I Thought Strawberry Smells Sweet, So Why Does This One Smells Like Blood?

Chapter 20: Back Again

🔪Nagisa🎓

The memories I had back then before Karma disappeared flashed in my mind. Nostalgia, sadness, happiness....every emotion cameback to me.

I had my eyes close, but when I opened them, something inside me turned off. The feelings I had before suddenly became fear---for what? The unexpected event that happened made me feel it.

I never thought that this will happen.

I never thought that I will be in a situation such as this.

I never thought that I will be locked down in this huge and dark basement.

I don't know what happened, but when I came to my consciousness just recently, I saw myself sitting on a wooden chair. Hands tied on the chair's handle, ankles surprisingly loose, but lap tied on the seat. These makes me uncomfortable.

I tried moving, but a sharp pain ran through my muscles, like I've been beaten to death. But, no. That's not it. There's no visible wounds or bruises on me.

I looked around the surroundings, taking note of every detail that can be useful. So far, I can only see the table infront of me, two dim-lighted bulbs on the ceiling, and a suspicious looking chest at the far corner on my right. I'm on the center.

Screaming won't help, I was sure. If I were to base on my instincts and observation, the walls here are soundproof. I wonder how rich my kidnapper is.

Wait, that's not it!

I grumbled at my own thought, making me notice the door infront of me. I didn't saw that earlier...maybe it was because of the darkness? I don't know. But for sure, I can't escape through there.
Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment. Of course, I can't do that. But I have no choice. I sighed painfully then remembered the times before I came here. When Korosensei blew up the moon, the Class 3-E training as assassins, the times we've been fighting both mentally and physically. I remembered Karasuma-sensei and Bitch-sensei, Isogai, Sugino, Maehara, Manami, everyone. Even Rio and Kayano. And my best friend, Karma...

Karma. My tears started to form when I remembered his name. When I thought back when he always tease me and smirks every break. When he plays tricks on everyone then laughs it off like it was nothing. That redheaded devil. The one who always saved me when I was bullied. The one who's always by my side. My first real and best friend.

I want those times back. I want my friends back. I want Karma back.

But all those thoughts crumbled as the door creaked open, revealing my kidnapper. My eyes are now blury from tears, but I can easily guess who it was.

I wanted Karma to save me. But I know it won't happen, and it hurts. I know that even that devil prince can not fight the man infront of me. He won't win. I was so sure of it.

With my tears flowing down my already wet cheeks, he came closer, with each step sending chills on my spine. His grin becoming wider as he came near me. I looked up at him, almost pleading.

I just wanted my Karma back.

"Nagi! Finally you're---" He paused when he saw me, his eyes widening in disbelief and fear. He suddenly glided towards me and knelt down, rubbing and caressing my cheeks to wipe away the flowing tears. "Hey, what's wrong? What's wrong?? Shh...please don't cry."

He kept on wiping them away, as if every drop shortens my life. The scene just made me cry more. He then got up and hugged me.

"D-does it hurt?? I tried to not tighten it but...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...please stop...shhh...I'll-I'll untie it now so hush..." Just as he said it, Karma hastily grabbed his knife from who-knows-where and cut the ropes.

Truth be told, I wasn't crying because of it.  It didn't even hurt.  But it was because I realized the cause of everything.

Yes.  Everything's my fault. 

Maybe if I acted different at that day... Maybe if I conversed with him in a different way that day...

Maybe if I didn't promise him then he wouldn't be just like he is now...

It's all my fault...

Slowly, my arms reached out and wrapped around his neck.  Karma,  seeing my action, widen his eyes in surprise.  He was stiff and not moving, as if afraid to stop me. 

"Na....gi...? " Karma's eyes also blurred while looking at me.  I gave him a smile---a smile of reassurance or giving up...I'm not sure. But with glee, he also did the same. 

"Hehe~ I knew it. Nagi will accept me again~ You'll never leave me right? " He exclaimed happily as his hands also hugged me.  Another weak smile formed my lips,  with a soundless nod and a kiss on his forehead.

"Then that's a promise. " I stared at Karma's face.  Those eyes...really,  just the same look he always gave me back then. No, it was more dangerous and deep now. 

"Nagisa, a promise is a promise, right? You can't just run away, you know?" He held me at arm's length, enough for us to stare at each other.  The happiness he tried to concealed with his pout was seen in those golden orbs.
"You should always take responsibility for everything."

That's right.  It should be me.  I should always take responsibility. 

It's all my fault after all...

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A/N: There we go.  Phew.  I'll try to update more and more so that this won't hold out until next year. 

Anyways... Since this chapter didn't reach 1k words,  then I'll add a short conversation of our two protagonist in a different world.

*where everything is lovely*

Karma: Nagisa,  you should always take responsibility, you know? 

Nagisa: Then... I'm the top?

**edit(11/22/18) :

FUWAAHHHH THIS POOR CAT IS FEELING

Feeling...feeling...hm.  Am I happy or sad? Dunno. At least I'm satisfied. ╰(*´︶'*)╯

Early update! Haha