Story Time 1: Song

Summary: Who knows a song has fortune-telling capabilities?

EDIT: For those who do not know this song, this is a song by Ed Sheeran - All of The Stars, but I didn't take all the part. The credits for the song of course belong to him :)

A black-haired young woman was sipping her hot chocolate in a nearby cafe. Her buttoned brown coat covered to her knees, while her black jeans, gloves and red shawl did the rest of the job. Her jet black hair flowed past her shoulder, maintaining their wavy characteristic after occasional braiding. After suggestion from several friends, she had used contact lens during hangouts. It suited her well, as she hated fog on her glasses every time she drank something hot. The chair across her was empty, but her sight lingered longer than she was supposed to.

It was then the café started playing a song, which immediately caught her attention

It's just another night

And I'm staring at the moon

I saw a shooting star

And thought of you

8 years has passed, but she couldn't forget the lyrics.

At that time, Bitch-sensei gave everybody a song for assignment. It was done to test their listening skills in addition to measure how well they can grasp the song's meaning. Some people got a rather racy song, so it was understandable why they blushed madly as they explained to the rest of the class about the song. But by all miracles, she got a sweet song. It was easy for her to present the meaning of the song:

"It was about two long-distance lovers."

And as her gaze followed to the window, a certain face passed by in her mind. Funny how the song set her future in stone.

His song, Jet Lag, did the same at him.

I sang a lullaby

By the waterside and knew

If you were here,

I'd sing to you

Thanks to the assignment, she discovered a new hobby and study method while doing her experiment.

Her voice may not be a diva material, but certainly enough to please him. He would sit there watching her or he could bring his game, homeworks or books. At first, she sang English songs all the time to avoid Bitch-Sensei 'punishment' for every pronunciation mistakes done. But now she would occasionally sang Japanese songs as well.

And there were times he chimed in too.

This was the source of school legend which still circulated in their school. Nobody should enter any lab where the devil and his beloved witch were singing. Actually, the most that will happen to you would be walking in while occasional romantic mood hit them.

The boy would ensure that you kept your mouth shut, so except for Class 3-E members, nobody knew the truth.

You're on the other side

As the skyline splits in two

I'm miles away from seeing you

Their last year in high school was a breaking point.

He frowned as he handed her a letter. It had the emblem of a famous Ivy League university. An anxious face quickly turned into a big smile and congratulatory followed almost immediately, until realization hit her.

I can see the stars

From America

I wonder, do you see them, too?

"I'll wait."

He sighed at the look of determination she had.

"It's going to be tough. You know graduation is not the end of it."

She welcomed his embrace as he pulled her close. It was just the nice timing to hide her wet eyes.

"I know."

So open your eyes and see

The way our horizons meet

And all of the lights will lead

Into the night with me

The only time they can meet face-to-face was during their Skype session, which was difficult to initiate. Her day was his night. So they can only do this during public holiday and weekends.

But that didn't stop him from sending a cake and gift on her birthday. Neither does it stop her from somehow sending him her newest prank material. They would Snapchat at times, showing each other what they were currently doing.

But on the other times, only dreams unite them back together.

And I know these scars will bleed

But both of our hearts believe

All of these stars will guide us home

There were times when they felt they cannot take the distance anymore. They just wanted to see each other. All their friends can hold hand, hug and kiss their partner. They can go together on dates, to have fun, be there for each other physically during assignment times, when they just need comfort. But not her and him.

And they have to admit, temptations always lurk in the corner.

They almost broke apart. The words were on the end of their tongue already.

But…

"May I sit here?"

Her heart skipped a beat as a familiar voice disrupted her thoughts.

He had certainly grew. While his height didn't change much, his physique got more fit thanks to routine exercises. His face, while maintaining his boyish mischievousness, has mostly matured into a man's expression. His style still didn't change from back then.

Including the red shawl around his neck. The identical pair.

"Karma, how-" her fingers trembled in disbelief, "But… You said.."

"Well…" he grinned, "A surprise won't hurt anyone."

His expression immediately shifted to worry as her eyes welled up.

"Eh? Oi Manami, I-"

Everybody was busy squealing when she got up and hugged him. Some were actually looking for a camera to see whether it was a movie shoot. The owner, on the other hand, just smiled understandingly as the couple had frequented his place back from their middle school days.

And he, while stunned and having his cheeks tinted red, patted her in the head.

"I'm home."

And I know these scars will bleed
But both of our hearts believe
All of these stars will guide us home

Hello Everyone,

I just had this idea pop up in my brain after seeing there are not many stories on Karma x Okuda, despite some sort of 'confirmation' on this ship in the fan book. This will be collection on one shots revolving around this couple. I had some ideas in mind and would do different genre, and rating but nothing overly explicit (at most suggestive).

PM me if you had any suggestion of scenarios or theme for this couple!