Project: Karma

47 | Day and Night

<Shizuka>
This morning Naoko came bearing gifts for some reason. He offered me a small pink bag of mini sweet biscuits. When I asked him about it, he shook his head and didn't say anything.

It's 12pm and I'm sitting at my desk eating lunch with him. He's a quiet one when he's not working. Shy maybe, but he's an intelligent one when it comes down to it. What a pity that his voice only speaks science.

"What do you enjoy?" I asked, striking a conversation.

He looked up and slowly chewed. Like he was confused that I asked him a question.

"Besides working?"

"Yes, besides working."

"Um, does research count?" He became embarrassed. I couldn't help but to giggle from his nerdy response.

"Hahaha, sorry." I motioned my hand. "Research? What kind?"

Naoko placed his bento on the desk and wiped his hands with a napkin.

"I like studying Affective science, the physiology and neuroscience of emotions." He explained.

"Ahhh, that's it huh?" I grinned and leaned my elbows on my desk.

"What so you mean?" He coughed nervously.

"You're actually a softy huh? Cute." I teased him.

"No you're mistaken Ms. Shizuka."

"Possibly." I sighed with a smile.

No, I see a good kid at heart when I see one. There are not many innocent lads these days.
••••••••••
<Naoko>
After comings back from a meeting with the board, I happen to come across another person in the lab. She had short blue hair and wore a uniformed lab coat as well. She looks familiar but from where?

The question is how did she get in? I watched her as she entered the glass dome and exposing herself to Karma. She isn't wearing a suit! Nothing to protect her! Even if she is a scientist here, she's breaking regulations! I have to do something-

"I don't think you should do that."

Someone spoke to me and then I saw a hand wrapped around my wrist. The same wrist, connecting my hand, that was holding my ID.
I turned around and saw Ms. Shizuka with such a despondent expression.

"Don't tell me you're allowing this?" I questioned. As a respected scientist here, my senior. She was breaking regulations too.

"Are you telling me you're going to report her? You would dare to go against my orders?" She crossed her arms.

"But Ms. Shizuka, are you blind?" I emphasized that she could get punished too!

Ms. Shizuka looked trough the lab door window and scratched her head.

"Yes, I'm quite handicapped at the moment." She took a swerve on my comment. Then Ms. Shizuka dropped her arms to her side and walked closer to me. "If you intend to spill a single word, don't even bother of coming back here."

Ms. Shizuka contained her threatening aura and walked out of the department. Until I couldn't see her any longer.

I glanced back in and witness the girl sitting besides Karma. Her head laying in his broad shoulders. Their backs facing me. What does that girl think to accomplish?

She's insane however, deep down it was so clear that this blue haired fairy, was living with the guilt on her back. It's very noticeable. This odd pressure in my chest. Somehow I want to know more.
••••••••
<Nagisa>
I don't know what brought me here. Was it because I missed Karma too much? Ever since I came back to work at the facility, I never once came to visit him. I suspected that it would be too painful for me. In the end, I think I was able to cope with it.

"Karma, how are you doing? Well?" I lifted my head from his shoulder. I leaned over to see his face. So bland and lifeless.

"Sorry for not coming any sooner. I would be lying if I said I was too occupied. You don't have to worry about me...I'm doing fine."

I knew I was talking to myself. This part broke me down more and more.

"Karma, I miss you and I love you." I confessed out freely. My legs swung back and forth as I sat on the white bed. It wasn't long until I looked back at him.
There was tears escaping from his eyes.

My hands started to shake and I placed them against his cheeks. Leaned in and kissed him.
I wasn't disappointed that his lips tasted bitterly sweet. Everything was in a whole other contrast.

"I'm sorry Karma."
•••••••••
<Kaede>
I waited for Nagisa to arrive home, outside her apartment door. If anything, it wasn't a long time. She happened to appear along the stairs, 7 minutes after. Her baby bump always gets me excited and overjoyed! But she hasn't spoke about it, maybe she's keeping it a secret? I'll just wait myself...but what if I'm wrong?

I shook my head.
No. She has to be pregnant.

"Huh? Kaede, what are you doing here?" Nagisa walked over to me, placing her gray bag on the floor besides her feet.

"Ah, I was hanging out with Sugino. I just thought that before I left, I wanted to see you." I said.

"Awe, you didn't have to." Nagisa modestly smiled and hugged me very cutely.

"Well, that's all." I patted her back, "I'm going to go now. Wash up and go to sleep alright?" I glanced over at my watch and it was 10:37pm.

Nagisa nodded her head and slightly diverted her eyes behind me.

"Something wrong Nagisa?" I asked.

"No, I'm just thinking about how close you guys have gotten over the months." She pointed out.

"Hehe, I do have my charms Nagisa." I poked her cheek. "I'm shocked myself." I gleamed at her.

"Good night Nagisa."

Nagisa picked up her bag and unlocked her door. She turned around and waved.
"Good night Kaede."
••••••
On my way home, heading to the train station. I felt the strange sensation of being followed. The lamps flickered and the sound of tumbling stray cats on trash cans grew more louder.

There was even a second shadow hovering behind me but, when I turned around no one was there. I heard another breath, which was not mine.

Kaede, stop being paranoid. Just think of it as any other sets you've been on. Sound affects and all the scripts. What's there to be afraid of? When practically logic and science exist. There's an explanation to these odd phenomenon. You need some sleep. You're mind is playing tricks on you.

"If only they were."

I automatically froze as a deep voice approached behind me. I don't want to turn around...don't turn around Kaede. Whatever you do...don't confront it. I heard a clicking sound of a gun. My body trembled in desperation to run away. But how could I outrun bullets?

"You stink of affection, engorged in useless love." He whispered into my ears. "Why don't you try death for once? I promise you that it feels much better than unpromising emotions."

I thought of Sugino when he commented. My body wanted to move...he spoke of death over love. I can't afford to do that.
Kaede. Run!

SPLAT

I looked down and saw something wet dripping down from my lower abdomen. What I thought appeared to be a sharp weapon of sorts, was a hand. It's sharp claws that had impaled me. I must be seeing things, how could a human-