Chapter 1: Keima's New and Unwanted Friend

Keima grumbled, feeling his head aching. The pain reminded him of his teacher smacking him hard. A huge bump emerged out of his head. His face swelled, like an agitated puffer fish. To comfort his pain, he spent most of his time playing his PFP. The rugged wooden bench Keima sat on comforted his small weak butt. His glasses shined, reflecting from the bright backlight inside the screen. His eyes possessed a god-like spirit inside. A ghostly spirit emerged out of the broom lying next to him, beckoning him to carry out his punishment. Feeling annoyed, he briefly lowered his arms and stared at the broom.

"You think you can mock me?"

He lifted his arms, levelling the PFP to his head. His eyes shifted focus.

"I am the capturing god! I need not to supply reality's demands!"

He rapidly tapped the PFP buttons, using all his energy to complete his game. Suddenly, his face became filled with awe, staring at a cute girl. Her luscious opal eyes widened, revealing much of her beauty. Her light blue hair swivelled around.

"Kawai-iiiiiiiii!"

Keima's drool flowed out of his mouth. His eyes glimmered. His hands formed goose bumps. A smirk appeared on his face.

"This is one of the best games I have ever played!"

Keima wiped the drool off his face. He grabbed his bag from the bench and opened it up. His smirk disappeared.

"Crap, I forgot to bring in those new games from yesterday..."

Just as he re-zipped his bag, he noticed a male student walking towards him. The spikes on his black hair pointed towards the ground. Some were placed on the sides. The male student waved his lanky right arm at him, showing him no harm. His brown eyes somehow shined. The huge smile on his child-like face slightly irritated Keima.

"Hello fellow student of Majima High!"

His eyes widened. He pushed his right leg forward, pointing his finger at Keima's PFP.

"Wow! You got the second version!"

He pulled out his PFP from his pants. The screen shined brightly from the sun, forcing Keima to cover his eyes.

"I have one too!"

Keima grumbled, feeling more annoyed. Why is this human here? Why did he bother say something to me? Reality, what are you planning to do? He lifted himself off the bench and pointed his fingers at the student.

"Who are you, and why are you disturbing me?"

The student blinked, feeling slightly baffled. He then raised his arm, scratching his head.

"Oh... My bad! I got caught up with that PFP of yours..."

He extended his hands towards Keima.

"The name's Muhara Kumuro."

Keima stared at Kumuro's arm, wondering if a trap had been set for him. A human who's friendlier than anyone else? What does he want from me, the capturing god? Kumuro's smile brightened whilst placing his PFP back inside his pants.

"I'm new here. I'm going to be in the class 2-B tomorrow."

Keima widened his eyes. His eyes twitched rapidly.

"2...B?"

Kumuro nodded his head.

"It seems that you're in my class, am I correct?"

Keima quickly turned away from him. He quickly unzipped his bag, finding other games inside. Is reality trying to punish me by using this annoying human? Kumuro lowered his right arm.

"I'm just touring this school for today. Mind if you show me around as my tour guide?"

Keima's hands trembled, finding no games inside his bag.

"I... I got other games to play..."

Kumuro placed his arms on Keima's shoulders.

"Oh come on. You think you should take some time off for me?"

Keima squealed quietly. His head slowly turned around whilst trying to pull his poker face.

"If I show you a quick tour, will you leave me alone?"

Kumuro lifted his hands off Keima. He then pointed his thumb upwards.

"Only if you tell me your name..."

Keima sighed as he faced his bag. He placed his possessions back inside his bag.

"Katsuragi Keima..."

Keima trudged through the school grounds, swaying his arms like a zombie. His arms felt lifeless, needing the energy from playing his PFP (even if he had to play completed games). His legs shook, having little strength of carrying his small body. His ears throbbed from listening to Kumuro's lecture of PFP games. Kumuro's legs stood strong, like a disciplined samurai. His face showed friendliness, revealing his powerful arms moved around, forming gestures and showing boundless amounts of energy. Having his attention drawn from a building, Kumuro stopped and pointed at it.

"What building is that?"

Keima slowly lifted his head up. His eyes weary. He spoke slowly, sounding like a robot drudge.

"That's where all of the 3rd year students attend classes..."

Kumuro took his time staring at the grey shiny walls. The unusual patterns on the building further intrigued him.

"It may look a tad old, but you should surely be lucky to have a school with such beauty..."

Keima faced Kumuro. His imaginary hand scratched his head.

