Ultimately the rest of the students' stint with the daycare goes well. They fix up the building as intended and surprise the old man with it at the end of the week. At first, he's stunned… in something close to disbelief, but eventually he comes around. And now that he's recovered he's thankful that they were able to carry the weight while he was gone.
"You brats really screwed up, you know," he warns. "If you hadn't done such a good job I'd be mad at you. But it seems the kids have warmed up to you at least… and gosh, even I can't be mad at that. Good work. And thank you for looking after them for me. Just don't do anything like this ever again, alright? Next time you might not get off so easy."
"Yeah, yeah," the kids reply. "We know."
Initially, their answer sounds something close to dismissive… but Aguri soon realizes that's not because they're not taking his words to heart. It's because they've already learned that. He's telling them something that may as well be as natural as breathing to them… and they can respond with confidence.
"We'll do better in the future."
Korosensei chuckles... patting them each on the head as he receives the news.
"Seems you've gotten a passing grade then," he explains. "Wonderful. And to think for a second there I'd been worried about you, too."
Of course… when it comes to actual grades they do take the fall as intended.
Aguri's a little heartbroken to see it. After all the hard work they've done, they end up scoring pitifully in the midterms. However, the students still hold their heads high… and something tells her that Korosensei will have them caught up in time for finals.
And hey: one student passes at the very least.
She's not sure how he does it… but that Karma Akabane boy still ends up scoring an A even despite the restriction. Korosensei laughs- says he must have studied in his free time… but that he's okay with it just this once, seeing as how it's not like Karma had slacked off with taking care of the kids.
"He simply worked himself to the brink. I respect that. I'd like to see that kind of ambition from him more often. He can squander his own abilities sometimes, you know."
"Yeah," Aguri says, sighing. "Trust me. I know."
But Karma's come a long way since she first met him. All of them have.
Korosensei is careful to apologize for what happened two weeks ago. He admits at first he wasn't planning to bring it up… but after his conversation with Aguri it felt almost obligatory.
"I probably frightened a few of them," he murmurs. "I'd like to tell them what I told you… that I made a mistake, too. And that they'll be safe with me in the future."
As such, he stands up in front of class and apologizes for his outburst. He says that he doesn't regret the rest of what happened… that their grades taking the fall for their actions was only natural. However, that he does regret that he tried to hit them. That was unacceptable, and he never should have done such a thing.
"It will not be happening again. I can reassure you. I hope that you can all forgive me… and that the both of us can learn from our mistakes in the future. Here's to no more carelessness. From now on we do our very best."
The students nod in agreement. They say that they honestly hadn't minded much… that it'd been a bit scary at the time, but they got why he was mad. They're just happy to know that it won't happen again. They like their teacher a lot better when he's kind.
"Yes," Korosensei says. "As do I."
The students are rewarded for their diligence… although it's not from Korosensei. Having re-earned Karasuma's trust he says that the government has sent them high-tech gear. That he hopes this will come in useful for the future.
"Please utilize it in your assassination attempts. It's bullet-proof, heat-proof, and can naturally camouflage. I trust you to be responsible and avoid trouble, but if you get into any dangerous situations it should be able to keep you safe."
Needless to say, the kids are ecstatic.
They show their armor off to Korosensei and Aguri. Tumble through the woods and jump from high places. (Carefully this time.)
"Look!" Nakamura says, bouncing to her feet. "I fell ten feet and I didn't even feel a thing!"
"And I thought I was good at landing from gymnastics alone," Okano says with a laugh. "This is awesome!
"A- ah! Please do be careful!" Korosensei insists, half-proud, half-terrified. "The last thing I need is you all getting recklessly injured as well!"
But something tells Aguri they'll be fine.
They're still in a good mood as the next week passes. The excitement about the armor slowly but surely dies down… and yet they never stop whispering. It's only when Aguri asks that she truly realizes why.
"Irina's birthday passed just a few days ago," Korosensei explains. "The kids are planning to surprise her. It's something they've been very excited about."
"Awww!" Aguri replies. "How sweet. What are they going to do?"
"Now I'm not that in the loop," Korosensei warns. "I've only been eavesdropping a little. But last I checked they were planning to get Karasuma to give her flowers. A pleasant surprise, hm?"
"W-wow!" Aguri replies, letting out a small gasp. "Is he really okay with that?"
"I don't see why not," Korosensei says. "I've told you before: Karasuma-sensei may appear rather callous… but he cares for her deep down. This will be a good chance for him to prove that."
