Project: Karma

69 | The Promise

<Nagisa>
Two days after visiting Aguri, Karma and I rounded up the close friends that managed to stay with me all this time. Karma grew rather nervous to surprise them and I was overwhelmed with excitement.
Apparently Koro-sensei never told anyone but his family and Karasuma. If that's the case, I wonder with Irina knows?

I just texted everyone a few minutes ago and said that we would meet at the park where Sugino coaches baseball. Luckily, they all said that they were able to make it.

"Momma, where are we going?" I handed Nakaru his small blue backpack and he slipped his arms through it.

"We're taking the train to the park! All
Your friends will be there and Momma's friends too. We can't keep Papa all for ourselves now can we Naki?" I pinched his cheeks and he glowed.

If I didn't know any better, Karma and Naki finally made up. If anything it's more calming for me to know that Naki accepts him.

I looked over at Karma and took his hand, then reached for Naki who had just put ok his shoes.
"Lets go guys."
••••
<Nakaru>
Once we walked the small wooden path to the big field, I saw everyone waiting for us. Even Nozomi was out today with us. Daichi and Haruki are causing trouble for Zuzu again. Its always the same isn't it? I love hanging out with them.

Ah even the Tomohito twins are here too and that blonde woman. Momma always said that the twins never leave each others sides often. It makes me think that I want another brother or sister too. I know that I have Momma and Papa but I know I can't be with them all the time.

"Naki!" Haruki waved at me with his arms and called me out. It seems like they had already started a game. I tightly gripped both Momma's and Papa's hands and gazed up at them. Both of them looked at each other and then released my hands first.

"Have fun Naki." Momma grinned.

"Be careful." Papa added.

I nodded my head and ran off. I don't know why but, when I looked back at the adults, it felt kinda funny. Not a good funny though.
•••••
<Nagisa>
"I'm glad you guys are here!" I bowed my head down and Karma followed as well. "Thank you for meeting me here."

"Ah...Nagisa stop that." Kaede brought me back up straight and patted Karma's shoulder. "Let me guess, you came to gather us here because, you're finally capable of walking again!" Kaede teased.

"No, it must be a new haircut." Shi commented, "new highlights?"

"Could be the bigger chest." Irina boldly said.

All of us stared at her.
"What?" She crossed her arms.

"Hahaha, you guys crack me up." I literally burst into laughter because, they knew how to throw in some humor now and then. It really made me happy.

She was the first to approach Karma. She hung her arm around Karma's back and hugged him.

"It's nice to have you back Karma."

Karma raised his arms and hugged her back.
"It's been too long hasn't it, Shizuka? A beautiful family you got there."

"You as well." Shi gleamed.

Kaede stepped forward and spoke.
"You must be Karma. Welcome back." Kaede stuck out her hand and Karma shook it. "I'm glad that you're finally back home especially with Nagisa and Nakaru. We really did wait for your arrival." Kaede had a glint of light in her eyes as she knew the struggles that I have endured. Like she said before, my happiness was hers as well.

"Thank you for helping them out while I was gone." Karma appreciated the words of warmth.

After that, Karma eyed Irina and she coughed.

"Tsk, what are you staring at?"

"Who knew that you would actually settle down with Tadaomi." He brought up. "Kids then marriage? So unlike you."

"Ugh?! Are you making fun of me?!"

"Yes." He bluntly answered.

"Why you-"

"You look happier." Karma slightly bowed his head. "I'm happy for you." He added.

"Tsk. It was quite lonely without you here. F-for Nagisa and Nakaru that is. You've kept us waiting." Irina stuttered. 

For everyone to show their love towards Karma, I'm overwhelmed by it all. No words to describe this feeling. They all wished Karma to come back home too. I wasn't alone.

"To think that you could just waltz back in here like nothing had changed." Sugino had a very static tone to his words. His acrimonious expression paired with it too.

Karma was fazed by his words and lowered his head. Then Sugino did something unthinkable to all of us. In a blink of an eye, Sugino had punched Karma in the jaw.

"Sugino!" Kaede shouted.

"Whoa there kid." Irina said.

"Huh?!" Shi pulled Sugino back.

Karma slowly returned and there was a bruise on his cheek and red blood stain under his mouth. Sugino packed a really hard punch. I was shocked, holding onto Karma's sleeve.

But I should of known. Sugino did it for me. In my heart, I was troubled by the sudden attack but, Sugino never forgot. Those days when Karma wasn't there. He grew angry at him. He promised back then that he would knock Karma straight. Sugino, you really are too much of me.

"That was for all the times you've left Nagisa hanging." Karma explained himself. "When Nagisa was admitted into the hospital, when Nakaru was born, to the years you've left Nagisa and Nakaru by themselves. You think that just by coming back without acknowledging that will fix anything?"

Karma grew silent and fell to his knees before Sugino and bowed his head.

"Karma?!" Shi confusingly called his name due to the time fact that she has never seen Karma like this before. None of us had seen this side of him.

Karma looked up at Sugino and the dropped his head again and sighed, bitting his lower lip.

"I know I'll never get back those special moments. I'm well aware of my bad deeds and I hate myself for leaving them but I do promise you and everyone else. I'll make them happy."

We all looked at Sugino for a reply and he sighed.

"Then prove it." He lent Karma his hand and Karma took it to help himself up. They both smiled at each other and looked like they marked their friendship.

Sugino looked over at me with a peaceful expression. Like he was saying that he was willing to let Karma stay with me forever. Silly Sugino, it's alright now. You don't have to worry about me anymore. You have your own family and I have mine but truly, I thank you. Millions and a million times over.

I took Karma's hand, inched closer to him and leaned my head on his shoulder. He glanced down at me and gleamed quietly.
Karma looked content with everything and that satisfied me enough.
He's home.