Akari's Time (Assassination Classroom fanfic)

Chapter 41

Akari

It was already one week after Korosensei's revelation. The air has become chilly as winter approaches. After that day, the class sank into a dilemma—the largest challenge we will ever face.

Are we really going to kill Korosensei, after all he did for us?

The question has bothered me ever since. I have no answer to that at all.

On the other hand, Kaede has been hospitalised after that day. She is gradually healing from the tentacles. Her usual jolly self has returned; it isn't acting or feigning. It's the real her. Basically, she is no different than the old Kayano Kaede. The only difference now is that she is more honest of her own feelings.

"What should we call you then, Kae—I mean Akari?" I asked on the first day I visited her with Rio, Megu, and Nagisa. It felt weird to call her with my own name.

She lit up a soft smile. "It's okay. Just call me Kaede. I... kinda' gotten used to it."

"Two Akari's.," Rio snickered.

"Akari, I'm sorry I almost killed you that day. Those tentacles... they... no. It's all me. I didn't manage to control myself," Kaede apologised as tears brimmed in her eyes.

"It's okay." I touched my head. It barely hurt now that I knew the truth. "If you really feel guilty, just make me some nice pudding?"

"Of course! Friends?"

"Friends."

***

Back to the present, I look at the calendar on my desk. It's one week before Christmas.

Christmas.

Oh yeah. It's his birthday.

Speaking of the devil, Karma hasn't spoke to me, or text me, or harass me like he always did. It is as if he has vanished thin air. There is no trace of his presence.

What is he thinking? Is he thinking about Korosensei too?

I pout. "Maybe that idiot should think of me too......"

I should plan a grand surprise party for Karma, but the class' atmosphere is just too upsetting.

Then I'll just celebrate Christmas and his birthday on my own.

***

On December 23rd, I message Karma.

'Hey Karma, are you free on Dec 25th?'

Not long later, he replies. 'Hmm not really. My parents are around. Why?'

...... Did he not realise it's his birthday or anything?

'Oh nothing.' I reply in the end.

***

It is a cold Christmas morning. I'm just lying around in bed, snuggling under the warmth of my blanket. There are two boxes of presents on my desk. One of them is red while the other is green. Quite the festive colour. Both are for Karma. However, I haven't had the strength to call him and give it to him. His lack of passion when he texted me two days ago made me worry.

What was he thinking? I wanted to know.

......Maybe I should ask him.

......Maybe I shouldn't.

...... or maybe he's just spending time with his family. I shouldn't interfere.

I have braced myself for a barrage of harassment messages from Karma requesting for all sorts of absurd wishes since it is his birthday.