Foreword
It's me, superecho! Been a long time since I wrote last, considering I was completely immobilized to do any fanfic with the pile-load of tasks… *sigh* but good news! [Persona Beats!] & [New Resolve] updates are in development! Before I finished those though, I'll have a warm-up with this Devil Survivor 2 humor fanfic :3
I truly enjoyed playing Devil Survivor 2, but I haven't seen many humor fics of it in , not even after the anime came out. It's obvious though; despite its superb graphics the anime is not very good, a shame since it got lots of potential. So I think I'll make one, a light humor story that revolves around the days of survival. Hope you'll enjoy it!
Main Character's name in the manga, Hiro Kageyama, will be used. Hibiki Kuze in the anime is a bit… Please just enjoy the story =)
General Summary: Joining JP's means to fight demons, saving people, and slaying gods for peace right? …Nope. Devil Survivor 2 humor fanfic. Different summary for each chapter.
Disclaimer: Devil Survivor 2 and its respective characters belong to Atlus. I own the story idea and the original stuff I add on my own. JP's is pronounced 'jips', by the way.
/
Juvenile People JP's
©2013 superecho
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1st Day: Someday's Snicket - I
Chapter Summary: Makoto Sako has always lack proper etiquette prior joining JP's and it hasn't got any better over 2 years of labor. This time around, she will regret it to her heart's content.
/
Tokyo
[SOMEDAY, 06:00]
# At the sky above Diet Building, a pink fog is covering the area…
…
[SOMEDAY, 06:30]
/Nagata-cho – Tokyo Branch
Today, members of JP's are also doing their best in eliminating demons, protecting people, and serve the country of Japan. The ace officer of JP's Tokyo branch, Makoto Sako, is no exception. She will wake up the four newly-joined civilians, as part of the daily routine to start her day.
"Kageyama," she opened the door, "Wake up, today we-"
Hiro Kageyama, the charismatic leader of those civilians, is only wearing boxers when Makoto went in.
"A-AH! I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"
* Hiro Kageyama:
[It's fine.]
[Again and again?]
[Pervert!]
"Forgive me!" *SLAM* Makoto fled out.
It's been the fifth time Makoto pulled this stunt, and even Hiro Kageyama, the most kind-hearted and humorous male in the group, now had his suspicions.
"Again… I didn't do it on purpose, did I…?" Makoto blushes; she's starting to suspect herself, too.
Just a few meters away, Makoto saw two of her fellow female members gossiping to this.
"Officer Sako is really drawn into that boy, eh…?"
"But still, peeking at a man 8 years below you? I call that pedophile."
Makoto approaches the two, couldn't afford to ignite any kind of gossip mishaps occur in this building. Not when… her boss is currently in it.
"Please stop talking behind people's back. And for your information, that was just a misunderstanding."
The two run off. Makoto did the right thing, that's that. After recomposing herself, she resumes her task.
…
"Shijima," she opened the door, "Are you awake-"
Makoto nearly got a heart attack when she saw Daichi, the butt-monkey brunette teen boy, is playing with his orange cell phone while cuddling on his bed and snacking on a chocolate muffin. Wearing. Nothing. But. A. Towel.
"Whoa, Makoto! This isn't what you-"
As Daichi stand up from his bed to make an excuse, his towel fell and… ESRB, it's your call.
"Damnit, don't look!"
Daichi is having a hard time to cover his private as his hands are full. Makoto's face painted pink by the event, but she keeps telling herself to remain calm. As a trained soldier, something so trivial won't faze her, right?
"(Relax… I got this. I just need to calm him down and dismiss this as an accident)."
After taking a deep breath, Makoto flashes a smile at Daichi.
"Shijima, you're really as awesome as Kujou said."
Daichi's face went pale. He slowly retreated to the bathroom and locked himself up.
"(Huh? Why did he- …Ah.)"
Makoto realized too late that she sounded like a pervert, much to Daichi's horror. She hurriedly knocked the bathroom door a few times, but there's no response.
"Shijima, open up! That was-"
"NO! DON'T TAKE AWAY MY PURITY!"
*SLAM* Makoto sighs deeply as she left Daichi's room. Then, she saw the two female members from earlier.
"Did officer Sako just… peeping at that Shijima kid?"
"He's kinda cute, but... Being old is scary, huh?"
No, no, no. Makoto is an officer of JP's, a high-ranked one at that. She couldn't let this small 'misunderstanding' put a dent on her career record… or her mental health. So, she rushes to them.
"That was… another accident. And I'm only 26."
The two run off, scared. Makoto shakes her a few times, think nothing of it, and then continue her task.
…
"Akie," Makoto went in, "Breakfast ready-"
The easygoing man, Yuzuru Akie or Joe, is fully dressed… except for one vital part.
"Morning, Makoto. …Hey, what's with that look? Is there an apple on my face?"
As Makoto's face went red (but she won't look away for some reason), Joe noticed that he hasn't worn his long pants… only his underwear.
"Whoopsies. I forgot that sometimes, especially when I'm running late for a job's meeting. Hahaha!"
*SLAM* Makoto left Joe's room in awkward mood. Again, she saw the two from before.
"Did she cut it short this time? Two years gap?"
"Come on, officer Sako can't be a pedo-"
This began to take a mental toll on her mind; out of the working shifts on JP's schedule, why Makoto is having such bad luck today!? She rushes off to them yet again; her face is still red from embarrassment.
"There is… NOTHING going on between me, *cough* Kageyama, Shijima, and Akie."
Makoto tried her best to sound calm, but her voice tone was pretty unconvincing regardless. Those two run off again, in panic this time. Makoto lean her heavy-burdened head to the wall, when Io shows up and approaches her.
"Makoto, what happened? Uh, your face is pale…"
"I'm…," Makoto's face is almost as blue as her hair, "…fine."
Io jumped and took out her pink cell phone.
"Oh no, you've been cursed! Amrita!" *FLASH* "It didn't work…? Diarahan!" *FLASH*
Despite Io's multiple spell casts, Makoto didn't feel any better.
...
[SOMEDAY, 07:00]
In this dining hall for employees, Hiro, Daichi, Io, and Joe were already seated on one small table as usual. They are enjoying breakfast as one happy quartet, just like every other day in Japan crisis. This particular day however, Hiro and Daichi are having clouds over their heads. Rainy with chance of depression.
"Hiro, Daichi… Um, are you feeling sick?" Io asked.
"The boys are having a diet? Then you won't mind if I have yours, right?" Joe grinned.
"J-Joe, that's… That's not very nice…"
"Aww, Io. That was a reverse psychology trick!"
From afar, Makoto saw the two boys' blank faces and can't help but to feel responsible. Whether it was simply bad luck or her subconscious' desire, is unknown. …And she doesn't want to know. She decided to rush breakfast and greet the Chief as her next daily routine.
…
"Chief," Makoto entered the room, "What is our plan to-"
Makoto's face goes deep crimson as their fearless teenage leader, Yamato Hotsuin, is eating a medium-sized takoyaki box… while being half-naked. Half-naked as in, wear no tops and clearly showing fine line of pecks painted with dragon tattoo.
