Akiko grunted with displeasure; she rubbed her eyes from the gunk which had built up in her sleep. What a crazy dream, she'd dreamt up a world made entirely out of ice cream. Sprinkles fell like snow and covered everything in a colourful rainbow. Even now she could still imagine the taste as the cool treat-filled her mouth. If only it could have been real, she could stay in that place and fill her stomach to the brim every hour. After waking up some more and collecting her scattered thoughts, Akiko gazed around her room. Clothes had been thrown around from the previous school day; some even piled up in the wash basket. Their sorry state begged for her to clean them, if her father could see this now he'd be extremely annoyed, he was such a clean freak.
It took Akiko a while to realise that she wasn't alone in her room, her sleepy state had clouded her mind meaning she couldn't pick up on the extra presence standing close by. Shifting her gaze to the side, a single red-haired demon was hovering over her bed. His eyes held an abundance of mischief in them, while a smug smirk was firmly upon his face. What the hell was Karma doing here?
Akiko took a second to comprehend her situation; Karma was here and casually watching her. Wait, had he been watching her sleep or something creepy like that. Unexpectedly Akiko flung her arm out and punched him square in the face, the force from her punch sent him stumbling back in surprise. Good, it had caught him off guard. Jolting up in bed Akiko grabbed the nearest thing to her which was a purple blanket with kitties on it. Quickly she wrapped the smooth cotton around her body, shielding it from his mercury eyes. She hoped his prying eyes hadn't seen anything he wasn't supposed to; it's not like she was the most pleasant sleeper.
"What the hell! Are you trying to make me ugly?!" He growled out. His hand was clamped firmly over his reddening chin. Serves him right.
"What are you doing in my room? No actually what are you doing in my house? Perverts like you aren't allowed in." Akiko seethed from the spot on her bed.
Karma stood eyeing Akiko once again his usual smirk had fallen back onto his face, his eyes twinkled in mischief. "Aki, you don't remember. I have this." Karma held up her spare key which still haunted her. She had completely forgotten that he'd swiped that from her a few weeks back. Still, it didn't mean he could just invite himself into her home; it was an invasion of privacy. "You should keep things like this in a safe place, who knows what kind of creep could get ahold of them." He taunted while dangling the key in front of her.
Akiko felt her eye twitch, and a low growl came from her throat. Why was he such a jerk? Grabbing a nearby pillow, she threw it at him. Of course, it didn't inflict any damage and Karma caught it anyway. Damn those quick reflexes of his. She needed to get the key back somehow. "Give it back, jerk!"
"No way! Finders keepers." He sniggered.
Akiko narrowed her eyes at him and quickly flung herself towards him. Thanks to those good reflexes, however, he dodged at the last second and Akiko managed to tip and land flat on her face. She hissed in pain and silently contemplated her life, why had this devil descended into her home what did she ever do to deserve this. Struggling the blanket had wrapped around her, trapping Akiko within it. It had caught her like a fish in a net and she flailed around trying to escape.
"Need some help there?" Karmas irritating voice filled Akiko's ears. The brunette chose to ignore him however and focused on freeing herself. It didn't work, however, and she found herself becoming tired, jeez she'd only just woken up. "Or perhaps you'd like me to join you. I could join you under those covers and we could canoodle all day long. Wouldn't you like that Aki-Chan?"
"Ugh, no way." Akiko groaned and allowed her head to fall back into the blanket.
Footsteps approached her forcing Akiko to lift her head once more. She wasn't about to be tackled by the perv. Rolling, she looked up into his mercury eyes, amusement danced in his eyes like a fire. This jerk was finding this whole thing funny. Akiko sighed and after a second she managed to free herself, his eyes were still watching her and following every movement she made. It was starting to irritate her.
"Can I help you?" Akiko asked through gritted teeth. What was he still doing here again?
"Yes, Aki, why don't you and I go back to bed! I know plenty of ways we can have some fun!"
Akiko cringed at his words before turning around and shooting him a hard glare. "Get out you perverted jerk." She hissed. She could feel her face heating up at his words, was he implying what she thought he was.
