Chapter Six


Nagisa's POV


I'd promised myself I'd relax this weekend. Yet here I was prancing around my hotel room, hair in my hands. What would Miss Akabane think? She would hang me if she knew.

But it wasn't like my actions had been a conscious decision. So the kiss had felt good? Anything would feel amazing after the kind of day I'd had today.

Clearly, the only reason I'd indulged the way I had was because I had done what I had sworn not to do. I had let him get to me.

Both of them.

Karma with his flaming smirk and obstinate need to push my buttons. And him with his sadistic words.

It was bad when I found out Karma had left his group. Okuda with him, that wasn't as frightening. But with his influence and her lack of severity in a city like this, I knew it was a recipe for disaster.

On my way to find them, I had unfortunately came face to face with the reasons for my anxieties this trip. And it hurt.

It hurt so badly to see him. I swallowed hard at the memory of his cane tapping against the wall behind me, trapping me like a rat.

I always felt like an experiment under his gaze, so weak even after years had passed since our training days.

And then the phone had rang.

He'd smiled. It was the smile of a demon, false politeness insisting I answer it. Both of us ignoring the fact I had lied through my teeth that I didn't have a phone number to give him.

Things were heavy when Karma vanished. Things were even heavier when I discovered who exactly lurked here.

But when I answered the phone, and my sweet student's chirruping filled my ears, it hurt having to lie.

It was Maehara and Kataoka. They had seen Karma separated from the others and were calling to ask if he should be.

I sucked in a breath, feeling like a captor, knowing that if he knew I was a teacher, my students would be the first victims.

I acted like they were distant relatives. I acted like they were calling from afar and gave the vaguest of details, turning down their offer to meet. My heart was heavy by the time the phone was down, and hoped and begged he hadn't overheard too much.

Somehow, I managed to make it out alive and when I did, the first thing I sent out was that everyone would return home by six. Two hours ahead of schedule.

I wanted to find Karma. I wanted to meet up with all my students and ensure their safety.

But I couldn't risk that man following me there.

I texted the others, pleading that if they saw him, they tell him I was angry and that he needed to come home.

With no way to contact him, his phone on silent and his hide and seek skills impeccable, it was torture. There was no way to confirm he was still breathing, not dead in a ditch somewhere. Not fighting with the locals. Not causing trouble with the law.

For the longest time my legs twitched to move, but logic wouldn't let them. I hid in plain sight until I was sure any stalkers had grown bored. Whilst sunken down on the table of a cafe, looking up at the fading sunlight, all I could do was pray.

Still, that didn't excuse my weakness.

It was mistake after mistake. If this had been any other assignment, I'd be dead by now.

I'd gotten too close to a student. I'd broken a rule set by my employer. I'd smashed through the trust of a close friend and I was sure I had crossed the line of the law too.

Yet all I could think about was how much of a relief it was to have him in my arms holding me.

My eyes had closed for only a second, when I envisioned his mother pressing the tip of her gun to my forehead. I started to sweat.

It wasn't like it was the first time she'd down that.

Maybe... maybe this could work in my favour. If my job was to teach, I could teach the boy a valuable lesson; do not fall in love with your teachers. Furthermore, do not so blindly trust adults.

I didn't want to scar him. I really didn't. But at this point, being cruel would be a necessary evil to benefit him in the long term.


KARMA'S POV


So far, it seemed like tonight would be as restless as my others. I'd finally tasted satisfaction on the tip of my tongue, yet could I test to see if my dreams were complacent? No. The girls next door were finding something hilarious. So hilarious in fact, that at 11:30, they'd transformed from silent ghosts, to cackling witches.

"Sounds like they're all awake to me."

"So, uh... we wouldn't be disturbing at all would we?"

"Nah, we should go over."

"In my PJ's no way!"

"Fine then, either put something on or stay behind. Simple!."

"Damn! Wait up then."

I could hear stumbling from not too far behind me.

"Hey, you think the girls are all gonna be in their nightwear?" Okajima laughed before someone slammed their fist over his skull.

"I'd call you a perve, but you're probably right."

"Fuck it, I'm going."

I closed my eyes as the ruckus begun, sensing Isogai standing up on the side to look over when he asked if I was coming.

The brief image of Nagisa in cotton shorts and furry slippers made me lick my lips. But remembering he was a male, I realised that if he was up late hanging out with anyone, it would be us. More specifically, I'd be willing to bet it was me as his first choice, but that was hardly relavent.

I brushed him off, only for him to mutter,"Um... Terasaka would like to know if he can borrow your PJ's because he thinks they'll make him look cool."

I sat up at this, shooting the boy who was watching from a distance a glare.

"Would you give me the time to soak them in bleach first?"

He backed up, hands out in retreat before he rubbed the back of his neck, saying a prompt "Bye." He cut out of the scene before I could throw something, taking Isogai with him.