"In the name of a soaring dragon!" Yamato roared, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"
*RUMBLE* The entire building shook, as if a gigantic dragon just sneezed. The members of JP's are buzzing loudly. …Makoto of course, is trying to stay calm.
("W-What should I do in this situation? Unlike before, this is the Chief I'm facing. … Wow, his build is very proportional for his age… His biceps aren't that large, but I could tell that it's well-developed. I never really see Chief went somewhere to work out, nor paint that tattoo. Now I see him like this, he looked kind of manly…")
"…What are you examining?"
*gasp* Makoto blushes. Her head is looked like a tomato with blue leaf on top. Literally.
("W-W-What in the world… I was… the Chief… N-No, what have I done!?")
Makoto realized way too late that she was ogling her boss; cue to her putting the blame on her synchronized swimming experience. Yamato put down his takoyaki set as his half-naked body is hungers for blood, though he didn't just murder officer Sako on the spot. He actually took the time to get dressed properly first before punishing his underling, like a fierce but charismatic leader he is. Hotsuin's family line is amazing. Makoto who didn't take that chance to flee was an idiot, though. It sucks to have high loyalty.
"C-Chief, I can explain…"
Regaining his cool behavior, Yamato took out his JP's standard-issue gold cell phone from his jacket's pocket and aimed it at Makoto.
"Will you survive to do that?"
*BOOM* the concrete door was blasted away by a huge fireball of Agidyne. Makoto was able to dodge it by hair since Yamato was still somewhat emotional from the incident. Otherwise… *gulp*
"C-C-C-Chief, n-now I s-survived, let me explain…"
"Did I agree to listen?"
*ZAP-ZAP-ZAP* *BOOM* bolts of Mazio's lightning were launched from inside the room, destroying the nearby wall in the process. Makoto barely dodge them all while escaping outside- where nearly every JP's member of Tokyo branch have gathered from all the commotion. Oh, the two gossip-loving female officers from before? They are coincidentally here; in the foremost front line to boot.
"O-Officer Sako did it…! She sexually harassed the Chief!"
"E-Everyone knows that the Chief is still 17, but…!"
Throughout the loud gossips right in front of her, it took no genius that she has been officially branded the 'pedophile hag of Tokyo branch'. Makoto can feel her cheeks burning and her eyes spinning by this series of unbelievable events.
"T-This is not… Listen, I'm not a pedophile… I was just…"
All members glare at Makoto; few with disgust, some with sadness, but most with jealousy and hatred. Thankfully Hiro and his crew aren't there, but that's hardly matters now.
"H-How dare she to scores it out with my Hotsuin…!"
"I only applied at JP's in hope to see him up close, but now…"
"It's a war, officer Sako. You against all the women here!"
Despite the twist of Yamato having fan girls, one thing is certain for Officer Makoto Sako: She is doomed.
/
1st Day
Someday's Snicket - I
/
Nagoya
[SOMEDAY, 08:00]
/Oosu – Shabaton
Hiro is here. He wasn't even sure when and how he got here.
# After a long struggle to finish your breakfast, you found yourself wandering the streets of Nagoya. Did the shock from Makoto's 'assault' drive you out of Tokyo…?
"Hi there, kid."
# Dera-deka approaches you…
"You looked like a zombie today. Did something happen?"
* Hiro Kageyama:
[…Nothing happened.]
[I was sexually harassed.]
[DAAAADDD!]
"Hmm, are you sure? …I don't mind if you had a secret or two, but don't strain yourself. Kids should have a lot of energy, like my daughter. Well, let's meet up again kid."
# As Dera-deka left, Airi's face suddenly appears in your mind…
…
[SOMEDAY, 08:30]
/Sakae – Osiris 41
# You found Airi, she is staring at the concert hall as usual.
"Hmm… I know I shouldn't come here anymore, but…"
# Airi stops talking to herself as she noticed your arrival.
"O-Oh, Hiro. Stop sneaking on me like that!"
Hiro stares at Airi without any words, which is creeping her out.
"…What are you looking at?"
* Hiro Kageyama:
[Do you want to be my GF?]
[Let's live together from now on.]
[MARRY ME!]
"Wh-!?" Airi is shocked, "W-What prank is you pulling here? I-It's Hinako, isn't it? W-Well, it won't work!"
# Airi didn't trust you…
* Hiro Kageyama:
[Woo her.]
[Hold her hand.]
[Act macho.]
# You firmly hold Airi's hand.
"W-W-W-What…?" Airi blushes.
# Out of nowhere, Jungo and Fumi appears.
"Hiro and Airi will get married…? Jungo is happy."
"Congratulations, I guess? I don't really care, though."
"Y-Y-You idiots! Help me!"
# Jungo is closing his eyes, thinking deeply. Fumi is flashing out her laptop and attached some strange device on you, before starting to type furiously. You ignored them and keep holding Airi's hand.
"…It's not enough," Jungo said an ambiguous message.
# Jungo left in a hurry…
"What… You jerk!" Airi barked, "Fumi, don't you dare to run!"
"Hmm… This might work out…," Fumi grinned, ignoring Airi's words.
"Fumi! Stop ignoring me!"
"Aw, hush. He might've been under a demon's spell, so be quiet while I analyze him."
Airi resist the embarrassing moment, looking away from Hiro's face.
"Hmm… So his brain waves… Hormones level… Ah, this pattern…"
# You're touching Airi's chin softly…
*blush* "F-Fumi, speed it up!"
"If I connect this pattern here with this theory… Using a calculation based on a standard value…"
# You're leaning your forehead to Airi's…
*fiery blush* "FUMI!"
"…Bingo. I need to make some preparations, so meet me later at- Let's see… 14:00 will do. I'll send the coordinates to your phone later."
"But that's still 5 hours away! There's no way-"
Fumi left quickly, ignoring Airi's protest.
"D-Don't leave me alone with him! Stupid Fumi!"
...
Osaka
[SOMEDAY, 09:00]
/America Town – Triangle Plaza
As usual, Keita is punching the sandbag tirelessly as his daily training. When he was about to take a little break, a random truck approaches him. The driver came out, who turns out to be Daichi.
"What do you want?" Keita greeted fiercely like usual-
"Keita-chan, daddy's home~" Daichi jumped at him happily.
Keita side-stepped and Daichi's face kissed the ground. A tip for pro boxer: never let a loony-looking someone laid a finger on you.
"Aww, Keita. Daddy just wanted a hug!" Daichi said with gay expression.
"What's gotten into you? Demon got your brain?" Keita glared at him with disgust.
"Who taught you those words? No, Keita! Bad!"
"…Don't make me kill you."
Daichi has always been a chore for Keita, supporting Jungo's friendship crap with Hiro and the others like some sick hobby… Only today, he appears to be completely gone mad. While that's a legitimate reason to punch him into oblivion, even Keita wouldn't do that to a human being off-ring. …Maybe. In that nickel of time, Hinako arrives on the scene.
