Author's note: Thank you markfrost and RAISER KON for finding the Ievan Polkka part to be funny. I'm not really good at writing humor, but my intentions are to copy Tanigawa Nagaru's style in writing it. A few sarcastic and cynical remarks could initiate a chuckle here and there.

And my deepest thanks to Anon for reviewing this story professionally. Don't worry, I'm not offended. Notch (the creator of Minecraft) had stated before: "Life is too short to be offended by stuff.", so I'm not going to be offended in any way. If anything, your review helps me with my writing. A lot.

This paragraph is dedicated to Anon, so for the others who are not interested, skip ahead. I started writing this story without any knowledge of literature. I've read books here and there, but I didn't analyze them. I've re-read the earlier chapters of this story, and I found it eerily messed up (especially, like you've mentioned, the tenses). I wanted to fix them, but laziness caught up, sorry about that. And about the Mary Sue-ness of my OCs, I guess you could say it's a selfish way to express my anger towards the weak male main characters out there (I'm looking at you, harem animes). But I guess it's alright if I keep them interesting to read and follow. So, once again, thank you for your detailed review for this story. I really appreciate it.

Sorry for the lengthy note, enjoy the chapter!


"So, how was Hirasawa-san?"

"She's fine. She'll be able to perform."

"Ah, that's good to hear."

The stars above shone brightly as I lit a smoke. The events today were quite bizarre, starting from Yui's phone call, followed by my unexpected act of running towards her house. I was minding my own business until this friendly neighbor of mine decided to trespass by climbing the not-so-tall of a fence that separated our houses.

"We were quite shocked as you ran out of the building in such magnificent speed." Tanigawa began, his smile still intact. "Tanaka-san stopped us from chasing. He stated that it was nothing to worry about."

"I see…" I muttered, puffing on my cigarette.

The gentleman chuckled a bit. He leaned against a tree, gazing at the skies. "Frankly, I was really surprised as I saw you rushed to Hirasawa-san's house after the phone call. Pardon me for saying this, but that was really… not you."

"I know. I've no idea why I did that." I stated, remembering the earlier events. "I feel like someone is screwing with my head, I've been acting really weird lately."

"I assure you, nobody is doing any brainwashing in this time of the year." Tanigawa said, his smile getting wider, and more annoying. "The culprit of your state of confusion is none other than the most common feeling that humans ever feel. I'll leave it to you to guess what this 'feeling' is."

"Not interested." I refused bluntly.

"If that's what you want, very well. But I might need to warn you that you will learn of this feeling, whether you want it or not."

"Whatever." There's no such thing as 'learning something we don't want'. It's us that control what we would like to learn, and not to learn.

"Well then, I believe it's getting late. Adieu, Yamamoto-san." Tanigawa ran up to the fence and climbed it, landing on his property which was located beside mine. With a last wave of hand, he disappeared inside.

"Annoying bastard." I muttered, putting out my smoke.

Of course, I didn't really hate the guy. He was a good man, but that smile of his could be really annoying at times. I would like to know what Kyon had to say about his fellow brigade member, Koizumi. Pretty sure he had the same thoughts as mine.

The next day was the day before the school festival. Yui attended school like usual, her fever had gone away like a leaf blown by the winds of spring. I noticed her cheerfulness was kicked up a notch, probably due to the festival drawing close.

It was then that I was reminded of a certain sacred book I found in her room.

Goddamn scumbag brain, deciding to remind me of such uncomfortable stuff in a bad timing.

"Hiromi-kun, thanks for yesterday!"

Before class started, it was a bit of a tradition for us to gather and talk about stuff. I usually remained silent in these times, but I suppose it was quite impossible to do so today. Gathering around us was the Light Music Club (sans Akiyama, Kathy and Nakano), along with a few students from our class.

"Yeah, sure." I muttered, not in the mood for words.

"What are you guys talking about?" A random female student chirped, looking really interested.

"Hiromi-kun took care of me yesterday!" Yui answered cheerfully.