"Why would I care about that?"

Kumuro's eyes shifted focus on the sports ground. His eyes widened open, filling his heart with joy. He ran towards the field, leaving Keima behind. Keima limped forward while observing Kumuro's strange behaviour. This human... He's not like others I've seen before... He sure is a pain though. Kumuro's eyes watered, watching the girls flexing on the racing tracks.

"I've never seen many girls doing athletic events before..."

Keima blinked at Kumuro.

"This school used to be an all-girls school."

Kumuro faced Keima.

"My old school never had any girls doing any sports events."

Kumuro's arm pointed towards the field.

"These girls are truly sports girls!"

Keima blinked at Kumuro. He chuckled sinisterly and held his hands against his glasses.

"Don't be fooled by your mere perception! These girls aren't truly sports girls!"

Kumuro folded his arms.

"Oh yeah? How so?"

Keima's eyes shined, revealing his glowing golden eyes.

"I have seen many sports girls in my life. In order for sports girls to identify themselves as such, they not only have to wear the best gear available... Their hair must also be tied up!"

Keima raised his arms up high, clenching his fist.

"That shows determination and confidence at best! This is what makes them sports girls!"

Kumuro pointed at a girl further away from others.

"She's tying her hair up. Does she make herself a true sports girl?"

Keima's eyes opened widely. He slowly pushed his glasses down. She took her time tying each end of her shining black hair up. Her pink ribbons stood out from other girls. Her face glimmered, having her eyes closed and showing her confidence. Her smile appeared on her face, revealing them to Keima. His cheeks reddened from her looks.

"A...Ayumi?" he whispered.

Keima covered his face, hiding his cheeks.

"I... I forgot to mention one other thing."

Keima's blush disappeared momentarily.

"All sports girls should also wear bloomers!"

Kumuro grinned sinisterly.

"Do you like this girl?"

Keima blush returned. Angered by Kumuro's accusation, Keima frowned at him.

"What are you talking about? 3D girls are a pain to me!"

Kumuro pulled out his PFP and pointed at it.

"So you're playing galge games on your PFP to prepare yourself for getting girls, eh?"

Fumes exhaust out of Keima's ears.

"Don't talk crap to me! Real girls and girls in games are different!"

Kumuro cocked his eyebrows. Keima raised his fist pointing to Kumuro. His golden eyes reddened, creating a topaz glow.

"Real girls have so many bugs in this world I may as well try leaving reality!"

He turned around and strutted away from him. Kumuro followed after him.

"Wait up Keima!"

Hearing Kumuro's calls, the girl called Ayumi stared at Keima. Her cheeks slightly blushed.

"Oh come on! I'm sorry!"

Keima stared at his PFP whilst walking. His ears suffered from Kumuro's cries. Kumuro pouted his lips, looking like a whimpering dog.

"I was only playing with you..."

Kumuro sighed.

"What can I do to make it up to you?"

Keima abruptly turn around, pointing his fingers at Kumuro.

"YOU CAN START BY-!"

Keima's anger cooled down, witnessing Kumuro saddened face. Keima slowly pulled his arm down, feeling somehow guilty. He turned away from him and sighed.

"Don't worry about it..."

What feeling is this? What is this boy doing to me? Keima stared at the vendor stall, watching hungry scavengers fight over food. Some push each other while others grabbed as much bread as possible. Kumuro's face changed as he sniffed the delicious scent coming from the stall.

"Mmm... Omelette Soba Bread..."

Kumuro pulled out his pocket, revealing it empty.

"D'ya have some change I could borrow Keima?"

Keima stared at Kumuro's pocket. Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice called out from behind.

"Move..."

Keima and Kumuro turned their backs, staring at the young girl. Her pigtails stretched out from her blond hair. Her shiny diamond eyes emphasised fierceness and ferocity, like a lioness. Her arms were folded tightly, demonstrating her power of the beast. Her feet tapped rapidly.

"I said move."

Keima and Kumuro stepped away from each other, letting the girl walk pass. A tall older man followed the girl. His black tuxedo and tie completed his white shirt hiding inside his jacket, looking like a special agent. His black hair intimidates almost anyone near him. Keima and Kumuro's eyes followed the girl. The girl stopped near the crowd.

"Why are you here commoners?"

The crowd turned around and faced the girl. Some chattered amongst each other in reaction to her presence.

"Is this... Mio?"

