Chapter Text
The soft, muted light of a snow-covered morning filtered into Karma’s room, casting the space in a pale glow. Outside, the world was quiet, muffled by the fresh snowfall that blanketed the streets. Inside, though, it was warm—uncomfortably so, in Asano’s opinion, thanks to the idiot currently tucked firmly into his chest.
Karma stirred first, his golden eyes fluttering open. For a moment, he was groggy, blinking up at Asano’s collarbone before the realization hit him. He grinned. The world outside was white and magical, and he could barely contain his excitement.
“Snow,” he murmured, wriggling slightly to sit up, which only resulted in Asano tightening his arm around him.
“Stop moving,” Asano mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. His brows furrowed as if the very idea of waking up before he was ready offended him.
Karma ignored him. “It’s snowing! Like, really snowing!” His grin widened as he turned to look out the window, the giddy enthusiasm of a child bubbling to the surface. “God, I love winter.”
Asano opened one eye, glaring at him like a particularly irritable cat. “Fantastic. You enjoy the snow. Good for you. Can we go back to sleep now?”
Karma let out an exaggerated sigh, pulling the blanket tighter around himself. “You’re such a killjoy, Shuu. How can you not love this? It’s perfect out there. Fresh snow, crisp air—it’s like a holiday card.”
Asano rolled his eyes, finally untangling himself from Karma and sitting up. “You adore the cold because you’re insane. Normal people don’t enjoy freezing their asses off.”
“Normal people are boring,” Karma retorted with a smirk. “Besides, the cold keeps things interesting. You can’t tell me you don’t at least appreciate how pretty it looks.”
Asano muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, “Pretty overrated,” before throwing the blanket over his shoulders like a makeshift cape and standing. “I need coffee if I’m going to deal with this much energy first thing in the morning.”
Karma, still grinning like an idiot, watched him shuffle toward the kitchen with the blanket trailing behind him. “Aw, look at you. So domestic. I should take a picture and send it to your dad—he’d be thrilled to see his precious son playing house.”
Asano paused in the doorway, turning to glare at Karma with a look sharp enough to cut glass. “Don’t test me, Akabane.”
Karma snickered, flopping back against the bed with a contented sigh. “Aww, jerk's getting moody."
Asano didn’t dignify that with a response. He disappeared into the kitchen, the sound of the coffee machine humming to life a moment later.
Karma was practically vibrating with energy as he stared out the window at the snow-covered streets, his golden eyes gleaming with excitement. “Let’s go for a walk,” he announced, twisting around to face Asano, who was sitting at the kitchen table nursing his coffee like it was the only thing tethering him to sanity.
Asano raised an eyebrow, his expression a perfect mixture of disbelief and disdain. “No.”
Karma groaned, dramatically flopping back onto the couch. “Oh, come on, Shuu. It’s beautiful out there! Fresh snow, crisp air—”
“—absolute hell, slippery sidewalks, and a high chance of you doing something idiotic,” Asano interrupted, taking another sip of his coffee. “No, Thank you.”
Karma narrowed his eyes, his lips curling into a mischievous smirk. “What if.... I get you Starbucks? Black, no sugar, no cream, just like you like it. You can pretend it’s better than this trash you made at home.”
Asano stiffened, glaring at him over the rim of his mug. “It is better, and you know it.” He paused, clearly weighing the pros and cons of going outside in the cold versus enduring Karma’s incessant whining and general shitty personality for the rest of the day. With a glare, he stood. “Fine. But if you slip on ice and break something, I’m leaving you there.”
Karma grinned triumphantly. “You’re such a sweetheart."
+++
The next ten minutes were spent in a battle of wills over winter clothing. Karma, naturally, didn’t think he needed much beyond his usual jacket. Asano, in contrast, was determined not to let the idiot catch pneumonia right after being discharged from the hospital (for jumping of a building, no less).
“You’re putting on a scarf,” Asano said flatly, holding one out to Karma like an ultimatum.
Karma made a face. “I don’t need a scarf. I’m not eighty.”
“You act like you’re twelve, so maybe the scarf will help people take you seriously,” Asano shot back, shoving the scarf at him again. “Put it on.”