Aguri's still a bit unsure… but she supposes that if the kids think it's a good idea then it probably is. And besides, even if it's a little unsavory, Irina's a good person. She deserves to get a gift from the man she loves.
They strike the next day. As carefully as they'd plan one of their assassination attempts, half of the class distracts her while the others let Karasuma in on the plan. Aguri half expects him to decline… but as she watches the kids gather back outside giggling and whispering amongst themselves she guesses he must have agreed.
The other students lead Irina into the building. Ditching her after some sort of gathering, they lure her into taking the bait. She storms inside… complaining the whole way as the students duck behind the window. They giggle some more- now fully reunited and wondering about how this will go.
Quite frankly, Aguri would have been alright with keeping her distance… this seems like a personal moment, really. But Korosensei's no such sort of person. The minute he sees the kids regroup outside he drags Aguri to them… ducking down by the window himself and letting out an excited laugh.
"We simply must see how this goes," he explains. "I am a hopeless romantic after all, you know."
The kids groan- saying that this was their plan and he really doesn't need to butt in on it. Nevertheless… they don't try too hard to make him scram. The last thing they want is to alert Irina. And as such they allow him to peek in through the window- eyes wide as she shudders with anticipation.
...He really has become a gossip lately, huh?
Aguri lets out her own nervous laugh.
She's a bit unsure about listening in on this, but it's too late to back out now. And besides… she guesses she's a hopeless romantic, too. If this is going to go well for Irina then she wants to see it- be there to congratulate her.
Irina makes her way inside. She murmurs something about those "Damn kids," calling out for Karasuma with a "You'll never guess what they just pulled off." She soon drifts off… however, sounding rather stunned.
Aguri can't see her face. She's crouched too low to the ground. But she hears a few kids whisper, say:
"She noticed."
"Oh man, it's time!"
"He's seriously gonna do it!"
Aguri's not sure why, but her heart races, too. She guesses she just really feels for Irina in this situation. It sucks not knowing that your feelings are returned. And… maybe this will be like her heart to heart with Korosensei was, but for her friend. All she can hope is that it goes well. Irina certainly deserves it.
"W… what?" she says. "What's this?"
"I'm a tad late," Karasuma explains, still in his usual monotone. "But… I figured I should get you something. Happy birthday."
Irina's quiet for a long moment. The kids lean further into the wall and Korosensei peeks up through the curtain. After what feels like forever Aguri even begins to think that Irina may not speak. But finally, she says, sounding stunned:
"These are… for me?"
It's the smallest she's ever heard her voice. More meek- emotional somehow than even when she was 'confessing' to Korosensei, Irina sounds ready to break down then and there. She lets out a small sort of gasp… pauses for another moment.
"And they're… from you?"
Karasuma doesn't answer her question. Instead, he simply reiterates "I apologize that I wasn't able to get these to you on the actual date. Things got busy."
"N… no. It's fine," Irina replies, tone steadying some. "In fact, I'm… I'm delighted! I don't even know how to thank you. And here I was seriously thinking you'd forgotten! Ha! Pretty dumb, right?"
She sounds so… different. It's not just about the vulnerability. There's a genuine joy to her words, and her voice drips with happiness. Aguri's not even sure how to feel. On one hand, she thinks she should be happy for Irina… she's clearly lovestruck. But on the other, the happier she hears her friend get the more her heart sinks. This gift isn't actually from Karasuma after all, is it?
It's… a lie. This guy doesn't care about her in the way that he's saying he does. And even if that feels pretty good right now, isn't it kind of depressing?
(Aguri doesn't know how she'd feel if someone got her a gift and said it was from Korosensei...)
However, no-one else seems to pick up on her unease. Korosensei and the students continue to whisper… gushing excitedly about just how much Irina is blushing. And Aguri decides she must be overthinking things. It's… like her to worry, isn't it? She's sure it'll be fine.
"Well," Karasuma continues. "I… did want to mark the occasion. This is the only birthday we'll get to spend together, after all."
...Nevermind.
The students start to pause. Squinting, they ask "What on earth is he talking about?"
Irina says the same.
"And… what exactly do you mean by that?" She asks. "Don't be ridiculous."
"I mean exactly what it sounds like," Karasuma clarifies. "Think about it. There are two possibilities for the end of this year. Either our mission's going to end and we'll split up, or the world's going to end and everything will disappear. Regardless of what happens, in half a year this will be over."
"E-excuse me?" Yada whispers. "What is he talking about?"
