Project: Karma

20 | This Is Us

<Nagisa>
When my shift had ended. I was held in longer when Bitch-sensei had stopped me in the halls.
More or less, just to pick on me.

"Nagisa, dear." She took her long slender pointer finger and glided it across my lips.

"Please stop." I swatted her hand.

"Tsk. Anyways, I want you to follow me."

Of course the first thing I did was shake my head.

"Trust me. Let's put aside our differences. I need you to help me with Project Death. If you don't mind."

"I'm not certified." I brought up.

"Of course you aren't." She took advantage of the obvious. "But with my card, you'll be able to get it. Besides, no one is going to make a fuss when everyone has almost gone home."

I questioned that out of all the scientist in the facility, she chose me instead. Seems suspicious. Though, I can learn a thing or two from Project Death. By then, I had agreed to follow along.

It had been years since the first time I had walked into the most dangerous lab. The black dome that challenged Karma's transparent one.
And for the first time. I could see Death. The light of his silver hair and amber eyes caught me off guard. Like a friendly everyday florist you would see on the streets. He was strapped down by bolts and wires that poked into his plugs.

"Don't let his looks deceive you." She warned, "he was detailed this way in order to blend in with society. If you must know, he's a sadistic man who loves to torment his foes."

"Ah? Who is this charming lady." Death smiled at me.

"Don't mind her." She crossed her arms. "Come over here Nagisa." Bitch-sensei motioned me over and we both stared at the back of Death's head. "I want you to hold this down and press that button when I release the tank."

"Nagisa, was it?" Death caught my attention.

"Don't lose focus now." She bought me back. "He's just trying to hinder us from alterations to his adjustments."

When I had done what Bitch-sensei wanted, I was allowed to leave. However, before I went, Death had spoke.

"Not many women join this kind of work. You remind me of a lady I once knew. I want to cut you into pieces." His face had shown excitement. In a very creepy and chilling way.

"I did say he was sadistic." Bitch-sensei sighed.
"He also has a habit of tearing off his own face." She added.

"T-that's, nice." I commented. "You've practically created an bloodthirsty, ominous, creature."

She had seemed to disagree with what I had said. "At least he can get the work done." Bitch-sensei kept on her side. "Anyways, thanks. It's not everyday when you can just be invited into the-"

The lab door opened and I crept out before she could finish her sentence. I did not want to be apart of that, any longer. Why can't I calm down? The way Death looked so normal and human like. It's almost mocking us. I've never felt so fearful while working. Not to this extent!

When I had gathered my belonging, I took the train home. The starless night and bright moon couldn't even make me at peace.
••••••••
As I walked through the night. The dim lights of the streets. My mind restlessly began to wander off. To my ability, I was still able to find my way down the familiar streets back to my apartment.

For frights that had alerted me, I had heard footsteps behind me. I clocked my head around and saw that I was wrong. No one.
What was that sound? I'm sure that I heard something. Maybe someone happened to walking the streets at night too and turned into their home. Nagisa, don't overthink this. You're paranoid.

Even if I had repeatedly told myself that. It did not wash away my anxiety to get some safely.
I hectically sped walk home. Cause if I ran, it gave me a reason to be scared.
As chance was not in my favor. The rustling sound approached more boisterous than ever.

"KHAAH!"

I screamed to cancel out the noise that had set me flying down the streets and into the apartment square. I rushed up the staircase and with my eyes that had blinded me. I had encountered the ghost.

"Shhhh. Lower your voice."

Sugino's hand covered my microphone mouth and hushed me.

Before I knew it I was shaking.

"A-are you alright?" He asked me.

"I-I don't know."

My mind is a mess right now and I don't know whether or not I was just going crazy.
Sugino wiped the tears that pooled around my eyes and pulled me into his open arms. They were warm. The sudden embrace did catch me off guard.

"Just relax." He said with a soothing voice, "you're safe. Don't worry." He comforted me.

Even though I couldn't explain what had happened in the streets. I was even more conflicted about my feelings while I was in Sugino's arms. I really did feel safe. Like nothing could harm me. It occurred to me as bitter when I had noticed I did not want to let go right away.

To think that a reckless daredevil woman like me, would be so tripped up by things like this. I started to question whether or not I had really been acting brave all this time. Was it for show? Who am I trying to impress when I have suddenly broke down from small matters like this?
•••••••
"This should help."

Sugino handed me a cup of hot tea when he had invited me into his apartment, turning on all the lights in the living room and closed other doors. He was making it so that I wouldn't be thinking of monsters creeping out of dark spaces.
I was able to calm down.

"Thank you Sugino."

"No problem. You were quite shaken up."

"I guess it was all in my head." I slightly tried to laugh but my sense of humor didn't even want to try.

"I don't want to assume the possibilities. However, I think you shouldn't walk home unattended." He suggested.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The South Station is the last stop right? It takes at least 10 minutes to walk back home by foot. In any case, I'll pick you up from there and we'll walk home together." He explained.

"B-but the train doesn't arrive at the station till 10:30pm." I pointed out.

"I don't mind stopping by and waiting for 5 minutes. It's in my direction anyways. Remember? I work near the public field." He reminded me.

"N-no. It's fine. I can't drag you into my problems. I'll take the taxi-"

"Stop complaining Nagisa." He laughed. "It's official. I'll walk you home after work from now on. Okay? Can't have a young lady like yourself walking alone. It's dangerous." He had quite an illuminated expression.

"Alright." I agreed.

I guess that does make me less anxious about walking the streets at night alone. But if I were to really challenge my mind, I did sense someone behind me.