Connected Lives

Abandoned (Chapter 7)

KARMA'S POV

"Hey, Karma time to get up. We still have class." A soft voice spoke as it whispered into my ear. Feeling the breath of the person I liked tickling my ear, I quickly got up and covered my face to hide my embarrassment.

Heading back to the classroom, we came across Kaede who stuck herself onto Nagisa. Looking at Nagisa's face which showed no rejection, I got mad and forcibly dragged Nagisa back to the classroom to separate him from Kaede.

"Karma, can you let me go now? You're hurting my wrist."

"Karma? Are you daydreaming again?"

Thinking about how easily I could lose Nagisa, I wasn't paying attention to what was occurring around me.

"Karma, not letting go? Do you like me that much?"

Nagisa's following words instantly awoke me from my pondering. Feeling embarrassed to admit it and being afraid I might get rejected, I released Nagisa's arm and replied, "That's funny." I then displayed one of my usual smirks to make myself more believable.

NAGISA'S POV

"I guess it is." I wasn't depressed, at least I wanted it to look that way. Feeling the tears welling up, I quickly went to my seat and laid my head down, so Karma wouldn't be able to see it.

~

When class ended, I hastily left the classroom. Although I could vaguely hear Karma's voice speaking to me, I ignored him.

Arriving home didn't make me feel any better. "Nagisa, try on this dress I got from abroad." The person I didn't want to see most was back.

"For the last time mom, I'm a boy, stop placing me into your fantasies!" I usually never rebelled against my mother; however, I was especially annoyed today.

"Is that how you speak to your mother? Who gave birth to you? Who raised you?"

"Just leave me alone!" I shouted as I stomped towards my room.

"I dare you! Ignore me and you don't have to be in this house any longer. I would like to see how you survive without me."

"Fine." Fed up with my mother's attitude, I left the house without hesitation.

'Idiot, not like I'm lacking a job.'

Since I had nowhere to live, I decided to rent a hotel room near my school. After organizing my belongings, it was almost time to show up for work. Thinking about Red Mask cheered me up from the afternoon event. He reminded me of Karma, except cuter.

~

Today's mission was a lot easier. We only had to place a recording device the government gave us onto the target. According to the information the government provided for us, the target frequented a bar which was known for the inappropriate services they provided (prostitution).

"Blue Mask, how about you leave this mission to me?"

"Are you asking that in order to get more of the pay? Cause if so, I would have to kindly reject. You see, I'm in need of money right now."

"Stop worrying about useless stuff. We're going to share our money in the future anyway. Plus, if my Blue Mask needs money, I can give you all of mine." I couldn't help but feel shy as Red Mask said such embarrassing words while petting my head.

"You... Nobody asked for your help. Stop embarrassing yourself." I swiped Red Mask's hand off my head and began heading towards the bar. I only took a few steps before I was embraced from behind.

"How does it feel being embraced by me? I wonder how it would feel if we were both naked. That's what you're going to see inside the bar so I suggest you abandon the thought of entering it." Red Mask's words that were whispered into my ear stunned me on the spot. By the time I understood what he meant, Red Mask was already in the bar.

A few minutes later, I saw Red Mask exit the bar.

"How was it? Wait... Don't tell me you actually..." Before I could finish, I was smacked by Red Mask.

Red Mask raised his hand and demonstrated a cutting of his neck. "Obviously, what do you think I did?"

"Right, I see." I nodded my head while deep in thought.

'Red Mask probably drugged him and beat him up before he completed the mission.'