Karma x Reader || Appearances

|73| The Place You Left Behind

A/N: Important note at the end!!

Also, of the 3 options, Akiro's childhood is on the lead, with Leo's POV a close second.

However, I've noticed the main reason for this is because many of you want to see how adorable his relationship with toddler Reader is. I have to warn you though, Akiro wants nothing to do with her. So if you chose it for that reason, I think you're gonna be disappointed :/

(So if you wish to change your choice, you can then).

(Akiro's POV)

"Oh, Akiro, good to see you."

My body tensed a little as I turned around, a bit startled by his presence. "Asano-san." I forced myself to gulp down the lump in my throat. "It's, uhm, good to see you too."

"It's been a while since I've seen you around here." The man nodded his head in acknowledgement. "I heard you moved out a few months ago. So," His dark purple eyes met mine. "What are you doing here? Have you come to visit your parents?"

It was an innocent question, a question any family friend would've asked in this situation. But I knew there was more to it than it seemed. Asano-san's mind worked just like my father's, and I was pretty sure he knew that something was up. That everything wasn't as perfect as it seemed. That our family's appearances were crumbling.

"I'm not here for a visit," I finally said. "I just need to talk to my mother."

"Oh, your mother?" He arched his eyebrows and leaned closer to the fence that separated the two of us. "Hmm... Last time I saw her was right before the graduation ceremony began. It's a pity neither she nor Rui could stay to celebrate your sister's academic year." He grimaced. "But oh well, at least (Y/N) had a doting brother like yourself to congratulate her on that important day."

I frowned, and turned my body slightly so I could see him better. "Did they tell you where they went?"

The man seemed to think about it, but ended up shaking his head. "No, but I saw your father's car leave yesterday morning. Perhaps she's with him."

I pursed my lips, eyebrows knitting together. Could Asano-san know more than he was letting on?

"Regardless, your parents will be back soon so you can come by again and see if there's any luck. Though of course, you could always call your father. I am sure Rui will be... happy to hear from his son."

There was a brief pause, before I responded, my tone as nonchalant as I could.

"No, that won't be necessary." I made my way to the front gate.

The last thing I needed was for my parents to know I was looking for them. So I quickly got in my car and began my search.

I first drove by my late grandmother's mansion, though I already knew they wouldn't be there. But I could never be too sure.

I then made a brief stop at the studio, but to no avail. So I drove to the hospital, and asked my father's co-worker Haru, but he wasn't of much help. He only told me my father had been on personal leave for the past week, which I already suspected. So I got back in the car and drove to my last resort.

Just getting there took up the rest of my morning, and by the time I finally arrived, it was already past one. I pursed my lips in displeasure. I had to make this quick. My sister wanted me to be present for tonight's dinner with Karma and Kaori.

I stepped out of the car, and nervously glanced around, slowly taking in my surroundings. As my eyes scanned the area, I felt an unwelcomed feeling of nostalgia slowly begin to overwhelm me.