Karma snatched it with a dramatic huff. “You’re so bossy. It’s a wonder I even tolerate you.”
“You tolerate me because no one else will,” Asano replied dryly, throwing a too-loose coat over his shoulders. “Now shut up and put on gloves.”
By the time they stepped outside into the drizzling snow, Karma looked like he’d been smothered in layers, bundled up so thoroughly he could barely move. Asano, meanwhile, wore his usual expression of barely-contained irritation, tugging his scarf tighter around his neck as he glanced at Karma.
“You look ridiculous,” Asano commented, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Karma shot him a glare. “You dressed me, genius. This is your fault.”
“Correction: this is the result of your inability to dress yourself like a functional human being,” Asano said, his tone as cutting as the wind that bit at their cheeks.
They trudged through the snowy streets, the air crisp and cold. Karma kept glancing around, his golden eyes sparkling as he took in the winter wonderland. “Admit it,” he said after a while, his voice muffled by his scarf. “This isn’t so bad. Except for the clothes. They're horrible.”
Asano snorted. “I’d rather be anywhere else. But I’m here because you bribed me with coffee, so let’s not pretend this is a mutual decision.”
Karma smirked, nudging him with his elbow. “You love spending time with me. Just admit it, Shuu. I’m the highlight of your life.”
Asano rolled his eyes, stepping deliberately into a puddle of slush just to splash Karma. “You’re a constant source of misery, Akabane.”
“And yet, here you are,” Karma shot back, brushing the snow off his coat with exaggerated annoyance. “By choice, I might add.”
Asano didn’t dignify that with a response. Instead, he quickened his pace, muttering something about overpriced coffee and the lengths he had to go to for peace and quiet.
As they walked, the biting cold eventually wormed its way under Asano’s layers, and his irritation grew with every step. The little shit would probably day that the stick up his ass was wedding in further. God, Akabane was so vulgar. The demonic entity in question, for his part, seemed immune to the chill, his cheeks pink and eyes glittering as he kicked at clumps of snow like a kid.
“Will you stop acting like a five-year-old?” Asano snapped, watching Karma send a chunk of snow flying dangerously close to a parked car.
Karma grinned at him, unrepentant. “Don’t be such a grouch, Shuu. Snow is meant to be enjoyed.” He paused, sticking his mittened hands in his pockets. “Speaking of enjoyment, let’s get that coffee I promised you. My treat, since I’m so generous.”
Asano rolled his eyes but didn’t object. “Finally. Maybe caffeine will make this tolerable.”
They crossed the street toward the nearest café, Karma’s boots crunching against the snow-covered pavement as he fell into step beside Asano. Without thinking, Asano reached out and grabbed Karma’s mittened hand, his fingers curling around the thick fabric.
Karma glanced at their hands, one brow quirking in amusement. “What’s this? PDA? I thought you were against public displays of affection.”
“Shut up,” Asano muttered, his cheeks reddening—not from the cold. “I don’t want you slipping and cracking your skull on the ice. It’d be inconvenient for me.”
“Oh, of course. All about you,” Karma said, smirking. But he didn’t pull away. If anything, he laced his fingers with Asano’s through the mittens, clearly enjoying how uncomfortable it made him. Asano squirmed.
Asano gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the smug expression on Karma’s face as they approached the café. Inside, the warm air and smell of roasted coffee beans wrapped around them like a blanket.
“What are you getting?” Karma asked as they reached the counter, his golden eyes scanning the menu.
“Black coffee,” Asano said flatly, pulling out his wallet.
“Wow, so adventurous,” Karma teased. “I’ll have a hot chocolate. Extra whipped cream. Because I’m fun.”
“Because you’re childish,” Asano corrected, ordering for both of them.
Minutes later, they were sitting by the window, sipping their drinks. Asano, true to form, looked completely unamused, while Karma slurped obnoxiously at his hot chocolate, the whipped cream leaving a faint smear on his upper lip.
“You’ve got something,” Asano said, gesturing vaguely.
Karma licked his lip slowly, smirking when he caught Asano’s glare. “Got it?”