"What's up, Keita?" she turns to Daichi, "Daichi looked strange-"
"HONEY! WHAT VOCABULARY DID YOU TEACH TO OUR SON!?"
Hinako backed away in surprise from Daichi's sudden outburst. Her spine is feeling cold and for once, it's not courtesy of her revealing outfit.
"W-What?"
"Don't what me!" Daichi frowned, "It's a mother's job to take care of household while a father is working!"
Hinako approaches Keita and whispers at him.
("…Are we playing house?")
("Why don't YOU ask HIM?")
("Let me get this straight. Daichi's the father, I'm the mother, and you are the child?")
("Don't tell me you will play along.")
("We should be, while observing whether he's being possessed by a demon or not.")
("…I'm so going to kill him later.")
*SLAM* while the two were discussing, Daichi already prepared a table set; complete with plates, bowls, chopsticks, and tea cups- Along with the actual food and tea, all from inside the truck. Whether he scavenged them from JP's supplies or some stores down the street, is better left unknown.
"It's late, let's have dinner!"
("It's broad daylight, you moron.")
("Sssh. He'll hear you.")
Hinako steps forward confidently, "Alright, honey!"
Keita tried his best not to kill Daichi on the spot, "…Yes, DeAD."
"Make sure you eat your vegetables!"
Keita nods hesitantly.
"Honey, pour me some sake!"
"Sure, dear- …You're a minor, Daichi!"
"What? How come you forbid me to drink sake while you keep buying those useless make-ups?"
"Why you… That's going too far!"
"Here, DeAD."
"Good boy, Keita! *chug-chug*"
("What are you…?")
("He's easier to kill when drunk.")
("…Good point!")
…
[SOMEDAY, 09:30]
/Tenjinbashi-Suji – Ten 7 Mall
Down the empty street, a lone street vendor stands on his emergency counter. Doomsday is just any other day for business; that's why this guy gathered all living supplies he had left for sale, so he might come out of this apocalyptic mess alive and loaded.
"…Wait. How I was so sure?" he questioned himself.
"Umm… Excuse me."
A cute, bob-styled brunette-haired girl wearing a high school uniform snapped the man from his trance. This girl known as Io Nitta really does have the look that'll make guys swoon.
"O-Oh, sorry. Welcome! What do you need?"
"I was wondering if I could buy some supplies…"
"Sure! Take a look around, girl!"
Io inspected the lineup. Rice balls, meat buns, instant ramen, chocolate bars, butter cookies, calorie gets, mineral water, energy drinks, plastic umbrella, plastic raincoat, zippo lighters, portable charger, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS… Hold it.
"Oh, I'll let you have those game systems for free if you buy a pack of anything, one for each."
Those games, Survivor 2 and Overclocked something, has poisoned the vendor's mind to think that fighting demons and surviving apocalypse is cool. Damn Atlus. In the end, Io bought a pack of rice balls, a pack of meat buns, some cookies, and a pack of… some kind of energy drink.
"How much do they cost?" Io asked him.
"10000 Yen total."
"T-That much?"
It's true this guy raised the price a bit- okay, a lot to boost sales, but it's legit with demon-ridden world right? Right?
"I'm sorry, but… could you please lower the price…?"
Io pleaded politely, which struck a chord with the vendor. Sincere polite manners combined with cute face? Deadly.
"…Okay, 9000."
"…," Io hesitated.
In confusion of what to do, Io fiddles with her fingers which subconsciously make her poses somewhat… moe? The vendor found it hard to breathe at this sight, but he couldn't stop himself from staring.
"…7500?" the vendor is struggling.
"…P-Please lower the price a little more," Io blushes as she felt the stare.
"Uh… 5000," the street dealer can't look at Io's puppy eyes.
"A-A little bit more… Please?" Io unknowingly strikes the cutest pose ever.
"2000 Yen!" the street dealer's face goes overheat.
"Thank you!" Io smiled.
Io was worried about Hiro's and Daichi's conditions, so she walked around to find something that will refresh them up. Not that she's ungrateful to JP's for providing food and comfort, but consuming ration packs everyday is slowly killing morale.
"T-Thank you for the purchase," the vendor awkwardly handed her the shopping bag.
"Thank you very much for the discount!" Io bowed, before leaving in joy.
Io took a glance on the contents of her shopping bag. The energy drink she bought happens to be… Misovitan D. Six bottles of it in one bundle. Fumi told her that it's the best energizing drink ever. Riiight.
"I wonder if Hiro will like it…," Io blushes hard, "N-No, these are for Daichi and everyone else, too! What am I thinking…?"
The vendor forgot to give her the games. Oh well, another 40 playing hours won't hurt.
…
[SOMEDAY, 10:00]
/Shinsekai – Osaka Main Branch
Otome Yanagiya, the head doctor of JP's, is taking her rare break with a cup of tea. She is blissfully watching Koharu, her little daughter, playing with demons. …Wait.
"Let's do it one more time!"
"Ms. Koharu, we've been doing this for hours."
"But I'm not tired yet! And you promised to call me Koharu-chan!"
"Koharu-chan, we demons need a break too, so…"
"Not fair! You two always play with mom all the time!"
"We were fighting…"
"That still doesn't change the fact that you're with mom!"
Otome put down her tea cup, "Now, Koharu. Mr. Orthus and Ms. Yuki Jyorou are running out of MP."
"But moooooom," Koharu whined.
"After this let's take a walk around Kanda! Io said there are some children books there."
"Really? Yaaay!"
Orthus and Yuki Jyorou sighed in relief; they have never been this exhausted, not even when fighting the Septentriones alongside their doctor beauty. But their hope is about to shatter as a tired-looking someone enter the room.
"…Huh? Makoto?"
…
Nagoya
[SOMEDAY, 10:30]
/Sakae – Crystal Court
Hiro and Airi are taking a walk as a 'couple'. Airi is pretty embarrassed, since not only that Hiro doesn't want to let her hand go, but also because he is getting closer and closer to her.
"Grr…!" Airi grits her teeth, "Enough! There's no way I'll spend another three hours with you clinging to me!"
# Airi is about to kick you in the face!
* Hiro Kageyama:
[Beg her to stop.]
[Run for your life!]
[Kiss her on the cheek.]
*smooch* Airi's face goes completely red and her mind goes blank.
Meanwhile, in the distance, a certain bob-haired girl is dropping her jaw.
…
Osaka
[SOMEDAY, 11:00]
/Shin-Imamiya – Festival Gate
"We're on family vacation! Aren't you happy, Keita?" Daichi flashes his goofy smile.
"…Deliberately," Keita clenches his fist.
"You learned big words today at school? You finally grow some brains, and not just some stupid muscles!"
Keita is forcing a smile.
"Well, a tiny-weenie cute kid like you should learn, not punching things like an idiot! Kids these days…"
Keita's eyes roll as if they wanted to pierce through Daichi's heart.
("Why didn't he get drunk?")
("…Why did you ask me?")
"Honey, try that Merry-Go-Round to lose some weight!"