"I'd thought I never see a member of the Aoyoma family in person."

"And she also has a bodyguard with her... Rich people..."

The girl called Mio faced the bodyguard.

"What are they doing, Morida?"

Morida's face reminded Kumuro of a well-trained samurai.

"This place is the vendor stall: A place for people not having enough money for food."

Mio snorted at the crowd.

"I pity those who are there..."

Morida charged towards the crowd, separating them from each other.

"Make room please!"

Mio strolled towards the vendor sellers.

"One of those omelette breads you sell please..."

The seller handed out a piece of bread wrapped in plastic.

"That'll be 100 yen thanks."

Morida moved towards the seller and pulled out a note from his pocket. The seller studied the note carefully

"10000 yen? I don't have enough change for that! Don't you have smaller change you could use?"

Mio frowned at the seller.

"I never carried change in my life..."

Mio looked down, staring at the wrapped pieces of bread staring back. She then sighed.

"I guess one-hundred omelette breads will do..."

The seller sighed as she placed a huge crate on the counter. The seller counted all the pieces and placed them inside. Morida placed the note on the counter and carried the crate away from the stall. Mio followed after him. The crowd noticed the stall empty, creating a huge uproar. Mio stopped and turned her back.

"If you want something so badly, be rich like me!"

She faced away from the crowd and continued strolling forward. Morida followed after her. Kumuro snorted loudly.

"Wow... What a mean bitch!"

Keima faced away from Mio, giving attention to his PFP. Keima walked away from the crowd. Kumuro followed after him.

Mari swept the floor, maintaining her tiny cafe. Her orange hair swivelled around. The tables placed neatly, with chairs folded close inside. She stared at the menu boards, making sure none have been tampered. Her eyes moved down, focusing on the polished timber floor. She hummed to a tune sticking inside her head. A door swung open, forcing her to look up. She saw Keima and Kumuro entering inside. Keima's eyes looked weary. Kumuro maintained his happy face from school. Mari adjusted her glasses, noticing Kumuro's presence. Her face brightened, realising something that she had wanted for years.

Mari placed the broom near the table and held her arms out wide. She marched towards him and gave him a big hug.

"My own son finally has a friend!"

Keima choked, feeling his ribs becoming crushed. Mari looked up, studying Kumuro carefully. Mari pushed Keima aside, sending Keima crashing against the wall. His head came in contact first, forming more bumps on his head. His eyes twirled around, forming swirls. Mari placed her right arm out wide to Kumuro.

"I'm Keima's mum."

Kumuro smiled as he shook Mari's hands.

"The name's Muhara Kumuro,"

Mari placed her hands near her lips.

"D'ya have a mother called Kirino by any chance?"

Kumuro nodded his head. Mari's face brightened.

"Wow! I haven't seen her for a long time! Could you tell her that I'm here?"

Kumuro smiled back.

"Don't worry, when I get back, I'm gonna tell my mum about you."

Kumuro closed his eyes.

"I always tell my mum everything!"

Mari nodded her head.

"I'm gonna fetch you boys some tea. I'll be right back,"

Mari strolled to the kitchen. Kumuro retreated to a nearby chair and sat on it.

"Wow... Your mother's nice..."

Keima slowly stood up, recovering from his aching body. He placed his hands, massaging the agonising pain on his head.

"Why did I agree to let you follow me home?"

Kumuro faced Keima.

"I wanna see all the games that you own."

Keima glared at him.

"I only have galge games! You're happy to leave now?"

Kumuro blinked at him.

"Wow... You really need to play decent games..."

Kumuro's face brightened, striking an idea from his head.

"I can bring in the games I had completed for tomorrow. Then you can truly be a PFP gamer!"

Keima placed his hand on his head, feeling it heating to extreme temperatures. Mari returned from the kitchen, carrying two small cups to the table.

"Keima dear. Won't you sit next to this new friend of yours?"

Keima's eye twitched as he followed Mari's orders. Mari sat down and smiled at Kumuro.

"So what brings you to Majima city?"

Kumuro placed his hand on his head.

"Well... My parents just wanted to find a better city to enjoy..."

Mari nodded her head.

"And what about you?"

Kumuro hesitated.

"Well… I may have missed the people back at my old place… But I follow my parent's wishes every time."

Mari's eyes caught attention of Keima staring at his PFP. She smacked him in the face, forcing him to drop his PFP. Keima groaned from the pain on his face. Mari sighed. She then placed her hands on Kumuro's shoulders

"It's really hard to say goodbye to those you have loved back there…"

Kumuro took a slow deep breath.