Asano sighed, setting his coffee down with a clink. “I regret everything.”
“Don’t lie to yourself,” Karma said, leaning back in his chair with a grin. “You’d be lost without me.”
“Lost? No,” Asano deadpanned, taking a sip of his coffee. “Better rested and significantly less annoyed? Absolutely.”
Karma chuckled, his eyes softening slightly as he watched the snow fall outside. For all their bickering, there was something comforting about moments like this—just the two of them, surrounded by warmth and sarcasm.
“Admit it, Shuu,” Karma said quietly, the playful edge in his voice giving way to something gentler. “You like this. Hanging out with my wonderful self.”
Asano didn’t respond immediately, instead staring into the black depths of his coffee as if it held the answer to some great philosophical question. Then, without looking up, he muttered, “That's not the word I would use.”
+++
The fluorescent lights of the convenience store buzzed softly as Karma loitered near the snack aisle, idly inspecting a bag of spicy chips. Asano had gone to pay for their stuff—black coffee for him, strawberry milk for Karma, and a handful of snacks that ranged for inedible protein bars (Asano's) to literal undiluted sugar (Karma's).
Karma was just debating whether to grab some Pocky when a guy in a rival school uniform swaggered over, the kind of guy who clearly thought he was much cooler than he actually was.
“Hey,” the guy started, flashing what he probably thought was a charming smile. “You’re way too good-looking to be standing here all alone.”
Karma raised an eyebrow, already unimpressed. “I’m not alone.”
The guy ignored him, stepping closer. “How about you ditch whoever you’re with and come hang out with me? I’ve got a bike outside. We could go anywhere.”
“I said no,” Karma replied flatly, his golden eyes narrowing.
But the guy didn’t take the hint, leaning in with an obnoxious smirk. “Aw, don’t be like that. A guy like you shouldn’t waste time on anyone who doesn’t appreciate you.”
Karma’s grip on the bag of chips tightened. Normally, this was the part where he’d throw a punch and make it very clear he wasn’t interested, but he was already skating on thin ice. Too many fights on his record. And to make matters worse, he recognized the guy’s school logo—it matched the one on a dealer’s jacket he’d crossed paths with once. This wasn’t a fight he could afford.
Before Karma could think of a polite way to tell the guy to piss off (which wasn’t exactly his forte), he felt a familiar grip on his wrist.
“Come on, we’re leaving,” Asano’s sharp voice cut through the tension as he reappeared, holding a small plastic bag of their purchases in one hand. His glare was as cold as the December air outside, and the sheer force of it made the other guy falter.
The guy took a step back, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. Didn’t know he was taken.”
“Obviously,” Asano snapped, his tone dripping with venom. He didn’t wait for a response, tugging Karma toward the exit.
As soon as they were outside and halfway down the street, Karma smirked, his steps leisurely despite the lingering tension in the air. “Nice save, dad.”
Asano stopped abruptly, turning to glare at him. “Don’t push it, Akabane.”
“What? Can’t a guy appreciate his boyfriend rescuing him from a creep?” Karma teased, leaning in with that infuriatingly smug expression.
Asano sighed, exasperated, and before Karma could say another word, he grabbed his collar and kissed him—quick, harsh, and entirely unromantic - they still hadn't gotten the hang of romantic kisses yet. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low but edged with concern.
Karma blinked, slightly taken aback by the sudden kiss, before his smirk returned. “Aw, Shuu, I didn’t know you cared.”
“I don’t,” Asano lied smoothly, though his grip on Karma’s wrist hadn’t loosened. “You just looked like you were about to do something stupid, and cleaning up after your messes is exhausting.”
Karma chuckled, leaning his head against Asano’s shoulder as they resumed walking. “Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Asano rolled his eyes but didn’t pull away. “Next time, try not to attract idiots, will you? I’d like one peaceful day where I don’t have to babysit you.”
“No promises,” Karma replied cheerfully, sipping from the strawberry milk Asano had bought him. “But hey, you’re stuck with me. Might as well enjoy the ride.”