Hinako's glasses almost melt from her burning eyes. Still, she does as Daichi said (also persuaded Keita to do the same) and the three of them rides the merry-go-round together.
"Wheeeee~" Daichi is overreacting like a child.
"…," Keita's eyes are like that of a hungry tiger's.
"…," Hinako tries hard to enjoy it, but to no avail.
("Hey, speaking of which…")
("…What now?")
("How does this merry-go-round operate? This place was trashed by demons-")
Squeaky footsteps could be heard nearby, which belong to a group of Jack Frosts, tagged along by floating Pyro Jacks. One Jack Frost come closer to the trio and spoke.
"Um, ho… We were supposed to play that, ho…"
"We asked our Agathion friends to power it up for the whole day, ho! Step aside, ho!" an angry Pyro Jack added.
Keita give an angry scowl, "Who even want to ride this in the first place!? You bastards…"
Before Keita could dismount and start killing those cute demons, Daichi is already down there.
"Now, now. Let's just ride this together, okay?"
"We don't want to play with stupid humans, ho!"
"Idiot. To me, cute fairies like you are my children, my family! Now, call me daddy!"
…Silence ensues.
("How idiotic could he get?")
("Less than monkeys? Wait, monkeys are smart.")
Having concluded that Daichi just dig his own grave, Keita and Hinako took out their cell phones and prepare to fight. But to their surprise, the Jacks army didn't.
"H-Ho… Nobody ever said that to us since our parents died, ho…"
"I missed our daddy, ho… I want to play with him, ho…"
The Jacks army starts to cry like a bunch of orphaned kids, surrounding Daichi and asking for hugs.
"My, my. How sad. It's alright; I'll be playing with you for today."
For that moment, Daichi truly looked like a genuine, caring father. Seeing this, Keita's and Hinako's murderous intent temporarily subsided.
"Honey! Son!" Daichi called out to the two, "I'm sorry, but could you help me play with them for just a few hours?"
"S-Sure, honey…"
"I-If you insist, dad…"
Somehow, Keita and Hinako obeyed Daichi and start to babysit the demons.
…
Nagoya
[SOMEDAY, 11:30]
/Mei Station – Permina
Airi wasn't sure when and how, but at the moment she and Hiro are inside a crepe shop. This store is also a popular hangout spot for high school girls, especially for dating. Not that its currently trashed conditions with banners, ropes, and coupons all scattered on the floor fits the mood, but still.
("ARRRGH! What am I thinking, taking him into this place!?")
As Airi busy cursing her current fate, Hiro took his time gazing at Airi. He inspected her from top to the bottom, like some perverted otaku.
"Stop staring at me, you idiot!"
Hiro did the exact opposite- gazing with more eye power that could match the Sexy Gaze skill. Airi is fighting the 'charm' effect, for the sake of her dignity. But there's no sign of Hiro stopping. At all.
"S-S-Stop that already! Uh… two crepes, please!"
Who is Airi kidding? This shop is pretty much abandoned, saves for some ingredients. There would be nobody to answer-
"Coming right away."
"Gueh!?"
On the counter, there's a Tetsujin 28-Go ready to cook with an apron! …Wait, it is Jungo.
"S-Since when you're here!?" Airi blushes furiously.
"Shortly after Airi and Hiro entered this shop."
If that's the case, Jungo saw pretty much everything… On how Hiro examines her features and how Airi blushes furiously thanks to that.
"J-Jungo, you…! Were you following us!?"
"Jungo was here to get some ingredients, but Jungo thought Jungo should make something good for Airi and Hiro before the marriage."
"WE'RE NOT GONNA MARRY!"
"Jungo never make crepes, so Jungo hope it'll come out good. Please wait a little bit."
As much as Airi want to protest more, the offer of a tasty crepe was too tempting to be missed for her. As dumb as he is, Jungo's a chef- albeit in-training. After this entire 'lovey-dovey' walk with Hiro, she could use some refreshments to minimize the impending stress. On second thought, by staying inside this store and taking their time to eat crepes, it will spare her further possible embarrassment until the appointed time with Fumi.
"Airi, Hiro, what flavor do you want?" Jungo asked from under the counter.
"Chocolate and banana!" Airi answered, before looking at Hiro, "…You?"
* Hiro Kageyama:
[The same as yours, darling.]
[Strawberry and lemon of loving passion!]
[I'll rather have you for lunch.]
Airi's face goes red all over, like an overcooked beef. That does it. Airi couldn't take it anymore.
*smack, SLAM!* Hiro's face is planted into the table by Airi's mid-air punch.
"Airi, what do you want to drink?" Jungo asked, oblivious to Hiro's plight.
"…O-Orange juice!" Airi couldn't stop blushing.
"Hiro?"
Hiro couldn't answer since he's out cold, so Jungo decided to give him orange juice too. Jungo is trying to open a cardboard box labeled with 'oranges', but…
"Hmm. The top won't open."
Jungo lifted the box- to find that the box has no bottom. …And Io is crouching down inside it, hiding.
"…," Io is staring at Jungo, blushing like mad.
"…," Jungo doesn't know how to react.
Jungo put down the 'cardboard box camo' back to its place, as if nothing's happened.
"Airi. There's no oranges."
"A-Anything's fine! Just let me drink something, okay!?"
Inside the dark and narrow space of the cardboard box, Io is letting out silent tears of joy and shame.
…
Osaka
[SOMEDAY, 12:30]
/Shinsekai – Osaka Main Branch
"And… done. Phew."
Doctor Otome Yanagiya just finished tending her newly unexpected patient, Makoto Sako. When she came here two hours prior, the poor officer's body was tattered with punch and kick marks. Orthus and Yuki Jyourou ended up wasting their remaining MP for healing spells, thus forcing them to rest inside the summoning app. As if it wasn't bad enough physically, Makoto also suffer mental trauma that is… rather disturbing.
"Makoto, are you feeling better now?" Otome asked as kindly as possible.
"Yes. Thank you, Otome," Makoto nodded weakly.
"So… Can I ask you few questions regarding your condition?"
"Sure."
Otome take a deep breath.
"When you came here, you muttered the word 'pedophile', is that right?"
Makoto's face shook uncomfortably. This is going to take a while.
"Y-Yes, I did say that…"
"And you said something about… um, peeping at Kageyama, Shijima, and Akie?"
"I-I think I did…"
"That's not true… right?"
"N-No… I mean yes, but not that I did it on purpose…"
Otome cut the conversation by offering Makoto a glass of water, which she took for granted.
"I think I get the gist of it… You were doing your daily routine as usual, but by some unfortunate turn of events, everyone in the Tokyo branch mistook you for having… improper intentions?" Otome concluded.
"Yes! Exactly! I-I'm innocent!"
"Makoto, calm down."
Otome offered Makoto another glass of water, which do the job. The poor officer needs someone to believe in her so badly, but jumping the gun like that would only make her worse.
"Makoto, I believe in you and I wouldn't mind helping you out of this dilemma," Otome is looking straight at her eyes, "But right now you're in no condition to vouch for yourself, so I want you to spend the night here to recover. Tomorrow, I'll come along with you to clear any misunderstanding with the Chief and everyone else. Okay?"
