Can Cats Eat Octopus? Chapter 9
AN: Welcome to the ninth chapter my lovelies! This is finally ending the field trip episode! The chapters after this one will be a little more stagnant because I will be following the anime pretty closely, but of course I will try to add and change somethings to make it more interesting. So you all aren't just reading the anime just in Neko's POV.
Speaking of which, I gave this warning last chapter but here it is again, Warning: this chapter will have some graphic descriptions of violence! Some may feel uncomfortable, so I wanted to give the heads up. There's also a slight POV change like in the 5th chapter. I know those are annoying but sometimes I like them lol.
Last but not least, disclaimer, I do not own Assassination Classroom! I only own Neko and the OCs! Hope you all like and enjoy this chapter!
/
A deep chuckle was the only sound in the small back room. While the tan skinned middle schooler stopped struggling underneath her captor. The back room looked as if it would be used for maintenance of equipment. Tools and cabinets were in the room with a workbench on the other side of the wall.
Yet the high school delinquent had the young girl pinned on the dirty floor. His hand was tight over her mouth, but her chest still rose and fell which indicated she was still breathing. Her pink bangs under her red beanie covered her eyes completely.
There were bruises on her face and legs. Along with scrapes from being beaten around. There was most likely more under her uniform that didn't easily show themselves.
Her wrists were still bound behind her back by the duct tape. Ichiro had her pinned not just by his hand on her face, but his knee pressed hard on her thigh, and his other leg trapping her by her waist. His other hand also pressed on her shoulder.
One would think she had given up, hoping it would all be over soon. This idea came across the delinquent's mind as he leaned his face closer towards Neko, a smile sliding on his face.
"Taking my advice, baby~. You stopped struggling to make it easier," he began to move his hand that was on her shoulder to grab her school uniform tie, pulling it to unravel. "Don't worry, I'll still make it fun~."
Right as he said that, Neko's head flashed up at him, opening her mouth wide before biting down on his hand that covered it!
He screamed in shock and pain as it seemed like her canine teeth pierced all the way to bone. Being sharper than normal teeth!
Cursing obscenities over and over again, the grease haired boy removed his hand from her tie to try and punch Neko on the sides to get her to let go. But it seemed as if every hit made her bite down harder on his hand, blood dripping down her chin.
With a cry, he tossed Neko away from him where she finally did let go. Rolling to the other side of the room as Ichiro was more concerned about his bloody hand that was dripping down to the floor. He held it close, jaw clenched tightly. Seething, "shit! Damn it!"
"You hurt someone I care about…" a feminine voice spoke in almost a growl. Neko rose to a position on her knees.
"What the hell are you talking about?! I'm going to kill you, you bitch!"
Suddenly he realized something. Her hat had fallen off when she was pushed away. And on her head, there weren't normal ears like there should be. There was freaking cat ears on her head! And he knew they were real by the way they twitched and moved back.
Her head partly snapped towards him, so a single red eye looked straight at him in a glare. The way they looked, almost as if glowing in the dim light of the dark room! Her pupil became just a black slit. With the addition of seeing her ears, the blood still on her chin and mouth, her eyes glowing red that matched; she looked almost like a wild animal.
"Shouldn't I be saying that to you~?" His whole body nearly flinched when a sickly sweet giggle came from where the girl knelt. Her tone sounded like it would belong to a happy girl. She even smiled. But the smile was crooked, tilting her head to the side. Psychotic like. "You touched someone I hold dear. And you were touching me with those vile damn hands that harmed him… you disgust me."
It was at this moment, Ichiro knew what he had gotten into. His whole body shook, he was bigger than her, but the way she looked at him. It felt like he was a child afraid of the dark and there was a monster in his room.
"W- what are you?" He trembled.
Neko stood up from her seat on the floor. Using her even more elongated pointed nails to rip in half the duct tape on her hands. But they were free now, rubbing how sore they were.
"I'm just a normal girl who doesn't like bullies," she spoke nonchalantly, staring at her nails. Wiping then her thumb under her lip to try and get the blood off, before staring back into his eyes with anger and disgust. Another low growl emerging, "but you hurt too many of my friends."
Her ears on her head pointed up, and that was the final moment to tell the high schooler he needed to get out of there! Trying to push himself up off the ground, only using one hand as the other still hurt too much, he scrambled to get to the door.
But the girl wasn't going to let him leave that easily.
He didn't even reach the door handle in time, before Neko grabbed a red metal tool box left on the workbench. Coming right behind Ichiro, swinging then smashing it against the side of his head like he did to Karma.
The blonde fell to the side with another cry of pain, holding the side that got impacted with his hand. Blood coming through his fingers from the wound.
The tool box dropped with a loud crash where many tools and items fell from the compartment. Ichiro groaned, trying to focus. Neko slowly picked up pliers from the ground. One of the tools that fell from the box. She walked slowly to the young man that she feared earlier.
It felt good. To know she could hurt those that try to hurt her and the people she cares for.
Her eyes looked down at the delinquent, her smile slowly disappearing. She looked like she held no emotions in her face, except utter disdain. Just watching him.
Raising her foot, she brought it down to stomp hard on the boy's injured hand. He screamed in agony, till Neko kneed him in the chest.
Hacking from the new pain from his chest, his eyes were shut tight, but a sharp hand grasped his face from under his chin. It caused Ichiro to look up at who he thought was just another easy helpless girl, grip his head so hard, her claw-like nails embedded into his cheeks. Piercing into the flesh, drawing blood and a stinging sensation.