"Is now really the time!?"
"Some romantic he is," Maehara groans. "And to think this was supposed to be sweet."
They still sound mostly frivolous. Rolling their eyes in disbelief as they talk about 'usual lame, thickheaded Karasuma…' no-one else seems to see the storm brewing.
But Aguri sees it. Ohhh, she sees it. Brows furrowing- lips pursed, she notes yet again that Karasuma is disregarding the temporary. And when one of the students says "Hey. Wait. Guys- she looks really upset," she has a feeling she knows what comes next.
"God! I knew this wasn't like you!"
Irina storms over to the window and tosses it open. The kids are barely even given a chance to react. They and the rest are caught red-handed… peeking in through the blinds and making a soap opera of Irina's life.
They try to explain, say: "O-oh! Bitch-sensei! Didn't expect to see you there." Or "We were just trying to do something nice…" but it's no use. Irina stares them down with hateful eyes and points a long, accusatory finger.
"Of course," she growls. "Of fucking course. You all were behind this. Flowers!? Really!? Did you think I'd fall for that? Think that he'd give me a gift like that of all things? Who do you think I am!?"
Her words are venomous, but Aguri can't help but notice just how sad her eyes are. Her lip trembles as she speaks. Her face has started to go red. And as she clasps at the flowers… still clutching them tight in hand, she tries her best to look big- the opposite of before.
She whips out her gun- shoots it at the air. Korosensei squeals… and the students let out small gasps.
"Well did you enjoy yourselves!? Have a good time!? I bet it was great stringing a professional assassin along just so you could watch her get her hopes up!"
"W-woah!" Sugino insists, holding his hands up. "We weren't trying to get your hopes up at all. We just-"
"We thought it would make you happy!" Okano continues. "Surely we couldn't have expected that he'd… he'd-"
"Say something so mean!"
"Indeed," Korosensei clarifies. "I must assure you, Miss Irina… the kids were simply trying to do something nice for you. It's not like they-"
"Oh, fat chance!" Irina interrupts, pointing the gun his way. "You all made a spectacle of me! Look at you all… listening in. I know you just wanted to see me upset! But it's not happening! I am too damn strong for that! And I'm not- I'm not taking your shit!"
Her words are harsh, but she has a point. This… really was kind of cruel, wasn't it? It's not that the kids…- they didn't want to hurt her, but how could they ever think this would have ended well?
How could she?
She… knew Karasuma. She knew something would inevitably go wrong, but she let herself get wrapped up in this scheme anyways. Why? Was she really hoping for a happy ending? With that person? Oh… oh god! She should have warned Irina!
But it's too late to apologize now. Her mouth hangs open… and before any words could possibly come out, Irina whips around. She storms out of the room… tosses the flowers into his arms and thanks him, bitterly, for the reminder.
"...I was starting to forget why I was here."
"W-wait! The students cry as she comes back out the front. "Where are you going!? Don't leave!"
"We can fix things, we swear!"
But Irina doesn't listen to them. Instead, shaking her head wildly she continues her walk of shame. Aguri reaches a hand out- stunned.
She has to say something, right? She… sees herself in Irina! Not in her anger, of course, but in that pathetic heartbreak. How bad does it feel to be spurned!? What can she possibly do!? She wants to help Irina like Irina helped her!
"Irina, wait!"
She doesn't even realize she's grabbed Irina's wrist until Irina's pointing the gun her way.
"No," she says. "No. I'm not doing this. Don't you fucking dare try and get me to stay. Don't you say you know what this feels like. I'm not interested in hearing it, especially considering you lot are the reason the world is ending in the first place! Stop pretending that things are normal. And stop pretending that we're friends. I told you from the start: I don't do that shit. We're coworkers: nothing more." She drifts off… grimaces. "And you've done a pretty shitty job of that, too."
She tears her wrist from Aguri. Turns and storms off for real this time. Aguri briefly considers chasing after her… but the minute she steps forward, Korosensei places a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't," he whispers. "I believe she needs some alone time right now."
And… he's right. Ashamed as she is to admit it, she really screwed up. Her and the rest of the class really hurt Irina. They really played with her feelings based on something that wasn't realistic. And even worse… they just expected her to take it well!?
Irina's words sting, but she's not mad at Irina. At least… she doesn't think. She's mostly just mad at herself. That, and…
(She feels a gaze on the back of her neck.)
"Hey. So- uh… not to place the blame or anything, but what on earth, Karasuma-sensei?" Maehara asks.