It was silent.

After enough time, I started to believe I was alone. Peering over the edge, I was able to make out Chiba's turned over figure on the bottom bunk nearest to the door.

Takabayashi's face illuminated by the glow of some gaming device was the only light. Below him, some other lucky bastard was already fast asleep.

I thought for a second, that if I slipped out of the room, nobody would hold any surprise. If I went over to Nagisa in this darkness, nobody would miss me. Those who did notice would assume I'd joined the others. Those others assuming I had never left my bed.

It sent a devious smile to my face I couldn't hold back.

The idea of Nagisa's shocked face, the smell of his sweet skin and the soft glow of his breath on mine neck had me sitting up. Fate had to choose that exact moment for the door to whizz open. Lo behold, there were girls.

I froze and dropped back down. Light from the hallway poured in, a few of the more tame species of female slipping in with puffy eyes.

"I know its rude but hat's the unfortunate way high school boys are." A voice whispered as they walked in.

"What ever happened to the gentlemen type, rushing sleeping girls out of there beds like that, hm."

"Speaking of prince types, I have a feeling Isogai-kun's bed is the tidiest, I call dibs!" I winced as I felt movement below me.

"B-But Kayano where else will I sleep?" Peering out, I saw Okuda blinking with uncertainty. Looking over to Hayami, the ginger winced with apology, backing up until she was beside Chiba.

"Hey," She whispered, crawling in beside him as he scooted over. The rest was all mumbles.

"It's no problem. The one above belongs to Maehara's, he's a clean guy, right?"

"Wanna go up there Okuda?"

"I-I don't mean to be fussy but that guy is... well...He's going to get the wrong idea about me sleeping in his bed! I don't want him over reacting!"

Kayano laughed in a hushed way, "Come on then Okuda, we can share. Besides, it'll be better if there are two of us in one. In case they decide they want to sleep after all. Besides, Hayami has a partner, better me than someone else sneaking in with you whilst half asleep-"

"Kayano!"

I cringed when not one, but two girls entered the bed below me. It became clear in an instant that my hopes of escape where crushed. Even more so, when I heard the murmur of girlish whisper. I rolled my eyes; they'd come in for sleep only to spend their time awake.

Another sudden burst of hooting sounded from next door.

I must have burnt Nagisa Sensei out for him to not have interjected this madness yet.

Whatever wild sleepover game they were playing in there, I could only dream about doing the same with him.


Some time in the night, I must have fallen asleep. I stirred, hearing my name, but keeping my eyes closed. The incredulous whisper was sharp - the kind of sound full of excitement.

"Karma was in the bed above the whole time!" Kayano giggled.

"R-Really, I thought for sure he would have gone to the other room!?"

"Mhm. See for yourself if you want... I know you want!"

I heard what sounded like a pillow thrashing at someone. "S-stupid!"

More laughter proceeded.

"It's a good thing you didn't try and sleep up there after all Okuda!"

"K-K-kayano..No!" She squealed, voice rising from its usual whisper. It was the opportunity to pretend I'd awoken if I ever heard one.

"Can you girls keep the sounds human down here, it's still early you know." I disrupted, swinging my head down, hair hanging victim of gravity as I looked down at the two, seeing Kayano's eyes turn into stars as she clung to a cushion, poor Okuda yelping at the sight of me and seeming to... well, pass out.

"S-Sorry Karma-kun!" The green haired girl responded, glancing at her friend in utter disbelief.

Sighing, I nodded,"Its fine, I'm awake now anyway. Is she gonna be alright?" I nodded my head in the others direction, as Kayano averted her gaze to the door, yelping and poking at her cheek.

"Okuda..! Okuda wake up..!"

I jumped down from the bed, walking in the glory of all black pyjama's on my slim yet toned body.

"How much do you think he heard?" Okuda wheezed behind me.

Whatever they were talking about, I figured it was best I didn't know.

Since last night, the room had filled up. The select few appearing to be missing were Isogai, Maehara, Itona and Terasaka. Though, this was hardly shocking. I also noticed Chiba and Hayami in the same bed together. Scandalous.

I would have wolf whistled had they not been asleep, but at least they were both fully clothed. Comically, the pair had alternated sides. They lay with their feet besides the others head. It was like a signpost screaming innocent and virgin to anyone who dared to question them.

I nearly collided with Nakamura exiting. She was laughing when she hit my chest, holding my arms for balance as she looked up in understanding. Itona and Terasaka were close behind.

"Did you guys even sleep?" I questioned. The blonde before me straightening herself before looking over my clothes unimpressed,"Yes. In fact, we were the first ones up."

It was then that I noticed that they were all fully dressed. I felt no lack of confidence to be barefoot and in pyjamas, but it still irked me that I'd missed time with Sensei.

"What time is it anyway?"