Now the roles were somehow reversed. Neko pinned the delinquent down to the ground, one leg keeping him down with her knee on his chest. Her other foot pressing on his bitten up hand, covered in blood.
She looked down at him, dark red eyes that held no shimmer in them watched as the guy she was so afraid of began to shake. Sniffling and almost in tears. "P- please… let m- me go…"
He begged her. Like how she begged him to stop. Begged him to leave Karma alone, leave her and her friends alone. Now he was the one begging?!
It made Neko laugh. A small giggle coming out, tilting her head to the side. One of her ears going down, "that's funny. Were you going to stop if I kept begging you to? Were you going to let me and my friends go, if I pleaded and cried to you? Were you going to stop if no one stopped you?!"
A growl escaped her throat, eyes narrowing, "like hell you were…"
She pressed down harder on his injured hand. Ichiro cried out in pain. However, with his jaw still being held by her hand, Neko held it open wide. Nails digging deeper into his cheeks, "but since you said 'please', I'm going to give you an option then."
Her tone shifted, to a sickly sweet innocent act. Venom still laced inside of her words though, as she held up the pliers she had picked up. "You get to choose, for every hit, kick, punch you gave that red head back in the alleyway, I can pull out that many teeth. That disgusting mouth of yours could use some maintenance. Or, I can just remove all of your fingernails~. With those hands that hurt someone precious to me~."
She pressed harder once more on his hand for emphasis, keeping his mouth wide open. His eyes shook with absolute horror, tears spilling through them down his cheeks. Down her own fingers. Making the wounds sting even more. Neko moved the pliers closer to his face, her smile fading, "the choice is yours. But hurry up, cause I'm losing my patience, and I might have to choose for you."
If his eyes could get wider, they did when he saw her move the tool even more towards his mouth. He tried to struggle, but she would just dig her heels and knee into him harder. He was frozen with fear. Like she once was.
When the head of the pliers almost went into his mouth, a new voice called out. A young male voice that sounded panic and worried.
"Neko!" It called while coming closer with footsteps going to the door.
Ichiro wasn't sure what just happened, but the single voice caused the girl to freeze what she was about to do to him. Her eyes got brighter, shining like their normal ruby self. Looking back at the door behind her, ears pinning back and surprise but relief coming across her face.
"Karma…?" She whispered under her breath.
Was that really his voice? Did he really call out to her? Finding where she, Kayano, and Kanzaki were taken? Or was she just imagining his voice to stop what she was about to do…
What she was about to do.
Realization crossed her face when she looked back down at the boy beneath her, then to the pliers still in her hand. Her eyes shook, getting a fraction wider.
Removing her hand from Ichiro's face and getting off of him slowly. The boy luckily didn't try anything else, as all he did was just curl up and cry in fear of what could've happened. It made Neko scrunch her face in annoyance. This was someone who made her feel so small and helpless?
Hearing footsteps coming closer, it brought panic back to settle in. She couldn't let the others, let Karma, see her like this! Quickly she grabbed her red beanie from the ground and wiped off the blood from around her mouth. Then putting it back on to cover her ears and fixing her school uniform, she headed to the exit.
Before she opened the door however, she looked back at Ichiro. He saw her ears. What was she going to do with him?! If she told her mom, then she would make them move away immediately! She wouldn't let that happen, she needed to make sure he knew to stay quiet.
"Hey," Ichiro looked at Neko with terror as she was speaking to him again, "you tell no one what you saw. If you come after me and my friends, or you tell anyone about me…"
Neko's eyes faded once more as she lifted up the pliers she still had, dangling them between her fingers before tossing them straight at Ichiro. He flinched in response as they landed on his lap.
Staring at them, before looking back up at the orange pinkette. She looked at him straight in the eyes, a serious look. Until it morphed into a closed eyes smile. A smile under any other circumstances would be a welcoming gesture, however her words were anything but that, "I'll find you, and do much worse then what I started with. Okay?"
She left no more room to discuss, before opening the door and leaving the traumatized delinquent.
…
"Are you girls okay?" Nagisa asked worried as he, Sugino, Karma, Okuda, and Koro Sensei came just in time to rescue the kidnapped girls. Kanzaki was getting her hands released by Sugino, while Nagisa took care of Kayano's. Koro Sensei was rounding and tying up all the high school delinquents that he and his students took care of. Okuda and Karma stood close by to make sure everything was okay and safe.
"Yeah, we're okay. Thank you guys for coming just in time." Kanzaki spoke gratefully, rubbing her sore wrists.
She smiled at Sugino who helped her up while a blush formed on his cheek, chuckling and rubbing the back of his neck. He was about to say something to her with Nagisa helping Kayano up, until Okuda immediately panicked.
"Neko! Where's Neko?!"
Realization and worry resurfaced in the group when they noticed the newest member who was also taken was nowhere to be seen. Kayano answered remembering what happened, "one of the delinquents dragged her to the back!"
That was all that needed to be said before Karma took off from where he stood to go where Kayano pointed. The directions in the warehouse were vague, but his eyes looked around seriously and worried! "Neko!"
He called out to her, hoping she would answer. He could hear his classmates following him, but he didn't focus on them. He wanted to find where that delinquent Kayano said took the pink haired girl. The girl who he instantly pictured in his head, smiling brightly and excited. Until it morphed into fear before his eyes.
