A Secret Unraveled (Completed)

Chapter 26: Reaper Time Pt. 1

The class forgot Irina's birthday that took place four days ago. Everyone pitched in and gave a bit of what little money they had to get a gift.

The Birthday Present Squad: Kanzaki, Karma, Kayano, Nagisa, Okuda, Sugino and I, were looking for a gift for her. 

Everyone else split into two groups to distract Irina and Karasuma, and keep them separate.

It wasn't hard to keep Karasuma still he's way too focused on work related matters in the faculty room.

While the Birthday Present Squad were discussing amongst each other on the street, the florist got our attention.

"Hey, over here!" he exclaimed. "Everything end up okay with that man? You know, the old timer on the bicycle," he asked.

"You're the guy who called the ambulance," I recognized.

The florist gave a small nod.

"The old man is doing fine, he eventually forgave us in two weeks time."

"I'm glad it wasn't as bad as it looked," he relieved. "Big pardon, I couldn't help but overhear you're in the market for a grown up gift."

"Yes, yes we are," Kanzaki answered softly, yet energetically.

"Well, what about something like this?" The florist held up a single rose and gave it to Kanzaki. "In this day and age we can have whatever we want, but flowers are still the go to gift of choice. Why do you suppose that is?"

That question left the group pondering.

"It's not just about romance," the florist prepared a bouquet of roses. "Their colour, their shape, and scent. The fact that they don't last. Flowers are the ideal metaphor for the human condition."

"That's very convincing," I said. "Though the calculator kind of ruins it..."

'Well, it is a business," he said politely. "It's flowery fate! I'll cut you a deal."

There's something off about him I don't like...

Regardless, we got the bouquet and went back to school. The Birthday Present Squad went to give the bouquet of flowers to Karasuma, so he could give it to Irina.

They're really trying to get them together, hm...

It's not gonna work unless he does it out of his own free will...

While everyone, including Koro-sensei, were outside the building, hiding under the window to the faculty room.

I waited inside the classroom until Irina went into the faculty room, then went out and leaned against the wall next to the room.

Karasuma gave the flowers to Irina. After he was finished talking, Irina slammed the window open and caught the students and Koro-sensei red-handed.

There was no way Karasuma would've thought of getting flowers, let alone anything for her birthday anyways. The delivery of his message was what really gave it away.

She returned the bouquet to Karasuma and stormed out, thanking them for opening her eyes and was reminded that this was only a business relationship.

"The old you's back, huh?" I questioned.

"Whatever." Irina muttered and continued to walk out the building.

Some students blamed Karasuma for what happened.

"You kids don't really believe that I'm that oblivious do you?" he questioned.

"I'm a heartless bastard for good reason. Emotions can't be allowed to get in the way of what needs to be done. We're professionals. If her feelings for me can dull her blade, she's not qualified to be an assassin. That's all there is to it."