CHAPTER 5: A DINNER FOR TWO

The school bell rang, signing it's the end of school. The class cheered happily for the upcoming holiday. Midori was already done packing up her belongings. She waited for Yuuki to be done. As she walked over to the girl's table, her eyes caught a familiar figure outside of the classroom.

"Are you expecting someone?" Midori asked Yuuki.

"S-Sort of, but I don't know if he's coming," Yuuki replied.

Her best friend pointed out at the boy waiting by the door. Yuuki was surprised to see Karma there, looking so casual. A few of their classmates started to whisper. She ran up to him with a smile.

"I thought you said you didn't want to join…" Yuuki tilted her head to the side.

Karma faintly blushed at her reaction. Midori sniffled her giggle from the couple. Yuuki was even more confused.

"Nagisa said I should come. I was getting tired of waiting for you outside. Everyone was looking at me like I'm a criminal…" Karma explained.

Yuuki sighed. "I see. Well, you can our bodyguard today!" she cheered.

"It's the last day of school. We're planning to hang out, just the two of us...but since you're here…" Midori shrugged and smiled too.

Karma nodded to her. Yuuki walked on ahead of them. She was too happy that Karma came to visit her. Midori and the boy sighed in unison. He gestured her to catch up with Yuuki.

"She's so happy with you around," the girl remarked.

"Well, I can't say 'no' to her…" Karma scratched the back of his head.

Midori nodded. "I can see that…" she giggled.

They started to walk out of the school. It was true that some students were glaring at Karma who was acting like everything was normal. He even held Yuuki's hand in his. They met up with Nagisa. Yuuki asked his permission to go out with Midori. Karma promised Nagisa that he would take care of the two girls. The pink haired girl could feel the awkwardness between them.

"Where are we off to?" Karma asked.

"We're going to the movies and then, to a bakery around my house," Midori explained.

"Then, I'll take the train home," Yuuki continued.

Karma nodded. He offered to hold Yuuki's bag. Midori watched with enjoyment. She was satisfied at how Karma is taking care of her best friend. They got to the cinemas. Midori chose the movie she wanted to watch. Karma didn't hesitate to treat them for popcorns. The chosen movie was a horror movie, Midori's favourite.

"If it gets too scary, will you...hold my hand…?" Yuuki asked Karma in a whisper.

Karma raised a brow at her. She blushed out of embarrassment, biting her lower lip. He nodded once to her. She brightened up a bit, hugging his arm tightly.

"You lovebirds are so...eye catching…" Midori muttered.

"The movie about to start…" Karma changed the topic.

"Nice save…" Midori whispered, getting a nervous chuckle from Yuuki.

The movie was not that scary but Yuuki got surprised a few times which made her held onto Karma's arm. Midori and Karma couldn't help but sympathize her. After the movie, Yuuki couldn't even stand because of all the shock. Karma helped her up on her feet. They set off to the bakery as planned. Yuuki ordered her favourite tiramisu shortcake. Midori had chocolate cake. Karma just ordered a hot milk. He watched the girls eating happily and even exchanging a spoonful of each other's cake. Karma focused his camera at Yuuki. The girl noticed. She smiled and made a 'peace' sign with her left hand. He was mesmerized by her cuteness again.

"Akabane-senpai...is it true that you're in class 3-E next year?" Midori asked.

"Yeah. Suspension wasn't enough for that teacher to punish me…" Karma replied.

Yuuki was a bit surprised. She kept on staring at Karma as they spoke.

"I see. You sure had it rough…" the girl muttered.

Noticing Yuuki staring at him, he said, "Don't worry. I'll still come and see you. We can have lunch together."

"I thought class 3-E was forbidden on the main school grounds," Midori muttered.

"I'll still wait for her by the gate after school," Karma replied, placing his hand on Yuuki's head.

Yuuki kept her eyes on him. He gave out a reassuring smile. Midori observed the two, shaking her head at how fluffy the two can be.

Midori went off to her house. She watched as Karma and Yuuki started their walk to the train station. She noticed that Karma was still holding Yuuki's bag even after so long.

"That was a great hang out," Yuuki muttered.

"Yeah," Karma replied.

They walked side by side. Yuuki was fidgety for some reason. Her eyes kept on darting around. Karma noticed. His right hand automatically reached out for her left one. The girl stared at the hand holding hers. She didn't dare to look at Karma's reaction. Her heart fluttered.

They reached the train station just as the train arrived. It was quite crowded and there was no more seats left. They were forced to stand up. A couple of men would bump into Yuuki once in a while which made her feel uneasy. Karma looked around for a more secure place to stand. He guided her to a corner for her to lean on. He stood in front of her, glaring at the pervish looking men. They noticed his deadly glare and looked away immediately.

"T-Thank you…" Yuuki said.

"The cherry blossoms will be in bloom this April. You wanna go see?" Karma asked her.

She was taken by surprised. Karma looked at her with his usual smile. She nodded rapidly at his invitation. He reached out to pat her head again. Yuuki felt safe, snuggling into his hand, like a little kitty. Karma just let her. He knew it calms her whenever she does that.

"I'll send you back before heading back to my house," he said.

She nodded. "Okay," she replied.

Coincedently, their stop was the same. Yuuki slowed her pace, making Karma wonder why. She looked away from him, hesitant. They soon reached her flat. Apparently she lives alone. She chuckled nervously at Karma's surprised face.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" she suddenly asked.

He looked at her. "You don't mind?"

She shook her head and replied, "Not at all."

Karma smiled. "Thanks for having me then."

"Have a seat first. I need to change my clothes and start on dinner," she said.

The boy took a seat. He looked around the place. It was a two-bedroom flat with a medium kitchen including a dining room and an exceptionally spacious living room. She has a sofa set, a coffee table and a large screen television. Yuuki came out from the master bedroom in a t-shirt and shorts. It was the first time Karma saw her in casual clothings. His eyes followed her as she made her way to the kitchen.

"Is pasta okay?" she suddenly asked.

"Of course…" he replied.

She started her work on making some sauce. While waiting for the pasta to be boiled and the sauce to be cooked, she served Karma a cup of tea.

"Thanks for coming…" she said.

Karma nodded. He helped her to set the table as she washed the pots first. They sat down to eat together after that. Karma started talking about his favourite superhero. Yuuki listened with interest. After a while, he started looking around. The girl munched on her food quietly.

"So...where's your family?" he asked.

"Uhh...around here…" she replied.

Karma was surprised. "Not that far?"

She nodded once and explained "Kunugigaoka is my dream school, but my parents didn't approve of it. I chose to stay away from them."

"I see…" the boy muttered.

"How about you?" she asked, getting interested.

"My parents are hardly home. Always outstation. I live alone with a nanny," Karma explained.

Yuuki nodded to him. He started talking about video games and movies. Yuuki laughed at his jokes and childhood mistakes. When they were done with dinner, Karma stayed to help with the dishes before heading back to his place. Yuuki thanked him again for being her company. He patted her head again, holding in his eagerness to kiss her instead. She flashed a sweet smile.

"Call me, if you need anything…" he said to her.

She nodded. "Good night…"