+++
The walk to Karma’s house was brisk, the icy wind biting at their faces. The cold didn’t seem to bother Karma, who was sipping his strawberry milk without a care in the world. This was possibly because of Asanos impeccable clothing choices, since he's practically bundled the little from into every warm thing available in the penthouse. Asano, on the other hand, had his free hand shoved deep into his coat pocket, glaring at the frosty air like it had personally offended him.
“You know,” Karma said conversationally, his voice slightly muffled by the straw in his mouth, “you look like a pissed-off penguin when you’re cold.”
Asano didn’t dignify that with a response, though his glare intensified.
When they finally reached Karma’s place, the warmth inside was a welcome relief. Karma kicked off his shoes and immediately cranked up the heater, shivering dramatically. “God, it’s freezing. I swear, next time I’m making you carry a portable heater if we’re walking anywhere.”
“I’m not your pack mule,” Asano muttered, shrugging off his coat and folding it neatly over a chair. “And maybe if you didn’t insist on wandering around aimlessly, we wouldn’t have been out so long.”
Karma flopped onto the couch, pulling a blanket around his shoulders. “Aw, you poor thing. Was my presence too much for you to handle? Should I have let that creep from earlier keep you company instead?”
Asano shot him a withering look as he sat down beside him. “Don’t tempt me to leave you freezing on this couch.”
Karma smirked, nudging him with his foot. “You wouldn’t. I’m way too pretty to ignore.”
“Debatable,” Asano retorted, but he grabbed a corner of the blanket anyway, tugging it over himself.
“Hey!” Karma yelped, clutching at his side of the blanket like it was his lifeline. “Get your own! This one’s mine!”
“I’m not about to sit here freezing because you’re a blanket hog,” Asano said flatly, yanking harder.
The next few minutes devolved into a ridiculous tug-of-war, Karma twisting and squirming to keep the blanket while Asano fought to gain some ground.
“Stop moving, you little gremlin,” Asano growled, using one hand to pin Karma in place while the other secured his share of the blanket.
“Let go, you perfectionist penguin!” Karma shot back, trying to wriggle free.
Eventually, they both gave up, breathless from the effort. Karma ended up half-draped over Asano’s lap, his red hair messy and his face flushed from the warmth of the room. Asano looked equally disheveled, but his grip on the blanket remained firm.
“Truce?” Karma asked, his golden eyes gleaming mischievously.
“Fine,” Asano replied grudgingly, pulling the blanket over both of them.
Karma snuggled into his side, still smirking. “See? Sharing isn’t so hard.”
“Shut up,” Asano muttered, but he didn’t push him away.
For a while, they sat in relative peace, the heater humming softly in the background. Karma’s squirming gradually subsided as he got comfortable, and Asano found himself absentmindedly running his fingers through Karma’s hair.
“You know,” Karma said after a long silence, his voice teasing, “you’re kinda nice when you’re not being a complete jerk.”
“Don’t get used to it,” Asano replied, though his hand didn’t stop its gentle movements.
Karma twisted, turning onto his side and throwing a leg over Asano’s. “Move over. You’re taking up too much space,” he muttered, trying to tug more of the blanket his way.
“You’re the one sprawling like an octopus. Is this what you were learning in middle school?" Asano shot back, shoving Karma’s leg away. “Keep your limbs to yourself.”
Karma gave a sharp laugh, his golden eyes glinting. “What? Afraid of a little physical contact, Gakushuu? Thought we were past this stage.”
Asano glared down at him. “I’m not afraid. I just don’t want you elbowing me in the ribs again.”
“Stop being dramatic,” Karma said, clearly enjoying himself as he purposefully shifted closer, smirking as Asano stiffened in response.
“You’re insufferable,” Asano muttered, finally giving in to the inevitable. He adjusted the blanket over both of them and awkwardly draped an arm over Karma’s waist to hold him in place.
Karma squirmed under the hold, his smirk widening. “Aw, look at you, being all affectionate. I didn’t think you had it in you.”
“Don’t push your luck,” Asano growled, tightening his grip just enough to make Karma wince.
