Lesson Learned

You have to rely on yourself

He tried to strike her with his second knife, she grabbed his wrist and twisted it just enough for him to loosen his grip. "We're meant to be fighting with one knife."

He wrenched his arm free, causing the knife to drop. "Pfft, you're no fun."

Mitsuko rolled her eyes and lashed out with her knife.

Dodge

Right

Right

Left

It was like a well synchronized dance.

"So, Nakamura said you guys went to the movies?" Karma said lightly as their knives locked together.

Her gaze narrowed suspiciously. "Yeah, we did."

He put more pressure on, trying to break her grip as she re-adjusted her stance. "And a romance movie as well." His smirk grew. "You're pulling out all the stops, hey?"

Mitsuko scowled and pushed him back. "Are you really asking for a punch in the face."

"Well, it could be fun." He laughed and struck again, catching her off guard by his speed. "Listen, I've got nothing against it as long as your intentions are pure."

Mitsuko's stomach flipped, blocking his attack with her arm. "What the hell are you talking about?" she hissed.

"Look." Karma sighed, still placing pressure on her arm with his knife. "Nakamura hasn't got everything as figured out as you may think." His smirk faded into something more serious; her eyes widened at the expression. "So don't pressure her into something she's may not be ready for."

Mitsuko felt a spark of anger. "Okay, first off." She pushed him back with her foot, breaking the standoff. "She was my friend before yours, so I think I know what she wants better than you."

She lashed out with her knife, but Karma grabbed her arm and swerved her around, making her stumble and nearly trip.

"Well, if you're so sure why haven't you asked her?" Karma replied, giving her a pointed look.

Mitsuko tensed, gripping her knife too tight.

She spared having to answer when they heard a yell from forth across the training field when Mr Karasuma decided to flip Nagisa onto the ground.

What the hell?!

Both Mitsuko and Karma exchanged a surprised look before rushing over to see what happened.

"Oh, I-I'm fine," Nagisa said smiling.

"Dummy! You have to keep an eye on him!" Sugino said and Nagisa looked across with a sheepish smile.

"What happened?" Mitsuko asked Sugaya.

"Mr K flipped Nagisa when he tried to sneak up on him," he replied.

She frowned. "Seriously?" Her gaze shifted to Nagisa who was dusting himself off. "I'm surprised he even got that close."

"Yeah..." Karma had a strange look on his face.

Mitsuko raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, looking over towards Mr Karasuma who was walking off as the bell went.

"Well, looks like it's lunch!" Rio stretched, walking over.

Mitsuko couldn't help but frown slightly when Karma's words bounced around in her head.

Seriously, why can't people just mind their own business?

"Sensei!" Kurahashi approached him. "Come out for snacks with us after class!" She invited.

The teacher waved a dismissive hand. "I appreciate the invite, but I still have work to do."