Makoto nods weakly, slightly relieved. Otome left the room to let her rest.
"Haaaahhh," Otome sighs deeply once she's far enough from Makoto's room, "Psychology is soooo not my field. Glad I didn't take it in college."
Otome decided to buy two cans of juice; one for Makoto, and one more for herself. But she didn't realize that the moment she's far ahead enough, Koharu entered Makoto's room.
"Miss Makoto, right? Good afternoon."
"G-Good afternoon, Koharu."
"Miss Makoto likes kids?"
*stab* that pierced Makoto's chest like an arrow.
"Mom said adults who want to marry children are bad!"
*Screek!* the patches on Makoto's wounded heart were ripped apart. Otome need a parental counseling, badly.
"I-I… I know that, but… W-What should I do…?"
"Easy! Let me tell you! *whisper, whisper*"
…Five minutes later.
"Makoto, I brought you vegetable juice- Huh?"
Makoto is nowhere in sight. In her place, Koharu is sitting on the patient's bed.
"Mom, can we go to Kanda now?" she let out an innocent smile.
Otome feel a migraine coming. Jesus, what has Koharu done?
…
Nagoya
[SOMEDAY, 13:00]
/Sakae – Yamada Park
Airi has decided that staying in the shop any longer will risk her chastity, so she's taking a walk in the park (literally) while slowly enjoying her crepe.
"Mmm… This crepe tastes great!" Airi exclaimed in joy.
Jungo's crepes, despite only following a worn-out recipe book left at the shop, turned out pretty well. The chocolate and banana melts in Airi's mouth, raising her mood. Speaking of Jungo, he stayed in the shop to clean up.
"You. Stay. Away!"
Hiro, still in his love-crazy state, stalks Airi wherever she goes, to this park included. He's still trying to be lovey-dovey with her, to the point of the latter getting paranoid. Crepe in left hand, cell phone in right hand, Airi is ready to blast away Hiro should he get any closer than 5 meters.
# Airi won't let you get closer. What will you do?
* Hiro Kageyama:
[Try again.]
[Give up.]
[Eat crepe.]
# Jungo made you an asparagus chicken crepe. …It tastes good.
"Jungo's really good at this, eh? I wonder if should try cooking too…," Airi wondered before snapping at Hiro, "Oh no, you don't! Don't even think of me cooking for you as your wife or anything!"
# How does Airi read your mind? Girls are scary.
Airi continue to walk, with Hiro following suit 5 meters back. The park is empty, completely vacant of demons and humans alike. The afternoon breeze made these two teenagers relax more than they expected, until they meet a guy in striped red suit.
"You!" Airi barked, "Anguished Cone!"
The mysterious guy in red comb his messy white hair, slightly amused. Alcor his original name or Al-Saiduq his desired name should someone ever need a name to call him, and lastly 'Anguished One' as he prefer to preserve his identity, didn't expect something like this.
"It never occurred to me that I'm a humorous type of 'person'," he chuckled, "But yet someone could make something funny out of me. That's how wonderful human's potential is."
"What do you want? I'm busy!" Airi asked, pointing her cell phone… and still eating crepe.
"Don't be alarmed. I'm here to deliver a message to Shining One."
* Hiro Kageyama:
[What message?]
[Date interrupter. Shoo.]
[Want some crepe?]
Airi does a face-palm. Anguished one tilts his head in… amazement.
"Thanks for the offer, but no. My, my. I didn't expect you to be one of the affected, Shining One."
"…Affected? What are you talking about?" Airi wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.
"Have you noticed on how Shining One acting strangely today?"
Airi glares at Hiro. Hiro blissfully gazes at Airi's face. Airi does another face palm.
"It's a demon's spell. To undo the effect, you should defeat it."
"What demon is that and where is it now?"
"I'll give you one hint: a demon you met before has a grudge against you."
"To me, Hiro, or…?"
"By the way, this day exists on a different timeline, created by an author's imagination on the fanfiction net website."
"Huh? What?"
"The author allows you to live in a more peaceful version of the survival days, without any Septentriones. In exchange for entertaining the readers, that is."
"…What's that supposed to mean?"
"Please ignore that. I was just talking to myself."
"Okay…?"
"That's all I could say. Show me your potential, humans."
A.O. vanishes into thin air, leaving the puzzled Airi and indifferent Hiro.
…
[SOMEDAY, 13:00]
/Fushimi – Parking Garage
A certain man in purple jacket is looking around the trashed parking lot warily. He used abandoned cars one by one as cover, to move forward undetected by any passerby.
("Ronaldo, over here!")
The ex-cop known as Ronaldo Kuriki, ducked around a corner to found one of his resistance friends coming out of a sewer entrance.
("Is this the new route? Is it safe?")
("We cleaned up any demons down there, it's perfect!")
("Good. Now, let's- Someone's coming!")
Alerted, the friend retreated down the sewer and closed the hatch. Ronaldo immediately run off to opposite direction as a decoy, as expected of a leader.
"Halt."
Ronaldo's pathway is blocked by certain female officer he has known well: Makoto Sako!
"Guess today's my unlucky day."
Ronaldo acted his best as if she just found him on hiding, not for any operation. Makoto took a step forward, which initiate Ronaldo's instant reaction of taking out his silver cell phone.
"Calm down. I come here to negotiate," Makoto stated calmly.
"Negotiate? Hotsuin's pawn like you can't be trusted!" Ronaldo pointed his phone aggressively.
"I'm here on a personal behalf. It has nothing to do with JP's or the Chief."
That lowered Ronaldo's aggressiveness a little. Not that he trusted her words, it just Ronaldo knew her enough to notice that she's not lying at the moment. Still, he keeps his phone at ready, just in case.
"Speak."
"I will put a blind's eye should I ever discover you or any of your group doing any activity that disrupt JP's mission, from this day on forth."
The offer sounds too good to be true, especially to a careful man like Ronaldo.
"…In exchange for?"
"I want to ask you a favor."
"What favor?"
Makoto paused a few seconds, before looking at Ronaldo with unyielding determination in her eyes.
"Make me a woman."
*chirp, chirp, chirp*
"…I beg your pardon?" Ronado asked.
"Make me a woman," Makoto repeated.
"…Please say it one more time."
"Make me a woman."
…Apparently Ronaldo's ears aren't playing tricks on him. Makoto's eyes are dead serious, so the chance for this to be a joke is slim to none.
"Makoto… what do you mean by making you a woman?"
"To make me a true woman, by-"
"-Stop. I get it."
Makoto is so serious, it's not funny. Ronaldo's head is in so much pain; he put back his cell phone so he won't look silly.
"So," Makoto spoke, "Do you accept?"
"No," Ronaldo refused outright.
"If you refuse, I'll call for backup and bring you to the chief right this instant."
"What happened to 'I'm here on a personal behalf'?"
"If it comes to it, I'll resort to force."
