lyrics, especially the word 'red'. It can only be him. Red is his colour.

Red is the colour of the fiery affection between him and his Akari.

Touching him was like realizing all you ever wanted was right there in front of you

Memorizing him was as easy as knowing all the words to your old favourite song

Fighting with him was like trying to solve a puzzle and realize there's no right answer

Regretting him was like wishing you never found out that love could be that strong

Losing him was blue like I never know

Missing him was dark grey all along

Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met

But loving him was red

Oh red. Burning red

Their love is a flame burning passionately. Nothing in this world can dowse that burning red.

Remembering him comes the flashbacks and echoes

Tell myself it's time now gotta let go

But moving on from here is in possible when I just see it all in my head

Burning red

Loving him was red

The girl makes him fall deeper into the maelstrom of love. If there is a limit for how much someone can love someone, his limit would be infinity. There is no limit for how much he loves her.

Such a beautiful song. Sung by an even more beautiful girl.

*****

Akari

"How did I do?" I ask sheepishly.

"Awesome!" Kaede chirps.

"Hmm. Nice," Rinka adds.

"That is superb!" Okuda stares at me with gleaming eyes of admiration.

Hinata nods and nudges Maehara, who glances at Karma then nods. Isogai, smiling, praises, "You are awesome up there."

I blush from the praises. "Gee... thanks." They flash their toothy grins.

I glance at Karma, who is being unusually silent. We stare at him, waiting for him to speak. He perks up after sensing our gazes on him and stares at me blankly. A pale blush dwells on his face. "Umm... nice."

I expect more from him. Either he doesn't like it or he is speechless. Oh come on, Karma, you can do better than that!

"Akari-chan," starts Nagisa. "On behalf of Nakamura-san and Kataoka-san, they would like me to ask you this question." He thrusts his phone near my mouth. "Did you pick this song because of a certain 'red'-head?"

I choke. "W-what?"

The others grin playfully as the blush on my face appears. Karma remains silent but his face is also red.

"I broadcasted the entire thing to them and this is their question," Nagisa adds. A tiny evil smile creeps up to his childish innocent face.

Maehara snickers. "Now that you mentioned it, the only person who fits perfectly with the word 'red' is Karma."

Manami nods in agreement. She gasps. "Is this some kind of a confession?"

"Hmm. I believe so," supports Rinka.

Kaede looks at me with glitter in her eyes. "So you're dating now?"

The questions shot at me are embarrassing. I blush. "NO!" I deny.

"Karma's being awfully quiet," Hinata comments, smirking.

I glance at Isogai, hoping he can save me since Karma couldn't. Isogai sighs in defeat. "Guys. Please stop asking her. After all... isn't it obvious they are a couple now?"

Isogai you traitor!

This is so embarrassing. I drown in their questions. My phone suddenly rings and it is my uncle. I pick it up. "Uncle?"

"Akari-chan, I have a date for you tomorrow."

Shocked. "What date?"

"Technically it's not a date. I just found the perfect match for you. Or rather, he found me on his own initiative. He's a very nice boy. You'll like him."

"You set me up for matchmaking?!"

"What? You didn't have a boyfriend. And I need children to play with."

This is not funny. "I-"

"It's settled then! Unless you tell me you have one or the date is ongoing!"

I would love to tell him I do have one-I glance at Karma-but unfortunately I'm still stubborn to confess. "Bu-"

"Tomorrow's lunch! I'll pick you up by your special friend's house!"

Dear uncle, since you know Karma is a special friend, the meaning of 'special' can be implied as 'possible-clingy-boyfriend-who-easily-gets-jealous'. I wager 110% Karma isn't letting me go on some stupid matchmaking.

"I'll send you his photo."

The call ends and the photo is sent to my phone in the matter of seconds. The moment I see it I cough.

Of all hell. Of all the worst things it can happen. It has to be that damn asshole.

Asano Gakushuu.

*****

On the way home, Karma is silent.

My friends knew about the matchmaking and they didn't joke about it because it was quite serious. After all, we are talking about Asano Gakushuu, the devil himself. Karma's a devil too, but he's a cute one. They warned me to be careful since he is devil incarnate and there are plenty of tricks up his sleeve. I reassured them I'd kick his ass like the last time. But somehow, everything about this feels off.

Karma doesn't say a word. I wonder what is up with him. Did my singing-and sort of a confession-struck him dumbfounded or the matchmaking thing got into his head?

"You are not going."

I turn to Karma, who doesn't look at me. "You are not going," he repeats.

I raise my eyebrow at him. "Why?"

"Because it is Asano."

"I kicked his ass. I can kick it again. This time, physically and violently." I reply proudly.