"Really? So that's why you suddenly dashed out of the building." Another student piped in, turning her head to me.

"That was an act of reflex." I stated.

"Oh, that's just cute."

"Shut up, there's nothing 'cute' about it."

The girls around me went to a giggling fit. I sighed as I closed my eyes and hung my head.

"Damn it…" I feebly muttered.

Class went by like any other day. The only difference I could feel was the decreased performance in my studies. I believe you could guess what caused it.

After school, I went with Kyon to the old school building, the reason being that the others had cleaning duties.

"How's the club so far?" The cynic sparked a conversation as we walked through the crowded building.

"All is well." I replied. "Might be a bit too eccentric at times, but fun. How's the Brigade?"

Kyon tiredly sighed as he shook his head. "She's getting more and more energetic by the day."

"Suzumiya?"

"Who else?"

"I guess that's inevitable." I stated. "That's just her character, and it won't change that easily."

"Yeah… my thoughts exactly." He muttered. "But somehow I don't want her to change."

I was a bit surprised at that. "Why?" I asked.

Letting out a chuckle, Kyon turned his head to me with a smile. "Some things just can't be explained." He stated.

I raised an eyebrow at the shorter man. Deciding to let it go, I put my focus back on walking.

"Whatever…"

We parted ways as we arrived in the front door of the SOS Brigade. After quick words of luck from him, I continued walking through the hall.

The music room was quiet, really different from the usual lively atmosphere it held. Tossing my bag to the bench, I sat down and grabbed Yui's acoustic guitar.

My hands moved on its own, I got to the A, E, B, then I got the blues.

Hey babe, what's in your eyes?
I saw them flashing like airplane lights
You fill my cup, babe, that's for sure
I must come back for a little more

You got my heart, you got my soul
You got the silver, you got the gold
You got the diamonds from the mine
Well that's all right, it'll buy some time

Tell me, honey, what will I do
When I'm hungry and thirsty too
Feeling foolish (and that's for sure)
Just waiting here at your kitchen door?

Hey baby, what's in your eyes?
Is that the diamonds from the mine?
What's that laughing in your smile?
I don't care, no, I don't care

Oh babe, you got my soul
You got the silver, you got the gold
A flash of love, just made me blind
I don't care, no, that's the big surprise

I don't know what caused me to sing this song. One of Keith Richard's best, I remember my dad singing it in memory of my mother. Heh, it's scary how my brain could remember this song without an event that triggers it.

The door creaked open, revealing my good old friend. Yuuki came barging in, tossing his bag to the spot beside me.

"Where are the others?" I asked.

"Not done yet." He replied, stretching his limbs. "You Got The Silver… I wonder why you sang that song."

So he heard.

"No reason." I bluntly stated, putting on a straight face.

"Come on, man. I've been with you for only so long, I can easily tell when you lie."

"I'm not lying, it just came to my head all of a sudden."

"Ah, that's too bad." Yuuki muttered, waking towards the coffee brewer. "Then, we should ask the psychology expert why it came so suddenly."

"Look, it's not something worth asking-"

I was interrupted by the door swinging open. Enter Kathy, her cheerful smile was plastered neatly on her face.

"Kathy! A question for you." Yuuki greeted the old friend, a bit too dramatically, I noted.

"Yeah? What is it?" Kathy was interested. She tossed her bag to the bench and closed the door.

"Hiromi started singing a love song all of a sudden. What is the reason of doing so?"

"Isn't it obvious?" The blond held up a smirk. An annoying one at that.

"He's in love!" the duo said in unison, with Kathy pointing her index finger at me.

"I am not." I stated, growing tired of this stuff.

"You're in denial!"

"I am NOT in denial, the song just popped in my head, and that's that."

"So who's the lucky girl, Yamamoto?" Kathy leaned closer to me.

And once again, I initiated a move that even Kyon found interesting: the facepalm.

The two kept pressing me further, said that I'm actually in love with someone. They were like the Three Stooges, sans one member.