“Okay, okay, geez,” Karma huffed, though his tone was more amused than annoyed. He wiggled into a somewhat comfortable position, his head pillowed against Asano’s shoulder. “This isn’t so bad. Cozy, even.”
Asano rolled his eyes but didn’t bother arguing. “You’re like a feral cat,” he muttered, leaning his head back against the couch. “Completely incapable of sitting still.”
“I’m not squirming now,” Karma said, and though he still sounded smug, he was starting to settle.
They lay there in awkward silence, the heater’s hum filling the room. Karma’s breathing began to even out, his body gradually relaxing against Asano’s.
“This is weird,” Karma mumbled, his voice muffled against Asano’s shoulder.
“No kidding,” Asano replied dryly, though he found himself adjusting the blanket to make sure Karma was covered.
“Don’t get used to it,” Karma said with a yawn, echoing Asano’s earlier words.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Asano muttered.
Despite the awkwardness, the poking, and the occasional squirm, they eventually found a rhythm—Karma’s weight a little too heavy on Asano’s chest, Asano’s grip a little too tight on Karma’s waist, Asanos elbow digging into Karmas side, and Karma's hair tickling Asano, but somehow, it worked.
And even though neither of them would ever admit it, they both slept better that way. If only by a tiny bit.
+++
Karma blinked blearily at the window, squinting against the soft light filtering through the snow-covered world outside. He sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before staring in wonder. “Holy shit, jerk, it’s Christmas!”
Asano groaned from his side of the bed, his face buried in the pillow. He was definitely not a morning person, and Karma’s enthusiasm grated on his nerves like nails on a chalkboard. “No shit, Sherlock,” he mumbled, his voice muffled.
Karma twisted to look at him, his lips curving into a wicked smirk. “Aw, what’s wrong, Gakushuu? Not enough caffeine in your system to be festive?”
Asano sighed heavily, lifting his head just enough to glare at him. “You’re already on my last nerve, Akabane.”
Before Karma could retaliate with another snide comment, Asano grabbed him by the wrist and yanked him back into bed. Karma fell into his chest with an undignified squeak, his face smushed against Asano’s collarbone.
“Hey!” Karma protested, flailing slightly. He twisted around to glare up at Asano, but the effect was ruined by his messy hair and the faint blush dusting his cheeks. “What the hell was that for?”
Asano, completely unbothered, rolled his eyes. “Happy birthday,” he muttered, his tone flat, though the corner of his mouth twitched in amusement.
Karma blinked, his surprise quickly morphing into suspicion. “Oh, so now you’re being nice? What’s the catch?”
Asano didn’t bother answering. Instead, he leaned down and pressed his lips against Karma’s neck, making the redhead freeze.
“What are you—” Karma’s words cut off with a startled gasp as Asano bit down, not gently either.
“Asano, you prick—ow!” Karma yelped, squirming in protest, but Asano held him firmly in place, his teeth sinking into the soft skin just enough to leave a mark.
It was awkward, the whole thing far from smooth, but Asano didn’t care. He damn well enjoyed seeing Karma squirm in annoyance, a rare sight.
The dejected little shit flopped around like a fish out of water for a bit, and then curled back into bed with a glare. Karma squirmed incessantly, nuzzling his way into the curve of Asano's collarbone like an overly affectionate cat. The movement was relentless, making Asano let out a long, annoyed sigh.
“Can you stop wiggling for two seconds?” Asano groaned, but he didn’t shove him off. Instead, he lay there stiffly, letting the little shit invade his personal space.
Karma tilted his head up, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. “Nope,” he said, dragging the word out obnoxiously.
Asano pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. “Of course not.”
Karma smirked, resting his chin against Asano’s chest, looking far too pleased with himself. “What? Am I making you uncomfortable, Gakushuu?”
Asano didn’t dignify that with a response. He stared up at the ceiling, his face carefully neutral, but the faint twitch of his eye betrayed his growing irritation.
Finally, Asano broke the silence with a begrudging question. “What do you want to do for your birthday, idiot?”
Karma hummed thoughtfully, tapping a finger against Asano’s chest. “Hmm, let’s see… Maybe I’ll have you be my maid. Or better yet, you could buy me another strawberry cake and feed me yourself. How’s that sound?”
