play my heartstrings // kaemaki

you unlocked my heart, that day.

(Maki's pov)

I've never considered the thought of love before.

As an assassin, I dedicate my career to risk my life everyday. I occupy a special kind of orphanage. One that teaches orphans to grow up into assassins. Thousands have been slaughtered, and I've witnessed innocent people get murdered numerous times. Blood splatters paint the walls, while we hunt down our next victim. I have learned to accept this lifestyle, no matter how gruesome it may be. If I have to be honest, I never had a problem with it. However... on a certain day, my reality changed. It's the day I met her.

I woke up, exposed to the world once again. I slowly rose from the stiff mattress, rubbing my eyes. I suddenly heard a loud "beep". The unexpected noise made me jump out of bed quickly, falling to the floor. Did I oversleep? Pathetic. The alarm I heard is a warning to anyone not up yet. That's me right now, for sure. I just remembered that today my group had been chosen for a training session. Commander Fuyuhiko is extremely strict about attendance. He rules the assassins, along with Lieutenant Peko Pekoyama. Ibuki Mioda is Peko's girlfriend, but she still devotes her time ruling with Fuyuhiko. It's almost like she has two lives.

On the other hand, my personal trainer is Kaito Momota. All of the data about me along with my  comrades is transferred from Kaito to Commander Fuyuhiko. (That's how he knows if anyone's schedule is delayed.) It's surprising Kaito gained this rank at around my current age. I guess it's nice he's also only a couple years older than me. Kaito isn't the most skilled assassin, but his physical strength is beyond levels I've ever seen. 

I don't want to look like a coward or be punished, so I rushed to get ready. My hair is kept in two long ponytails which didn't need combing for now, so I ignored my hair. I undressed, removing my former clothing to put on my assassin uniform. I hurtled to the sink and grabbed my toothbrush, starting to brush my teeth. My morning routine was eventually done. 

Without thinking, I flung the door open and began running down the hallway. I accidentally nudged a few people by bumping into them, but despite this I kept going. I dashed down the stairs, immense pressure circulating through my veins. 

Will I make it?  I rapidly busted through the final door with anticipation. I finally arrived. 

The outside courtyard was covered in a massive amount of students. Weapons could be seen at every angle, flying throughout the campus. I could spot many people training together, too. I darted my curiosity away from the orphans to in front of me. Regret made my stomach churn, because I could see a tall figure walk towards me. 

"Maki Harukawa, you're late!" A laugh followed his words. 

"I know. Can you ever be quiet for once?" I wasn't sure how to respond. Thankfully, I didn't need to be worried about encountering a threat. I could swiftly kill anyone in a second, anyways. The person who spoke to me was my trainer, Kaito. He's always in a good mood, and lets many orphans get away with things. Kaito is too soft, for sure. 

"For once, I'll let you go without any charges. My students are achieving the impossible, y'know Maki? I'd say we've accomplished plenty!" He spoke in a cheerful voice, relieving me a little. 

I got to work, pushing through the toughest labor. Out of nowhere, something started distracting me. A medium sized girl appeared in the courtyard. She had elegant blonde hair that seemed smooth and silky. A smile was present on her pale white skin. My gaze wondered to her, and in this very moment my head started spinning. I was the only one glancing her way. My heart started pumping faster, at this rate I was going to have a heart attack. My emotions got to the best of me. Before I could think, my legs sprinted towards her way in a flash.

"Aaaah.... Hello?" She spoke in a somewhat confused tone, furrowing her brow. 

Blush took over my face, turning it into a red mess. I lifted my hands covering my face as fast as I could, hoping no one noticed. This girl shouldn't of draw her attention towards me. I.. get I was the one who did that, but why would she take time out of her life to talk to me? Rage is filling my head, this needs to stop.

Without speaking I muttered the words "Do you wanna die?". No- This is an awful first impression! But before I could speak again, Kaito interrupted the whole scene. 

"Woah Maki-roll! You came tumbling right into her arms! Is this a bowling alley?" 

"Shut up!" I began to fidget with my hair. I hate the name "Maki-roll".

"Haha, someone's acting a bit mad, aren't they?" After hearing his words, I began to get more tensed up. How can he say this?

In a blink of an eye, Kaito stopped talking to me. His eyes were directed to that girl.

"I forgot! Maki, this is Kaede Akamatsu. She transferred to this group! Kaede previously belonged to the other side of the orphanage, but she's here now! You were late, and didn't get to hear Kaede introduce herself." Silence followed his words until Kaede spoke to me.

"Kaito's right! Oh, are you Maki? I'm super glad to meet you!" Kaede's soft voice made my anxiety vanish. It felt calming, like an angel speaking to me. 

Her hand glided towards mine. She asked me, "Do you want to shake hands?" At first I was nervous, and held back. 

"It's alright! I don't bite, If you were wondering." Kaede's gentle giggles touched my heart.

Without a doubt, I grabbed her hand and shook it. I hesitated for a second, but knew this was my final choice. 

The expression that formed on Kaede's face was pure happiness. Did someone as worthless as me make her feel good? Words couldn't come out of my mouth. 

"Hello." Is all I had to say. 

The training session was resumed, but I had no courage to talk to Kaede again. I embarrassed myself today and everyone saw it. I ignored all sounds around me, focusing on improving my skills. Kaito tried to interact with me, but I neglected him. 

Time skip: Hours later

The day ended, and I walked back to my room with weird looks following me the entire time. I opened the door, flopping onto my bed. I never expected this to happen at all. Sick and tired of my emotions getting to me, I grabbed a knife from the depths of my pockets, holding it up high. 

"This is for Kaede!" I yelled.

I swung the blade into my left hand, puncturing my palm which left a fresh wound. I made a promise to myself this night.

Don't ever fall in love again.

I was alone, sitting by myself for about 10 minutes. Things changed though. Someone knocked on my door. 

"Maki? This is Kaede, I wish to talk to you!"