Needless to say, the day continued annoyingly frustrating.

The next day, the beginning of the cultural festival. I strode my legs through the festive school without anything in mind. We agreed that the concert would be held around afternoon, so I spent the morn by walking around like a zombie to kill time.

Eventually, I came across someone who had the same mindset as me. In his untidy fashion, Kyon wandered around the school, looking left and right for anything interesting.

"Found something interesting?" I asked him as I was behind the shorter man.

"No, just like last year." He replied. "Quite curious of the magic show, though."

"When?"

"Should be starting soon."

"Got nothing better to do anyway. I'll go with you."

We walked towards the field, where the show would be held. Various people were waiting on the provided seats, ranging from children to the elderly. A few students were also present, mostly girls.

The excessive number of females were quite mysterious. It was when I saw Akiyama on one of the seats that I realized what caused it.

"Who's performing?" I asked Kyon.

"Koizumi and your friend from the club, Tanigawa."

Nailed it.

We took our seats beside Akiyama, who was rather excited to see her boyfriend on stage. She held her phone up, aiming straight to the front.

"Shouldn't you be practicing?" I asked the bassist.

"Ssh, I'm recording!" she replied.

Somehow I felt a heavy sense of déjà vu… oh, wait.

The two performers appeared. Coming from the left, Tanigawa, with his usual smile still on his face. Koizumi entered from the right, waving his hand to the audience. Needless to say, they were greeted by the girls excitedly.

"Good morning, everyone! It's a fine day, don't you think?" Koizumi began.

The replies were mostly coming from the girls screaming their lungs out. I might need a doctor to check on my ears after this.

"A fine day indeed, Koizumi-san! Are you all ready for the show?" Tanigawa asked the spectators.

Again, high pitched screams were heard. One thing they didn't know was the fact that one of these fine gents had ruthlessly killed 30 people a few weeks ago. If they knew of this, I would expect less cheering.

"I regret coming here." Kyon stated, performing a facepalm.

"What caught your interest, anyway?"

"I want to know the tricks they have up in their sleeves, it's interesting to figure out."

That's a good reason to watch a magic show. "Bear with it, I'm interested, too."

Tanigawa pulled out a blue colored balloon out of goddamn nowhere. Koizumi, with his gentle smile, reached for something in his coat pocket.

"I'm sure you all know what this is…" He then pulled out a gun, earning a few gasps from the girls. "Do not fear, it is merely a toy. Now, I'm sure you would only think of bad things when it comes to pistols. But this gun is friendly! It could change colors of balloons!"

"Ain't that cheesy." I muttered.

"Now, I will change the color of the balloon held by my dear friend. Get ready!" Koizumi aimed the toy gun to the balloon with one hand.

Bang!

True to his words, the previously blue balloon turned red. The audience cheered and clapped as they saw the magic in front of their eyes.

Of course, they were all fooled.

"An old trick." I stated, my voice covered by the applause from the crowd.

"Mind explaining?" Kyon turned his head to me.

"Before blown, the red balloon was placed inside the blue one."

"So that's actually two layers of balloons?"

"Yeah. Now, why did Tanigawa held the balloon? It could be placed on the ground by adding weight such as a stone."

"So he could pop the blue balloon?"

"Exactly." I stated. Kyon's observing skills were quite sharp, I was impressed. "The sound of the gunfire was to distract the audience, as well as covering the sound of the popping balloon."

"Heh, genius."

"That was amazing, Koizumi-san! Now, for the next one…"

The show went on smoothly. The audience was mostly fooled, but not me. I told Kyon the tricks behind every magic they performed, and he digested it quite easily. He was quite fond of learning new things, so I kept throwing in a few facts to expand his knowledge.

Teaching someone is always fun, and it gets even more fun if the person you're teaching is a quick learner.

"Well, that's all from us! Thank you, and have a good day!"

With that short ending, the duo exited the stage. I went backstage along with Akiyama and Kyon to greet the magicians.