Asano scoffed, tilting his head to glare at Karma. “I’d rather eat glass.”
Karma snickered, clearly unbothered by the rejection. “Suit yourself. But if you want to be my favorite person today, you’ll get me cake.”
“As if I care about your rankings,” Asano said, his voice dripping with disdain, though the corner of his mouth twitched.
Karma shifted again, this time snuggling closer, his cheek pressed against Asano’s chest. “Yeah, yeah. You love me. Admit it.”
Asano froze, his jaw tightening as he glared down at the redhead. “Don’t push your luck, Akabane.”
Karma grinned up at him, unrepentant. “Aww, you’re so mean. It’s my birthday, Shuu. You’re supposed to be nice to me.”
“You get one day a year,” Asano shot back, his voice sharp but his arm tightening slightly around Karma, betraying his words. “Don’t waste it.”
“Not wasting it,” Karma mumbled, his voice softening as he finally stopped squirming. He let out a contented sigh, his golden eyes fluttering shut.
Asano stared down at him, his irritation melting away as he took in Karma’s peaceful expression. Despite himself, he let out a quiet huff of amusement. “Happy birthday, you annoying little shit,” he muttered under his breath.
Karma’s lips quirked into a lazy smile. “Hate you too, jerk.”
The little shit tilted his head slightly, his cheek brushing against Asano’s chest. “So,” he drawled, his voice low and teasing, “what’s the plan, oh devoted boyfriend of mine? Taking me to some fancy restaurant? Buying me something shiny?”
Asano snorted. “If you’re expecting something extravagant, you’ve come to the wrong person. I already gave you a hickey. That’s more than enough charity for today.”
Karma cracked one eye open, feigning offense. “Wow. The bare fucking minimum, huh? You’re really setting the bar low for boyfriends everywhere.”
“Considering the fact that you didn’t even bother to tell me what you wanted, you should be grateful you got anything at all,” Asano shot back, his voice dry.
“Excuse me for not handing you a wishlist,” Karma said, his tone dripping with mock indignation. “I thought you’d just know, with how obsessed you are with being perfect at everything.”
Asano’s brow twitched, his patience wearing thin. “For the record, perfection doesn’t include catering to the whims of someone who thinks skipping school is a viable hobby.”
Karma gasped dramatically, clutching at his chest. “Oh no, my poor heart. First, you insult my hobbies, and now you’re depriving me of a proper birthday experience. What’s next, Shuu? Telling me I can’t have strawberry milk for breakfast?”
Asano rolled his eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn’t fall out of his skull. “I’m not stopping you from drinking that glorified sugar water. Just don’t cry to me when you get a cavity.”
“Bold of you to assume I cry,” Karma quipped, his smirk returning full force.
Asano let out an exaggerated sigh, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Fine. Get up. I’ll get you your damn cake. But don’t think for a second I’m feeding it to you like some kind of servant.”
Karma’s grin widened as he stretched, his lithe frame practically melting against Asano. “See? You do love me. All it takes is a little pestering, and you’re putty in my hands.”
“If you’re trying to see how far you can push me, I’m this close to dumping you in the snow,” Asano threatened, though his tone was more amused than anything else.
Karma reached up, flicking Asano’s nose lightly. “Sure, Shuu. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Asano swatted his hand away, his eyes narrowing. “Keep testing me, and your next birthday present will be a one-way ticket to military school.”
Karma burst out laughing, the sound bright and unrestrained. “You’d miss me too much.”
Asano didn’t respond, though his silence spoke volumes. Instead, he shoved Karma off him and stood up, brushing imaginary lint off his pajama pants.
“Get dressed,” Asano ordered, his voice brusque but lacking any real edge.
“Bossy,” Karma muttered, but he complied, albeit at a leisurely pace that made Asano roll his eyes again.
Minutes later, they were bundled up and trudging through the snow toward the nearest bakery. Asano had begrudgingly agreed to let Karma get the largest strawberry cake they had, though he was already regretting it as Karma chattered on about all the ridiculous plans he had for the day.
