ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟ's sᴍɪʟᴇ | ᴋᴀʀᴍᴀ ᴀᴋᴀʙᴀɴᴇ

chapter 7

  I sighed and collapsed onto the floor. Today was an eventful day. Our group's assassination had failed. Even so, that was not what was on my mind. Kaede and Yukiko were kidnapped that day, and if had made me feel guilty for even feeling jealousy towards Yukiko. Blinded by my jealousy, I failed to see the nice and quiet girl she was. However, even though the assassination did not go well, I spent the whole day with Isogai, Maehara, Rio, Okano, Kataoka, and Kimura, who were really nice people. Especially Isogai. The whole day, he had been nothing short of nice to me, but that was how he treated everyone. I sighed dreamily. My eyes widened. Why was I acting this way? I didn't like Isogai. Did I? It had only been one day. I was probably only feeling this way because the only male I hung out with treated me like shit.

  Another thing about Isogai. Although being really popular among the girls, he acted like a normal guy. He cursed, he was nice, he talked in a relaxed manner. There was nothing special about him except his good looks and his affability. Why was I thinking about Isogai?

  I walked into the shower, my thoughts confused. Perhaps I did have a crush on him. Well, I knew what to do. Bottle up my feelings and wait for myself to get over it.

  Stepping out of the shower, I sighed at my complex thoughts. Why did I feel like this about Isogai and not Karma? The second Karma came into my thoughts, I knew why. Ugh. He treated me like a rival. Sure, we were warming up to one another, but that didn't put begin all those years of working hard, just to beat him. Not realizing it, I accidentally bumped into someone. Looking up, my face fell. Speak of the devil.

"What's wrong?" he smirked.

"What's wrong? I should be the one asking you? Are you okay? I heard your group had a kidnapping!" I fussed over him.

He smiled and my worrisome attitude. He patted my head, his smile transforming into a mischievous grin.

"Now... Is Ichika worrying about me?" his grin evident on his face.

I huffed. Is this what I get for being concerned about him. When I took a closer look at his face, I realized it was full of bruises. I gasped in surprise.

"You're bruising, " I said, touching his face in concern.

I felt him stiffen up. What was I doing? I was literally scaring away. I swiftly removed my hand and looked away, walking away from him. I had only had this more awkward. Hopefully, I could fix this before we went back. I scurried back to the girl's room, only to have the other girls bombard me.

"Ichika, who is your favorite boy?" Rio asked me.

"Uhm..." I trailed off, not wanting to answer that question.

  I had no doubt in my mind it was Karma, but based on how close Karma and I were, they would probably claim that I had feelings for him, which I most certainly did not. Trying to find my way out of this dilemma, I bolted out of the room, bumping into Karma on the way of course, with just my luck. As I was about to run away, he held me back my one of my shoulders.

"Ichika, don't run away from me, I'm not going to eat you alive, " he joked.

  Sure thing. I 100% believe you, you red-headed sadist. I rolled my eyes.

"Fine. Anyways, are you sure you're okay?" I asked yet again.

"Yeah, I am. You should go back before the other girls wonder where you are, " he smiled sincerely.

  I waved to him, walking back to the girl's room, only to be stopped by curiosity. Rio and Okano were peeping, and it just so happened not only I had stumbled upon the sight, but Okajima, Nagisa, and Sugino as well. I watched them creep into the bathroom like the perverts they are, while I ran the other way, back where I started. Then I smacked my head. I ran in one big circle, and even Rio would be back in the room by now. I was such a dumbass. On the way back to the girls' dorm, I walked past the boy's room.

"Karma, is there a girl you like?" I heard a muffled voice ask.

I froze in my spot. I wasn't expecting that. I stayed glued to my position. My ears were open, waiting for Karma to spill the beans.

"Okuda, I guess, "

I was heartbroken, to say the least. However, I knew the reasoning. She was a smart girl, and who wouldn't like that. Especially when she beat me in chemistry. To further prove the point, Karma explained.

"Because she's good at creating weird drugs and chloroform. That would take my endeavors to a whole new level. We're a match made in heaven, " his devilish voice said.

I sighed, walking back to the girl's room with a heavy heart. Why was I feeling like this? Dammit, why did my emotions have to be so complicated?

"Anyway, who's your most favorite guy?" Rio's voice muffled.

"Well in terms of looks, I think Karma is quite good-looking."

That, I definitely agreed. Deciding that now was not the best time to intrude, especially with Bitch-sensei coming to check on the girls, I decided to go to the window. I sighed. I looked out on the view. I felt a presence behind me. Instinctively, I pulled out my anti-sensei gun and aimed it at the person.

And of course, just my luck, it was Bakabane.

"What's wrong with you? Why don't keep meeting? Gah! Are you stalking me?" I accused, pointing my finger at him.

He chuckled, taking the empty space next to me. He patted my head, causing me to grunt in annoyance.

"Dammit Akabane, " I cursed.

For the rest of the night, we stared at the night sky, occasionally making jokes. I have to say, I don't think I will ever find a friend like him ever again, who I could talk to so freely.