"Well… I just have to get over it, wouldn't I?"

Kumuro lifted his watch, reading the time. His eyes widened open.

"Oh sorry! I have to get going!"

Kumuro stood out of the chair and rushed out of the cafe. Keima sighed as he lifted his PFP again. Mari glared at Keima.

Kumuro rushed through the streets, trying to run to his destination. The numbers "5-30" resonated in his mind. Each house he dashed past reminded him of his mum's strict rules. He used all his energy on his chicken legs, commanding them to speed up. He pictured himself as the flash, dashing through the city and stopping crime on his way. Realising that his energy's been depleted, he stood near a pole and gasped for air. He looked at his watch. Five-ten. He squinted at the street sign, keeping track of where he's at. His eyes widened.

"How did I end up lost?"

He looked around, finding options for him to take.

"I guess door-knockings the way to go."

Kumuro walked through the pathway leading to a nearby house. He knocked on the door, wondering if anyone will answer. The door slowly opened. He cocked his eyebrows, finding a familiar face standing in front of him. Her uniform contained patches of dust. Her blonde hair appeared tangled, containing no signs of pigtails. A pile of wrapped bread stacked on top of each other, forming a mountain of food heaven. The only light coming from the window shined on the mountain. Mio's eyes opened widely, exposing her vulnerable diamonds. Her hands trembled from her unexpected visitor.

"C-c-commoner!"

Mio slammed the door forcefully. Kumuro looked up, detecting wooden planks holding the old house. His head lowered down, facing the wooden floor containing holes. He took a closer look at the door; the door hasn't been refurnished for decades. Is this really the rich girl from school? He thought. Why is she inside this old house? He shrugged, having other important things in his mind.

"Excuse me, but dya know how I can get to-?"

"GET OOUUTTTTTT!"

Feeling fear from the loud shout, Kumuro ran away, whimpering like a dog.

Kumuro sat in his desk, scribbling the notes on his notebook. First day in class had just arrived, he thought. Hopefully, I'll be able to impress this teacher here. He lifted his head, facing the teacher, called Nikaido, pointing at the blackboard. Her short black hair matched her thin black jacket and her black latex skirt. Kumuro turned his head, finding Keima (sitting near him) focusing on the PFP. Kumuro's eyes watered, feeling worried about him.

"Keima," Kumuro whispered. "You'll get into trouble..."

Kumuro blinked at Keima. Kumuro poked him a few times, feeling his body stiff like a divine statue.

"Don't worry about that Otomegane!" A voice called out from behind.

Kumuro turned his head around, finding a female student smiling. He noticed a yellow clip clinging on her brown short hair. She extended her arm out, revealing her small hands.

"I'm Kosaka Chihiro."

A whisper called out behind Chihiro.

"Aren't you about to shake hands with the follower of Otamegane?"

Chihiro's eyes widened, forcing her hand to hide from Kumuro.

"Aww geez! I was about to catch that contagious disease from him!"

Kumuro blinked at her, feeling confused.

"Otamegane?"

A book slammed on his desk, grabbing his attention. Kumuro slowly elevated his head, staring at his teacher's face. Her eyes reminded him of an evil witch. The spiky collar on her face intimidated him.

"Mahura Kumuro..."

Kumuro gulped. The teacher's eyes brightened.

"Is there a problem?"

"N-n-no teacher…" he stuttered.

She licked her lips, feeling the pleasure of her student's suffering.

"Why don't you recount the things I had discussed to this precious class of mine?"

Kumuro slowly stood up, shaking his hands.

"W-w-well. Th-th-the things that we will learn are t-to figure out the exponential pattern as some scientists and statistics calculators have used."

His voice changed pace, picking up confidence.

"For example, to figure out the number of bacteria growing, we use the formula, N equals A-e to the power of k-t."

He then pointed at the blackboard.

"To figure out the term "k", we have "A" equal to 2000, "N" equal to 3500, and the number of periods, "t", equal to 5."e" is a constant term in which it helps to figure out the exponential pattern."

The students stared at him, having their eyes blinking.

"By manipulating the formula to somehow equal to "k", we will find that "k" equals the log to the base e of 7/4 over 5, in which it turns out as 0.112 (rounded up to 3 significant figures)."

The students talked amongst each other, commenting on Kumuro.