"That's amazing, Kaito-kun, Koizumi-kun!" Akiyama exclaimed as she met her boyfriend and his partner.

"Thank you, Mio-san. Did you figure out the tricks?"

"No, but Yamamoto-kun did." Akiyama pointed to me.

"Ah, I did not expect anything less from you, Yamamoto-san." Koizumi added.

I kept quiet, not wanting to sound like an arrogant man.

"Anyways, we should get going to the music room. The concert starts in an hour." Tanigawa announced, taking a glance at his watch.

"Well, I'll be waiting at the gym. Good luck, you three." Kyon stated, walking away.

The three of us walked towards the clubroom through the crowded and festive building. It was way more packed than last year, much to my dismay.

Opening the door and letting Akiyama in first, we were greeted by the others with high spirits. They were all present, sans Yui who was at an unknown location.

Curious, I decided to ask. "Where's Yui?"

"She should be here soon, she's helping the class with the café." Yuuki stated.

Oh yeah, the class decided to open up a café for the event.

Speak of the devil, the door creaked open, revealing the aforementioned person.

It was then I noticed something was off.

"Where's your guitar?"

The room went to a silence after I asked the question. After a few seconds of a blank stare she gave me, she widened her eyes.

"I forgot Giitah!"

"You what!" exclaimed the girls.

"How much time do we have left?" I asked the others.

"45 minutes. Should make it if you run!" Kathy exclaimed.

"I'm on my way." I stated as I ran to the door.

"Wait, Hiromi-kun! It's okay, I don't have to perform!" Yui shouted to me before I left.

"Like hell it is!"

You're pretty excited a few days before, now you're telling me it's okay? You're out of your mind!

Dashing out of the music room, I ran through the old school building with haste.

No, running will not be effective. I will tire easily. I need some kind of transportation.

Kyon!

I ran towards the gym as fast as I could. A few confused looks were present, but I ignored it.

It doesn't matter if I look weird, running throughout the school like a murderer chasing his victim. What matters now is Yui's wish to perform!

Kicking the door open, all pairs of eyes landed on me. I spotted Kyon standing near the door, a confused look on his face.

"Kyon, I'm going to need your bike!"

"What? What for?"

"It's an emergency!"

"Alright, here's the key!" he grabbed the key from his pocket and tossed it to me.

Catching it, I gave the man a small 'thanks' before sprinting towards the school gate.

Descending the hill was quite tiring, but that didn't stop me from my task. It took a lot more than a steep hill to stop me!

Reaching the parking lot with tired legs, I unlocked the chains that held Kyon's bike into safety. I got on and started pedaling towards the Hirasawa residence.

They said bikes are for relaxing rides on the countryside, with the sunset and the birds as the view...

Hell no. I'm on a pinch here, I don't have time to enjoy some stupid motivating views!

Going through the whole city just to get Yui's guitar… what the hell is wrong with me? I don't even think of the consequences of my reckless action. Let's see… my position could be easily replaced with Kathy, so the concert's pretty much safe. Kyon's bike? I could probably get smashed by a car if I kept riding this thing recklessly, so I need to be careful.

Screw carefulness! I need to get there as quick as possible, screw you, red lights!

The bright red light that magically stopped every car from going through didn't stop me as I pedaled faster. I could barely feel my legs, but the adrenaline kept me going. Horns blown, shouts heard, middle fingers raised, all those little things didn't slow me down at all.

A few minutes of pedaling, I arrived at the Hirasawa residence. It was all well, until I realized I had overlooked one tiny detail.

"How the hell am I supposed to get in?"

As I pondered on how to gain access, a car stopped by the front gate. Coming out of the vehicle were two people, a man and a woman, both middle-aged. They happily walked side by side until they noticed me.

"Ah, a guest?" The man asked with a gentle smile on his face.

By a quick glance, I could easily guess that these people were Yui's parents. The fact that they parked the car in front of the Hirasawa residence, plus the striking resemblance of Yui, I couldn't be wrong.

