Summary: a promise made before going to space. spoilers for those who are not updated with Ansatsu Kyoushitsu manga. Karmanami :)

One hour left before the rocket will be launched. All preparations have been done by Class 3-E. Now the only thing that has not been decided was who among the students will get inside the rocket before it launches. Two students are needed for the mission. And everyone agrees that it should be Nagisa Shiota and Karma Akabane. Well, everyone except Manami Okuda.

She wanted to object from the whole class' decision but she cannot do it. She doesn't have the courage to tell her objection to anyone. Going to space is very dangerous and she is extremely worried with those two, especially to Karma Akabane. He has always been her assassination partner and her closest friend among the males. She wanted to stop him but she knew that she can't convince Karma at this point. She knew that Karma hates responsibilities and this time, he wants to prove to himself that he can handle responsibilities.

Manami, out of frustration, let out a sigh. Karma noticed Manami's unusual action so he went to talk to Manami while there's still time before the rocket launches.

"You seem pretty busy, Okuda-san" Karma greeted as he approached her. Manami only nodded while pretending to be busy.

"Are you alright?" Karma questioned her. Again, Manami just nodded.

Karma was not able to hide his laughter anymore. He chuckled and said, "Okuda-san, you're a terrible liar. You're so easy to read. I knew from the moment I greeted you that you're not tell me, what's wrong?"

Manami knew that Karma will be able to see through her. He is very observant with almost everyone and everything. And since she's been acting very unusual, she knew that he will notice this. Instead of responding to his question, Manami took a deep breath and mustered her courage to ask Karma a single question.

"Karma-kun, will you please promise me one thing?" Manami said.

"Hmm?" Karma replied.

"Please r-return safely. You and Nagisa." Manami said nervously.

Karma let out a sigh, "So that's what's been distracting you. Don't worry. We'll be fine. If something wrong happens, Nagisa and I will somehow manage to return safely."

Karma patted Manami's head as a way of assuring her that they will come back safely. Manami didn't react to this, although she's been trying to hide the redness of her face.

Thinking that patting her head was not enough to comfort Manami from her distress, Karma hugged her tightly. Manami was not expecting Karma's action. Whenever she's upset or worried, Karma would usually just pat her head but this time it's completely different. Without knowing what to do, she hugged him as well.

"I promise you Okuda-san. We'll return safely. For your sake and for everyone else's as well." Karma said confidently as he smiled. Usually, he would give an evil smile or a smirk but this time, he made a genuine smile which pleased Manami.

"Thank you, Karma-kun. I'll be waiting for you to come back." Manami replied with a contented smile on her face.

With that, the two of them went back near the site of the rocket where their classmates and teachers are. Manami checked her watch. It's almost time and everything's ready.

Before Karma gets inside the rocket, Manami said. "Be careful okay? Please keep your promise, Karma-kun".

"I will." Karma replied.

With that, she sent them off with a genuine smile on her face.