Karma raised both hands in mock surrender as she dragged him towards the bedroom door. An innocent smile was playing on his face, but she knew better. "And stay out." Akiko slammed her bedroom door on his smirking face, her own was heating up now. She must look so stupid, why was he even acting like this for, it weirded her out.
Quickly Akiko had managed to wash and get ready for the day. Thankfully that perverted devil stayed away, but that didn't stop Akiko from placing a chair next to the bedroom door while she changed.
As Akiko walked into the living room she spotted Karma spread out on the sofa, game in hand. He hadn't noticed her yet too preoccupied with whatever it was he was doing. Grabbing some breakfast she slumped into the chair nearby. Karma paused whatever it was he was doing to look at her and smirk. Again Akiko chose to ignore it, instead, she found the remote and turned the TV on.
An hour had passed, and Karma had grown bored playing his game and started watching Akiko instead. His head dangled over the arm of the chair a content smirk was growing on his face. Akiko tried to ignore him for the first few minutes, but it was becoming increasingly difficult now.
"I'm bored Aki-Chan, let's do something." He complained like a child.
"Go home if you're bored, it's the weekend and I'm planning on catching up with all the anime Fuwa and I have been talking about." Akiko said not even taking her eyes off the TV. The sooner he was gone the sooner she'd get peace and quiet.
"But it's boring at home, and I want to do something with you Aki." From the corner of her eye, Akiko caught the pout forming on his face. A guilty feeling was beginning to churn within her stomach.
Akiko resumed watching TV yet again, but she couldn't shake off the guilty feeling. It was just one day how bad could it be. She was about to find out. "Fine what do you want to do?"
He perked up at her words "let's go to the arcade." Akiko was about to ask if he was inviting her on one of his many fishing trips. Annoying high schoolers would always be fun, she just didn't want any trouble. Karma, however, had other ideas. "I mean you kind of owe me for the other day, so it's only fair." He grinned.
Akiko swung her head around there was no way she was going to the arcade alone with him. If anyone they knew caught them, they'll probably think the two were on some kind of date. If Rio found out then she'd never let Akiko hear the end of it, she'd assume the two were together and embarrassed her for the rest of her life. Or until the world ended whichever came first.
Akiko suddenly flinched as a hand came into contact with her forehead. Looking up at his hand, she frowned why couldn't he keep his hands to himself? "Why so red Aki? Are you sick or something?" He asked. Akiko batted his arm away and rubbed her overheating cheeks. Why had thinking of them together made her blush, it wasn't like it would ever happen.
"I'm fine. This won't be some kind of date right?" She asked.
She couldn't keep the nervous jolt in her voice at bay, which only made Karma smirk. "Would you like it to be a date, Aki-Chan?" Shoot, she'd fallen straight into that trap. Karma, however, was grinning like the Cheshire cat.
"No way." Akiko huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm inviting everyone else." And before he could object or stop her Akiko had fled the embarrassing scene and back to her room. Her face was still burning red, whatever she tried it wouldn't stop. That idiot had cursed her or something.
Akiko's eyes lit up the moment she saw Hinata, thank goodness she wasn't alone with the devil anymore. Hinata had saved her. Grabbing the petite girl, Akiko crushed her into a hug. Hinata chuckled while Akiko let her go, the brunette loudly complained and thanked her for finally showing.
Out of all their friends, only a small percent were able to make it on short notice. Of course, they were still waiting for a few others, such as Kayano, Okuda and Kanzaki. A few others had already arrived, like Nagisa who was currently keeping Karma far away from Akiko. Isogai who was merrily chatting to Maehara. Akiko didn't think the blonde could make it, but who cares it one extra person in their party. Finally, Sugino was waiting patiently. He was waiting for Kanzaki to show, it was evident by the red huge on his face.
"It was nice of you to invite me, but out of all the people to invite why Maehara!?" Hinata groaned. Upon hearing his name, Maehara waved cheerfully at Hinata who only glared back at him.