Ronaldo is scratching his head; he is puzzled, enraged, and… embarrassed.
"Just accept her, Clicky. Problem solved."
Ronaldo turns his head in surprise, to see Joe standing behind him!
"What the- When are you…?"
"From the beginning. Blending with the shadows has it merit," Joe chuckled, "Say, Makoto. Why do you want Clicky to be the man who will 'make you a woman'?"
"Considering my situation, it can't be anyone from JP's and has to be a full adult man. Out of everyone, Ronaldo's my only hope."
Joe smiles playfully, "You didn't consider me?"
"You had a lover, don't you Akie?"
"Aww, I'm busted."
"…And you're not… fit to my needs," Makoto blushes a bit, "You ARE handsome, but…"
"Ouch, that hurt! But I'm happy to be called handsome," Joe laughed, "Clicky, don't run."
Ronaldo was about to escape, but Joe grabbed his wrist just in time.
"Joe! Let me go!"
"If you run right now, you'll never be a true man~"
Ronaldo had to make an excuse. Fast.
"I have to create a world of equality! I can't… risk my man's dignity for it to come true!"
Joe didn't expect Ronaldo to play along. This will be fun.
"You mean… You will break a pure woman's heart to in order to achieve your goal?"
"But I…!"
Makoto is coming closer to Ronaldo, looking straight into his eyes. Joe let Ronaldo's free to see what will happen next… Only for Makoto to hold both of Ronaldo's hands tightly, not letting them go.
"Ronaldo Kuriki. I, Makoto Sako, shall be a woman worthy of your affection and care. Henceforth I ask of you: make me a true woman and protect me with all your life, for in return I shall love no one else but you."
Makoto Sako has just proposed to Ronaldo. Proposed him to marry her, similar in fashion to an ancient Greek marriage ceremony. …That, or Ronado has gotten insane and he is currently dreaming in hell, trapped in an illusion made by a Succubus. He thought he was fighting for justice, but… Ronaldo closed his eyes and accepted his punishment.
"Sweet, Makoto! That was a raiiinbooow-rate proposal! *whistle~*"
…Why he could still hear Joe's annoying voice? Ronaldo opened his eyes. Makoto is still right in front of his nose, putting her utmost serious face. Words 'MARRY ME' are carved into those deep, beautiful blue eyes. Makoto's previous words start to sink into Ronaldo's mind, which turning his face red and accelerate his heartbeat's velocity.
"I love you, Ronaldo," Makoto spoke again, "Will you be my husband?"
THUMP-THUMP-THUMP-THUMP-THUMP-THUMP-THUMP. Why, oh why, Makoto is looked like the most beautiful woman Ronaldo has ever seen at this moment!?
("NO! Ronaldo, get a hold of yourself! You're an agent of justice! You have to crush evil that is Hotsuin! Don't fall into a devil's temptation!")
That's what Ronaldo tried to tell himself, but… In his eyes, Makoto is looking more and more like an angel… Please be gone, hormones!
…
[SOMEDAY, 13:30]
-These 3 events simultaneously happening at 3 places-
Osaka
/Shin-Imamiya – Festival Gate
"Hee ho! We had so much fun, ho!" a Jack Frost laughed happily.
"We never met humans as kind as you three, ho!" a Pyro Jack added.
"Oh, stop that! You kids will make me blush!" Daichi laughed like an old man.
For more than two hours straight, Keita and Hinako were playing with the Frosts Army on Daichi's demand. They were playing merry-go-round, seesaw, Jungle Jim, Ferris wheel, Haunted House, and many more. It wasn't just physical exhaustion; it also bundled up with mental exhaustion from summoning their corresponding demons to run the whole festival attraction.
("Raiju, Lailah, and Barong for electrical power. Chernobog, Python, and Tezcatlipoca for Haunted House. What else did we summon, Keita?")
("Who cares? I'm going to kill him with my bare fists!")
Hinako was so tired that she prefers teaching her dancing class three hours in a row. As for Keita… he's breathing heavily, but doesn't look that much annoyed.
"Keita, don't you hate this kind of 'bonding' stuff?" Hinako asked, still sweating.
"…I do," Keita calmly wipe his sweats with his boxing towel.
"You don't seem to resent Daichi that much, though."
"What of it? He's lucky that he's acting loony; otherwise I would've killed him."
"…Oh, really? You seemed to enjoy playing with them."
"I don't. Shut up and don't talk to me."
Hinako giggles playfully. Keita had a bad feeling.
"Oh~ I know what's going on with you, Keita~"
"I told you to shut up, didn't I? And you don't know a thing!"
Keita step away from Hinako to drink a mineral bottle he had in his boxing sack. Hinako slowly tailed behind him, waiting for the right momentum.
"But I DO know! Keita, you put up with Daichi's craziness of playing with demons," Hinako grinned, "Because Daichi's fatherly antics… remind you of your father, right?"
*SPURT* Keita bursts out water from his mouth. About 70% of the H2O he had drunk is splattered to the ground, enough evidence that Hinako was right on the money.
"…Idiot!" Keita hastily wipe his wet mouth and shirt, "That stupid freak? Remind me of my old man? Very funny."
"I'm not convinced, Keita," Hinako is enjoying this, "Your reaction practically gives away your real answer."
Keita is desperate to hide a faint blush that's forming on his cheek, for it made him looked like some innocent boy who just received a birthday gift from his pops. It was in vain though, as-
*snap* -Hinako already took his embarrassing facial picture with her cell.
"You bastard…! Delete that!"
"No way. I will share this to everyone else."
"I'll crush your phone and feed you to demons!"
"Really? Say that after you catch me!"
Keita chases Hinako around in circles. Hinako's slick dancing moves flow flawlessly from excitement, while Keita's boxing footwork is in jumbled mess from embarrassment. It's obvious who the dominant one is.
*clap!* From afar, Daichi has clapped his hands to stop Keita's & Hinako's chasing sequence and attract their attention to him.
"Son! Honey! Look what I got!" Daichi smiles happily.
Hinako quickly hides her phone on her… private, much to Keita's anger. Still, the two decided to look at the thing that made Daichi so worked up. Daichi is holding a big golden ticket, with these words inscribed:
EXCLUSIVE LONDON FAMILY TRIP TICKET.
FREE TWO-WAYS TRAVEL TO LONDON AND YOUR HOME COUNTRY! FREE MEALS AND FREE GUIDE TO LONDON'S MOST FAMOUS TOURISM SPOTS, AND MANY MORE! FAMILY MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATE IS UP TO 4 PEOPLE MAX.
"The Jacks children gave this to me as a present," Daichi grinned, "We could go for a vacation with this, free of charge!"
Hinako instantly gleam with desires for travel and wonders of foreign countries.
"OH MY GOSH, DAICHI! London!? I always wanted to go there! I want to visit the Pineapple Performing Arts School!"
"Of course, honey! Let's put place that as our first London trip list!" Daichi scribbled a messy writing of a list on a random paper he pulled out of nowhere.
"Sweet, Daichi! I won't regret marrying you for real now!"