"You knew how she felt, right?" Okano adds on "Did you really have to be so cold?"
Karasuma sighs. His words carefully chosen, he says "I wouldn't expect you students to understand. But yes, for the record: I knew. I'm not that dense. I simply saw the way that she was feeling and realized I had to nip that in the bud. The last thing we need right now is her 'crush' getting in the way of the mission. There are far more important things to be focusing on."
Aguri's ears start to ring. Limbs locking up, she thinks 'he knew.' All of this talk about denseness- being clueless... and he knew the whole time. He knew Irina had feelings for him!
And he still treated her that way!?
"From the start our relationship has been purely professional," He continues. " Nothing more. And if she got the impression that it was not then that's her issue, not mine. She's an assassin- and she should know how to handle things responsibly by this point. If she can't, then she's not qualified to work in a place like this."
A place like this. This. A professional, dangerous environment. 'She should be focusing on killing you two, not on her feelings.' That's what Karasuma is saying. 'Her feelings are something to be ashamed of. Who gets caught up like that?' It's not like she's only twenty. And it's not like she's been dedicating those feelings to him-
...He knew all along. He could have told her 'no' from the start, and instead, he led her on. He could have turned her down nicely just now, but instead, he lambasted her for daring to get her hopes up.
Instead… he…-
Stood by. Was cruel in the most innocuous of ways. How many days has it been now that Irina's tried to bond with him- impress him only to be turned down? Afternoons spent striking up fruitless conversation… talks with Aguri about being in love? Only for all this effort to have been poured into someone who saw how she was feeling, but didn't accept it? No! More than that! Who saw how she was feeling but didn't just forgo romance. Didn't respect her as a coworker: A human being.
The way he talks about Irina now is derogatory- judgmental. She opened her heart to him and he dares to scorn her!? He… he…-
(There is something seriously fucking wrong with this person.)
She's been telling herself all year that he's fine. That he's just a little awkward- needs to open up. She's put up with him scorning her… scorning Korosensei? But this? This is the last straw.
"What is your PROBLEM!?"
She leaps in through the window- skin crackling, face warped. Her whole body shakes… and she feels like she's on fire- but she can barely contain herself. She reaches out for Karasuma- towers over him. Screams.
"You knew! You knew how she was feeling this whole time and you thought that was an okay thing to say to her!? She trusted you! She thought you were a good person!"
They all did! They all saw something better in him. The students- Korosensei… he wiggled his way into their minds. He almost even got his claws in Aguri. But no- she won't allow it. Not today!
She knows this kind of person. Simply awkward!? Just a little cold!? Who is she kidding!? That's what she's used to describe men who are sociopaths her entire goddamn life! Karasuma doesn't need a nudge! He's been given opportunity after opportunity after opportunity and he chose to be cruel. He fucking knew what he was doing!
It's so sick it makes her shake. Skin a pitch-black- lips drawn back… she grits her teeth tight. Blinks back tears.
Karasuma seems frightened for just a split second. Eyes wide- expression stunned… he takes a step back. But as always he recollects himself- goes back to that emotionless person. And holding a hand out he says:
"You're going to need to calm down. I understand that you're upset… but I will not allow you to hurt me over this. All I did was-"
"Hurt you!? HURT YOU!?" Aguri screams. "You think I'm going to hurt you!?"
Maybe it's good Karasuma turned Irina down. Who knows what kind of boyfriend he'd have been. What would he have done when Irina got too 'emotional?' Too out of control!? WOULD HE HAVE HIT HER!?
"You are coming across as extremely aggressive right now," Karasuma reiterates. "And you know as well as I do that I did what needed to be done. Irina was not to get into a relationship. And it was well within my right to turn her down."
"Yeah," Aguri says. "It was. With understanding. With empathy. Not with 'how stupid do you gotta be to fall in love with me?' You could have told her nicely! You could have voiced your worries! And instead you hurt her! Deliberately!"
"I did n-"
"Don't deny it! You just told the students. You were afraid she wouldn't make a good hire anymore so you broke her heart! You said exactly what you knew would hurt her most and you didn't even feel a little bit bad about it! How sick do you have to be!?"
Karasuma's quiet, giving her a steely gaze. For yet another moment his expression shifts… but he soon returns to an unfettered head shake.
