Friday came sooner than Karma thought.

The servants were running around the mansion making sure everything was prepared, ready, and clean for the master and mistress of the house. Not even a speck of dust could be seen in any corner

Every property looked brand new, shining and glittering even.

Karma honestly couldn't care less about his parents coming back, and he dreaded his relatives visiting them.

The young Akabane was actually bitter, originally they were supposed to be home last month, but they rescheduled everything. But what did he expect?

He wouldn't be surprised if they barely recognized him when they see him, because they barely spend any time around the house, and barely any time with him.

He was tempted to lock himself in his room and call Gakushū or the twins over, but the red head changed his mind.

He just wanted this over and done with.

"Young master, here are your new clothes" one of the maids laid out some fresh clothes for him.

"Thanks" was all he said.

"Hm, you're not....really excited for this aren't you, young master?" She could read him like a book. Everyone in the mansion could, because after all

They practically raised him.

"You're right about that" Karma scoffed.

"Young master, I know your relationship with your family is....is...." The old maid tried to find the right words but couldn't.

"--icy and non-existent?" Karma offered.

The maid looked at him sadly. She approached him and helped him button up his red checkered top and smoothed out the non-existent creases. "This is your chance young master" she told him, cupping his cheek.

"Chance to what? Exactly" Karma frowned.

"Chance to get to know your family and extended family. Chance to let them get to know you " she smiled encouragingly. "Come on, why not give them another chance?"

Another chance? How many chances has he given them exactly? He can't remember, they were too many to count.

But for his real family, he'll try. "Fine" he forced himself to smile.

"That's a good boy" the maid giggled, pulling on his cheeks just like she used to when he was smaller. "That's a good little red"

"Maki! We need help here!" She heard one of the butlers call for her. "I'll take my leave young master Karma" she bowed, and left him alone in his room.

Karma sat on his bed.

"Give them a chance, huh?"

He looked outside the window and to their garden.

He automatically started moving. Sliding open the window and climbing down through the tree. He reached the ground floor easily. He'll always be thankful for his assassin's trainings, it made sneaking out and in, among other things, ten times easier.

He went to the back garden and clinbed over the tall hedges.

Once he was outside the estate, he went to the direction of the Asano Residence.

______________________

Gakushū heard tapping coming from his window. At first he dismissed it as his imagination, but then he heard it again, this time louder.

He glared at the window, but his expression softened when he saw it was Karma.

"Karma" he hurriedly opened the window to let the red head inside.

He didn't expect the boy to fall into his arms though. But he was quick to catch him and carried him to the bed. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked, concerned.

"Nothing's wrong" Karma said, still pressed against him.

"I don't believe you" Gakushū frowned. "What's wrong Akabane Karma?" He gently shook the red head.

"Nothing" Karma stubbornly denied.

"Tell me" -Gakushū

"It's nothing" -Karma

"Tell me"- Gakushū

"I'm fine!" Karma sounded irritated now. Gakushū scoffed. "That's what they all say"

".......Can we just stay like this?" He heard Karma request. "Can I stay like this? With you?" "Held by you" he said the last one in his head.

When Gakushū didn't answer, he thought the strawberry blonde was annoyed. He was about to pull away and leave but Gakushū held him there.

"Fine, if it'll make you feel better" Gakushū bit his lip, already listing of the possibilities of why Karma is upset. He's also already thinking of ways to cheer him up

"Thanks Gakushū" Karma sounded, shy

The strawberry blonde found himself blushing. He turned his head to the side proudly "A-anytime---I mean it's nothing! Don't think you can just come into my room anytime you want Karma! I mean it! But...I--"

He heard a snort coming from the red head in his arms, and then chuckles. "You're a dork" Karma laughed. 

Gakushū, still blushing, smiled. "I made him laugh" he felt prideful at the thought. "I cheered him up" this felt like a big accomplishment for him.

He decided that from now on, he'll do whatever it takes to keep Akabane Karma smiling and cheerful.

Because seeing him smiling is a beautiful sight.

(Author: 🎶Gakushū's faaaaalling~ faaaaalling inlove with Karma~ and he doesn't...doesn't know what to do!🎶)