He stops in his tracks and frowns. "I don't care. You cannot go." He stresses without any valid reasons. Karma, you're reasoning with a debater here. You need more than just 'I don't care' to persuade me.

"You're not the boss of me. I'll do fine. And I have to satisfy my uncle."

"What are you, an idiot? Asano's smarter than you. He won't fall for the same mistakes again. He'll pulverize you if you let your guard down. And..." He pauses as his brows knit together. "You're a girl. He's a guy. I know guys. They don't go after a girl relentlessly unless they want to court her."

I give him the 'are you serious' look. Karma doesn't waver. "I'm not going to fall for him. Relax."

"I know you wouldn't. But I don't care. So you're not going."

"I can take care of myself."

Gritting his teeth, he glares. "You can't take care of yourself because you're up against a cunning guy who can gobble you up before you know it!"

"It's just matchmaking. It's not some battle to the death!"

"I DON'T CARE! YOU'RE NOT GOING!" He shouts with rage. Flames burn in his eyes. "I am not letting you go close to him!"

"You're not my boss!"

"I'm probably your future boyfriend so I don't allow it!"

"Nuh-uh! I didn't say you're my boyfriend!" I raise my eyebrows curiously. "Are you jealous?"

"No!" He denies.

"Unless you give me a good reason not to, I'm going." We reach Karma's house.

But he doesn't say any. "Fine! Don't come crying to me if something happens!"

"FINE!" I shout before I slam the door of my room.

A used-to-be wonderful night ends up in a disaster with our dispute thanks to the perpetrator Asano. I'll kick his ass for good when I see him. And what's with Karma? Why can't he just tell me a valid reason? He's being too clingy and overprotective. And he's probably jealous. He rarely loses his temper especially towards me.

I bury myself in my pillow and shut the world from me.

*****

Day 5

Morning I wake up with breakfast already prepared. On the plate is a smiley face with two sunny-side-ups and pieces of bacon. A tiny memo sticks to the table, written in Karma's messy writing.

Don't go. It says.

Now he's making it hard for me to defy him. But I don't want my uncle to pester me with more matchmaking and I really want to punch that Asano jerk in the face. Last night I was insomniac because I was thinking of Karma's stubbornness. And also I was plotting ideas how to kick Asano in his ass and discover his hidden intentions. The ace actually took the initiative and looked for my uncle? Something is up and I don't think it is what Karma call 'courting'. I need to be very careful.

Karma doesn't appear for the entire morning. I stop by his door, wondering if I should knock. But I find myself standing there silently for minutes, staring at the door and imagine Karma on his bed, with a book over his face, moping. I return to my room without knocking on his door, frustrated with myself. Why couldn't I knock? Is it my pride holding me back? Or am I too ashamed to face him?

I prepare myself for the lunch 'date'-which will be Asano's end-and dress in a frilly white dress covered in laces. I tie my hair into a simple ponytail since I don't need to dress up too pretty for Asano. I'd do it for Karma, though. But he hasn't even asked me out on a date yet.

When I step out from my room, Karma too steps out. His eyes are downcast and he looks disheartened. But he perks up as he sees me, a pale blush colours his face. Knowing how determined I am, he doesn't stop me anymore. "When are you coming back?"

"2 hours later. I'll finish this quick." It sounds like I really am going into battle to slaughter the demon named Asano.

He averts his eyes. "Just... be careful."

I nod. I reach the entrance and he follows me like a sad puppy. His lips part but says nothing. I enter my uncle's car and it takes a while to reach the destination-a high end restaurant downtown. A room is reserved for us and when I enter it Asano is already there waiting like a fake gentleman he is.

I don't think I can resist punching his face.

His strawberry-blond hair combed neatly, gleaming under the lighting. He wears a dark suit with a matching tie. Smiling, he leads me to my seat. But his eyes are still mean and evil. If I am not in a dress and in a high-end restaurant, I'd be lurching for him and strangling him for information.

"You look nice," says Asano, smiling. He stares at me while I conceal the hostility in my eyes.

I smirk. "You too." The last suit you'll ever wear before your death. "How did you find my uncle?"

"I pulled some strings around. The advantage of being the Chairman's son."

"Your purpose?" I begin my assault. I want to end this quick. It's either I can't resist punching him or Karma can't wait for two hours and shows up and punches him instead. "I correct myself. Your true purpose."

He chuckles. A truly detestable voice which deteriorates my hearing. "I just wanted to know you better. I think you're quite interesting for a girl form 3E."

It will be more interesting when I yank your teeth off your mouth.

Poker face is what I practice when I face him. But internally I want to tear him to shreds. "Don't tell me you're seriously into courting me?" I take a sip from the mushroom soup. It tastes good, but not as good as Karma's.