The frozen look of terror he always noticed she had hidden behind her red eyes. He saw it occasionally. He remembered seeing it when they met in that alley, then at random moments since. When she looked to be remembering something unpleasant. Something she went through.
It was unintentional at first, but Karma observed her. It was hard not to when now they were classmates sitting right next to each other. And he would admit it was because after two encounters when he ditched school, she just suddenly showed up to his class, he couldn't help but watch her.
However, thinking of those moments where she had hidden sadness and fear, it drove the red head to look harder for her. He was about to call her name again, until he saw a door up ahead in the back of the warehouse. It was hidden and had boxes around the door. Karma knew that's where she was.
Just as his hands reached for the door handle to open it, the door already opened with Neko stepping out. They nearly ran into each other, but Karma stopped in time as Neko looked shocked at the sudden appearance of him.
"W- whoa! Hi there." She greeted him with an awkward, nervous chuckle. She looked behind her to slowly close the door of the back room.
Her classmates all sighed with relief, and Karma stared at the girl who looked to be okay.
Well, at least safe…
Even in the dim light of the warehouse, he could see a bruise forming on the side of her face. Along with scrapes and scratches. He was fairly sure there was also blood on her face. How she stood up wasn't straight either, she looked to be favoring standing on one leg. Kayano and Kanzaki had a few injuries and bruises, but what the hell did they do to her?!
"Neko are you okay?!" Koro Sensei came over to the group asking the question they all were about to ask.
He placed a tentacle on the bruise-formed cheek, she looked as though she tried not to wince at the touch. But the mucus he had seemed to help the stinging sensation she must be feeling. Even so, she moved it away smiling at them all assuringly, "oh yeah, I'm all okay! No need to put slime on me."
While she tried to joke with them, it did nothing to lighten the mood. And it was very much obvious. Shuffling her feet, then clearing her throat, "shouldn't we all head out right now?"
"Yes I believe that would be a very good decision. Let's all head outside while I call the police to handle these delinquents." The octopus teacher stated with his students nodding in agreement.
They all began to head to the exit, Neko though stayed behind the group, letting them leave first. Karma, however, noticed she lagged behind, and turned around to look at her. She seemed to be staring at the back room door she exited from. A complex look in her eyes that had so many mixed emotions, he couldn't tell what they all were. Anger, fear, worry, and so many more he couldn't read.
She just stared at the door, so intensely.
Finally, he decided to break her staring, "you coming, or you got some unfinished business?"
Karma kept his teasing and playful tone to her, even if he knew inside he was curious as to why she was so lost in thought. She looked back at him with slight surprise, before giving a laugh that held some nerves.
"Yeah! I'm coming! Trust me, I want to get out of here."
Neko walked back over to him, where he noticed she held her side and limped a little. Even if she tried her best to hide it when walking past him. A new emotion flared into his stomach thinking of what she may have gone through; with the worry he already felt. Anger.
Yet he kept calm and followed her out. Looking back at the door she also looked at one final time, before exiting the warehouse with the others.
Everyone in group 4 all stood outside where the sun was setting, giving the streets an orange glow. They all stood there in front of the warehouse building, waiting for Koro Sensei to come out and join them after he finished tying up and calling the police for the delinquents. Most likely also assuring Mr. Karasuma and Ms. Irina he found the students and they were safe now.
Although they stayed close together, Neko stood a little farther than the rest. Looking down at her feet, lost in thought.
It wasn't until Koro Sensei finally emerged from the building did she move her head up.
"Alright boys and girls, I spoke with the authorities and they should be on their way. I already spoke to Mr. Karasuma and he said he will take care of any questioning so we can all just head back to the inn for some needed relaxation."
All the kids sighed with relief that they were finally going to be able to rest tonight and then head home.
"To be honest," Sugino began wholeheartedly, "for a moment I thought we were done for. Thanks for saving our bacon back there Koro Sensei."
Karma though grumbled, "if you just left me alone with the leader, I could've beaten him before the son of a bitch knew what hit him."
While his words were something the red head would usually say, there was a lot more malice laced within them. Yet all Sugino responded with was, "alright you're scary, now tone down the sadism a bit."
"I'm just happy it all worked out in the end. How 'bout you Kanzaki?" Kayano sighed before looking at her friend who fixed up her uniform a little better.
She turned back to her and nodded, "yeah. I'm grateful that it didn't go a lot worse than it could've gone."
Everyone agreed with that statement, till Nagisa and Okuda looked over to the final member of their group who was staying silent. As if she wasn't listening to anything that anyone was saying. The pair looked at each other, worried, when they walked over to Neko.
"Neko, are you okay?" Nagisa asked, making the pinkette look at them surprised.
She looked around at everyone who was now watching her with worry in their eyes too. This only caused her to get flustered and nod, "yeah! I'm fine. We all are alive and safe now, so that's all that matters. No major injuries either."
Just as she said that, Okuda gasped out, "Neko! There's blood on your face and shirt!"
Causing Neko to freeze and wipe her chin immediately, however that did nothing as everyone now noticed what Okuda was talking about. Inside the dim warehouse they barely noticed, and may have thought it was the trick of the lighting, but now outside they noticed the faded smear of blood on Neko's chin, and then a few dried drops that were on her uniform.