"Well, originally he wasn't coming, something about a date." Akiko placed a finger to her chin trying to recall what he'd said to her. "Guess he bailed out, or she did. Maybe he wanted to see you. You guys are close after all." She told Hinata.
Hinata shot Akiko a fierce look. The brunette only held her hands up not wanting her friend to murder her here. "We are not close, he's just a perverted chicken. Always going on dates with other girls." Hinata fumed.
Akiko wanted to ask about the chicken part but decided it was best to leave it. She didn't want to end up in a hospital. After waiting a little while longer, everyone had finally arrived. Akiko was still a little bummed out that neither Yada or Kurahashi could make it, but it was last minute decision. As the group was about to go in a few of their names were called.
"Oi, wait for me." Turning around Akiko was surprised to see Rio running towards them. Akiko paused to wait for the blonde girl, and as soon as she was close enough she slung her free arm around Akiko's neck.
"I didn't think you were coming," Akiko said, eyeing the girl.
"Neither did I, but my plans go cancelled. And what better to do than hang out with my dear friends." She grinned. Pulling Akiko's head down, she leaned her own in, a smirk playing on her lips. "So any improvements in the romance department?"
Akiko wanted to groan, if it wasn't Karma annoying her then Rio was dead set something was going on between the two, which of course there wasn't. "No! I told you before I don't like him."
"Denial is to be expected." She claimed.
Akiko was thankful when they walked into the arcade, the loud noise from all the games blocked out whatever it was Rio said next. Akiko glanced at her friend and gave a small shrug; Rio pulled a face knowing Akiko hadn't heard a word. Karma chose that moment to grabbed ahold of Akiko's other arm, she shot the red-hair a glare and shoved him off. He gave her a pouty face, but she ignored him.
"Aki-Chan let's go over there." He said into her ear. Akiko could feel his breath hitting her ear every time he said a word. It sent shivers down her spine and made her turn red. Not wanting either Rio or him to see her red face, Akiko sprung away from the two devils and grabbed ahold of Kayano.
"Hey, let's go over there. I saw a cool candy machine." Kayano needed no convincing and was already dragging the brunette away. Akiko took one last glance over at Karma who surprisingly looked a little disappointed. Feeling a little guilty she turned away, Kanzaki and Okuda had followed the two sweet-loving girls.
Maehara had already dragged Hinata off somewhere while Isogai had followed. Now looking around at all the games, Akiko couldn't help but feel a little guilty for inviting him. All of these games were expensive and Isogai didn't have much money. Akiko hadn't seen where the other small group went, but before they went their separate ways they had decided to meet up in two hours from some lunch.
Akiko watched as Kayano shoved some tokens into the machine, guiding the joystick she planned her capture of the tin of sweets. The claw had picked the tin up, and all that was left was to bounce it off some kind of ball. Of course, it hadn't gone exactly how Kayano had wanted, and the look on her face when the sweet tin bounced back was hilarious. Growling with frustration she tried again, and once again the same thing had happened. After a while she'd had to have been on her third token now, the more annoyed she got the, more mistakes she made. During this time Kanzaki had scoped out another machine not too far away, she won a plushie prize and clung to it while watching Kayano fail for the who knows what time.
"Kayano let's find another game, we'll buy some sweets later." Akiko chuckled as the green-haired girl rested her head on the glass in defeat.
"Ok." She pouted.
The group of four friends continued around the arcade, Akiko had won some cute little key rings for both Yada and Kurahashi, she won another for herself so the three friends could be matching. She'd also won a cute bear for Okuda who was incredibly grateful when she struggled to get it for herself. Kayano once again had another go at the same candy machine she was addicted to it. On her fourth attempt, she'd won the tin of sweets and gobbled them down before anyone else could even eye them up.
They were now heading up to the next floor, where Kanzaki wanted to play some fighting games. Akiko had joined in for a while until Kanzaki thrashed her. Kanzaki had attracted quite a crowd after beating someone else's high score. Okuda cheered loudly, as she won against an older looking guy who tried his luck against her. In the meantime, Kayano and Akiko had spotted Isogai's group. Maehara was supporting a large red mark on his cheek, his looked down in the dumps for some reason.