Hinako hugged Daichi out of excitement, and the pair is laughing happily. Whereas Keita…
"…Repton Boxing Club London E2…," Keita muttered silently.
"Huh? What was that Keita?" Hinako asked.
"None of your business."
Keita is glad that they didn't hear it; spamming useless fantasy of visiting and sparring in foreign boxing clubs is a silly dream, one of his silly dreams that he must achieve by his own hands. Not by a stupid ticket owned by a stupid guy, and certainly not when the world is infested by demons-
"Says who, Keita!? We could go to that boxing gym, too!" Daichi busted out suddenly, "A father's ticket is a son's ticket!"
Keita feel that he's been cornered by a powerful hook.
"H-How did you read my mind, you bastard!?"
"My," Hinako grins seductively, "So that's the place you want to go, eh… son."
Keita want to uppercut himself for slipping his tongue. There's no way he ever trust other people for supporting his dreams! Hell no!
"Honey," Hinako says to Daichi, "Put that boxing gym first on our London trip list."
"Taken care of!" Daichi corrected his paper.
"Are you an idiot!?" Keita yelled at Hinako, "London is already busted up, moron! Japan's the only land left!"
"I know that, and you know that," Hinako, "But you still say the place of that name."
"Shut up!"
"Is that so? Even when we could go after we restore the world?"
"…Ah. T-That's-"
"Honey~ Keita doesn't want to go with us, he'll be staying home~"
"W-Wait, you two bastards! I also…! …Oh, shit!"
Daichi and Hinako laugh softly, while Keita couldn't hide his blush any longer. This scene looks remarkably like a mom and a dad teasing their only son; not for off-time quick laugh, but merely… a family's affectionate bonding.
"You don't have to hide it, Keita," Hinako is looking at Keita; her smile is serenely soothing like a motherly figure, "Having smaller dreams under bigger ones is not embarrassing. It shows that you truly plan ahead for your life. You should be proud of yourself."
For once, Keita couldn't snap back. Why… did he have to feel this way? Weak emotions such as embarrassment, fascination, admiration and affection…! Perhaps… Keita… was never cut to be a lone wolf, after all…
"Son," Daichi put his right arm on Keita's shoulder, while his left on Hinako's shoulder, "Honey."
"…What?" Keita responded; his tone is audibly softer than usual.
"…Yes?" Hinako responded; a slight smile on her lips.
"I LOVEEE YOUUU TWOOO SOOO MUUCCHHH!"
Like a crazed lunatic, Daichi attempt to cheek-kiss both Keita and Hinako! Way to ruin the atmosphere, dude!
"Back off!" Keita struggles hard to cover Daichi's 'chuuing' lip from reaching his left cheek.
"You're REALLY crossing the line this time, Daichi!" Hinako does the same struggle protecting her right cheek.
"Why~? Daddy just want hugs and kisses~"
Both Keita and Hinako streams down from their temporary happiness down the sour hatch. These two are brought back to their previous wits' end, as instantly as it vanishes before. However, the range is too close to take out phones or lay a jab at Daichi's stupid face. Plus his head locks on the two preventing them from taking a better position. Do they have to face a humiliation of obtaining a monkey's lip trails on their cheek…!?
*PIPIPIPIPIPI* *PIPIPIPIPIPI* two phones are ringing.
Daichi flinched. It was the golden time window for Keita and Hinako to break free, and they sure didn't waste it.
*JAB!* *SLAP* Keita's jab and Hinako's slap landed on both sides of Daichi's cheeks.
"Oww! What did daddy do…!?"
Daichi whimpered on the corner, muttering 'Am I not the #1 dad?' etc. Keita and Hinako sigh in relief, thus ignoring him.
"Ah. It's mine," Hinako inspected her purple cell phone.
"…And mine," Keita inspected his red cell phone too.
…
Nagoya
/Sakae – Yamada Park
Hiro and Airi have finished their crepes. Airi has put down her cell phone and wiped her mouth with her handkerchief. She's feeling slightly better after hearing A.O.'s advice, while Hiro is…
"Hiro! Now we're done eating, let's search for clues-"
Fast like lightning, Hiro embraces Airi tightly in his arms.
"Wha- Wha- WHAAAA!?" Airi blushes furiously, panicking.
Hiro hold Airi's slender figure in diagonal-Casanova style. Romantic, no?
"Put me down, you jerk! Pervert!"
*clag, clag* a weird noise could be heard in the distance. Hiro checked his surroundings, but there's nobody else. There are trash cans, streetlamps, and a cardboard box, but there are no people there. Hiro decided to ignore it and begin to speak.
"Airi, I have something important to tell you."
"Buh!? Y-You speak!?" Airi is shocked, "Wait, you DO speak, but…"
Hiro, the supposedly silent protagonist speaks out of the choice window? Something big is going on, Airi can feel that.
"Airi, ever since we met that day on the station… I can't take my eyes off you," Hiro spoke so gently he looked like someone else.
"That means you're a pervert!" Airi scowled.
"While it's your looks which took my interest… It was your personality that captivates my heart."
Airi is experiencing déjà vu. …She should stop watching those classic soap operas with her mother.
"You're always angry by the smallest bit of frictions… Always being jealous of other girls… Always so childishly getting worked up for selfish goals…"
Airi blushes in anger, having her faults exposed in the open.
"S-So what, if I am!? You got a problem with that!?"
"But deep down, I know… You're the kindest girl I've ever met."
Airi's blushing again, but this time… not of anger.
"Beneath that raging mask, lies your innermost kindness. You're acting fierce, but deep down you care so much about everyone… including me."
"W-What's with those sugar-puffs pickup lines!? L-Like you know anything about me! W-We do work t-together as a team this one week, but…"
Hiro's turquoise eyes meet Airi's gray. His gaze is both soothing like an angel and tempting like a devil at the same time. Airi could hear her heart skipping beats like mad; despite her inner struggle to make it shut up, it won't stop throwing loud tantrums. What's happening to her?
"It's true I don't know enough about you yet, but I know about this one thing. Back at the crepe shop, you knocked me out with your fist."
"Y-Yeah, I did! You deserved that!"
Hiro flashes another smile, "When I was out cold, you could've tied me up with ropes or something similar so I won't be following you anymore. It should be easy for you with all the tools in that shop. Should Jungo interfere, you could easily convince him to not free me until you are far enough to hide."
Airi gulped, "Eh? I wasn't thinking about that. If I had gotten that idea, I would've-"
"You should've thought of that idea exactly as you those ropes scattered on the shop's floor, or you could simply take your crepe and leave me behind, especially on how mad you were that time. But you didn't; not only that you didn't do anything to render me immobile, you even waited for me to wake up and give me my crepe."
"It was so the crepe won't be wasted! Don't get any weird idea, you idio-"
"Actually after you left the shop a bit ahead of me, I asked Jungo why he made me asparagus chicken crepe. Do you know what his answer was?"
-Flashback-
"Airi, what flavor Jungo should give to Hiro's crepe?"
"How am I supposed to know!?"
