Hesitant Lies (Karma x Nagisa)

PHASE 1: The Note

Nagisa

I rapped my knuckles on the large wooden door, shoving the nervousness inside me down and waiting for a response.

"Come in." The familiar raspy voice of my boss answered from behind the enclosed doors. and I took a step forward to push them open with my palms.

I walked in calmly with a straight face, only stopping when I was directly in front of the older man's desk.

He was sat in his chair, but I couldn't see his face due to the fact that he was facing the window-the brown chair's backside.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked and his low chuckle sent shivers down my spine.

It's not often that I get nervous around anyone or anything, but boss makes me extremely uneasy. And it might have to do with the fact that I've never seen his face. It's as if he doesn't want anyone to know what he really looks like and I'm almost certain that no one knows what his face is like.

"On the desk." Boss answered simply and I glanced downwards to see a piece of white paper folded in half.

I went to reach forward, outstretching my hand towards the paper, but right before I touched it I ducked.

Hearing a low whoosh overhead, I knew my instincts had been correct, and I quickly rolled to left to avoid the source of a low rumble I'd heard earlier.

After dodging to more sneak attacks, I stood back up straight and grabbed the note calmly.

"Was a test really needed?" I asked with no emotion and the low chuckle came back yet again.

"Sharp as ever, Mr. Shiota." Boss spoke. "Please, read about what your next assignment shall be."

Narrowing my eyes a bit, I unfolded the sheet of paper and read it's contents.

My eyes widened the second I finished reading and I glanced up at the back of Boss's chair.

"You want me to attend school?" I asked, unable to believe what I had read. "I haven't gone to school since seventh grade, and now I'm suddenly going to enroll in a high school for my sophomore year?!"

"Now now, Mr. Shiota." Boss spoke calmly. "I'm sure you'll be able to handle it."

"But why must I go to school? You know making friends is terrible for assassin's, correct?" I pressed further. "I've killed many people such as these, why are we taking such great measures for this one?"

"We've decided to take the much subtler route, I'm afraid. It seems as though these two are very smart, and some how they found out about us."

I blinked. "I still don't see why-"

"Just do as the note says, Mr. Shiota." Boss paused. "That is...unless you want me to extend their release date-"

"No!" I coughed. "I mean, no sir. That won't be necessary, I'll do it."

I could hear Boss's grin in his voice. "Wonderful. Well then, if that's taken care of, you may exit. We have already enrolled you into the sophomore class and your schedule will be sent to your apartment."

I blinked. "Apartment, sir?"

"Oh, yes. For the duration of your time spent at this high school, you will obviously need a place to stay. So, I took the liberty of finding you a nice three room apartment two blocks away from the school."

I was surprised at this, but let him continue.

"I will be the one paying the rent, so do not worry about that. Directions on how to get there are at the bottom of the note, and I believe your items arrived an hour ago so you should go along now."

"Yes, sir." I turned to leave, but Boss spoke out again before I could.

"Oh, and, Mr. Shiota?"

"Yes?"

"I really am glad you have no objections on this...it really would be a shame if I'd have to keep them any longer." He chuckled darkly and I clenched my fists tightly, crumbling the note in my hands.

I shoved open the door and waited for it to close behind me.

"One day." I whispered through clenched teeth. "One day..."