"Yui's friend, I came here to get her guitar." I stated, getting to the point.

"I see… well, then, do come in." Yui's father then walked over to the door, unlocking it.

"Sorry, but I'm in a hurry."

Just before the man could ask further questions, I went inside, then upstairs with haste. Inside Yui's room, I found her guitar already packed neatly. I grabbed it and blasted away downstairs.

"Would you like some te-"

"Next time!" I cut off the mother's offer, running towards the door with high speed.

Getting on the bike, I secured the Gibson by wrapping the strap around my body. Once again, I hit the streets.

I know it's rather rude for me to do that, but an emergency is still an emergency. The priority stands, no matter what.

Thankfully, there were no red lights to stop me on my way back to the school. Just like Keith Richards had stated: my luck hasn't run out yet.

Parking the bike and locking it took quite some time, but I managed to do it without panicking. Now, for the worst part…

I think I'm going to call this hill The Steep Hill of Death from now on…

I hiked this hill everyday. But with numb legs, a tired mind, and screwed lungs due to excessive smoking, I could barely survive it.

"Come on!" I shouted before running up the hill.

It was exhausting, carrying a heavy guitar while focusing on my breathing. Fortunately, it was fall. If it was summer, in this hour, I could easily pass out from heat stroke.

I reached the school, eventually. I could barely breathe normally, and my head was spinning. It took a lot of effort just to stand up straight.

I shook myself awake and ran towards the gym, ignoring the overwhelming exhaustion.

I could hear a few sounds coming from inside the building, it seemed the concert had started. Kicking the door in, I saw a full house, with some people in the back turning their heads to me with a look of surprise. On the stage was the Light Music Club, with Yui standing behind the mic. As soon as she saw me, she jumped off the stage and ran up to me.

Thankfully, they were just holding a mock concert to stall the crowd. My mission was a success, Yui could definitely perform.

I handed over her beloved guitar, ignoring the stares that landed on us.

"Thank you, Hiromi-kun…" Yui said, hugging me tightly.

I cringed as I heard the 'aww's coming from the audience.

I do not like this at all.

"Just go, these bastards are waiting." I stated in a low voice.

Releasing her hug, Yui gave me a sweet smile before running back towards the stage.

"Sorry for the wait, now let's start!"

With that, Tainaka cued the others. Starting with 'Fuwa Fuwa Time', the crowd went to a cheer.

"That was one hell of an act."

I turned my head to the voice. Kyon stood there, offering me a bottle of water.

"Thanks." I took it from his hand in exchange of his key.

"You ran down the hill, went to Hirasawa's house, then back up here while carrying a heavy guitar in less than an hour." Kyon recited. "The hell were you thinking?"

"Worth it." I said after a swig of the pure mineral water. "Look at that, the girl's never been so happy before."

Kyon turned his head towards the stage, focusing on Yui. The girl on the guitar and vocals was undoubtedly in joy. She sang with all her heart, hoping to entertain the audience like no one could. It was quite a marvelous sight, I'd never seen Yui so… bright before.

A small chuckle came from the cynic. "Guess you're right."

The concert went smoothly, and the crowd was pleased. I didn't almost collapse for nothing, then. Yui was able to perform, and her wish came true. They said that there was no greater feeling than helping someone in reaching their dreams. They were right, it felt really good after I saw Yui's performance.

The night came by in a flash. With a rather tired body, I rested myself on the rooftop. The bonfire could be seen clearly from here, the students were either dancing, talking or waiting for a partner.

Sighing, I leaned against the fence, my back facing the crowded fields below.

As I looked back on the events that occurred today, I was quite confused. Going through the whole city just to get Yui's guitar wasn't something I would do.

Maybe I'm changing. Maybe Kathy's right, I'm in denial…

No, that is certainly not the case. Nobody can change so easily, and like hell I'm in denial.