"...Being a heartless bastard is required in my line of work, I'm afraid. And if you're not aware: it is in hers as well. Irina knew what she was getting into when she became an assassin. And she'd have to be losing her grip on reality to forget that now. I was telling the truth, after all: the world's in danger. And that means that this is temporary. You may think I'm cruel, but I'm saving her a lot of heartbreak in the long run."
Bullshit. Bull. Shit. Like hell the world is in danger. Sure, she and Korosensei are going to blow up, but killing herself has been part of her plan from the start. She never wanted to put anyone in danger… and having the blame of Irina's rejection placed on her shoulders.
...My god! It makes her shake!
She's dying! She's going to die. And all she'd ask for in death is knowing that her friends are still happy- that the kids are being looked after by someone she can trust. It's not like she's asking a lot here, is she!?
"The world isn't in danger," she insists. "It's not. Do you really think that Korosensei and I would risk blowing up the earth when the students are here? My sister's in this class! We're going to get something figured out. We're not just- just going to put everyone in danger!"
"That is not your choice," Karasuma argues. "Your situation is uncertain, and-"
"No! Don't you even dare say that to me! If you ask me, I think the students are in more danger around you. Look at how you've behaved!"
She knows she's lashing out- losing control. But there's no way she can possibly hold herself back. She's right, after all... isn't she? He's the one who gave the students the tools to behave recklessly and get the old man hurt. He's the one who weaponized them… told them to try and kill the one pillar of support in their lives. He's the one who didn't have a single issue when Korosensei tried to strike them, and HE'S telling them that this sort of cruel, callous behavior is normal. What seeds is he planting with that!?
"You're teaching them right here and now that you think the best way to protect people is by hurting them… making light of their feelings. Is that really alright with you!? All they wanted to do was do something nice for their teacher - the woman who loved you - and you couldn't even give them that!? What's wrong with you!? "
"And what's your reasoning? She doesn't deserve it? She got too emotional? How is that bound to make them feel? What are you going to do when they lose sight of their goals? Are you going to try and hurt them, too!?"
"Of course not," Karasuma replies. "And I was not trying to hurt Irina. All I was doing was reminding her that-"
"That this is temporary?" Aguri asks. "Trust me: she knows! She's not as stupid as you seem to think she is. She knows that this is all going to be over by the end of the year. She knows that the students are going to graduate and I'm going to die and you're going to go back to your happy little life. But she wanted to spend the rest of this one-of-a-kind year with you anyways. And you turned her down. Why!? To show her how much more above it all you are than her!?"
"That's not a good thing!" She shouts. "We know! Irina knows! The students know! I know! You don't have to keep reminding us! We know our happiness is temporary. But temporary is all some people have. Are you telling us not to treasure that!? To just be miserable with all we have left!? How little empathy does that require!?"
"It's not our fault you've never suffered! It's not- it's not our fault you don't know what it's like to feel alone and afraid and unloved. But she opened up to you anyway and you only made her feel worse. Have constantly made all of us feel worse. You are a selfish, intentionally hurtful person… and you need to stop! We're not just going to put up with it! One of these days you're going to do something really bad to someone!"
"How will that make you feel!? Will you regret it!? Or will you not care then, too?"
She can barely even make out Karasuma's face. She's not sure when she started crying… but there's no stopping now. She struggles for breath- feels her body pulse. That's okay. She doesn't need to see Karasuma's face. She knows what expression he's wearing, anyways. Aloof- unmoved, angry. It's an expression she's known long before she even met him!
He's just like him. And she's known it all along! She's known from the start! From the first hateful glance! She got her hopes up and she was burned again. Let Irina take the fall for her. Why? Why!? Why!?
What's wrong with her!? She needs to get out of here. Now! She doesn't feel safe anymore. She can't bear to be around this person. She hates him! She hates him! She knows that by now! And if she doesn't do something soon then she's going to throw up.
She's going to-
"Stop," Korosensei says, finally reaching out through the darkness.
He's standing in front of her. Aguri doesn't know whether he was there before or if he's just now trying to place some distance. He holds a hand out between Aguri- Karasuma, and says "...I believe that's enough."
"Your anger is justified, Aguri. But this is helping neither of you. And while Karasuma's words were irresponsible, us coercing him into participating in our gift was just as much so. I see now that we were stubborn… even something close to unfair. And for now it's best to let sleeping dogs lie."
Aguri wants to argue- so desperately say what she sees. But all her words dry up and the anger spills out from her body. It morphs into sadness. And her shouting fades into sobs. She collapses into Korosensei's arms- wailing incoherently as she buries her face in his chest.