Everyone's panic rose once more, thinking she was more hurt then she let on!
"Neko what happened?! Where are you bleeding?!" Koro Sensei practically worried over her.
However, Neko began to get more panicked, shaking her head. "No no! It's okay guys! It's not my blood."
That statement didn't exactly ease the other's minds any more than she thought it would. As there was a long silent pause where one could even hear a pin drop.
Realizing how that statement sounded, Neko cleared her throat and tried to explain herself better, "what I mean is I defended myself against that delinquent! He got a little injured, but he's fine too! I guess learning a bit of assassination techniques these past couple of weeks really helped it-"
Her rambling was interrupted though when Karma burst out laughing causing everyone to turn and look at the boy. "Wow, if that's true then I guess we can't call you helpless anymore."
"Only you call me that. And you shouldn't have been in the first place!" Neko aggressively responded with a pout though no longer embarrassed. But all he did was smirk at her.
Kayano and Kanzaki walked up to her though, "are you sure you're okay?"
Neko looked back at Kanzaki, a lot calmer now, "yeah don't worry about it. Like I said, I'm just happy we're okay."
"Me too," Kayano sighed, "I haven't thanked you yet for your help back there too Neko. With that high schooler."
She referred to when the leader was choking Kayano in front of them, and Neko immediately tried to defend her. Even though the guilt in Kayano's eyes didn't go unnoticed by the latter. Knowing that that was what led to the girl getting dragged and beaten harder.
Neko though held no malice or regret. Shaking her head, reassuring the smaller girl, "there's no need to thank me Kayano. It was to make sure nothing bad happened to you."
All three looked at each other, and Neko could feel it within her; this whole endeavor had drawn them closer. Making her feel as though now she was really a part of this class.
"I must say girls, I am both proud and impressed." Koro Sensei began. Everyone looked at him while he chuckled, "most would let this type of situation deeply affect them. But I am extremely proud of how you handled the situation."
Even though he said that, with Kayano and Kanzaki feeling proud of themselves, Neko had a little more of a delayed reaction.
However it was a quick moment until Koro Sensei spoke up once more, all cheerful, "now then! Shall we continue with our well-deserved vacation?"
The group all chimed in with agreement, following the large teacher down the street.
"It's a shame that we never got to try out our assassination attempt…" Sugino confessed.
Okuda gave a nervous laugh as she walked beside the other girls, "I don't think we really have time for that now."
Neko laughed, shrugging her shoulders, "I'm sure we'll get more chances soon."
"True, the trip isn't over yet." Karma added while walking right behind Koro Sensei and continuously tried to stab him.
Everyone chuckled, not at all surprised. "Already taking advantage of that, huh Karma?"
Nagisa's comment to his friend made the rest laugh more. Koro Sensei, still easily avoiding the sadist's knife, spoke more in his cocky tone. "Well he is right. Good luck with that though~."
Walking all together, heading back to the inn, as the sun began to set beyond the horizon. Where already a few stars shone brightly in the dusk sky.
…
"Ahh…" I couldn't help but let out an exasperated sigh while my aching joints and sore battered body submerged deep into the nice warm bath water. This is exactly what the doctor ordered after such a crazy day.
It's been a few hours since my friends and I got back after the whole thing with the delinquents. I purposely waited until all the girl's left the girls bath so I could have this moment of peace and tranquility all to myself.
Leaning against the rim of the large tub, the steam surrounded the whole room, fogging up all the mirrors. The back of my neck contacted the cold surface of the rim as my hair was tied up, my ears finally allowed to breathe.
They were relaxed back showing just how nice it all really felt. The tub was so deep that I could sit on the floor of it and the water reached all the way up to my shoulders. My whole body was deeply hidden in the hot water and steam. And that's what it seriously needed.
While it also would've been nice to hang out with the others for a while longer. I think they said that after they took their time to get cleaned, they were going to eat and hit the gaming center. I made the excuse I was going to eat first then use the bath later.
'Oh well, I'll see them later tonight.'
Stretching my arms a little back above my head from the water, that was an instant mistake as a sharp pain shot straight from my side.
Hissing and splashing my arms back down. I held onto my side groaning. My ears no longer go back in relaxation, but from the pain.
I knew why it hurt so bad. I saw the awful bruises when I went in the bath…
There was one giant bruise on the front of my stomach from when I was getting kidnapped. And a few medium ones littered all over the side of my waist where that other high schooler kept punching me… because he was trying to get me to let go of him.
I grumbled, bringing my knees up closer to me, hugging them under my chin. Submerging my mouth under the bathwater as I still breathed through my nose. The movement caused some discomfort from my other injuries, like the scrapes on my legs and the small scratches on my face that touched the water.
I still can't put it all together completely though what happened to me…
'The second I smelled Karma's blood on that guy, everything that he did, to what he wanted to do to me, I just felt nothing but anger. Like my whole world was snapping. Like my mind was snapping. Everything just felt so distant.'
Blowing small raspberries, I watched the bubbles form and pop just as quick. Thinking harder on what happened back there. On what I did.
'I know what I did. I know what I was doing. It wasn't like I was someone else, that was me. I wanted to hurt him. I wanted to make him pay and feel more pain. For hurting Karma…' I paused, knowing what else I felt in that moment. That feeling resurfacing slightly within me. 'I wanted to kill him… But I knew death would be too much of a blessing for what he did and was doing. So I wanted to make him suffer.'
