The World an Idol Only Knows
Final Flag: Our Shared Love Song
Disclaimer: This is a fan-base story. All scenes are a work of fiction and are no means based on real events or people, which is likewise pure coincidence. The World God Only Knows is owned by Wakaki Tamiki, please support the official release.
It was a few days after Keima had volunteered to take Kanon home. Things went back to how it should be for the young gamer. The days when the idol who was relentlessly inviting him to her concerts had ended. From the outside nothing really changed, but inwardly Keima felt frustrated with himself.
"Why does it feel like we left it on that note?" Keima begrudgingly asked himself. "It felt like it was finally over but why do I feel this sense of dissatisfaction?"
Keima continued to play his games after that one-time concert deal. He had enough to last him a few more days without buying more games for a while. It was strange that a few of the games he bought were quickly dealt with.
He posted his accomplishment on his usual site and has garnered more views and followers. There were also some pleas from his lost lambs which he quickly answered or left on a separate file to read later. Most of them were request about games in general.
In the God of Conquest's opinion, he didn't really care about the gaming features that much. Sure, there were times that the songs would catch his interest. How some unique game mechanics on some games both intrigue and annoy him. But through the end, catching the heroine was his ultimate goal. How he would accomplish their perfect happy ending was his to play out.
Like usual, Keima woke up to the sound of his alarm clock ringing. He rubbed his eyes and took his glasses from a nearby counter. He did his usual routine: get dressed, go downstairs to eat and leave for school all while playing games.
On the way to school, Keima received a harsh punishment from Ayumi for no apparent reason.
..
When the boy finally regained consciousness, Keima found himself lying on a bed. Keima felt this strange familiarity in the room and soon found the reason for his concerns.
"Morning, Gamer-kun~" It was one of the school's many infirmaries. It didn't help that it was also the room of the same nurse whom he made contact.
Keima let out a groan but his annoyance didn't last long. He finally remembered what happened earlier that morning. He asked -demanded- the reason behind the unexpected assault.
"She, and I am quoting her here, 'felt like it'." The nurse answered with air quotes to make her point. Once the other teachers heard that, they let it slide. Keima wasn't surprised really, he knew long ago about the school's bias towards him. Now that he thought about it, being acquainted with the faculty's bias doesn't sound all that healthy.
Still, Keima was excused from his classes this morning so that he could recover, a term they are using loosely in obvious annoyance of him. He checked the time by turning towards the clock, it was already pass third period. He saw no point in entering class now that it was too late.
Nurse Joy didn't mind that one of their students spends time in the infirmary. It was practically a regular occurrence to her at this point. Still, with a disarming smile, she asked how his week went with the young idol.
"How did you know about that?" Keima asked a bit reluctant to answer, specifically, the events that transpired on the last day.
"I heard it from the other faculty teachers." Nurse Joy had a beaming smile on her face. Keima didn't want to know any more than that.
Keima decided to ignore the topic entirely and went ahead to play his games. He didn't plan to return to class and the nurse didn't mind. The other reason is because of the Disciplinary Committee who patrol outside their classrooms from time to time.
He didn't want to deal with any of them.
Nurse Joy patiently waits for Keima's answer. It was gravely unnerving him for some reason. Try as he might, he still didn't comprehend her entirely. Surprisingly, he gave up within an hour because of the nurse's silent persistence.
Keima told her everything; the road trip to Tokyo, the concert, and their last day spent together. Nurse Joy didn't utter a word during the middle of his talk, this made him more annoyed.
"What?" Keima finally asked rudely, the Nurse noticed his tone but kept smiling.
"Ah, I was wondering if Gamer-kun enjoyed his time~" That caught Keima off guard. He turned his head away not daring to look at her.
"It wasn't bad or anything really," He muttered. The nurse slightly laughed as she places a hand on his shoulder. She was grateful that Keima was supporting the idol.
"It sounds like that she enjoyed her time with you too. Maybe~" She said with a pause, Keima didn't like the direction this was going. "She is beginning to fall for you~"
The nurse was in a cheerful mood but Keima didn't share the same sentiment. This caught the young nurse's eye.
"I am afraid… she doesn't see me in that light," Keima silently confessed, it was difficult for him to say it for some reason. Still, his gaze was on his lap; a portable console continuing to play music on his hands.
"Even though the girl clearly has her eye on you?" The young nurse asked a bit confused.
"I have my reasons to believe so; what she wants from me isn't my love, it is my admiration."
"Are you sure about that?" The nurse asked, Keima looked up. A pair of brown eyes staring up at her pure bright blue ones.
"Kanon-chan doesn't love me… she needs me,"
"Elaborate," Keima caught himself from showing any sign of surprise. Instead, he raised an eyebrow. "Tell me why you think she doesn't love you?"
Keima normally wouldn't have bothered with this. But, the person who asked has proven to be a trustworthy person… sometimes.