"He was just so mean to her," she whimpers. "All she wanted to do was impress him and he treated her like that."
"I know," Korosensei says, rubbing little circles in her back. "I know."
Karasuma falls silent. For a second Aguri thinks he'd left… but he does eventually speak up: a certain unsteadiness to his tone.
"I… see how things are right now. I believe that I should go. Octopus: are you able to take care of class for the rest of the day?"
"Yes," Korosensei says, still cradling Aguri. "Of course."
"Good," Karasuma replies. "In that case, I'm signing out early. I'll be back tomorrow. I hope everything's settled down by then."
He turns. Makes his way to leave. Momentarily it even seems like he's not going to speak to Aguri… but he stops, briefly, and turns back.
"For the record," he says. "I am sorry you feel that way. But my viewpoint is not going to change. And I believe that you'll see it in time." Another pause. He shakes his head. "Goodbye. I'll be seeing you tomorrow."
She swears she hears a hint of sadness- hesitation in his voice… but she soon shakes it off. No. She knows that's not what it is at this point. That's the naive, desecrated part of her speaking up. The one that's gotten her hurt time and time again. And she will not be tricked by herself- not today.
She knows what Karasuma is by now. He's a man who's decided not to feel. A cold- uncaring person. And he is not what she hoped he was.
As he meanders off her breaths quicken. And still thinking of Irina- she cries harder… buries her face in Korosensei's chest.
She cries for the rest of the day. Even as the students return to class and Korosensei tries to return to some ounce of normality, she just can't help herself. She excuses herself… says she thinks she needs some alone time- and he says that he understands. He can take care of everything today. And so she should just rest, alright?
She's not sure she'd call it resting, but she takes him up on the offer and retreats to the teachers' lounge. The last thing she wants to do is have a breakdown in front of the kids… especially when they probably already feel guilty enough as is.
She can hear them whispering to themselves as they pass by her in the hallway. They're quiet- trying not to make themselves heard… but she can make them out, even from inside the other room. They're discussing whether or not they think they're okay with what Karasuma did. Was that just a dick move, or was Aguri right?
"I mean… he was just trying to protect her, right?"
"That's what he said- but is that really how you do that?"
"Well… no. But I wouldn't call him abusive. Would you?"
"I don't know. I'd like to think not, but… she would know best, wouldn't she?"
"...I guess you're right."
They sound so defeated- mad.
Aguri feels bad for getting in their heads. She really shouldn't have shouted at Karasuma in front of them like that. But all the same… What was she supposed to do? She meant everything that she said, and they deserve to know that, too. If they're really not safe around that person then she doesn't want to spare his feelings. She wants to make that known first and foremost. Make sure that… that he doesn't hurt them, too.
('He wouldn't, right?' She starts to think, but suppresses the notion. No. He totally would. She thought he wouldn't hurt Irina either, after all. And so… so who cares how gentle he's been around the kids?
Scary people are capable of putting on a kind face.)
She hopes she never has to see him again after this. She knows someone has to stay- watch them… but it doesn't have to be him, does it? Maybe she can… can talk to the government. Tell them that he's a bad person. That- that there's something sick deep down in him. They'll believe her, right? They have to. She can't even think about what she'll do if they don't.
(Would the classroom ever heal?)
...Either way, she has a feeling that things are going to be very different from here on out. Korosensei collects her at the end of the day- reassures her that he's sure Irina will be back. But Aguri thinks differently. She saw the look on her friend's face, and it's one she knows all too well.
It's too late. And she has a feeling that if Irina has anything to say about it then she is never coming back.
"Well, Tadaomi… you've got to understand. Kohana's… very sick. She might not be getting better."
Karasuma's quiet as he makes his way home. He unlocks the door… steps inside and undoes his shoes. He places his things to the side and sits down. Cracks open his laptop and tries to decide what he should say to his supervisors.
'There… was an altercation,' he types, starting up an email. 'I do not think it will affect much, but you may have to hire a new assassin. It's probably about time for that, anyways.' He pauses. Frowns. 'Irina has not been putting in the proper work.'
It's a harsh thing to say, but it's true, isn't it? She's not doing her job, and she hasn't for months. Her catching feelings isn't an affront in and of itself… but it's certainly the last straw. He's not sure how much more he can turn a blind eye to this. And if he ever wants to do his duty then it's time to put his foot down.
'I'm sorry,' he thinks. 'It's nothing personal.'
Wordlessly, he sends the email. Shakes his head and closes the laptop back up.
