Project: Karma

78 | Our Hearts Connected

<Nagisa>
The next morning, as we ending staying the night at Aguri's place, it seemed as if Mari had grown relatively closer to Ichiro. Both Karma and I walked upon the living room where Mari was still sound asleep, leaning on Ichiro who also had not woken yet.

Karma sighed and scratched his head. I knew he wanted to sweep her away from the dangers, but it was Ichiro we're talking about. I think he can let it slide. It's rather cute to see Karma acting so protective over our little girl.

"Let's help Aguri with breakfast." I whispered to Karma and he nodded his head. It was difficult for him to leave his little princess alone with another boy.

"Maybe I should wake them-"

"No, no. Leave them be." I pushed Karma ahead into the other room and we noticed Naki coming out of the bathroom.

"Ah! Naki, why don't you go into the living room and wake up your sister." He instructed.

"Heh? For what?" He crossed his arms.

"Karma, what did I say?" I frowned.

"W-what?" He spoke like he was the victim here. "Don't I have the right to-"

"Dad, calm down. It's Ichiro." Naki said.

I giggled at his comment and patted Karma's back. At least Naki gets it. Oh Karma, you've been asleep for a long time haven't you?

<Naki>
"Stop being so weird." I scrunched my face and Papa didn't look pleased at all. Like he ever is with my rough attitude. Though I can see where he's coming from.

"If you're really concern about Mari, I'll protect her. Okay?" I suggested.

I don't know what it was but, Papa's aura was emitting this warm sensation of hearts and rainbows. He nodded his head and looked at Momma with that same expression.

"I think you've made his morning." Momma bent over and kissed my forehead.

Those two eventually walked into the kitchen and helped Ichiro's mom with preparing breakfast. And for me? Should I wake those two up?

I glanced over and Mari didn't look like she was in any kind of danger. No red sirens nor signals telling me to do anything.
I guess I ended up just staring at the both of them for awhile and the longer I stared, the more I grew envious.

"You having fun there?" Ichiro's voice startled me and he spoke with one eye open. His voice still dragged as he was coming out of his sleep.

"S-sorry." I apologized.

"No, no. I get it, I'm irresistibly handsome." He teased and tried to move his position without waking Mari up. I guess he saw through me when I kept glancing at Mari.

"What's on your mind?" He asked. "Think that I'll steal your little sister away from you?" Ichiro teased.

"I don't know..." I shrugged.

"Hahaha, of course I wouldn't do that."

"Papa thought it." I hate to admit that I was feeling the same kind of worry too. Mari is still a girl.

Ichiro raised a brow and sighed. He scratched his head and that initially woke up Mari. She looked rather dazed, not completely woken up. She looked here and there and looked up at Ichiro.

"Good morning sunshine." Ichiro patted her head.

"M-morning..." She rubbed her eyes and didn't even notice that I was standing there. Mari snuggled closer to Ichiro and placed her head on his leg, using it as a pillow.

I feel betrayed.
But at the same time, I wouldn't mind a guy like Ichiro to take care of Mari. I know I can trust him but what am I really saying?

"Aren't you going to say good morning to Naki?" Ichiro lightly chuckled and rubbed her shoulder.

"Huh..?" She opened her eyes again and saw me this time. "Good morning Naki." She softly gleamed and doze off again.

Both Ichiro and I tried to hide our laughter, but it was no use. He patted the seat next to him and I walked over and sat there.

"What is it?" I looked up.

"I had a dream last night. I saw my dad and he was with us. As if nothing had happened."

"Were you happy?"

"Of course, but isn't it better to have the real one?" Ichiro replied and I knew what he meant. The thing that makes us so close, what keeps us together is the fact that we lost our dads at some point in our lives.

"Just dreaming like that makes me not want to leave home."

The way Ichiro looked was painful. And all my years of not having Papa with me. I hid all of emotions. I respect Ichiro for exposing them like this. I wish I could do something for him. I really do.

"Boys, breakfast is ready." Ichiro's mother popped out from the corner, "wake up Namari while you're at it." She said pointing chopsticks at us.

Both Ichiro and I glanced at each other and he was the one who ended up carrying her into the kitchen.

When the three of us walked in, Momma was standing to the side on her phone. Something about her expressions kind of worried me. She spoke quietly so it was difficult to piece her conversation together.
I just sat down in the seat next to Ichiro as he tried to prop up the tired Mari on the chair. Mari could barely keep her eyes open, nor could she restrain herself from face planting her breakfast.

"Thanks for the food." Ichiro said.

"Thanks for the food." I repeated.

I stared back over at Momma as I picked up the chopsticks. This time she looked really concern. I wonder what's happening.

<Nagisa>
Ritsu has unexpectedly called me not so long ago. She spoke rather quickly to explain everything, but her tone was calm. Like she was prepared.

"So can you do it?" She confirmed.

"I don't know." I replied cowardly. "It's just I don't know if I can bring myself to do it." I added.

"That's understandable however, please think about it. I know it's a hectic request, but I think it needs to be done."

"Ritsu, it really goes against what you're brother-"

"He'll understand. I know he will. And if he doesn't, I'll explain it to him when I meet him."

I couldn't bring myself to continue. It been too long and I haven't stepped in a laboratory since.
What could I possibly accomplish?
Or is that I'm scared that I will mess up?

"Momma?" Naki called my name to grab my attention.

"I'll call you back Ritsu." I spoke.

"I'll be awaiting your decision."

"Alright." I hung up and stared back at Naki who was tilting his head in confusion.

"Is everything okay?" He questioned.

"Yeah..." I replied.

I gazed over at Ichiro who was also looking at me. I don't know why but I started getting antsy. I really don't know what to do. Is it really the right decision?
I️ could hear my heart pounding loudly.

"Nagisa?" Karma tapped my shoulder and I turned towards him. "Is something the matter, you don't look so good." He examined.

"I'll tell you later." I placed my head on his shoulder.

When I thought things have finally calmed down, it never does. I really can't ignore this, can I?