My throat growled as I quickly shook away those thoughts and feelings coming up. Getting up from the tub, I grabbed the towel I had hanging up close by and wrapped it around my body tightly. Momentarily I scratched the small scar on my lower back, then I stepped out onto the cool tile floor with my feet. I let loose my hair and leaned against the edge of the tub.
'I don't regret what I did, and what I was going to do to that guy. I would happily do it again and finish the job.' I thought angrily, taking a strand of pink and orange from my hair. Messily I began to braid it. Smiling a little, a giggle slightly left my mouth when I remembered also how scared he kind of looked. He deserved it honestly.
Realizing what I was thinking and feeling, I quickly shook my head and let go of the braid. Gripping the edge of the tub behind me now in my hands, "and that's what's scaring me…"
My grip tightened while I bit my lip between my fangs. 'That drive… that instinct I felt. That I even began to like the feeling! Like it was just second nature to cause him harm because of how I feel about Karma…'
I shut my eyes tightly, taking a deep breath one more time. I whispered silently, "what's wrong with me?"
Well standing here alone in the girls bath isn't going to help me! Plus my side was killing me. I wish they had aspirin here, or at least I packed it. 'Well I didn't think I would need it.' I subconsciously answered my inner monologue with an eye roll.
Going over to the clothes rack, I took the robes that the inn provided for everyone that consisted of a white under robe and a green one on top. Putting it on, then putting on the white beanie I brought, I put my towel in a basket with all the other dirty ones then headed out.
My walk was a little off, with my side getting seemingly sore each few feet I walked, until I made it to the lounge working also as a small kitchen for everyone. Opening the fridge, I looked all through it for something cold for my bruises, but for some reason this place didn't even have ice!
"This place is worse than my apartment…" I grumbled before grabbing the next best thing I could think of. A can of lemonade which was the only one in here. Muttering annoyed at my only option, I was just having an off day, so naturally I wasn't going to be as perky as I usually was.
Wrapping a paper towel around it so I can hold it better, I took a seat at one of the tables used for when we ate breakfast here. Resting my head in one arm on the surface, I used my other hand to hold the can of soda to where my bruises were. Occasionally also placing the can on my stinging cuts to my face.
My eyes closed enjoying the coolness of the lemonade can. With the quiet, I could focus my sensitive hearing to listen for anything specific. It's muffled under my hat, but I can still hear people. They all must be in the rooms. One for boys on one side of the inn and one for girls on the other, while the teachers get their own rooms.
It's not so bad sharing a room with all the other girls. It feels just like back when I sometimes had to share a room with my family. The company is nice. Though keeping my ears hidden and making sure my beanie stays on while I sleep is a hassle.
'I should really just buy a nightcap. Though this is the only circumstance where I would need one.'
A new sound that was coming closer to the lounge caught my ears. Shifting them to hear the sound more, it sounded like slow moving footsteps. The person wasn't trying to sneak or anything, they just seemed to not be in a rush and walking around.
I got my head up in time to when they walked through the entrance, and could the universe be any more coincidental and want me to explode?! Because of course, who would show up but Karma Akabane himself!
We locked eyes the second he walked through, wearing the same robes as me. And of course as everyone else. Though his slight astonishment turned playful, I just knew he was ready to tease me again. Was this his hobby or something?!
"Wow, even when lounging in vacation, you still wear a beanie." He commented on my headwear with a tone that was amused.
I chuckled, I'm getting used to this because it was when he and I got to talk to each other. I might sometimes get to know him more. Which I was always willingly happy to take. Plus his teasing wasn't anything mean that made me feel bad.
Shrugging, then putting my head back down with the can back on my cheek, "what can I say, I'm a trendsetter. I like them. They've become my style."
Watching Karma, he moved to the fridge and opened it. He looked around inside it for a bit, like he was looking for something specific. Until he looked back at me. More specifically the can I was holding.
'Oh fish sticks! Was this his lemonade?! I was wondering why there was only one lone lemonade in the fridge!'
About to offer it back to him, though Karma kept the subject going on my headwear, not talking about my possible accidental thievery. "I think you're hiding something under there~."
My heart sank hard at those words. 'What… how could he? Did he see my ears?! Did he see something?! Oh no… no. No no no no! How?! Am I going to have to move again?!'
My mental freak out was getting faster while Karma sat right in front of me, leaning back on the chair. Looking down at me with his eyes. "It's a bald spot isn't it?"
I paused.
I think my heart just stopped beating.
"Huh?"
"A bald spot." He repeated chuckling. Shrugging his shoulders, "there's no reason to hide it. We'll all understand."
"I do not have a bald spot!" I growled annoyed.
This was apparently what the redhead wanted as he laughed harder, "okay okay! If you say so. Your reactions are just so funny. They're even better than the octopus's."
All I could do now was groan and hide my face, mentally praying he doesn't take my hat off and check to see if his joke was actually correct. "Glad to know this is a hobby for you."
He didn't say anything else though, just hummed. A long pause and silence came between us, however it didn't feel too awkward. After the day we had today, with everything that I did, I thoroughly enjoyed the complete feeling in me with the silence.
While also trying not to think about the discomfort leaning against the table is bringing to my side. Adjusting the lemonade a little higher to below my rib cage, I let out a small groan.
"You know lemonade is for drinking right?" Karma commented next to me.
