Love Is Hard - Karma X Reader

Chapter 13

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The bell rang for lunch, and I let out a breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding. My stomach felt tangled in knots all morning, and keeping it together through classes with Rio and Kayano had taken all my focus. Now, walking with them through the crowded hallways toward their usual spot, my nerves buzzed louder, my mind racing over... Well, everything.

When we reached the table, Sugino, Nagisa, and Kanzaki were already there. Kayano took her seat between Rio and nagisa and shyly put her hand over his on the table to which the bluenette blushed on impact. .

Wow. Smooth~ You go girl

I settled into my seat next to Rio, trying to ignore the pit in my stomach. It wasn't helping that every time I closed my eyes, I could still see that creepy stare from my first professor of the day, his eyes burning right into me like he was trying to figure out every thought in my head. Okuda had brushed it off, saying he was like that with everyone, but it left a queasy feeling I couldn't shake.

And that stare...what was that about? What made karma so angry? I can never get a solid read on him.

I just hope he is not mad still.

A sudden, familiar laugh pulled me back. Rio was leaning toward Nagisa, raising an eyebrow. "By the way," she asked, glancing around, "where's Karma? And Okuda? I thought they'd be here by now."

Nagisa gave a little shrug. "They're in the library, I think. Working on that project they have together."

My stomach sank.

The library? Just the two of them... alone?

I remembered them talking about some project back in the park yesterday, could it be that?

I tried to ignore the tightness in my chest, but it was no use. I could picture them sitting close, hunched over some book, maybe even laughing over some inside joke I'd never understand. The memory of them talking together yesterday, so naturally, so... comfortable, made my heart sink a little further.

Lost in my spiralling thoughts, I didn't even notice Kayano watching me. Her hand brushed mine, her touch light, pulling me back to reality. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes soft and reassuring, almost as if saying, *Hey, it's okay. Don't worry.* She didn't need to say a word; her expression alone was enough to ease the ache, even if just a bit.

I smiled back, trying to let her calm me. But my thoughts still clawed at me, circling back to Karma and Okuda.

What if he finds her interesting in a way he doesn't with me?... After all, they are close friends. I hated that I cared so much, but the truth of it was there, raw and undeniable.

But he does find her interesting. He said it himself in the anime. God! This is bad. I have no right to feel this way damn it. I don't even belong here!

"Y/n?"

Kanzaki's voice gently broke into my thoughts, pulling me out of my downward spiral. "How's your day going so far?" she asked, her tone kind, like she'd sensed I needed a distraction.

"Oh, uh..." I forced a smile, making it as warm as hers. "Fine. Kind of unexpected, but fine." I tried to sound lighthearted, even though the day felt anything but. She gave me a questioning look, but didn't press further. I guess my unease was visible on my face.

I wanted to tell them about that professor and his unnerving stare, the one that seemed to see right through me. But if Okuda thought it was no big deal, maybe it was all in my head.

As the conversation drifted, Sugino started talking about their upcoming baseball game, and Rio threw in a few jokes that had everyone laughing. I joined in, grateful for the distraction. For a little while, I could almost forget the heaviness sitting in my chest.