Still, she was a lot better acquaintance than some of the people he came across in his life.
He felt, however, that acknowledging the nurse was a bitter pill to swallow and he would never admit such facts in front of her! Especially since her eccentric personality makes him wary.
Keima relents and tells her how he felt… using gaming jargon.
He, at least to himself, felt at ease when speaking to her this way; a feeling which made him think that the nurse understands why he does so. She never brought it up though… then again, she was the one who used gaming logic to help him solve Kanon's case.
To his surprise, said nurse showed an extensive amount of hidden knowledge when it came to his favourite genre of games.
The talk wasn't really long, Keima explained Kanon's attachment to him was way too good to be true. He also pointed out that he would notice, from time to time, the idol's hidden pain which she tried to share. The fact that she chose not to tell him anything hurt him unknowingly.
"Wasn't she hoping that you would have figured it out on your own?" The Nurse pointed out, showing a rare case of intuition that Keima recognizes.
Keima agreed with her on that point. It would be easy for him to figure something out. In fact, he already has some form of theory on what the idol was hiding.
Unfortunately, the only ones who can affirm if he was right were Kanon's friends. The fact that he has no way of contacting them made it impossible for him to search further.
"But," Keima said to no one in particular. "I realize that even if I were to figure it out, it would have been best to hear it coming from the idol herself."
.
.
.
.
.
Keima was puzzled by the complicated expression the nurse showed on her face. She gave a look that told him a mixture of shock and awe.
"You are far more insightful than I first realized! Whatever happened to the troubled boy who came to me not too long ago?"
Keima, for the first time in his life, face palmed. He figured her eccentrics will come out sooner or later. Nurse Joy gave a giggle, an act which Keima will deny was in any way cute.
"Aww~ You are blushing~!" She teased.
"I am not! Shut up!"
Somehow, Keima felt more tired than rested. The nurse was unexpectedly hard to argue with, in ways that make him feel completely annoyed. He felt as if he was talking to an unreliable person who knows the realities of the world.
…
After their conversation passed, the two returned to what they were originally doing. Keima played his games while the nurse did paperwork. The only sounds coming from the room were the rustle of the leaves outside and Keima's console.
Occasionally, Nurse Joy would ask him if he was bored. Keima rolled his eyes at such an easy to answer question. She still teased him about how they were spending time together like a secret couple.
Thankfully, despite her upbeat attitude, Keima enjoyed his time relaxing in the comfort of his games along with the (mostly) quiet infirmary.
Nonetheless, Nurse Joy continued to make small talk with Keima. She told him about the reason why their school has so many school doctors and other staff around. Apparently, it was due to the Enforcers of their prestigious school.
Maijima Private High School is a prestigious academy with a long history. In fact, just about recently, it opened their doors for males to enter. The declining birth rate became an issue and many schools, which used to be exclusive or gender biased, swallowed their pride in order for the country to prosper again.
Unfortunately, many girls initially refused for any boy to enter their untouched Garden of Eden. So, without any other way to calm the mostly female populace, the chairman gave full authority to the Enforcers, now the modern day Disciplinary Committee, to take action.
By some twist of events, or cruel fate, the first batch of boys who entered left an everlasting scar on their once innocent school. Since then, men who entered were officially screened, their background checked before entering the school.
They also officially announced to the public the mistake they made when evaluating students. The boys who caused the mess were expelled indefinitely while concerns for school safety have been brought up. Many were called into a meeting the next day.
Though the girls were given power, men were naturally stronger and unpredictable. In the meeting, they discussed about many things but the results were never announced. The chairman hired medical staff and built stations around the school, most of which are inside the main building. The school also handed out invitations to many prestigious families with a good background; they wanted their sons to enroll to their school.
Hence, using such an old method to recruit reliable males founded a new system; a system which allowed for the females to exercise their power.
"…" Keima gave a look which betrayed no emotion behind his glasses. The nurse was confused at his silence and tilted her head.
"Something wrong, Gamer-kun?"
"You make it sound like the young men before me are a bunch of masochist who willingly submitted themselves to 3D girls. Think about that for a moment,"
It didn't take the nurse a minute to figure out what Keima was hinting. She laughed at his joke and the circumstances behind their school's history. Keima briefly smiled before silently reminding himself that the girls in their country have their life easy.
Their small world ended once the school bell rang for the whole school to hear followed by numerous feet rushing out of classrooms as if starting a marathon. One would mistake the sea of oncoming students as a herd of rhinos charging at you head on. Fortunately, students nearby got out of the way; even the Enforcers fear the start of the lunch hour. To everyone else, it was just another day for Maijima High, a fact which everyone mutually accepted and never bothered to change.
Keima picked up his things and put away his gaming console in his bag. He was unfazed by the many students making their way to their favorite stall.