"Wow… He's just as smart as that creep over there…"

"He hasn't touched his calculator…"

"He really is the follower of Otamegane…"

The teacher blinked at him.

"Well… Unlike Katsuragi over here…"

The teacher pinched Keima on the ears, lifting him off his seat. The students laughed at Keima's cries. He waved his arms up and down. His tears poured out, suffering from the teacher's pleasure.

"Our new student Kumuro has chosen to dedicate himself to whatever this school provides."

Kumuro stared at Keima, having a concerned look.

Keima sat near the sports ground, playing his PFP. His ear continued to throb, revealing marks of the teacher's strong fingers. His body was placed underneath a huge tree, hiding within the shadows. The glowing fluorescent light from the screen brightened Keima's excited face. Kumuro walked towards Keima, holding cases on his hands.

"Hey there buddy! Look what I brought for you..."

Keima elevated his head. His hands trembled. His eyes twitched. I thought I told him that he would never bother me again! Why does he continue to persist? His head heated up from his anger.

"Why are you here again?"

Kumuro sat next to Keima whilst holding the cases above his face.

"I bought some games I completed. This will get you going to become a PFP gamer..."

Keima faced away from Kumuro.

"I don't play those shit games!"

Kumuro stared at him, feeling bewildered. He then laughed whole-heartedly whilst patting Keima's back. Keima coughed repeatedly, reacting to Kumuro patting and having his body swaying back and forth.

"These games are actually rated highly by reviewers."

Keima's body turned away from him.

"I am the capturing god! I play games with 2D girls! Not with 2D men wielding strange weapons!"

Kumuro sighed.

"The games you played are often rated low by many gamers like myself…"

Kumuro waved his cases near Keima's head.

"Come on… Try at least one game…"

Keima's hand gripped his PFP tightly, feeling his head about to explode. He gritted his teeth, expressing his hatred. Suddenly, Kumuro turned his head, facing Ayumi. His face grinned sinisterly.

"Ah... I see why you're here..."

Keima lowered his PFP, wondering what Kumuro's up to.

"What is it now?"

Kumuro slowly stand up, focusing on Ayumi. Ayumi stood near her friends, chatting happily amongst each other. Keima's mouth dropped, realising Kumuro's motives.

"Wait…"

Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima.

"You wanted to get close to this chick you like, don't you?"

Keima's eyes widened.

"No. Don't!"

Kumuro turned his head away from Keima. He then waved his hands while shouting.

"Yoo hoo! Over here!"

Noticing Kumuro's calls, Ayumi faced away from her friends, staring at Kumuro. Her friends turned around. Keima locked Kumuro's arms tightly, preventing him from embarrassment. Kumuro struggled, wanting his hands to be free. Ayumi's friends chuckled.

"It's that follower again!"

"I think he has some interests in you, Ayumi."

Ayumi's eyes were fixed on Keima's face. Her friends chuckled, thinking up of something sinister.

"I dare you to go over there."

"Oh that'll be funny Izumia!"

Ayumi sighed.

"Fine…"

She strolled towards Kumuro and Keima. Her friends giggled, bracing for something funny. Anticipating her moves, Keima released Kumuro and turned then lifted his PFP up, hiding his face. Kumuro stared at Keima. Ayumi studied Kumuro's face, finding his unfamiliar to her.

"Have I seen you around before?"

Kumuro turned around, facing Ayumi. He placed his hands on his head.

"I was in your class I assume."

Kumuro extended his hands out.

"The name's Muhara Kumuro."

Ayumi turned her head to Keima. She cocked her eyebrows, noticing his hands shaking.

"Are you a friend of that Otamegane?"

Kumuro let out a heart-warming smile.

"If you mean Keima, then I guess I am."

Ayumi turned away from Keima.

"So is there something you want from me?"

"Well actually, there's something Keima wanted to-"

Unleashing his fury, Keima stood up from the ground and pointed his fingers at Kumuro.

"I DID NOT ASK FOR THAT!"

Kumuro blinked at him. Ayumi turned away from Keima and Kumuro, walking back to her friends.

"Nice meeting you…"

Kumuro turned his head, facing Ayumi.

"Dude, why did you let her walk away?"

Keima head exploded.

"I have never wanted her, and I never wanted YOU!"

Keima turned away from Kumuro and stormed out. Kumuro turned away from Ayumi and held his hands out.

"Wait! I'm sorry!"

