Loss Of The Stars

Chapter 4

(Karma's POV)

During my smoke, I realized that I needed a drink, since I could already feel my throat burning. The grocery store isn't that far from here, if I walk, I'd get there in about fifteen minutes maximum.

I puffed out the last smoke before flicking the cigarette away.

The walk was quiet, the only sound that could be heard were my footsteps and the occasional hiss of the cats picking a fight in the alley.

When I had gotten to the store, I accidentally bumped into someone just as I was about to enter. Looking down, I saw that it was a small boy.

I muttered a quick "Sorry."

He looked up at me with a neutral expression. "It's...okay." He mumbled before stepping away and motioning for the entrance.

I shook my head, denying his offer. "After you."

"Thanks."

Damn... that kid has a lot of bruises.

(Nagisa's POV)

The cool air of the store reminded me that I was beat up, the cold making my cuts ache. I shook my head, clearing my head of unnecessary thoughts.

I'm here to buy food. And food is what I'll get.

I grabbed my headphones and plugged them in, playing the song 'Sing me to sleep' by Alan Walker, and made my way to the cereal aisle. Somehow, that song helps me block out my thoughts.

When I got there, I cursed my height.

They put the fucking cereal boxes on the highest shelf.

"Why. Just why."

I saw one of the staff members and walked up to them. "Um, excuse me?" I called out. They turned to me and I let out a small sigh. "Pardon me but... Can you help me--"

She walked away.

I stared at their trail with my mouth hung open. Did she just...ignore me? What the actual fuck..?

I groaned. I guess I'll just have to take matters into my own hands. I went back to the freakishly tall shelf and started to climb it.

"Aha! Got it..."

And at that exact moment, my foot slipped. I expected to have a make-out session with the floor, but instead it seemed that I had fallen into someone's arms.

I peeked one eye open and was met with a pair of golden, ivory eyes. By how close we were, I could pick up on the faint scent of cigarettes originating from the person.

In an instant, I recognized him as the guy I bumped into earlier. Might I say... that this guy is quite the looker.

"Um.." He started, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Are you okay?"

(Karma's POV)

The boy blinked in confusion before slowly moving away from me.

"Yeah. Thanks for breaking my fall..." He said. "No doubt that I'd be kissing the floor right now if it wasn't for you."

I breathed out a laugh and shook my head. "It's not a problem, besides..."

"Hmm?"

"It looked like you needed some help getting a cereal box?"

"Yeah...more like a cereal killer..."

A chuckle escaped my lips as I grabbed the box and handed it to him. "Here you go. Be careful next time, okay kid?"

He flinched.

"...huh?"

He looked up at me with a glare. Wait, did I do something wrong?

"I am not a kid."

Oh.

"Ah, sorry... I must've mistaken your age." I said rubbing the back of my neck. "You're what, thirteen?"

Magic must exist, because in less than a second his face turned a deep shade of red.

"Excuse me, mister, but I'll have you know that I am seventeen years old!" He snatched away the box. "Your help was unnecessary!"

Only one thing came to my mind that had me laughing like some idiot.

Cute.