Sounds of steady footsteps snapped me out of my thoughts. Enter Yui, her face showed happiness in the fullest, and her eyes were sparkling like the golden apples in Minecraft.

"Whatcha doing up here?" She greeted.

"Enjoying the breeze." I replied.

"Isn't it cold?" Yui stood beside me, watching the people below.

"Not really."

It is kind of cold here, but at least I can get some time alone. Hey, everything has its risks.

We stood at the top of the building, covered in the sound of some classical music from below. It was then that Yui decided to break the silence.

"Thank you for today, Hiromi-kun."

I turned my head to the girl. She was still gazing at the view below us, her eyes locked to the bonfire.

"Sure." I answered, not in the mood for words.

"Honestly, you surprised me, rushing out all of a sudden." Yui turned her head to me, smiling with grace.

"You wanted to perform, I'm just helping you as a friend." I stated.

"…friend, huh."

"Come again?"

"N-nothing, forget what I said!"

I raised an eyebrow at the airhead. Deciding to let it go, I sighed and turned my back to face the fence.

Few students were dancing, including Yuuki who partnered with his girlfriend, and Akiyama, with Tanigawa. They were genuinely happy as they moved to the beat of the music, and with the rather romantic atmosphere caused by the bonfire, the joyful feelings of the crowd was amplified.

"Let's dance, Hiromi-kun."

Yui's request distracted me from analyzing the people below. Turning my head, I saw her smiling, her eyes sparked with excitement.

"No." I bluntly refused.

"Pleeaase?" She begged.

I frowned as I remembered a certain weakness of mine. It's been too long since you appear, my old friend, I guess you're not going to leave me anytime soon…

"Fine." I said, offering her my hand.

She took it, then placed her hand on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her waist, starting to move along the slow beat of the music. Yui narrowed her eyes, smiling a ladylike smile as we locked our sights.

That gaze… something about it makes my heart skip a beat. It's so… hypnotizing.

It was as if the brilliant stars, of billions and billions of age were taken from the skies and were put inside those magnificent pair of orbs.

We stopped dancing as the music ended. The movement ceased, but our eyes were still locked.

I don't want to let go of this beautiful sight just like that. No, let me gaze at her a little bit longer!

Unbeknownst to me, Yui was decreasing the distance between our faces in a slow rate. Her eyes closed, and her lips a bit parted. As soon as I felt her breath on my face, that was when I gave up all of my senses…

KA-BOOM!

The loud noise cancelled our previous actions. Turning our heads to the source, the sky was filled with colorful sparks, like those I had seen on the summer festival before.

"Tanaka-san! The school does not allow fireworks!" I heard Manabe frantically shouted.

"Breaking the rules once a year is fine, don't worry about it!" Yuuki replied, lighting another one.

"But-"

"Come on, lighten up, Manabe! The people love it!" My old friend said with a laugh.

Manabe's protests were silenced by the sounds of the fireworks. Yuuki was right, the students loved it. They were watching the colorful sky in delight, each with their partner of choice. I saw Nakano standing on a corner, putting up a facepalm at her boyfriend's act of delinquency.

A small giggle escaped Yui's lips, I turned my head to see her covering her mouth.

"Tanaka-kun always come up with the silliest ideas."

"Ever since junior high… that guy hasn't change at all."

Yui turned her head to me, smiling sweetly. "I think I'll go down there. See ya, Hiromi-kun!" She then scurried away downstairs to meet the others.

After making sure the airhead disappeared, I sighed tiredly, thinking of the previous events.

What the hell was she thinking? Wait, more importantly, what the hell was I thinking? Giving in to her just like that… I think I need to see a psychiatrist. I don't even want to know what would happen if Yuuki didn't light up the fireworks.

Screw it, my brain's not in shape to be thinking of such things. It's been one hell of a day, and all I need is a smoke, and a cup of coffee.

And maybe Minecraft, too.


Looks like the updates are going to be a bit slower... Minecraft Beta 1.9 Pre-release 2! WOOOOOO!