Kumuro sighed, reflecting on his behaviour. Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice near him.

"You're the guy from yesterday..."

Kumuro turned around, having his eyes on Mio. Her blonde hair sparkled from the sun, revealing no traces of dust and dirt. Her face appeared soft like silk. Her uniform looked brand new. He looked down, noticing her polished black shoes. He then elevated his face, gazing upon her blazing diamond eyes.

"Is... Is there something you want from me?"

Mio extended her arms out, revealing a "ten-thousand yen" note.

"You can have it, if you don't tell anyone about it..."

Kumuro's eyes shifted to the note, studying the letters imprinted on the note. The letters were printed through a simple pen. The edges around the note looked inconsistent. Rips were present on the sides. Kumuro sighed.

"I… I don't need it, thanks."

Mio's eyes stretched, feeling vulnerable. The diamonds in her eye sparkled brighter.

"Then…"

Her eyes lowered, showing anger towards Kumuro.

"What does it take for you to keep this thing silent?"

He stared at Mio's fiery eyes, wondering what to say.

"I appreciate what you're trying to do for me…"

Kumuro sighed.

"But I don't want anything from you…"

Mio's teeth gritted. She quickly turned away from Kumuro. Kumuro crossed his lips.

"I don't mean to be rude, but maybe you should stop pretending to be rich."

Her hands gripped tightly. I am the daughter of the Aoyoma family! I am rich!Mio walked away from him. Kumuro sighed again.

Kumuro looked down on the footpath, feeling depressed. Images of Keima popped inside his mind, condemning him for making his life hell. Kumuro's hand tightened, showing anger to himself. He stood at the crossing line, waiting for the green light to glow. The red light reminded him of his old school; the days where he sat on the red seat, away from everyone else. He would play his PFP, not expecting anyone to come to him. Bullies would sneak up from behind, ready to ambush unsuspecting preys and giving them hell. As the green light shined, Kumuro walked across the road, venturing towards a convenience store.

The door swung open by itself, letting Kumuro inside. He travelled through the aisle and spotted a shelf full of chip packets. He pulled out a red packet whilst licking his lips. His mouth watered at the words "Very hot chilli". Just as he would turn around and walk towards the counter, he spotted a familiar man. Morida held a magazine on his right hand from the magazine shelf, reading articles on celebrities. His left hand carried a basket filled with processed goods. Kumuro walked towards Morida, braving the unknown.

"Excuse me. I want to ask you something..."

Morida turned around.

"Have we met before?"

Kumuro sighed.

"You can say that I had met a girl that you were with before."

Morida cocked his eyebrows.

"Really?"

Kumuro nodded his head.

"I was wondering if that girl is actually rich or not..."

Morida placed the magazine back on the shelf.

"So your one of those people who witnessed Mio-chan..."

Morida sighed.

"She was rich... But she's no longer rich..."

Kumuro placed his hands on the lip.

"Her family went bankrupt?"

Morida shook his head.

"It's more like this – her father died and another person not in her family had taken over her father's position."

Kumuro sighed.

"I'm... I'm sorry..."

"You shouldn't really be."

Kumuro cocked his eyebrows. Morida faced away from Kumuro, staring at the blue sky.

"That stubborn little girl still wanted to think that she's rich. And I hated myself for helping her out."

His eyes squinted.

"The most reckless thing that drove me mad is that she had spent money on something more than necessary."

He clenched his fists, expressing anger.

"That poor mother of hers has to make money at a supermarket. If Mio continued with her reckless behaviour, she will be spending the rest of her life out on the streets."

Morida strolled towards the counter, placing the items on the bench. He then placed his basket next to the goods. The cashier held out a small device, scanning the items in front of him.

"One day, she'll face the harsh truth of her reality..."

The cashier placed the goods back inside the basket. Morida pulled out a note and placed it on the bench. The cashier swapped notes with coins. Morida collected the coins on the bench, placing them carefully in his pocket. He then left the store, carrying the basket with him. Kumuro hesitated to walk to the counter holding his packet of chips. His mind popped up, asking Kumuro to help Mio out.

Another day passed by for Keima. He quickly strolled through the footpath, eager to avoid Kumuro. The constant rants and ramblings from Kumuro played in his head. His eyes weary, lacking a good night's gaming. His face focused on the PFP screen, staring at the girl. She wore a white t-shirt with blue shorts. Her hair tied up by green ribbons. Her yellow hair shined. Her ruby red eyes beckoned Keima to kiss her. Keima's eyes glowed with glee. His mouth opened widely, drooling on his shirt. Suddenly, the crowd cheering boomed in his ears, forming ultrasonic waves bouncing around his brains.

