Deadly One

Epilogue: Future Time (Edited)

In his dimly lit office, the air was thick with tension. Her shadow moved stealthily, dodging the flying desk lamp aimed with deadly precision.

"Who are you?" His voice was cold, devoid of any recognition.

"You sound so cold now. You almost remind me of myself all those years ago"

"Who are you?" He repeated, the anger in his voice growing increasingly palpable. She sighed, turning around slowly.

"Look at you. You've finally become a Bureaucrat," she remarked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. She took the lamp from his hand and placed it back on his desk, deftly sidestepping his attempted punch.

"Despite all the training we went through, you're still too loud. You never have been able to best me, have you, Strawberry?"

"How do you know that nickname?" he demanded, the fury evident in his eyes. She chuckled, pacing around his office, her back to him, examining the shelves and the desk with casual interest.

"How?"

She slowly removed her hood, allowing her soft brown hair to flow freely as she took off her mask, letting her cloak fall to the floor. Turning to face him, amusement playing across her features. His eyes widened in shock.

"Because I was the one who gave it to you, of course." She tilted her head slightly. "You haven't forgotten me, have you? I know it's been an unbearable ten years, but still."

Karma's eyes brimmed with tears as he rushed forward, wrapping his arms around her. He buried his head in the crook of her neck. She sighed softly, hugging him back with one arm while stroking his hair with her free hand.

"What took so long?" he whispered.

"The mission... it took longer than I anticipated."

"Bakamiko. You said you'd hurry."

"I could've taken longer, you know." He let go and flicked her forehead. "I'm joking," she offered him with a small smile.

"Honestly." He sighed, leaning in. She quickly placed a hand between them, causing him to kiss her palm instead.

"Not now. Not yet," she said, stepping back to a safe distance.

"Why–" He'd waited all these years. Couldn't she finally give in to him?

"Let's go."

"To where?"

"Where else?" She smiled slightly, grabbing his hand, and intertwining her fingers with his. "Home." He smiled and began walking.

Akabane Household

She spun around in the spacious living room of Karma's new home. "You moved into such a big place for one person. Are you sure you can manage?"

Strawberry chuckled. "It's not like I'm living alone."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a roommate, or maybe a pet?" she questioned, "Oh, or possibly, you have children now?" She turned to face him, only to be pushed against the wall, his lips meeting hers with such a fervour that took her breath away. The feeling being similar to the same ones he made her feel all those years ago...

Her heart pounded in her chest. It wasn't their first kiss, but it was the first in ten years. As the kiss deepened, he removed his blazer. She reached up, loosening his tie and throwing it aside. His hand moved from her face to her waist as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt, stopping after the first button. They stared at each other, panting.