"Then, Jungo have to pick him something."
As Jungo quietly choose the available ingredient, Airi suddenly ask:
"…Hey, Jungo. Is there any asparagus and chicken?"
"Asparagus and chicken?" Jungo inspected the ingredients, "Yes, there are. Why?"
"Make him asparagus and chicken crepe."
"Asparagus and chicken crepe?"
"It just… I knocked his face so hard to the table, so, well… I-I think asparagus and chicken will be good when he wake up later…"
Jungo is silent for a few seconds before smiling.
"Alright, Jungo will make that for Hiro."
"Don't forget to make mine first!"
As Jungo is cutting the ingredients, he says this:
"Airi."
"What?"
"You are very kind to Hiro."
"W-What!? I-I just don't want him to blame me later should he has further injuries, that's all!"
Jungo only smiled. In middle of cooking, Jungo took a glance at Airi, who is wiping Hiro's messed-up face with her handkerchief. Jungo pretend not to notice and continue his cooking.
-End Flashback-
Airi cursed Jungo under her breath for being a blabbermouth. But that didn't last long as she can't take her eyes from Hiro's gentle smiling face. Why she can't just break free and punch him in the face? Is it because her heart is beating like an awful orchestra?
"Despite my entire disturbance to you since this morning, you were worried about me and took your time to take care of me."
Airi want to at least yell at him with a violent rebuttal, only to come out empty. She couldn't object any of Hiro's argument… for all of them did happen. The question is, why did Airi took the trouble by caring for Hiro? It's true that she's already become his friend; but she wouldn't go that far, unless that she is actually…
"You are a kind person, Airi. That's why I…," Hiro spoke, his cheeks are red.
It couldn't be… Hiro is about to say…!
"…I lo-"
*CLAG, CLAG* another weird noise interrupted the romance. Hiro took another glance around, but there's nobody- Wait, did that cardboard box just move? …Nah, must be his imagination.
"Ahem," Hiro recomposes himself to say it, "The truth is, I… I love you, Airi. Will you… be my girlfriend?"
Hiro… Hiro just… confessed his love for Airi! THUMP-THUMP. THUMP-THUMP. Airi's heartbeat is at maximum speed, impossible to be turned down into low gear. This isn't like herself! She shouldn't be… seduced… like this.
("W-What's wrong with me? Why did I… didn't reject him outright…!?")
Airi come to a realization. She's been keeping it buried all this time, but right now she can't help but to let it roam free.
("It… It can't be. I… to Hiro… t-that towards him I… I actually feel…")
"Airi…," Hiro is blushing even more as he slowly moves his lips… towards Airi's.
Airi can't run anymore. Not because Hiro's grip to her is too strong. Not because she is paralyzed or petrified. It is because she could no longer deny… her own heart.
("Hiro… Actually… About you…")
Hiro's and Airi's lips are about to meet… 3 cm… 2 cm… 1 cm…!
("I also…")
*PIPIPIPIPIPI* *PIPIPIPIPIPI* *roll, roll, roll, crash*
By reflex, Hiro and Airi break free from each other just 0.1 cm before their lips touched. Airi's phone was ringing, breaking such lovely moment. Hiro sighs in disappointment, while Airi sighs in relief.
("T-Thank goodness…! Hiro and I almost… A-Almost k-k-ki- AARGHHH!")
Airi is scratching her long red hair like crazy from the over-embarrassment.
("I-It was because of the demon's spell! Yes, all of this it's that demon's fault! I was almost swindled by H-H-Hiro, of all boys… T-Then again, maybe I won't mind so much if it was him who kissed me- … N-NOOO! WHAT THE HECK AM I THINKING!")
Hiro is very, very disappointed. For two phones to be ringing at such moment, such bad luck! Wait. There were two phones ringing. One is Airi's, but the other? Hiro checked his phone, to find that it wasn't ringing. Then whose other phone is ringing? Hiro looked around, but there's nobody else- Huh? That cardboard box from before is gone. Could it be…? Nope, a wind must have blown it away. The noisy rolling sounds from before did sounds like some sort of heavy object rolling on the ground, but that can't be a person right? Regardless, Airi is checking her phone now.
…
/Fushimi – Parking Garage
Ronaldo is at loss of what to do. His eyes are plastered to see Makoto's innocent face, beautiful blue eyes, and lovely lips.
"C-Cut it out with that puppy eyes of yours!" Ronaldo tried in vain to stop Makoto.
But it's useless. Makoto is looking more and more like an angel in Ronaldo's eyes, so much that he couldn't tell whether this is a hallucination or the real her. …Even more so that now she… is about to kiss him!
"Ronaldo… Let's seal our union in this blazing tender kiss…"
("Good Lord! Is this my punishment from teasing a girl in kindergarten? Is this for not accepting that girl's valentine chocolate long ago at elementary school? Is it also for turning down a senior's love confession back then at junior high? That female teacher at high school was pretty, but I rejected her for appropriateness! That's why you made Makoto your angel to pick me up into your kingdom? Sweet mother of Yahweh, have mercy!")
*PIPIPIPIPIPI* *PIPIPIPIPIPI* two phones are ringing.
By reflex, Ronaldo break free from Makoto.
("That… was close…") Ronaldo thought to himself in relief.
"Clicky, I believe it was my phone and yours ringing," Joe sighs, "Man. And it was getting to the good part!"
"Joe."
"Yes?"
"Shut up."
"Okay."
Opposite of Ronaldo, Makoto lets out a deep sigh. She seemed very, very, VERY disappointed that she couldn't kiss him in time. Even now, her puppy eyes are pleading at him to ignore the phone and redo the kiss. …Ronaldo avoids eye contact with her and starts to open up his cell phone instead. Joe does the same, after closing a certain app in his phone…
…
To be continued
/
Next Episode
A dead face (v) delivery site
Nicaea
"Welcome to Nagoya International Christian Assembly, N.I.C.A. church."
"WE. ARE. NOT. DATING!"
"I didn't see your foot right there."
"I haven't even bought you a ring!"
"This is… one happy family!"
"Right, Jungo-wee?"
"Welcome, welcome, welcome, lovely lovers!"
"KAAAAMMMMMAAAAAA!"
"Chawanmushi for everyone."
"Areadbhar!"
"Chief, I…"
"…Cerberus."
1st Day
Someday's Snicket - II
"Koharu."
"Yes, mom?"
"You're grounded."
/
Author's Note
That's it. Not bad for a first chapter, eh? I used Jungo's habitual speaking in the anime to make his lines funnier. The 'Snicket' in the day's title taken from 'Lemony Snicket's a Series of Unfortunate Events', while Pineapple Performing Art School, Repton Boxing Club London E2, and N.I.C.A. were taken from real-life locations in London, England and Nagoya, Japan respectively. All found by Google :)
I hope you found the story funny enough, with three kinds of weird events. It took me almost a month to plan everything and finish typing the first part, more so with many corrections I put. Stay tuned for next chapter to find out who's the mysterious demon mastermind, and the fate of demon tamers! Thank you very much, and please review! :D