"Half past seven, we have an hour until the rest have to be up. Wanna know what everyone got up to last night?"

She got straight to it, didn't she.

I'd never cared about gossip, but I was unable to leave the hotel due to my slip up last night. I was unable to change since there were girls in the room. Not to mention that they were irritably whispering about me like they wanted my wrath.

With not much other choice, I shrugged letting her lead me downstairs to the lobby. She sat modelling by the window for passers to see, telling me with enthusiasm during this.

The more she told me, the more it lead me to believe that Nagisa had been out of it last night. I had taken more of an effect on him than I'd thought.


"Sensei, you're supposed to be the first one awake." Itona scolded with an emotionless face. The fluffy haired male walked out in his baggy, baby blue nightwear. Why wasn't I surprised?

Nagisa looked up innocuous, more student-like than us all combined. His lips puckered, a delightful and glittery pink, eyes thick with purple to blue shadow. On both of his cheeks there was writing; the left a shaky mess resembling the word 'STUD' in red lipstick. On the right 'ITS A TRAP!' displayed out in eyeliner choked an emission from my throat.

Those involved in the truth or dare last night who had already seen it tensed.

The others weren't so skilled at containing it.

Terasaka's group were the weakest, bursting out laughing in tears.

Kayano gave a little shocked start, clasping her hand over her mouth in a fit of girlish giggles.

I managed to repress my laughter right up until the boy's mouth turned to an O, panic and worry on his face.

"What's everyone staring at?" He questioned, oblivious as a rock.

I lost all hope of containment that instant.

His eyes wandered to my direction, and I knew it lingered too long to be a coincidence.

"You should go to the bathroom Sensei."

"Eh? What do you mean by that? What happened?" He glanced down at his body self consciously, the others just as giggly.

Heat dawned on me as I watched his nervous actions. It made me wonder if he shared my susceptibility for certain dreams. The satisfaction of it was painfully pleasing.

Then, blue orbs met mine, panic stricken and my breath stopped.

A feeling of pride hit me. It was like he was asking me for help. It was like he'd turned to me in his time of uncertainty like he trusted me. This swelling warmth was uncommon to me; unfamiliar, frightening.

Then, someone finally took pity on him and handed him a mirror.

I watched as the fear on his face morphed to a pout, "Does that say..? Who did this to me?" He sighed.

My feeling had dissolved, but it's traces kept me on edge.

"I confess," Nakamura giggled, raising her hand. "But it was Kanzaki who was kind enough to share her expensive makeup with you."

"H-Hey!" The girl chimed in embarrassment, but Nagisa Sensei was far from angry. He rolled his eyes and shoo'd the group away.

"Alright alright, it was pretty funny.." He blushed a little. "Everyone get changed and pack up, we'll be leaving soon after breakfast.

Poor Nagisa didn't even notice the predator following him into the secluded bathrooms.

When the door opened, he had splashed his face with cold water in the sink. It ran down his skin in clear droplets. He cut the gushing tap off only to jump at my sight reflected in the mirror behind him, smirking like a lion.

"Karma-kun.." He turned to face me, the relief in his eyes turning to unease.

"You should learn to be more strict Sensei, it gives students the opportunity to play with you like this-"

I slammed him back into the counter, one knee between his thighs, one hand cupping up his chin to wards my face. His eyes closed, wet lips pouting up to mine so beautifully I nearly gave in and kissed him anyway.

Oh, how he tempted me. How easy it would be for me to take advantage of his willingness and lick his hot mouth as he wished.

The resistance was all worth it when I rubbed his towel over his face. Covering that wanton expression, I let him know that I now knew he wanted it just as badly as I did.

I smirked as he peaked out, pink and pale at the same time with humiliation.

"Now, now Sensei," I tutted, tilting my head titillatingly, staring as I brought our faces closer. "An illicit relationship like this is frowned upon. A good teacher would restrain from giving into such things - in a public bathroom especially."

I teased, loving that I could scold him, control the way his heart pounded and his face tinted. "...No matter how desperately," My finger brushed his waist. "You crave it." I whispered, pulling away and leaving him.

As the door closed behind me, I wished I really had kissed him. I did a double take only when I met with Takuya heading into the bathrooms himself. I knew with an awakened sense of responsibility and pressure that he would have seen it all if I had.

It was about time I took my own advice. I guess it was a good thing I didn't end up going to Nagisa last night. If, when the girls had snuck in, make up in hand, I had been in there, there would have been trouble.

With Nakamura's big mouth, it would have been the kind of thing ending with expulsion and arrest.


Yay! I'm alive - not giving up on this story any time soon.

BUT I'm not gonna lie, updates will me scarce in 2018 until July. So, to make up for that, I'll try and post as many chapters as possible until my nerdy need to study gets the better of me and drags me away from the internet.

Feedback is always an appreciated motivator!