Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Ansatsu Kyoushitsu.

Staring

Hidden within a secluded corner of the library, the soft scratching of pen against paper could be heard accompanied by whispered sighs ghosting across the pages of well-worn books.

Occasionally, there would be gentle clink of metal as the bespectacled girl with black-hair would push her glasses up, and the inconsistent drumming of fingers on the table by the redheaded boy sitting opposite her, his face showing how he was completely bored out of his mind.

His own textbook laid splayed out in front of him, but he had not once glance at the book since opening it. His bright golden eyes seemed to be more fixated on the studious girl, absentmindedly deeming her more interesting to observe.

Staying back after to school to study in the library was a waste of time as he could have easily studied at home. But, then he would not have been able to have the rare opportunity to spend time with her away from the confines of the classroom. Even if it was still within the school compound school.

"K-Karma-kun?" Manami's stutter pulled him out of his thoughts. Blinking at her, an easy smile pulled at his lips at the sight of the light blush dusting her cheeks.

"Hm, what is it?" Karma leaned forward, resting his elbows the table. "Do you need help with something?"

She shook her head, her braids following suit behind her. "Is n-not that...um...Karma-kun...c-could you... p-please," she trailed off, her cheeks growing warmer, embarrassed by the words she wanted to say. Manami fidgeted in her chair, playing with hems of her skirt.

"Could I..." Karma prompted her, wondering what it was she wanted to say.

Manami started to worry her lower lip, and despite himself, Karma felt his mouth suddenly went dry. Looking at her adorable flushed face, her full pink lips and fluttering eyelashes that curtained a pair of mesmerizing amethyst eyes. For someone who has trouble with her own words, she unknowingly made an excellent seductress.

Oblivious to her classmate's inner thoughts, she continued to struggle with stringing together her words. "Um...it's..."

Inwardly, Manami chided herself for her inability to form coherent sentences when she feels embarrassed like this. Deep breaths. Carefully enunciate your words, you can do it. "Please s-stop staring at m-me, it's d-distracting," she blurted out in a loud whisper, before quickly covering herself with her textbook. "Um...sorry."

A hand lowered the book away from her face followed by a warm chuckle. "Remember what I told you? You don't have to apologize for anything, you'll never offend me."

Looking at him shyly beneath her eyelashes, she nodded her head.

"But say," Karma said nonchalantly, and the twinkle of mischief in his eyes unmistakable. "How did you know I was watching you? Were you staring at me too, Manami-chan?" Karma teased, leaning closer across the table. Deep inside him, well the perverse side of him, hoped that she would say yes.

Unknowingly, Manami crushed those hopes when she stared at him in bewilderment. "Karma-kun, y-you couldn't be more obvious," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "You didn't even respond when I first called your name."

Karma shrugged his shoulders, not even ashamed that he was caught staring. "Well, it's difficult for me not to stare," he jokingly replied.

He was cut off by a sudden gasp by Manami, her eyes wide and another cute shade of pink creeping up her cheeks as a thought entered her mind. "Oh...um, Karma-kun..."

Steadily, the beats of his heart increased, growing louder and louder as his anticipation grew. 'Maybe, she had finally noticed these feelings that I have.'

Manami took a deep breath and composed herself. "K-Karma-kun...are you a closet p-pervert?"

'Or not.'

Letting his head fall on the table with a loud thunk, Karma let out a big, long sigh.

"Karma-kun!" Manami rushed to his side, shaking his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

"Not really," was his muffled reply. "I was just recently been accused of being a closet pervert by a pretty girl. I feel depressed."

"B-But...Karma-kun, you were staring..."

'Manami-chan...you are so oblivious it's frustrating and adorable at the same time.'

With another despondent sigh, he partially lied, "I like to stare at a lot of things."

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