CHAPTER 10: ABOUT FATHER
A text message reached Yuuki's phone. She read it.
"Yuu, it's almost time," Karma called for her on the sofa.
It was date night and they decided to watch a movie at Yuuki's place. Yuuki went to the sofa with a bowl of popcorn. She took a seat beside him.
"Was it important?" he asked.
"What was?" she asked.
"The text message you got?" he replied.
"Oh.. nahh. It's not important," she changed the subject.
She rested her head in Karma's arm as he munched on the popcorn.
Midori called Yuuki a few times. The girl was spacing out. She even waved her hand in front of her but no response. Her friend wondered what happened. Asahi came up to them.
"Do you know why she's like this?" Midori asked him.
He shrugged. "I have no idea. Maybe we should call her boyfriend?"
"Hmm? Did you want something?" Yuuki asked them.
"Finally you noticed us! I've been trying to get your attention since 30 minutes ago!" Midori huffed.
Yuuki grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, I had a lot on my mind… What's up?' she asked.
"We're going to have a study group after school at the library. Wanna join?" Midori asked.
"Sure, I'd love to," she replied.
Asahi and Midori nodded to her. The next teacher came into their class to begin her lesson. The two went back to their seats.
Afternoon came and it was the end of school. Yuuki, Midori, Asahi and two of his friends made their way to the library. They decided to complete their Math and English homework.
"Do you know how to do this calculation?" Asahi asked Yuuki.
"Yeah, Karma used to teach me," Yuuki started her explanation.
Midori and the other two listened in.
"So how's your relationship with that senpai?" Asahi's friend asked.
"Yeah, how's he treating you?" the other one asked.
"He's kind and considerate. We're okay," Yuuki replied.
"You guys are such busybodies," Midori remarked.
"You're one to talk," Asahi shook his head.
Midori elbowed him. Yuuki watched as they started to giggle. Karma must've had a big reputation since all of her friends are concerned about their relationship. She flashed a smile.
"Let's continue studying guys," she cut them off.
Evening came and there was no news from the boyfriend. Yuuki was looking at her phone, waiting for his text message.
"Do you want to go to the 3-E building?" Midori interrupted her.
"Yeah.. I kinda do." she muttered.
"Hey, Asahi!" Midori called for him.
"What now?" he asked.
He groaned when he saw her smirking. The three of them made their way to the building. Yuuki was glad to have such great friends.
"You sure you want to wait here? It's so eerie…" Midori said when they arrived.
"I'm fine. I used to come here before," Yuuki explained.
"Sure you don't want us to walk you home?" Asahi offered.
Shaking her head, she said, "No, thank you. I'll wait for him here."
Yuuki made her way to the front door of the building. She took a seat with her back leaning onto the wall. Midori looked at Asahi who shrugged. He gestured to her to walk away with him.
"Call me if you need me," Midori said.
"That was great!" Nagisa's voice was heard. "The way the movie ended makes me excited for the next sequel."
"But making the demon king the heroine's brother is so cliche," Karma's voice was heard next.
Yuuki stood up from her waiting spot. She brushed off the dirt on her clothes and made her way to them. She caught sight of the tall yellow colored octopus? Her eyes blinked in confusion.
"Ah, Yuuki?" Nagisa was the first to notice her.
Karma peered over and was surprised to see her. "H-Hey!"
Yuuki walked up to them, rubbing her eyes. "You didn't text me… so I waited…" she mumbled.
"Sorry, I forgot." the redhead said, patting her head.
Yuuki took a glimpse of the person in front of them. His round face was looking at her.
"Yuuki, this is our homeroom teacher, Koro-sensei," Nagisa introduced them.
Yuuki bowed to him. Koro-sensei's face was all pink when he saw her. He made his casual 'nuruhuhuhu' laugh. He started teasing Karma.
"Please stop…" Karma muttered, looking away blushing.
"Koro-sensei, thank you very much for today." Nagisa changed the subject.
"See you," Karma continued the attempt.
"You too and be careful walking at night. Write an English report on the movie and hand it to me tomorrow." the reacher replied.
"So we got an assignment too." Nagisa sighed.
"You got a free trip to Hawaii. This is just a little payment." Koro-sensei replied.
