Assassination Class: Deadly Duo

The Night Under the Stars

<Sarumi>
When hope had managed to come to us through the awakening of both Karma and Nagisa, Kagi wanted me to accompany her while she visited them.
She did say she was nervous and a little scared of what they'll say, but we both knew what our fates would be.

That warm morning infiltrated the windows of the hospital, while the AC circulated, creating a frosty layer in the air.

Kagi stood to my side when we opened the door. Both Karma and Nagisa laid awake with their backs against the bed board. They both smiled at us two and Kagi grew more distant, while she hid behind me.
I turned my shoulder and looked into Kagi's eyes, at least to give her the motivation to face her parents.
She bit her bottom lip and let go of my arm, and stepped forward.

"G-good morning." She spoke with a stutter. "How are you feeling?" She inched closer every word.
"Come here." Nagisa opened his arms and with a gleam, Kagi ran in.

She burst into tears as she held her mom. Nagisa kissed her head and rested his cheek on her shoulders. Karma motioned me over and I stood cautious and firm.
He took the notice and shook his head.

"Relax kid." He slightly smiled.
Karma sighed, but his tiredness was washed over by the energetic sight of the other two. When Kagi got up and kissed her dad on the cheek, Nagisa wiped his tears away.

"Sarumi, thank you for protecting Kagi." Nagisa said but before I could say anything for myself...I blurted out,

"It was Yoru, Seiichi. He was the one who protected Kagi till the very end." I said.

"Then I must thank him. And you too." Nagisa nodded.

"To the very end." I repeated and Nagisa's smile faded away. "Then you must come with me to his resting place." He looked over at Kagi and Kagi nodded her head.

"Sarumi, you truly are a magnificent assassin, but as your uncle, you must know that I can no longer stand Kagi as one too." Karma spoke seriously which caught the attention of Nagisa.

Nagisa's mouth opened, "Karma-."

"Mom, it's fine." Kagi spoke up and with a glance over at me, smiling with teeth. Kagi stood in the space between the bed in front of them. She bowed her head down, almost to formally.

"When you guys were undergoing surgery, I took the initiative to resign because of Sarumi. I don't work here anymore." Her body began to tremble, but when she saw the expression on Karma's face, it vanished.

"Thank you." Karma closed his eyes, as we all knew that, that simple thanks wasn't directed towards one person, but the general embodiment in the room. Like he was thanking me.

"Like Sarumi, I'll resume my life at school. I've already looked into job positions near the school and sent in an application. I haven't heard a word from them yet." She glanced over at me and looked back, "Sarumi is studying hard for uni." Kagi explained. "He'll be graduating soon and leaving..."

Her voice trailed off and she seemed like she couldn't say anymore. Like she's lost for the future.

"Is that so Sarumi?" Nagisa leaned back.

"Yes." I answered, "It's a good opportunity to find another interest." I continued, "another life you could say."

"I may need to follow your steps as well." Nagisa said as he looked over at Karma. "I think it's time for me to retire...it's time."

Our hearts withered in a melting manner. I felt glad for Kagi, as she was worried herself, that her mom would continue to work here. But for all of us, we all know it was time. Right now before we all regret it.
It was like music to Karma's ear. The fact that he didn't need to persuade him nor bribe. His wishes came true and for all of us, it was alright.
••••••••
Later that night
<Sarumi>
The four of us practically spent the entire rest of the day talking. From topics of occupation and school, that lasted until both Nagisa and Karma thought it was a good time to rest.
Kagi decided to stay a little longer and later take the HQ designated taxis home.
I asked if she wanted a ride, but she refused and chose all the options that didn't include me driving her.

As I was about to leave the parking lot of the HQ when I heard someone call out my name.
When I turned around, I saw Kagi waving me down and finally catching up to me, before I made it to my car.

"What is it?" I asked.

She took a breath to realign herself and she giggled.

"I just want to thank you." She had her hands behind her back, swaying back and forth on her heel. The awkwardness of hers was obviously noticeable, but cute.

"There's no need to." I patted her head and she flinched. Even though it was dark outside, with some lamps lights and twinkling stars, I could still see the red on her cheeks so clearly. "Sorry." I took a step back.

"N-no, I was jut startled that's all." She explained.

"Oh sorry. Are you sure you don't want a ride? It won't trouble me." I added.

Kagi held her breath and diverted her gaze. Finally she made eye contact again and brought her arms to the front and by her side.

"I'm sorry. I know it won't trouble you, but it will trouble me." She went on.

"Huh? What do you mean?" I questioned.

"I-I'm still getting used to-." Kagi fell short and hid her expression with her hands, "I don't know if I can last if I'm in the car with you, especially with these existing feelings." Her voice was quiet, yet audible for me to understand.

I couldn't take it anymore. My knees gave in for some reason and I squatted down from the heavy blow. How much more can she toss my heart around. It's violently unbearable.

"H-huh?! Sarumi? Are you okay?" With a worry, she knelt down beside me and shook my shoulder.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine." I chuckled.

"...But."

"Kagi." I looked up and met her gaze. She froze instantly and I held her hand, getting up together.

"Y-yeah?" She answered, "what is it?"

Her eyes, glistening in the withering light of the night. The warm breeze that touched my skin and the heat between us two.
I want to make sure that Kagi's feelings for me are confirmed, that in years to come, she'll be by my side.
I'm quite worried that when I go off to college, that the connection between us two would fade. The fact that she likes me in the first place is astonishing itself.
How lucky can I be?

"Will you go out with me?" I conveyed with all my heart in one sentence, while I held both her hands.

Kagi looked at our hands and looked back up.
She let go of mine and stepped back.
I guess that is the answer, I knew it was too good to be true."

Kagi ran into my arms suddenly, her arms wrapped around me, trying to squeeze my guys out. But it was sensational for the best. I didn't understand it at first. Seconds ago didn't she reject me-
What's this?

She dug her face into my chest and said,
"I would love too..."

Am I hearing things? Is this really happening?

"A-are you sure?" I confirmed, wrapping my arms around her with a jolt of excitement.

"I'm in your care for now on." She said with her delicate mollified voice.

The moment overwhelmed me. Like a parade that wasn't meant to happen, but it did, making the crowds cheerful. Another blow, that caught me off guard.

"Please take care of me as well." I replied.

And the night turned into a rememberable one.