Lifting my head up to look at him, I shrugged smiling sheepishly, "well I couldn't find any ice packs, so this is my makeshift one, cause my side is killing me."
I really hoped he didn't ask more about what happened to my side. Staring at him though, I immediately realized that he was staring right back at me. No smile. No teasing look, or even a lazy one. Just staring at me.
Breaking the eye contact first, I fought the heat rising in my face. Maybe the cuts on my face are getting an infection…
Next thing I knew though, Karma got up from where he sat then walked back into the kitchen. I had no idea what he was doing, but he was clearly looking for something, repeatedly opening and closing cabinets. Until he grabbed a ceramic bowl, a spoon from one the drawers. Then honey and what I think was coconut oil.
'I had no idea that was even in the kitchen.'
Karma came back over, yet sat next to me. I watched as he poured some honey into the bowl, then the coconut oil, before mixing it all together with the spoon. When it looked all well and mixed, he pushed the bowl over to me.
"Here. Put this on your face."
I have no idea what he meant by that. Looking between the bowl then back at the him, completely lost as to what he meant. Why did he want me to put this on my face?
Seeing my utter confusion brought that playful smirk back onto his face. He mixed the concoction a little more, explaining to my poor feeble mind, "it's to help with your injuries. It'll make your cuts feel better."
I was a little skeptical by this sudden act of kindness, wondering if he may have secretly put pepper or salsa in it, however I did watch him make it right in front of me. 'So it should be okay, right?'
Oh well.
Putting the lemonade on the table, I took a spoonful of the honey coconut oil mixture onto my fingers. I tried to put it on my face, but it was very sloppy and kept dripping down. Trying to catch the excess with the paper towel next to me, I could hear Karma chuckle at my struggle.
Even so, the effects he was talking about were working as I could feel it!
My face didn't burn and sting as much anymore. I couldn't help but think too just how nice this will make my face feel afterwards. Like a skin care routine.
After wiping the rest off my hands to my scraped up knees, I had to ask, "how do you know about this?"
Karma laughed lightly, no longer watching me, yet I was looking at him. He leaned close to the bowl, playing with the end of the spoon on his fingertips, "I've gotten into fights so many times, I've had to use this method a few times myself."
I wasn't shocked hearing that, but I did feel something in my stomach. Thinking about how many possible times he got injured and had to use home remedies. Who was leaving injuries on him? Biting my lip to not say anything pitiful, and keep down that instinctive feeling, I tried making light of it.
"Well with how you took care of a couple of those delinquents back in the alley, I wouldn't say I'm surprised you can fight pretty well. I feel bad for those guys trying to patch up their injuries." I innocently leaned a little closer to him, looking to the other side but playfully twirled my fingers, "maybe they have to get stitches and glass out of their hair~."
There was a subtle pause between us. Before we both looked at each other momentarily, then laughed a little together.
Our laughter didn't last long, as we both died down. I peeked one eye to Karma and now noticed the few smaller scrapes on the side of his face. From when Ichiro knocked him down to the ground… beating him.
My blood got hot in my chest. But I quickly suppressed it, taking some of coconut and honey from the bowl. I rubbed it between my fingers, then placed it on the scrapes on Karma's face.
"You still should be careful…" I whispered, knitting my brows in concentration to gently rub in the ointment on him. The electricity coursed through the tips of my fingers while touching his smooth skin. Even though he says he's gotten into many fights before, there wasn't even a scar, or a pore out of place. His skin was so nice it felt like silk.
Even the scent of the coconut and honey strongly wafted through my nose, almost masking everything else. Being so close though, it was Karma's scent I wanted to focus on. Even if I liked sweeter smells more, his smell was what I loved at the moment. Spices, wood, and now the sweet remedy mixing in with it.
Until I realized… 'What the hell am I doing?!'
I quickly regained what I was doing, and who I was touching the face of, quickly looking Karma in the eyes. And now I noticed how he was looking at me strangely, orange eyes wide but mouth thinly pressed together. I had no idea just how closer I moved myself to him, until I was leaning so close that half my body was over him.
I began to panic! I internally screamed, 'What the hell are you thinking?! You idiot clownfish! How can you just touch his face like that, and what the heck is this position?! Are you trying to make him uncomfortable?!'
Now externally screaming, I pushed myself far away from him! I pushed with so much force I nearly knocked the chair and myself back, "AH I'm so sorry! I don't know what came over me! I didn't mean to just touch you like that! I saw some scratches on you and I just-"
He just stared at me, silent, and I did not want to stay another second here embarrassing myself even more! Springing up, I began cleaning the table as fast as my arms could move, "thank you so much for your help, but we should probably get back to our rooms and head to bed! We're going home early tomorrow and after a long day we need to sleep!"
Rambling, not missing a single beat, I then handed Karma my can of lemonade as he still silently watched me, "here you looked like you wanted this, sorry it may be a little warm, but I'll see you in the morning." Just like that, I made my quick escape from the lounge. But I stopped at the entryway, biting my lip, and shifting my ears down. I didn't actually want to leave him.
Gulping down the nerves, I turned back to face Karma as he just stared back at me. I gave the best bright smile I could muster despite the situation, "I really mean it Karma. Thank you for your help."
Then a lot more calmer, I exited the lounge and walked down the halls to get to the girls room. Not until I turned a corner to another hallway, and after making sure the coast was clear, I dove straight down to the floor bent down and internally screaming again! My heart rate is going a thousand miles per hour!