"You guys went to Hawaii?" Yuuki was curious.
"It was not planned," Karma replied, taking her school bag to carry for her.
Nagisa was impressed at Karma's gesture. Yuuki suddenly hugged Nagisa's arm and smiled. The boy looked at her.
"I missed you," she said.
"I missed you too, but I can see Karma-kun is taking good care of you," he remarked.
Yuuki nodded rapidly. "He's… something," she muttered.
"I'm glad to see you like this," Nagisa said, patting her head.
Yuuki heaved a sigh. Karma gazed at his girlfriend and smiled. He was glad no harm came to her when she was waiting for him.
Karma was in his bedroom, chilling and playing video games. His phone rang. He picked it up.
"Yuu..? What's up?" he asked Yuuki.
"I need help with my Math homework…" she muttered.
"Right now? It's after dinner time…" he replied, looking at the time. "I'll be there soon."
"Thank you!" she chirped.
Karma heaved a sigh. He got out of his bed and put on some decent clothes. Then he made his way to Yuuki's place.
"I'm coming!" she called when she heard the bell.
Karma smiled when she opened the door. She was in a long dress and a coat. Her face brightened when she saw him.
"Let's head to the fast food place downstairs?" he suggested.
"Sure! I'll get the homework," she replied.
Karma took the books out of her hands. She locked her door. A beep was heard from Yuuki's phone. She took it out to read the text message. It was from Hiro. Her smile turned upside down when she read it. Karma caught her change of mood. He wondered why.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
"Not really… It's complicated," Yuuki heaved a sigh.
"Come on, let's settle your homework and then talk. I'll buy you your favorite burger," he tried to cheer her up.
Karma and Yuuki arrived at the fast food place. He told her to pick a seat while he went to order. Yuuki chose one corner of the area, right beside a large glass window. She could see the night sky through it. Somehow it calmed her. She opened her homework and started without Karma.
"I'm sorry it took so long," he came up to her after around 15 minutes.
She shook her head. "It's fine. I only had a number of questions that I need your help with please."
"Okay, show me," Karma said.
Yuuki showed him the first question. He started explaining to her how to do the calculation. They managed to finish the homework in roughly 45 minutes. Yuuki started to put away her books.
"Whoa, that's not that many. You're getting better," Karma remarked, sipping on his cola.
"Thanks!" she chirped, taking a bite on her burger.
Karma started munching on the fries. "So.. Do you want to talk about it?"
Yuuki swallowed her food and nodded. "He…does not like my career. So, I'm here because I'm against his reasoning…"
"What's his reasoning?" he asked, curious.
"That a child should not have a career as an idol because that would attract too many good-for-nothing guys," she said.
"That's sad…" he muttered. "Is there anything I can do?"
Yuuki shook her head. "It's okay. He's asking me to come back through my manager because he does not want to talk to me."
Karma nodded. He took one piece of fries and then pointed it at her face. She smiled, taking a bite and munching on it. He went to throw the trash. Then, he came back to their seats. Yuuki was just about done checking on her things in case she left anything.
"I'll send you back and then head home myself," he offered.
"Okay!" she replied.
They made their way back to her place. Karma kept his eyes on her, wondering if she was really okay. She was holding onto his arm as they walked.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.
"It is a school night. I can't ask you to stay…" she replied.
"I'll see you tomorrow…" he said.
Yuuki nodded. Karma patted her head a few times. She thanked him for his help. He wished her good night and went on his way.
Yuuki waited for Karma at the front gate. It was the end of the school day and there was no sign of him. She wondered what happened.
"Yuuki-chan!" Midori called.
"Hi!" Yuuki greeted her.
"He's not here yet?" she asked.
Yuuki shook her head. "Nope.. I'm gonna go up to the building now…"
"Want me to come with you?" Midori offered.
"It's okay, I'll manage. Thanks," Yuuki replied.
"If you say so~" Midori muttered.
Yuuki smiled. She made her way to class 3-E building. When she got there, a blonde teacher, Irina-sensei, saw her. Yuuki bowed as a greeting. Irina raised a brow at her.
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"Umm, I'm looking for Karma," the girl explained.
