Specimen T-04

Part 11~M18 and K-62

Keiji paused as he watched Nagisa lead Karma out of the classroom. He tried not to think about why they were sneaking off as he packed away his back.

"Hey, Keiji." Kayano paused, standing before his desk. "Nagisa left his phone. I know you always walk together, so." She held out the phone as Keiji smiled, taking it.

"Thanks. I'll get it back to him." Keiji picked up his back, walking away from Kayano as soon as he could. He didn't know what it was about her, but she set him on edge.

Keiji glanced around, listening to Nagisa's thoughts as he tried to find him. Freezing, Keiji hurried his step. Nagisa was scared.

Running to the empty classroom, he could hear Nagisa talking. He stopped, waiting as he peered through the door.

Nagisa wasn't in danger. He was alone with Karma. Karma was gently holding Nagisa's hands, whispering soothing words as Nagisa cried.

"Can I do something?" Nagisa's voice sounded broken. Keiji wanted to run in and hold him.

Karma beat him to it. "Anything."

Nagisa hesitated, leaning in before pausing in front of Karma. He stayed still, staring into Karma's eyes. Keiji shook his head, stepping back.

"Are you sure?" Karma barely spoke as Nagisa nodded.

"I need to know."

Karma closed the gap between them. Keiji couldn't watch. He turned away, not waiting for Nagisa as he went home.

~~~

Nagisa frowned as he walked inside. "Keiji? Are you here?" Nagisa looked around, sighing when he didn't get a response. He dragged himself to the kitchen, a lag in his step as he thought about the last few days.

Too much had happened.

Nagisa snapped out of his thoughts, hearing a soft meow. Octavia jumped onto the counter, her tail flickering as Nagisa ran his hand over her back. "What do you think, Tavia? What should I do?"

Octavia tilted her head as Nagisa sighed.

"Don't worry, I don't know either." Nagisa scooped Octavia up, smiling as she purred. "Let's get you fed and then find out what happened to my idiot." Nagisa began walking away, talking to Octavia as he did. "You won't believe it, I also lost my phone. I wouldn't be surprised if the new teacher threw it at the wall."

~~~

"There you are." Nagisa smiled as he walked into the closet. He frowned, looking around. "Are you okay? We only come here when we're having a mental struggle day." Nagisa gently sat next to Keiji. "Do you want me to get Viola?"

Keiji shook his head, burying his head in his arms.

"Are you sure?"

"Are you choosing him over me?" Keiji paused, his lip quivering.

"What are you talking about?"

Keiji sniffled, rubbing his eyes. "I'm sorry, it's not my business."

Nagisa sighed. He knew that look. He gently took Keiji's hands, rubbing his thumbs over them. "I don't know what I'm doing. But I'm not going to stop being by your side, ever."

Keiji smiled, squeezing Nagisa's hands.

They jumped when bangs echoed around the walls. Nagisa sighed, standing up. "I think that's the clan."

"I forgot they were coming."

"Do you want to stay here?"

Keiji hesitated, nodding. "Just a bit longer."