Chapter Text
The clock chimed, signaling the end of class--the end of the school day, for that matter. The professor wrapped up her lesson, dismissing the students as they began to pack up. Karma all but stretched, having already put his things away. He got up, picked up his bag, and walked over to where his blue-haired friend sat. Nagisa was still in the process of placing his books in his bag.
"Hey, Nagisa-kun. You free this afternoon?"
"Bored already?" Nagisa gave Karma a knowing smile, but he shook his head. "I can't. The professors have been assigning a lot of homework because of the trip. I'd say I'm surprised you're not worried about it, but.."
He sighed. When he opened his eyes, his head perked in the direction of the doorway. When Karma turned to look, strawberry blond locks caught his eye. How peculiar. There was no incentive for Asano Gakushuu to come here. Yet, here he was, looking out of place and a tad bit uncomfortable. Karma reveled in it.
He watched as the boy's amethyst eyes scanned the room before they made contact with amber. His eyebrows furrowed a smidge, and Karma could've sworn he looked disappointed. Regardless, Gakushuu made his way over to the two.
"Oh? Asano-kun came all the way over here to pay us a visit, Nagisa-kun. Could've at least sent us a letter in advance," the redhead smirked, his eyes playful. "Don't you have better things to do, council work and the like?"
Gakushuu broke eye contact, scowling to his side before looking back up. His expression turned sickeningly sweet.
"I've been relieved for the day." His reply was curt, but his tone agreeable.
"Is that so?" Karma placed his hands in his pockets and rocked on his toes and heels. He tilted his head. "Is Asano-kun in trouble?"
Gakushuu stared for some moments, then blinked. His eyes were more narrow than before.
"The guidance counselor wishes to speak with you."
The redhead raised an eyebrow, his smile dropping somewhat.
"And how would you know?"
Eye contact was lost once more. "He wishes to speak to the both of us."
Karma raised his other eyebrow, and he and Nagisa shared a glance. Yet again, despite himself, Karma found himself grinning. Sure, that meant he would get reprimanded once again--how many times did that make this month--but it also meant--
"So you are in trouble."
Karma slouched in his chair, both his eyebrows furrowed. All amusement was lost. He thrummed his fingers against the armrest. The counselor was drawling on and on about misconduct in the classroom, how the school encouraged rivalry as long as competition was friendly, how, as the top two students of their year, they should act as role models, yada yada yada.
It wasn't without merit, sure, but Karma knew the real reason why the discussion was taking place; they were the top two, hence all eyes were on them. People could see that the two wouldn't cooperate, almost as if they couldn't, or refused to. If the academy turned a blind eye? Why, that wouldn't be good press. The academy had a reputation to uphold, and thus the speech, and then the punishment. Like that would do anything.
When it seemed as though the counselor's spiel was finally winding down, Gakushuu took the opportunity to address his concerns. He seemed almost desperate to, as if he was pouncing on the chance. And for that, he was awarded with the ghost of a grin.
"Yes, sir, I do understand what you're getting at, and forgive me if I speak out of turn, but it was Akabane that acted out this morning. Why am I being punished as a result?"
Ah, yes. This morning. One of the few times when Karma and Gakushuu's schedules would coincide.
It was simple--Karma wasn't feeling for anything too complex. All it required was a tired mind-and something else. While tired indeed, the strawberry blond was also observant. His popularity, however, was key. No doubt he would be hounded by students by the time he came in. Too preoccupied was he, that he didn't even think to notice Karma was there early--or on time, rather.
It was a few minutes before class began when Karma decided to act. He took out his wand, aiming it at Gakushuu's desk. And all of a sudden, flames. A harmless illusion spell, nothing too hard, yet it elicited quite the reaction. It definitely woke Gakushuu up-you're welcome-and the frightened students around his desk were a bonus. Plus the rest of the class. Delightful.
Of course, the professor didn't share in Karma's humor, and so he was issued a detention. Along with this. And another punishment. To be honest, Karma didn't think it warranted that much; he'd done less for worse.
"While you are right in that what happened today was caused by Karma, and it is true that his actions toward you are more direct, you are not innocent from all this. I am aware of some of the underhanded tactics you've pulled."
At this, Gakushuu's expression was one of conflict. An internal dispute of self-preservation. Should he clear himself in regard to these "tactics", or should he hold his tongue to preserve what good grace he still held with the counselor? Karma's lip quirked. Perhaps this meeting wasn't all too bad.
Of course, he was wrong.
"The animosity between you two is increasing, and it's getting to be too much. As such, the school board has proposed,"--i.e. demanded--"the following. Also, keep in mind, this is not a punishment. It is simply a means to improve your relationship and comradery."
Oh no. That didn't sound too good. But how bad could it be?
"I'm positive you're both aware of the upcoming field trip--"
Nope.
"--and I am also sure you are aware of what the third years do instead."
Nope, nope.
"Asano-kun, it's not unusual for you to be challenged in your coursework--"
Nope, nope, nope.
"--and Akabane-kun, you have a tendency of completing certain tasks unconventionally--"
Nopity, nopity, nope.
"--so the school board has decided that instead of partaking in the second-year field trip, you two will participate in the 'solo', if you will, pair trip that the third years are required to do."
God. Why?
"The criteria is similar: no wands, potions are allowed, you have a map to follow, and a schedule to roughly keep up with, specific lodgings will be notified of you two, and it should take no more than the two weeks. But the two trips are different. There will be no chaperones, no other groups. Just the two of you. Together. The goal is to bond," the counselor finished, lifting up his index finger.
The room stayed quiet for a time as the other two occupants took in the news. Eventually, Gakushuu spoke up.
"Did...my father decide this?" he asked.
"He agreed to it, yes."
Gakushuu's face fell slightly, dejected. There was nothing he could do. In only that did Karma empathize with him.
The guidance counselor clapped his hands.
"Alright then. That is all. You two are dismissed."
Soon after, the two made their way out of the building and toward the dorms. The walk was silent and bitter. Until Gakushuu voiced his opinions once again.
"This is how we'll do it. You'll do your thing, and I'll do mine. We will be separate. The only way we will be 'together' is by being in near proximity to one another. At a distance. I can see you, you can see me. Nothing more."
There was no question addressed to the redhead, but Gakushuu looked to him expectantly.
Karma hummed. "Aw~, look, we're cooperating already~."
Amethyst eyes only glared at him. Karma's smirk grew wider, but he decided to give the younger boy a proper reply.
"I couldn't agree more."