+++
Oh, for fuck’s sake.
One second, he was fine. The next? Karma's vision was tilting like he was on a damn carousel ride from hell. Seriously, what was this absolute shit? Karma couldn't recall having done anything even remotely strenuous—unless one counted walking in this lovely crisp cold, which he didn't.
“Stop,” he muttered, yanking on Asano’s coat sleeve like a bratty kid demanding candy. It was extremely satisfying to watch the jerk stumble slightly, all indignant and pissy. Good. He deserved it for that stupid hickey this morning.
“What now?” Shuu snapped, turning to glare at Karma. His tone said he was now already annoyed, which, frankly, was just the cherry on top of Karma's (so far so good) day.
“Bench. Now,” Karma grumbled, pointing at the closest one like some royal commander giving orders. And before Gakshuu could lecture Karma about being dramatic, Karma plopped down with zero grace, slumping like he was pretty much auditioning to be a corpse.
Asano stood there for a second, probably contemplating whether to leave him here and make good on his promise to dump Karma in the snow. Finally, he sighed—the long, suffering kind, because he clearly felt that he was so above all this (typical jerk behaviour)—and sat beside Karma.
“What is it this time?” he asked, his voice sharp but not as mean as it usually was.
“I don’t know,” Karma grumbled brattily, leaning back and glaring at the stupid grey sky. “I feel like shit. Dizzy. Probably dying.”
“Oh, please.” Asano pinced the bridge of his nose like Karma was the bane of his existence. Which, okay, fair. “You’re not dying. You’re just overdramatic.”
“Sure, Dr. Asano,” Karma managed, rolling his eyes so hard they might get stuck. “You definitely know all about my medical history. Tell me, oh wise one, what’s my diagnosis?”
“Childish idiocy,” Asano deadpanned, and Karma almost laughed. Almost.
Instead, he shot Asano a half-hearted glare, because everything was now officially spinning slightly and his energy reserves were slowly hitting an all-time low. “You’re such a dick.”
“And you’re insufferable,” he shot back, but his hands were already reaching out to feel Karma's forehead. His gloves were off—did Asano take them off just for Karma? Ew, gross—and his fingers were colder than Karma expected. Karma attempted to swat at him half-heartedly, but he didn't stop like the stubborn jerk he was.
“Stop fussing,” Karma grumbled, leaning as far back as the bench allowed him. “What are you, my mom?”
“No,” he replied, his tone biting. “I’m someone who has the misfortune of caring about whether or not you keel over in public. Not for your sake, obviously—”
“Obviously,” Karma interrupted, smirking slightly despite how shitty he felt.
“—but because I’d have to deal with the cleanup.”
“Wow,” Karma managed through almost laughter, crossing his arms and slouching further. “Your concern is touching, really. Warms my cold, dead heart.”
“Shut up,” he muttered, finally pulling his hands away and glaring at Karma like this was somehow his fault. “Have you eaten anything today? Drank anything? Or are you on one of your stupid fasting stunts again?”
Karma blinked, his brain foggy and uncooperative. Food. Right. That was a thing. “Define ‘food',’” he said, his voice slow and deliberate as he turned to smirk at Asano.
The glare Asano leveled at him could have frozen lava. “Unbelievable,” he muttered, standing abruptly and brushing invisible snow off his pants. “Stay here. Don’t move. Try not to die while I’m gone.”
“Not planning on it,” Karma called lazily after him, watching as Asano stalked off toward the nearest convenience store like an overworked parent dealing with a particularly annoying toddler.
Leaning back on the bench, Karma let his head loll back, staring up at the swirling snowflakes that fluttered down from the sky. The cold stung his face, but it didn’t bother him much. If anything, it was almost comforting, like the sharp bite of sarcasm in an otherwise dull conversation.
Asano would come back, probably with something boring like a sandwich or a bottle of water, and he’d shove it in Karma’s hands with all the grace of someone who desperately didn’t want to care but did anyway. And Karma? He’d call Asano a nag, Asano would call him an idiot, and the world would keep turning.
Maybe, just maybe, he’d even thank the guy. Probably not, though.