fraternizing with the enemy (assassination classroom fanfiction)

Asano junior isn't actually an ass?! Time (edited)

(The next day)

Koro-sensei had barely crossed the threshold of the classroom before the questions began.

They came all at once—overlapping voices, worried, impatient, desperate for answers. The room buzzed with tension, every student leaning forward as if sheer willpower might force the truth out of him.

The yellow, cephalopod-like teacher raised a tentacle, his ever-present smile softening just a fraction. "Class," he began, his tone unusually measured, "I understand your concern for your classmates. Truly, I do. However, at this moment, I am not at liberty to discuss everything I've learned."

A collective groan rippled through the room.

He continued, undeterred. "What I can tell you is this: your classmates will be released in a few weeks. After discussions with Karasuma, it has been decided that both Asano siblings will be transferred to a 'government specialist doctor' for further treatment." His smile widened slightly. "Though in reality, I will, of course, be accelerating their recovery."

"Come on, Koro-sensei!" Rio leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "There's gotta be more you can tell us."

Koro-sensei let out an exaggerated sigh, his form drooping for dramatic effect. "Very well... but only a little. From what Miss Irina has informed me, the Asano twins have agreed to allow visits."

The room erupted into murmurs.

"However," he added quickly, raising several tentacles at once, "you may not all go at once. To avoid overwhelming them, you will visit in designated groups of no more than six students." He paused, letting that settle. "Also, I am referring to both Gakushū and Ayame when I say classmates. As of yesterday, Mr. Asano and Mr. Sakakibara are now officially students of E-Class."

That silenced the room.

"With that," he continued briskly, clapping his tentacles together, "you will receive no further information from myself or your other teachers. Now then—roll call, and we shall proceed with today's lesson!"

And just like that, the moment was over. The questions lingered, but Koro-sensei had already launched into teaching, his energy sweeping the class along with him.

By the end of the school day, the earlier tension had transformed into a different kind of anticipation. "Alright, class," Koro-sensei announced as the final lesson wrapped up, "before you rush off, it would be prudent to create a schedule for hospital visits. Please arrange yourselves into groups of five or six." What followed was a chaotic blend of negotiations, complaints, and last-minute alliances. Eventually, the groups were decided.

Nagisa, Kayano, Isogai, Okuda, Rio, and Maehara would go first.

The remaining students spread themselves across the following days, each group carefully balanced—some for emotional support, others for sheer curiosity.

"Excellent!" Koro-sensei beamed. "Nagisa-kun, if you would be so kind as to deliver the homework to the four of them during your visit today—" The papers were in Nagisa's hands before he could even respond. "—that would be most appreciated!" And with that, Koro-sensei vanished in a blur, likely halfway across the globe in search of food.

Nagisa sighed, slipping the papers into his bag. Without another word, he and his group began the long walk down the mountain.

Meanwhile, in the hospital, the atmosphere was quieter—but no less heavy. Karma leaned back in his chair, watching Ren carefully. The question had been sitting on his mind for hours now, refusing to be ignored.

"So," he said finally, breaking the silence, "why didn't you go to school today?"
Ren hesitated, eyes flicking toward the sleeping figure nearby before answering.
"My parents think it's better if I stay away for now," he said. "Too much pressure, they said." He exhaled slowly. "But really... it's the nightmares. About that day." Karma's expression softened, just slightly.

"They figured," Ren continued, "if I stayed out until everyone's ready to go back... I'd at least have someone to turn to." Karma nodded, understanding without needing to say much more. He opened his mouth to change the subject—

—but a sudden rush of air cut him off.

Ren flinched violently. Karma didn't even need to turn around. "Hey, teach," he said casually, glancing over his shoulder. "What brings you here?"

Koro-sensei loomed behind them, as if he'd always been there. "Just stopping by," he replied cheerfully, "to inform you that some of your classmates will be arriving within the next half hour. Now then—how have they been?" He gestured toward the sleeping twin.

"They've been out most of the day," Ren answered. "I think they'll wake up soon." "Good, good," Koro-sensei nodded. Then his attention shifted. "Karma-kun... I must say, you should go home. Shower. Rest. You've been here for three days."

Karma raised an eyebrow. Was that concern... or an insult?

"My parents bring food and clothes," he replied flatly. "And the hospital lets me use their showers. So I'm fine. I'll stay." Koro-sensei paused, his smile turning gentler.
"Very well," he said. "But do remember to take care of yourself too. Don't burn out trying to be there for everyone else."

A brief pause.

"And if you need anything... I'm only a phone call away." Then he was gone.

Ren blinked, still processing. "Is that normal?" he asked quickly. "And how long does it take to get used to that?" Karma smirked. "Yeah. Pretty normal. Give it a few days... maybe weeks. You'll get there." Ren nodded slowly. The room fell quiet again, the two of them returning to their books.

Ten minutes later, a low groan broke the silence. Karma didn't even look up.

"Well, good morning, sunshine."

"Fuck you, Karma," came the hoarse reply.

"No thanks," Karma shot back instantly. "You're not my type. I prefer your sister."

"Shame," the boy muttered, reaching for a glass of water. "I was going to ask her to share."

Karma snorted. Ren, mid-sip, choked violently, coughing as water went down the wrong way. "Okay there?" Gakushū asked, glancing over.

"Yeah—yeah, I'm fine," Ren managed between coughs. "Just... wasn't expecting that."

Karma leaned back, grinning. "You'll get used to it. When he's comfortable, the wild Gakushū becomes... surprisingly cheeky." He gestured dramatically. "Observe: a rare specimen in its natural habitat."

Gakushū stared at him, utterly unimpressed.

Then, with what little strength he had, he grabbed a pillow—

—and launched it straight at Karma's face.

Knock. Knock.