"Yes, I am."

I choke.

"I find you interesting because I never met such a fascinating girl like you. Your words and your way of using them mesmerize me. I want to hear more of your voice. I can't stop thinking of you. I thought I was ill."

Yeah you are ill, dude. Seriously ill for trying to fool me that you like me. That is the oldest trick in the book to seduce innocent girls. Fortunately I am not stupid. And my heart is already taken by a certain redhead.

"But the summer vacation had me thinking. I want to know you better. I need to."

Go find a doctor, will you?

He stands and walks to me. Gently he takes my hand which is trying to feed myself soup-Can't you let me eat in peace?!-and looks at me endearingly. "Will you give me the chance to know you better?"

Oh god, help me because I really want to hit him.

I withdraw my hand. "I'm sorry." I fake a bright smile. "I have no intentions of stepping into romance for now." Definitely never with you.

He smiles. There it is-the soothing smile he shows to people before he stabs them and lets them bleed to death. "Is it because of Akabane?"

Shocked with the mention of the name, I gawk, or rather, glare at him.

But it is a mistake. My glare has answered his question. He smirks. "Akabane is not worthy for you. He is nothing but a delinquent who will end up as the lowlife of the society."

Do not speak of Karma like that, asshole! He has a better virtue than you can ever be!

"Karma is my classmate. Refrain yourself from speaking of him like that," I hiss. Ire boils in my veins.

"Is he?" Asano questions and steps closer to me. One more step closer I'll punch your jaw! "I believe he is more than a classmate."

"It's not like you know what is going on between me and him."

He chuckles as if I am wrong. "I don't need to find out. I just know. Akabane is an open book."

You let him hear that and your mouth will be suffering ghost peppers.

"But you're different. If you come with me, I can give you anything you want. We can reign as the best couple in school. We can-"

I cut him off by raising my hand. "I'm sorry, Asano, but it seems this won't work out. I'll be leaving now." I walk to the exit but he grabs my wrist and pulls me back. Swiftly he catches my chin and the other hand locks my waist.

And he smashes his lips on mine.

*****

Karma

He feels very queasy. His heart rate elevates and drops every minute. He thought he might have a heart attack.

Karma looks at the clock on the wall. It is already 4 but she hasn't returned. It has been 3 hours since then. Time stops as he waits anxiously, countless possibilities racing through his head, one after one more horrifying than its predecessor.

The idiot got into trouble again, he thought when it was only 2 hours and a minute since her departure. He cannot tolerate tardiness, not when Akari has something to do with it.

And it is already 3 hours. 3 HOURS. He paces up and down, anxiety suffocating him.

All this has Asano Gakushuu's name written clearly over it.

"Asano Gakushuu," he hisses. If he touches his Akari, he will kill him. He will erase him from the face of the earth and make him regret ever born to this world.

Karma knew, the moment he was Akari's date, something was up. He couldn't pinpoint it but his intuition, which is always accurate, told him he shouldn't let Akari go. He even fought with her but she is just as stubborn as he is. And well, yes, Karma is jealous. Even more jealous when she went with Isogai that time. After all, Karma hasn't even asked her out on a date but Asano snatched the chance from his hands too easily.

I am freaking outraged right now. She is MINE. I'm the one asking her out and no one else! Not you, Asano. Never you.

Karma can't wait anymore. He fishes out his phone and calls her for the countless time but she doesn't pick up. It is a bad omen. An evil premonition looms over him, laughing at him at his uselessness.

"Ritsu," he immediately summons his trusty classmate. Ritsu appears with a smile. "Track down Akari now."

"Ok!" Ritsu chirps and a second later she returns. "Eh? Akari-chan is outside of your house?"

Karma sighs in relief. She's finally here.

"But umm... it looks like she's been there for an hour."

This is not good.

He rushes outside, eyes scanning for her. It takes a while for him to spot her crouching by his wall, face buried into her knees. Tentatively he walks to her, hands reaching out to touch her. But suddenly her head jerks up and she looks at him, a tear-streaked face with bloodshot eyes.

"Karma..." she sobs. It stabs his heart. "Asano... Asano... forced his kiss on me... He... he stole my first kiss... I meant it for you..."

I should have killed that prick when I had the chance.

*****

Too long for the chapter? XD Oops... I got excited.

I wanted to accommodate the whole staying-with-Karma-week into one chapter but it is too long so I split it into two. Next chapter will be the second part. And possibly I'll insert some random fluff among 3E students if the chapter isn't too long.

The song is T-Swift's Red! It so fits Karma! Swifties raise your hands in the air!

THANKS FOR READING AND VOTING AND LOVING THIS STORY!!!!