I pulled my hat off to let my ears flatten more, and just mostly used it to bury my face in shame! 'What were you thinking Neko?! How could you do something like that?! Were you trying to make him uncomfortable?'
My whole face felt so hot, I tried burying it further to hide. Though I couldn't sit here any longer. I can't risk someone seeing me, both dying from embarrassment and witnessing my ears.
Taking one final deep breath, I put my beanie back on. Tucking in my ears securely, I got up from the floor. Just still walking down the hall to where I was originally planning to go. My mind was so lost in thought, I hadn't realized when I got to the girl's room until I heard laughing and giggling inside.
That snapped me out of it as I opened the sliding door. I found the source of the laughter coming from Kayano and Nakamura who were tickling poor Kanzaki. Laughing myself, it caused my presence to be known to all the girls.
Giving a small chuckle and wave, "sorry, didn't mean to come in so late."
However, Nakamura staring at me was starting to make me think I did something wrong. That was until her mouth turned mischievous! She got up from the floor to go over to me and take my arm, pulling me more inside the room.
"Neko! Perfect timing! You must have an unbiased opinion!"
I was even more confused while she dragged me to the center of the circle of other girls in my class. I looked around at all of them really concerned now. "Uh… 'unbiased opinion' for what?"
Nakamura, who was still standing in front of me, gave a sly chuckle with a smirk. "Well you see, we're all talking about boys in our class, but we know them a little too well to really look past their faults at the moment. But since you're the new girl and only have interacted with them sparingly, we want to know which boy do you like?"
I blinked completely blank as to what she was talking about. "I like them all I guess? I mean the boys are all nice, at least the ones who I've met, so I don't dislike any of them."
Nakamura sighed. I don't think that was the answer she was looking for. Though Okano, seated right next to me, explained it better. "She means which guy in our class do you think is the cutest and has a crush on?"
'Oh that's what she meant!' I hummed in thought thinking about it. 'There isn't really a guy in class that I do have a crush on. I haven't even looked at someone like that for a long time, so I guess nobody-'
Instantly the memory of a beautiful red haired, orange eyes, boy's face came into my head! The ghost of his skin still on my fingertips and how close I was to him… 'AHHH not again!'
Squealing and hiding my face, trying not to grab my hat this time, I kept shaking my head to get that embarrassing moment out!
"I guess that's a sign there is someone." I overheard Yada's comment, knowing all the girls were watching me die.
Looking up at her, I exaggeratedly waved my hands to try and explain myself, "no no no! It's not like that! I don't like him like that! I mean I like him, but as a friend! That's all!"
Even I knew I was denying something! But how can I explain my feelings when I don't understand them either? I do see Karma as a friend, but as something more? As someone I liked like that? I don't know. He makes me feel complete, 'but would I consider that a crush?! I've been feeling it since we first met, and I sure as heck don't believe in love at first sight!'
Yet Nakamura kneeling in front of me with a smile that reminded me of the boy I was thinking about, did not help my fast beating heart either! "So there is someone in mind that you're thinking of?! Who is this mystery boy in our class~?"
Trying to explain it was reminding me of how I tried explaining to Akane similarly that I wasn't in love with Karma either!
Luckily, I was saved when the door to the room slid open again and Ms Irina stood at the doorway, with cans of a beer in her hand. "Alright girls, time for lights out. At least that's what I'm supposed to tell you, but I know you're just going to stay up and chit chat. So just try to keep it a little quiet."
Just as she was about to leave, with Nakamura muttering how she's not exactly the best chaperone, Kurahashi whined looking at our assassin teacher. "How come you get to drink on the trip? That's not fair!"
'Wait, why are you complaining? We're not even legally allowed to drink.'
"That's because I'm a grown-up, so I can drink whenever I want."
Kurahashi pouted more, until Yada got an idea, "oh I know! Stay up with us! You can tell us grown-up stories from your life."
This brought some confusion to Ms Irina, "wait what?"
"Yeah Professor Bitch, we'd probably learn more from them then what you actually teach us!"
And then that brought anger next. "What did you say to me? Why you-"
Yada got up from her spot though, and walked behind Ms Irina to nudge her into the room and take a seat. "Oh don't listen to her, come on!"
Just like that, with snacks and food all around us, every girl in the room was gathered around Ms Irina as she leaned against the wall telling us about herself. Which I was more then happy for! Keeps the attention off of me and distracts myself from my memories. It was also cool learning a little more about this teacher who is a professional killer while she was drinking a can of beer.
Sitting in between Okuda and Kayano, with Kanzaki on her other side, we all gasped in shock when Ms Irina revealed to us her actual age!
"No way, you're only twenty years old?!" Nakamura vocalized our surprise.
"Not to be rude, it's just surprising because you're so experienced to say the least." Kataoka added with a few other girls nodding.
I took a little pack of mochi from the snack pile, while Okano called her a black-widow much to her anger. I ate and listened while thinking about it. 'Wow she's only twenty. That makes her only six years older then a lot of us here. Means she's also only half my mom's age. I wonder how I will look when I reach that age?'
"Take my advice though girls. Looking beautiful is only skin deep and can only get you so far. Be proud you're growing up in a world that you are safe in, nothing like the horror world that I did. So you have many opportunities and time to learn and grow into who you want to be. True beauty comes from what you polish and show from the inside, so don't try and grow up too fast."