Reacting to the pain, Keima lowered his PFP and faced the crowd. The crowd stood near the sports field, cheering for the participants. Why did I keep coming back here? That annoying shit will sure to find me here. Keima faced away from the crowd, power walking his way through the path. The sound of Ayumi's name caught his attention, beckoning him to face the crowd again. He saw Ayumi behind the crowd, standing near the starting line. She bent her right leg forward, preparing to run through the tracks. Keima cocked his eyebrows, noting her untied rushed away from the crowd, dashing towards the hurdle.

As she leapt over it, her feet collided into the plastic bar. Her body swung over, diving towards the ground. In a slow motion, the crowd ran towards her, witnessing her moaning on the ground. She slowly lifted herself up, attending to her aching leg.

"Oh no! She won't be able to race!"

"This is terrible! It's supposed to be her chance…"

Keima faced away from the crowd, spotting a group of three older female racers standing away. Their sinister snickering sent his spine chilling. He moved his head gazing upon Ayumi's face. Her saddened face and her cries from her pain forced him to shed a tear. Feeling angry at himself, he stormed away from the crowd. His mind beckoned him to take action. Submitting to its will, Keima stopped and looked at Ayumi for one last time. He turned away and marched to another location.

Kumuro strolled through the school grounds, embarking on a search for Mio. His little mind whined, wanting him to first make up with Keima. His feet ignored it, carrying out its mission. If I was that girl… Where could I sit? He listed all of the possible locations in his head. An image of an abandoned theatre house glimmered inside his head. He quickly raced to his destination, wanting to help someone before lunchtime's over. His feet stomped on the ground, stopping his body. He gazed upon Mio's saddened face. She sat on the small wall forming a passage to the theatre. She spent her time eating her omelette soba bread from a few days ago.

Kumuro's eyes watered, wanting to shed a tear. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to be strong. He marched towards Mio whilst rehearsing a few words inside his mind. As he stood in front of Mio, she tilted her head upwards. Her eyes glared at him.

"Did you come back for something you want?"

Kumuro took a deep breath, creating a calm flow within his body.

"I had a chat with that bodyguard of yours…"

Mio faced away from Kumuro. Her teeth gritted.

"Damn you Morida…" she whispered.

Kumuro sat next to Mio whilst thinking of other words to say.

"I've seen many members of rich people's family fall. I'd once met a guy whose dad owns a gaming console company. "

Mio's body froze, feeling some weird vibes from Kumuro.

"He tried to act rich, even after his father had to find some other job."

Kumuro stared at the sky. The clear blue sky reminded him of a sunny day that he enjoyed a lot.

"Then one day, when a teacher found out about his misfortunes, he told the boy "Son, all rich people started out poor. There's no need for you to pretend to be rich when you can reach to the top"."

Mio slowly turned her head, intrigued by his words.

"No matter how hard you or your family falls to the bottom, you don't need to pretend you're still at the top. There's still time to climb up there."

Kumuro turned his head facing Mio.

"It's never a good time to run away from the cold hard facts, but you still have a shot at it!"

Kumuro smiled at Mio.

"That look in your eyes tells me that you will be rich again!"

Mio blushed, reacting to his smiles. What… What's this feeling? No one has made me feel like this before. Mio's hands shook. The weird vibes she received grew bigger. She gritted her teeth, blaming her body for having these vibes. Having enough of her weakness, her face shrugged off the blushes. Her body forced the goose bumps out. She stood up and turned away from Kumuro, clenching her fist.

"I'm not gonna listen to anymore of your crap!"

Mio strutted away from him, carrying her lunch with her. Kumuro sighed, feeling failure in his head.

"Well… At least I tried…"

Kumuro slowly stood up, feeling defeat surrounding his head. He slowly walked away from Mio, aimlessly moving his body. Mio stoped walking and turned around. Her face blushed again at the sight of his body. Her arms formed more goose bumps. Her legs trembled. Feeling that he'll turn his body again, she quickly turned away from him and marched forward.