"What happened to you?" Akiko said louder than usual she wanted to be heard over the loud noise the games we're making.
"Hinata hit me." He pouted. Hinata glared at him he had done something he shouldn't have. "It was so uncalled for." He added.
"Was not, you were flirting with a group of girls yet again." She growled, before attempting to attack him again.
Sugino grabbed ahold of her before she could inflict any more damage to the blond, or before she got them all thrown out of violence. Akiko was surprised that Sugino was with them, when Kayano had been dragging her away he was still with Nagisa, Karma and Rio. Once the feisty brunette had settled down after a tone of apologies from Maehara, Sugino freed her from his grip. Of course, Hinata could probably free herself, but poor Sugino wasn't the object of her range. Sugino joined Okuda cheering for Kanzaki the dark-haired girl thanked him before asking if he wanted to join for a quick game. Of course, Sugino agreed, and lucky for him Kanzaki was too absorbed in the game to noticed the blooming red blush which had appeared on his cheeks.
"Any of you seen Nagisa's group?" Kayano asked. She popped another candy piece in her mouth, marvelling at its taste.
"Yeah, they're on the lower floor still. Rio looked as if she's dragged Nagisa into something bad. While Karma paid no attention to either one, he looked rather off to me. Must have been the lighting or something." Isogai told them.
Akiko frowned, was he acting strange because she didn't want to hang around with him. Looking away from the group she frowned in thought. Maybe she shouldn't have been such a big meanie, he wanted to hang around with her after all.
"I'm gonna find them, see you guys in a bit," Akiko said. Isogai gave a nod letting her know that he'd heard her.
Akiko set off to find her three remaining friends and to hang around with Karma as well. It wasn't fair to him after all. Maybe she should rescue Nagisa as well, who knows what horrible things Rio had already done to him. Not that she thought that blonde was mean or anything, she just tended to assume Nagisa was a girl. She'd probably dress him in something girly if she had the chance. On the way through the maze of UFO games, Akiko happened to spot a particular one which called to her. The massive black plush kitty looked adorable, and it's green eyes begged for her to try and get it.
Roughly after about three different attempts, Akiko puffed her cheeks out in annoyance, she was awful at these games. She could never get the larger stuffed animals, pouting she left the game behind. Looking for her three friends was her main priority she couldn't waste any more time. After a good five minutes of looking for them, she finally heard Rio and Nagisa. Well, mostly Nagisa complaining at Rio. Rounding the corner, Akiko found the two friends hovering near a photo booth. Rio was attempting to shove Nagisa into the booth while a large smirk was on her face. She said something to him, which only make Nagisa struggle more.
"Errr, should I come back later." Akiko chuckled walking over to the pair.
"Oh thank you, Akiko help me, please." Nagisa begged. "Rio's been trying to make me take girly pictures all day."
Akiko glanced over at Rio who only rolled her eyes. The large grin never left her face. "C'mon Rio stop, otherwise you'll start making Nagisa question his gender!" Nagisa shot Akiko a look. Which only made the brunette laugh a little. "Sorry." She apologised while still laughing.
"Oh come on Nagisa, I was going to sell them to all sorts of guys, I could make a ton of money. Your just so cute as a girl." Rio laughed.
"Don't try and make money from me," Nagisa whined. Akiko could see the small tears in the corners of his eyes.
Rio finally allowed him to go, she chuckled as Nagisa hid behind Akiko. The brunette only gave him a sympathetic look, poor thing. Looking around Akiko tried to spot the red-hair, Isogai said he was here but, Akiko couldn't see him. Had he left when Rio tried shoving Nagisa into the booth, Akiko would have expected him to stay and help. He loved getting a kick out of this kind of stuff. Rio noticed Akiko not paying attention, and an even larger smirk fell onto her face if it was even possible.
"Aki, you wouldn't happen to be looking for a certain red-hair, would you?" She asked.
Akiko rolled her eyes. What was with that creepy smirk she was giving her? "So have you seen him?"