We all stopped and stared at her, kind of surprised. None of us, not even me, could have perceived that she could say something so insightful.
'Growing up as an assassin must've been so hard for her. Not knowing what a normal life is… It makes me feel more grateful for the semi normal life that I am able to make.' I reminisced finishing the last bite of my mochi.
"Did Professor Bitch just say something so," Okano paused, trying to find the right word to say, "profound?"
"I don't know, sounds a little fake." Nakamura stated skeptically.
"Are you trying to piss me off!"
A few of us laughed at her reactions, until Yada chimed excitedly, "It's okay, though what we really want to hear are stories about all the rich men you seduced and killed!"
"Yeah! I want to hear them too!" Kurahashi agreed, raising her hand.
Ms Irina, doing a complete 180 in tone, laughed under her breath. Giving us a coy smile, she leaned her back against the wall. I'm starting to think I really shouldn't listen, I mean I get embarrassed watching a movie with too many cuddles! But I'm way too curious now!
"Well if you insist. But audience discretion be advised, my stories might be too spicy for your innocent minds. When I was only seventeen-" She was beginning her story when she suddenly paused, looking at something specific. "Oh hell no you don't!"
I looked to where she was talking about, and freaking Koro Sensei somehow made it into the room! 'Holy salmon, I didn't even notice him arriving!'
"How dare you even think about showing up in here and eavesdropping on our girl talk!" Ms Irina reprimanded, pointing him out.
Though Koro Sensei only just whined, his whole body all pink and blushing, "but why not? I want to hear about your love life too."
Although Nakamura quickly called him out, "you're one to talk! You never tell us about your love life!"
"That's right! You never tell us anything about your life either!" Kurahashi told him while pointing at him.
Soon all the girls, including me cause this is hilarious, was calling the octopus out! Okano, Nakamura, and I each quipped.
"We know there has to be at least one romance in there!"
"You have a type with big boobs, so there has to be someone you were interested in!"
"Come on! Don't tell us you're only a crazy old octopus with fifty cats!"
The cephalopod seemed to get more and more flustered with each passing statement we threw his way. He tried keeping his mouth shut, until suddenly dipping out of here as fast as he could avoiding us!
"Oh heck no!"
"Catch that pervert! Get him to sing, then bring me his head!" Ms Irina ordered with a knife, and everyone else grabbed their own knives. Beginning to chase after our homeroom teacher.
Though I didn't move as fast as the others, not wanting to put anymore strain on my injured body. So only following and watching my classmates continuously try to kill him. Even the boys got in on the assassinating attempts. He must've done something to annoy them as well.
I walked over to Nagisa and Karma, a little surprised they weren't joining in. But they may have still been as tired as I was. "Looks like we got to try and assassinate him after all."
Both boys looked at me, I only quickly glanced at Karma to try and avoid awkwardness, as Nagisa nodded with a chuckle, "it sure does look like that."
"Guess we always find time to. Assassination never ends for this class." Karma agreed, putting his hands behind his head.
"I wouldn't want it any other way though." I muttered under my breath while my peers still chased him down. Koro Sensei of course evaded all of them easily, and somehow flew off somewhere confusing everyone. They battle cried to find and kill him. All running off to look for the sneaky teacher.
"Well I'm going to hit the hay," Karma remarked with a yawn, "let me know if someone kills him."
Nagisa and I watched him leave down the hall. I let out a small sigh watching him go. Even if only a couple hours ago I was so embarrassed around him, I still wanted him near.
I thought that Nagisa was about to walk away as well, but he only moved up closer to the window in front of us. Following him, I looked up at the beautiful crescent moon he stared up at. Even now knowing the thing that destroyed it was currently my teacher, it was still beautiful to look at.
"Man, even though our trip was crazy and so short, it still was a lot of fun." We both looked over to Kayano who walked up to us. Standing on Nagisa's other side, they both chatted while I just stared still at the night sky.
I wasn't listening to them, just letting them talk and have their moment. They spoke about life, about this class, about everything that we've experienced in such a short time. And I couldn't agree more.
Everything I've experienced here, good or bad. With the classroom, with life, and with my emotions. I don't understand much about them, but even if that's the case, they're still very exciting. When I got here, I had no idea how to feel about being an assassin. I'm just a girl with cat ears throughout my whole life. Yet this class has been the most fun I've had in my fourteen years of living. And I've only been here for a few weeks.
This trip has shown and opened my eyes to new things. Some good, and some not so much. But I will safely say that I will never forget it!
I can't wait to tell Akane, Yua, Takeshi, and everyone at home all about this trip! 'Though maybe I should leave out the part about being kidnapped… They might make their own trip to Kyoto, or wherever those high schoolers are from, and take revenge or something.'
Laughing at that thought, I barely noticed when a hand touched my shoulder, surprising me. I looked back to see it was Kayano.
"We better get some sleep and rest ourselves. Early day tomorrow. Night Nagisa!"
I agreed and waved back to the blue haired boy who was about to leave himself. "Night girls! See you tomorrow."
"Night!" Then I followed Kayano back to the girls room, where I'm sure it was a little empty from everyone still looking for Koro Sensei. Though they'll be coming in to rest soon as well.
And thus, our Kyoto trip ended. I can only imagine what the next adventure we will embark on will bring us! Time to sleep the night away, and find out.