Ayumi rested her body on a school bed. Her face sad, having something in her mind playing constantly. She stared at her right feet covered in thick bandages. Keima peered through the door, staring at her face and standing outside the sick bay. He sighed, wondering why he had come here. An image of small Keima appeared in front of him, floating mid air. He pouted his lips at Keima. Frowning at mini-Keima, he pushed it aside and strolled inside. Noticing his presence, Ayumi tilted her head. Her eyes gazed upon Keima's poker face. She immediately turned her head away from him, focusing on a poster on the wall.

"Why are you here?"

Keima took a deep breath. His hands somehow felt numb. His legs wobbled. His stomach growled, creating a weird feeling inside.

"I…"

Keima hesitated. He had forgotten how his voice rusted over the years without talking to any girls.

"I just wanted to see if you're feeling better for tomorrow's race."

Ayumi gritted her teeth.

"Idiot! My foot's badly injured!"

She grabbed her drink bottle next to her and threw it at him. The bottle impacted on Keima's head, forcing him to collapse like a bowling pin. He struggled lifting his body, recovering from his fall.

"I believe that it has never been injured."

Ayumi clenched her fist. She faced Keima, frowning at him.

"People can get easily injured running at full speed!"

Keima fiddled with his glasses.

"That may be… But you weren't running at full speed."

Ayumi widened her eyes. Her eyes appeared watery.

"Usually you would do 100% when you tie your hair up. But you didn't…"

Tears flowed out of her eyes. She covered her face, hiding her weakness from Keima.

"I tried as hard as I can to improve! But I'd never gotten better! I don't think I will ever improve!"

Keima's eyes watered, forcing him to shed a tear. Instead, he walked towards Ayumi.

"It doesn't matter about improving yourself…"

Ayumi lifted her face up, wiping the tears of her face.

"I believe that you're the best runner out there…"

Ayumi's cheeks reddened. A strange vibe covered her body.

"You… You really think so?"

Keima formed a smile.

"You had shown me how much you wanted to win. No other girls I seen had ever been as dedicated as you are."

Ayumi's body formed goose bumps. Keima turned away from her, walking towards the door.

"Ka… Katsuragi-kun."

He stopped near the door and turned around.

"Will you… Will you cheer for me at the race tomorrow?"

Keima blushed. He quickly covered his face using his hands.

"Yes… Yes I will."

Keima turned around and exited the door. Ayumi sighed, continuing to feel the vibes from Keima.

The school bell rang, signalling the end of school. Keima strolled through the school grounds, playing with his PFP. Usually he would smile when seeing cute 2D girls. However, his cheeks were blushing. His mind was on a different train of thought. His feet somewhat stopped, forcing him to look up. Kumuro stood in front of him. Kumuro sighed, saddened to see Keima's face. Keima lowered his PFP, feeling somewhat guilty.

"Hey there."

Kumuro turned away from Keima, facing the school doors.

"I thought you never wanted me."

Keima sighed. This boy... Why don't I feel right? Maybe... Maybe he wanted... Keima tucked his PFP inside his pocket.

"I… I'm sorry."

Kumuro opened his eyes widely.

"I… I didn't realise I was being a jerk to you."

Keima sighed again, feeling stupid. Reality, are you forcing me to make friends? You know very well that I already have what I needed! Kumuro formed a poker face and faced Keima.

"I never had many friends at my old schools. In fact, I think I've been alone all the time."

Feeling more vibes, Keima forced himself and strolled towards him. My body, I... I can't control it... He held his hands out.

"I didn't really expect someone like you would want to be friends with me."

Kumuro stared at his hands. He then held his arms out and lunged at Keima's body. His arms squeezed Keima's body, screaming in pain.

"I'm sorry buddy for being obnoxious! I'm really sorry for not respecting your feelings towards that girl!"

"Stop… Squishing… Me…"

Realising Keima's calls, Kumuro immediately released him. He scratched his head, feeling more embarrassed.

"I'm also sorry for that."

Keima growled at him. Realising Kumuro's feelings, he reformed his poker face and cooled his anger. Kumuro smiled at him, feeling happy once again.

"You wanna come over to my place? We can play all of the PFP and PF3 games I own."

Keima sighed. In the end, I don't really have a choice.

"Fine…"

Keima and Kumuro strolled together, leaving school for another day.

Author's Note: Welcome to this series about Keima. I like to thank those who have been putting comments on it. Well appreciated! If you're wondering whether I will be putting light novel characters in, it could be possible, but not now. I have yet to see the light novel, as I have trouble finding sources for translated light novels. Well, enjoy this series, because I have a lot to develop my OCs!