"Hmm?" Irina glanced up at the courtyard. "They have extra-curricular activities today."
"Can I wait for him?" Yuuki was hesitant.
Irina sighed. "You can do whatever you want…" she muttered.
Yuuki's brightened up. She ran to the courtyard. The sight caught her by surprise. The students were playing with what seemed to be rubber knives. Some of them were fighting with each other. Yuuki tried to look for familiar faces. She caught sight of Karma, dodging some attacks from his classmates. She wanted to call for him, but when she saw how focused he was, she stopped. She smiled.
"Oh, it's you," Koro-sensei's voice was heard.
Yuuki turned to face him. "Hello…" she drawled.
"You're here for Karma-kun?" he asked.
Yuuki gave an awkward nod. "But he looks like he is having fun…" she said.
"Come sit with me," the teacher invited.
"Okay…" Yuuki said.
Maehara, who was busy sparring with Isogai, saw the girl sitting down with Koro-sensei. He stopped his actions and kept his eyes on Yuuki. Isogai was confused. He turned to look at what had caught Maehara's eyes.
"Isn't that…?" he muttered.
Maehara ran up to the girl. She was offered ice-cream by the teacher. She almost dropped it when the boy stopped in front of her. She blinked confusedly at him.
"You're Karma's girlfriend!" he exclaimed.
"Y-Yes I am…" she replied, giving out a nervous smile.
"Whoa! I can't believe we get to see you in person," Maehara exclaimed.
His excitement attracted a few more of their classmates. They all circled Yuuki who was even more nervous than before.
"So, why Karma?" Kirara asked out of nowhere.
"W-Well…" Yuuki rolled her eyes, sweat dripping.
Karma came up to them with Nagisa beside him. "I think that's enough bothering her," he said.
"Way to come in like a hero," Rio teased.
He was not amused. Yuuki stood up and immediately ran to Karma. She hid behind him. He patted her head with a smile on his face, ignoring his classmates. They were not happy at what was unfolding in front of them.
"He seemed so off character…" Sumire said.
"Is this really Karma?" Okajima questioned.
Nagisa chuckled. "You better believe it…" he sighed.
"I'll go get changed and then I'll send you home," Karma said.
Yuuki nodded. Rio took a few steps closer to her. So did a few other girls.
"So, so, tell us. What is Karma like as a boyfriend?" Kaede asked.
"Yeah, is he really that sweet?" Rio was next to ask.
"I have never seen this side of him before," Manami remarked.
Yuuki gave out a small chuckle. Her ice-cream melted before she could eat it. She felt bad. Karma was done changing. He came to get her way from all of the girls. The girls groaned and complained.
"Why so secretive~" Rio chirped.
"He's being so overprotective," Kirara muttered. "What a hero~"
"It was nice to meet everyone," Yuuki bowed to them.
"Come again~!" Kaede chirped.
Yuuki nodded and waved goodbye. Karma was waiting outside of the building. He gave out a dreaded sigh.
"Sorry about that…" he said.
She shook her head. "It's okay. It was fun meeting them."
Karma looked at her and gave out a smile. He patted her head. They reached the front gate of the school. Hiro was waiting for them, he had a pleated mask on and sunshade to cover his identity. It was still obvious to the two students.
"Did something happen?" Yuuki asked.
"Let's get the two of you inside the car," Hiro said.
Karma took the front passenger seat. Yuuki joined Hiro in the back seat. Hiro pulled out his phone and showed Yuuki a text message. It was from her father. She showed it to Karma.
"He wants to come visit?" Yuuki reconfirmed.
Hiro nodded. "He did not share more details with me. He said that he had already informed you?"
Yuuki nodded. "He asked me to come home…but I didn't reply."
"What business does he have with her anyway?" Karma chimed in.
Hiro turned to him and replied, "He is her father… He has rights after all…"
Yuuki kept quiet. She did not know how or what to respond. Karma clicked his tongue. He did not like the idea of her father coming to visit. They arrived at Yuuki's place. Hiro dropped them both off. Karma glanced up at Yuuki who looked a bit troubled. He sent her to her door.
"I'll text you when I get home," he said.
"Okay. Stay safe," she replied.