Sadly, Rio shrugged she didn't see him wander off. After all, she was too busy trying to scar Nagisa for life. Lucky for her though, Nagisa had seen him leave. He'd left not long after Rio began forcibly pushing Nagisa into the booth. He hadn't seen which way Karma had gone. Akiko thanked the small bluenette and ran off before either two could stop her. She yelled at them to meet up with everyone else, it wouldn't be long until lunch anyway.
Akiko sprinted through the maze of crane games yet again, she wanted to find Karma and apologise to him. Turning the corner and avoiding a group of friends Akiko, crashed straight into someone. Before she could fall back, however, said person had grabbed ahold of both shoulders and steadied her. Blinking open her eyes, Akiko realised that said person was actually, in fact, the red-haired boy she'd been looking for.
"There you are Karma. Jeez, I've been looking for you everywhere. I wanted to apologise for ditching you earlier, I know you wanted to hang around with me today. So for the remainder of the day, we can enjoy the arcade together, ok." Akiko quickly said.
Karma didn't say much, his usual smirk had reappeared once Akiko had finished apologising. She was a little flushed from run about looking for him. "I knew you'd miss me Aki-Chan!" He grinned.
Akiko rolled her eyes, of course, he would say something stupid. He was playing some kind of game with her, and she fell victim to it every single time. Grabbing something he turned back to Akiko, her green eyes widened like saucers. In his arms was the very same cat plushie which she was trying to win earlier, had he won it for her or something? Or was this some kind of bribery, was he going to force her to do something weird.
"I was watching you trying to get this. Your face was so cute every time you failed to get this. I wanted to see that cute face again, so here." He gave her the plushie.
Akiko took the plushie for him, her eyes were practically sparkling as she ran her fingers through its soft fabrics. It was just as soft and fluffy as she imagined it to be. Akiko hugged it closely and felt all warm, he'd won it for her. A small dusting of pink spread across her cheeks and she grinned up at him. "Thank you, I love it."
Karmas own face turned red as she thanked him, of course, Akiko missed it since she was cuddling her new soft teddy. He was so sweet sometimes, too bad he couldn't always be like that, Akiko liked the sweet Karma. Then again, she knew she liked his usual personality more, and she wouldn't want him to change for anyone.
The day continued to get better. Like she promised the two hung around for the rest of the day, they'd all met up for lunch and of course, Rio began teasing her about the plushie she had. Akiko tried to hid her blushing face, but Rio made it difficult for her. Later that night Akiko was curled up on the sofa her blanket wrapped around her body, she hugged her new plush close to her body as she looked through the different pictures the group had taken. Towards the end of the day, Rio had somehow dragged all of them to the photo booth where they spent hours taking pictures. Some were funny while others nice Akiko knew she'd defiantly be framing them, moments like these she wanted to treasure.
Green eyes gazed fondly at the picture Rio had forced herself and Karma to take. The first started with Akiko yelling at the blonde, who was half in the shot then the next few were of them together. Akiko was getting redder and redder as she pictures continued, she was getting embarrassed; to say the least. Suddenly her front door was unlocked and opened, shooting up she rushed over to the door grabbing something hard on her way. She was expecting someone to be invading her home instead, she was met with Karma's smug face. He dropped the large bag he had on the ground before turning to Akiko and saying. "I've decided I'm staying the night."
Akiko wanted to scream at him, she wanted to hit him. How dare he just assume he could stay over at her house; it was a bold move on his part. Akiko objected of course, but Karma simply ignored her and moved into the living area. Akiko watched him go her eye twitching in annoyance, he was sweet on the odd occasion but a devil a heart.
Chapter 17 all done and dusted! So yeah as you can all probably tell I've never been to an arcade in Japan, my knowledge of the games they
have over there is limited to google and YouTube, so I hope I didn't offended anyone who lives their or who's been.
A big thanks to my new followers, you two know who you are 3
Also thank you to everyone who's read this chapter, it means a lot to me. Feel free to leave a comment if you'd like I do enjoy hearing from
you guys, anyway thank you again and I'll see you all in the next chapter!
Winter out.