He has a feeling he'll be receiving a response rather soon, but he doesn't want to look. They'll take care of it, he's sure. And he's got other things to focus on.
Briefly, his glance drifts down towards his phone. Aguri's words echo in his mind and he considers texting Irina, but soon decides against it. 'No. Don't be ridiculous.'
She'll be fine. And besides, this is for the best.
It's time they go their separate ways. For his sake and hers.
(Because believe it or not, Karasuma knows all about temporary. And he is not putting up with it a second time.)
Irina knows about temporary, too. Temporary days spent in temporary countries… temporarily pretending to be enamored in thoroughly fake and thoroughly fleeting relationships. The shortness of life- how easy it fades. She's not dumb. She knows that anything can go away in an instant. She grew up in a world where that sort of thing was fact. And yet she let herself forget it for a moment. Why?
(She guesses she just thought this time would be different.)
'Bah,' she thinks. 'What a joke. It was always going to end this way. Karasuma is right.'
Pretending to be some lovebird… hanging out with the kids and Aguri. That's not who she is. She's smarter than that. That was just temporary, too. A lapse of judgment. And now she's back in the real world. The cold… lonely… unforgiving-
(World where she hides in the closet with a body.)
No. She won't think about it. That's not like her, either. It's not the time to be self-pitying. It's time to be mad. And mad she is.
Mad at Karasuma for calling her out like that. Mad at Korosensei and Aguri for pretending that everything was alright. Mad most of all at herself for even falling for it. She learned how to let go of those childish ambitions a long time ago. And now she's come back to her senses- thank god.
She's packing her car- preparing to go off to who knows where when she's approached. And as she feels a chill on the back of her neck, little does she know that someone else who also knows all about temporary is about to make her an offer she can't possibly refuse.
It's a few days later and Irina still hasn't returned. Korosensei and Aguri have both tried to text her, but it's no use. They don't receive an indication that their messages have even been read, much less a response. It's radio silence. And although that's pretty much what Aguri expected… it still hurts. She's worried about Irina, and she doesn't know what to do.
"Do you know anyone who might be able to get in contact with her?" She asks. "Her boss or whatever?"
"I'm afraid not," Korosensei responds. "Neither I nor Karasuma have been able to get in contact with Lorvo for months."
"Ah," Aguri replies, shoulders sinking. "I see…"
And speaking of, Karasuma's kind of disappeared, too.
Though that's more her own doing than anything. He'd showed back up at class the next day like nothing had happened, but she'd blocked him off… said no way in hell was he going to be around her kids. She'd been terrified doing it… so scared her knees had shook, but she hadn't seen any other option. And to her surprise, he'd complied.
"Fine," he'd said, looking unimpressed. "If you'd really like then I won't teach. But I do have to stay in the building to supervise you. Make sure that you don't put the kids in danger as well. Is this understood?"
"Of… course," Aguri starts to say, but her gaze lowers to the ground. Somehow she still feels discontent. She frowns. Tenses her jaw. "Actually," she rescinds. "Can I make one more request to you? Please?"
Karasuma's lip twitches. Quiet, he replies, "What is it?"
"Can you tell the government that we'd like another agent? I appreciate what you've done for us, but it's clear I'm no longer comfortable having you around. I don't feel safe with you being around the kids… and I don't feel safe with you at all." A pause. "At this rate someone else would be able to handle the job much better. Someone who can still teach."
Karasuma blinks, but soon whirls around.
"...I'll see what I can do."
That earns whispers from the kids, too. Aguri can tell she's breaking their hearts and that's the one thing she wanted to avoid, but she can't back down. Not now. Even if they…- they think they can trust Karasuma, they can't. S he's saving them from more hurt in the long run.
(And that doesn't make her like him, okay? This is different!)
Yes. She's sure of it. She… won't regret telling him to leave. The only thing that she'll regret is telling him to do it so soon after Irina did. They didn't need to experience this on top of that. But what's done is done. And anyways… he's not gone yet.
(They're strong kids. They'll have time to adapt.)
Karasuma's still working through the paperwork of whatever that entails and Aguri is still working on trying to get in contact with Irina when Korosensei pulls her aside. At first, she thinks he's there to discuss that with her, but it turns out that's not the case. Instead, cracking a smile, he asks her if she'd like to take a break over lunch.
"Things have been awfully busy lately. Far too stressful for any normal person to bear. You look like you could use a bit of rest. I heard there's a football game happening over in Brazil… one I've actually been looking forward to for quite a long time. Wanna fly over with me and check it out? Just to get our minds off things?"
