Project: Karma

17 | Goodbye Past

<Kaede>
"Thank you very much." I collected the change from the cashier at the pastry shop.

"Have a nice day." She handed me the handle of the white pastry box with daisies.

That morning, I decided to visit Nagisa. And so, I stopped by to get some sweets on the way.
I passed the grade schools and saw little ones prancing around. The various bright colored cars passing on the road besides me. As I walked, I saw a hoard of people coming towards me. Screams and hollers washed like a wave.

"Akari Yukimura!" My name was tossed back and forth, papers and pens blinded my path.

"Miss Akari! Can I please have your autograph!?" Others joined in.

"S-sorry, I'm in a rush right now-"

"Please!"

Ah, well. I guess being a little late won't hurt. I did text Nagisa that I was heading over. Plus, this was the first time she had replied to my messages, since the last time I saw her.

"Alright. One at a time okay? No shoving and please quiet down. We don't want to disturb others." I requested.

"Of course!"

"Can we take photos too?"

"S-sure..." I nodded.

Being an actress comes with pros and cons. For the moments I want to be a normal person, I wish that was the case. Sorry Nagisa, you'll have to wait.
••••••••
<Nagisa>
I wonder what's taking Kaede so long? Well, I do have to consider the fact that things happen. People arrive late.
At least it gives you time to practice explaining what happened to your hair!
The absence of it all did feel and look different. Argh, what's dad going to think? More importantly, what if my mom sees it? She'll run me over, for the fact that I had severed the hair that she loves so dearly. Because it was proof, that I was a girl at birth.

What will people think at the facility? Shizuka? Will she like it? What about Karma? I wonder how will he react.
Today was my first day back at work and they'll clutter me with questions when I arrive. Is it best just to wear a hat?

The door knocked.

"Be right there!" I called out as I thought it could be Kaede. I opened the door and saw Kaede with a white small box in her hands, covering her face.

"Hey Nagisa! Good morning!" She happily greeted.

"G-good morning." I took the box in my hands when she placed them in my possession.

In an instant, her eyes widen in shock.

"Y-your hair! Nagisa!" Kaede threw her claws at my short hair . "W-what happened?!"

"Ahaha..." I rubbed my head, "I cut it off."

"Why?! It was beautifully long, just like how you had it in high school." She questioned.

"Yeah. I know." I conveyed.

"That's why, huh?" She fell silent, "did Sugino tell you? His feelings?"

I swallowed and nodded my head.

"Yes." I replied.

Kaede hugged me and patted my back, "I didn't know it would affect you this much. Do you hate him now? Do you hate me? I knew all along as well." Kaede sunk.