"What? I'm just trying to make small talk to fill in the awkward silence" Takuma defended. "I thought talking about your crush was a good idea, sorry Karma-chan"

Karma looked suspiciously at the green haired boy. "Why are you so fixated on me and Gakushū?"

"Because the two of you intrigue me and I like you both" was Takuma's simple reply.

"So that's it then?"

"I ship you and Gakushū and I want you to sail" Takuma added.

Karma stared at Takuma, before snorting and bursting out laughing.

Takuma listened to Karma's laughter with widened eyes. He's never heard Karma laugh genuinely before. Maybe a chuckle, snicker, or a snort, but not a full on laughter.

He watched the red head throw his head back and laugh more, his eyes closed and his lips stretched to a grin.

"Huh...he's more attractive when he's laughing" Takuma thought.

"So, you're on my side then?" Karma nudged Takuma's arm.

"Yup! You can count on me to help you win Asano Gakushū's affections! I'm the captain of this ship!" Takuma proudly declared.

Karma was smirking, a hand on his cheek and looking at the green haired boy as if he was looking at someone far more interesting for him. "You're annoying and weird, but in a good kind" he admitted.

Takuma blushed at Karma's words.

No one, aside from his brother, has ever called him annoying and weird but expressed in a good way. This made him like Karma more.

"Hey, walk me home would ya?" Karma stood up, hands in his pockets.

Takuma grinned and followed his lead, linking his arm with Karma's.

"To answer your question about how me and Gakushū have been, I'd say we're a lot closer now" Karma remarked.

"Really?"

"Hm. He's my best friend now, we....sort of had a heart to heart when you locked us in that room at the horror house"

"Aha! Then it's all thanks to me then! You should be thanking me for bringing you two closer--OUCH!" Takuma rubbed the back of his head, which Karma slapped.

"I almost had a fucking heart attack in that room! The only reason I stayed, relatively calm, was because I had Gakushū with me!" Karma snapped.

"Oops, uhh...sorry" Takuma apologized sheepishly.

Karma's frown softened eventually, he rubbed the top of Takuma's fluffy green hair.

"Still...thanks I guess"

Takuma blushed slightly. "Uhh, you're welcome! And....sorry, for triggering your claustrophobia...Karma-kun"

They reached Karma's gates to his mansion. He really didn't want to go back inside and talk to his stupid relatives and his father's girlfriend, but he found himself walking towards the Akabane mansion with confidence.

Takuma stared enviously at the large mansion. "Lucky Karma-kun, he's able to live in that palace"

"Hey, Takuma" Karma called for him.

"Set up a date for me and Gakushū would ya? And distract Sakoto so she wouldn't be able to contact Gakushū while we're on that date" Karma had a mischievous smirk. "Obviously, it's a date for me, but for Gakushū, he'll think it's a hang out between two friends"

Takuma eagerly nodded his head. "Sure, yeah...I can do that!" And he turned his back to Karma and headed home.

But, he walked slower.

Why was the thought of Karma going on a date with Gakushū suddenly hurt him?