"Oh," Aguri replies. "I don't know. Are you sure the kids will be alright?"
"Of course," Korosensei replies. "It will just be a little while. I'm sure they can take care of themselves. And besides… they have Karasuma."
'Absolutely not,' Aguri thinks, looking back over the kids.
"Megu. Isogai. If we head out can you make sure that everyone stays safe?"
"Of course," the students reply. "You know you can count on us."
"Very well then," Aguri agrees. "Just this once. You're right. I've had a headache for a while now. I think I could use the break."
"Fantastic," Korosensei says. "In that case let's get going. We wouldn't want to miss too much."
He takes her by the hand and leads her out of the building. For another moment she hesitates… looking back, but she shakes her head and reassures herself that she's sure everything will be fine. Easy as it is to worry, those kids are smart. And she's left them alone plenty of times before. What's the worst that could happen?
Korosensei and her fly to Brazil. Er- well... Korosensei does most of the flying, but Aguri puts in her part, too. By the time they arrive things have already begun… and they settle into the stands. They were careful to put on their 'human' disguises beforehand. And no-one seems to give them too much attention in particular, even as Korosensei cheers.
There's a jovial atmosphere to the event. And even though Aguri has never been much of a sports person she soon finds herself caught up in it as well. It's nice to spend a day with Korosensei… surrounded by happy people. And sure, she doesn't understand most of what's going on… the rules or whatever, but that's not what it's about. It's about seeing people try their best- and try their best they are.
She's even begun to relax by the time his phone starts to buzz. Her hand's up- mid-cheer, when it lets out a beep. She sends a sideways glance his way... frowns.
"Did you hear that?" She asks.
"The vuvuzelas?" Korosensei asks. "Yes. They're quite wonderful."
"No. Not the-" Aguri pauses. "Are those even allowed here? I mean your phone. I think it's going off."
Korosensei glances towards his phone. Sounding a bit concerned, he says "It's from Karasuma. Do you think it's important? I'd like to call him back if so, but..." The sound of cheering drowns him out. "It's a tad loud in here."
Aguri frowns, reaching up to scratch at her chin. The mention of Karasuma dampens her spirits a bit, but she shakes the feeling off. No. There's no use in dwelling on it.
"I doubt it," she says. "If something came up then Isogai and Megu would have texted you. We put them in charge, remember?"
"I suppose you're right," Korosensei replies, pocketing his phone once more. But the incessant beeping doesn't let up. And by the time he's reached out to check it again Aguri's phone has started to buzz as well.
Now that earns some concern. Sure enough, it's Karasuma. And while contacting Korosensei is one thing, she has a feeling that he wouldn't contact her unless something was really wrong. Something's going on here, and suddenly there's a pit in her stomach.
"I think I'm… going to check this out, actually," she says, tugging on Korosensei's sleeve. "I'll be right back, alright? I just want to hear what he has to say."
"Are you sure?" Korosensei asks. "He's calling you too? If you really think it's important then I can take this."
"No," Aguri insists. "It'll only be a second. I've got this."
"Very well then," Korosensei replies. "Just come back and let me know if it's anything of concern."
Aguri is way ahead of him. Rising from her seat and scooting out from between the stands, she descends towards the exit. Her thoughts swirl at a million miles a minute- already wondering what could have possibly gone wrong.
The kids… they didn't get in a fight, did they? Argue with each other? There are certainly a few things to fight about. Maybe they got into it over whether or not Karasuma should stay… who's to blame for what happened to Irina. The A-Class kids could have even gotten involved. Was there some kind of bullying incident? Was someone hurt?
Maybe Karasuma even participated. Maybe he checked up on them and… and lost his temper. Did he say something cruel to one of the students? Hurt their feelings? Or did he do something worse?
'No. No. It can't be that,' Aguri thinks. 'They're fine. They have to be fine. He wouldn't hurt them, right? Not like that. He's about to leave. He wouldn't want to get into any more trouble than he's already in.'
Maybe… it's good news. Maybe he's finally received confirmation about that. Or maybe Irina's made her return. But Aguri sincerely doubts that. And as she exits the stadium- dials to return Karasuma's call… a sense of dread starts to form.
He picks up right away. And breathing heavily… voice tense, he says something worse than Aguri ever could have possibly imagined.
"You've got to come back. Now."
"W-what!? Why?"
"The kids are missing."