"Leaving so soon big boy~" Nurse Joy audaciously teased, turning from her seat to meet Keima's back. On her hands was a single piece of candy which she took from the bowl placed at her table. She eagerly unwraps the treat with a sweet smile on her face. "I thought we were about to get into the fun part~"
Keima shook his head at the face of such teasing. Any normal man would have been easily charmed by such beauty but Keima was no such man. He knew how resilient he became the moment he set foot in the World of Games! No 3D Woman would make him steer so easily!
"Geez~ Lighten up will you? That frown really isn't cute at all~" The nurse said jokingly at the gamer's stoic face. Keima took note of her tone and realized that she also enjoyed their time together.
"Don't say that, even as a joke." Keima chastised half-heartedly as he turned back to the door. "We'll see each other another time,"
The nurse bid him farewell as he walked out. The ruckus outside the room seems to have disappeared and moved on. Some of them returning to class after obtaining their treats.
The lone gamer still had his bag with him. He wanted to head back to class but stopped himself. He still remembers that the runner might still be mad at him for unknown reasons and instead heads to the school's roof garden to relax.
"Hopefully, she would have cooled down once I return." Keima thought as the safety of the garden was a safe bet for him.
Keima cautiously headed for the roof, something inside of him told him to watch out. Unfortunately, Ayumi taught him the important lesson that the 'real' would unexpectedly spring out of nowhere without warning. And whatever came with it was usually trouble. He learned that the hard way.
He walked down the hall leading towards the stairs. A few of the students walked passed or are chatting with friends at the hall without a care. Keima took note that it was usually at this time that some of them eat somewhere with good scenery.
Speaking of scenery…
There was a time when the school's famous roof-side garden became a social hotspot for students. However, the principal ultimately decided to bar them entry in fear of any accidents. Though as of recently, the principal became lenient and allowed entry again after… a certain amount of time. Still, they weren't allowed to enter there during certain times of the day. As it was lunch period, the doors are open for the students but closed once lunch break is over.
Safe to say, rarely any student go to the garden these days. The number of students who do can be counted on one hand, Keima was one of these students. In the near future, he would meet with the rest of the dwellers who like the air and silence the place offered but that is for another time.
While Keima was making his way up; a girl, born from a prestigious family, was enthusiastically playing with her drumsticks on the floor above him. She absentmindedly played with her drumsticks along the hall while making her way down the stairs. In the hall she was in, there happened to be two boys playing catch using a baseball. The young girl, who was wearing a flower patterned Kimono, was also listening to music using her I-phone. She tucked her earphones behind her ear so she couldn't hear the two boys calling out to her, warning her of the ball making its way towards her.
Keima was turning the corner at this time to reach the floor above, he soon noticed a looming shadow covering his body. For a brief moment, Keima blinked in confusion when he suddenly felt his body automatically reaching God Mode on its own. Keima, with his senses flared up to eleven, looked up and noticed that a person was about to make a dangerous landing. Try as he might, Keima couldn't make his body move away on time due to his lack of experience and stamina on quick time events (IRL). Keima silently cursed his luck as he shuts his eyes accepting the inevitable.
In the small frame of time that played before him, Keima took note to find someone who will help him improve his reflexes.
There was a loud thud followed by a girlish scream, of who it came from was up to debate, the girl had an unexpected gentle landing. She didn't know it was cause of Keima, who cushioned most of the impact for her. Unfortunately, she was facing the ceiling and thus did not notice him.
Fortunately for the gamer, his portable game console was safely tucked away in his bag. The bag also absorbed some of the impact he would had received in any other circumstance. Keima still has some luck in him, enough to get by the day without any more casualties really. Still, this was unfortunate for the gamer as karma usually doesn't favor teens in any way.
For example; his glasses, they flew away at the moment of impact. He barely noticed this as the pain overcame his rational thinking.
For a slight lapse of time, Keima's mind became blank; his hands unconsciously wrapping around the girls waist. Finally, the two boys from earlier finally reached the scene before them. Worried, they asked if they were fine. Keima had the air blown out of him when the girl made contact with his body, so the best that he could do that at moment to reply was with a groan.
The girl, for a while now, was transfixed at the moment. She never experienced any accidents in her life until now due to her parent's upbringing. To some, it would be seen as a good thing, but to not receive any unfortunate incident even once is a learning experience. So, when she fell for the first time, her heart raced which made her flustered. She was under a trance for the pain which she expected never came.
Instead, she felt warm comforting hands wrapping around her like a soft blanket. A feeling she felt she lost long ago returned which intensified this unknown feeling in her chest. Only one thought entered her mind at that time... "This feels... so familiar and yet so distant..."
Keima, on his part, felt the exact opposite. The world was spinning around him and he can feel a headache coming at any moment. When he finally focused his otherwise blurred vision, the first thought that came to him was... "Did I save?"
It finally reached him that his glasses were missing, something which slightly annoys him. He then noticed a slight extra weight laying on his stomach followed by a soft feeling near his chest. For some odd reason, the sensation felt familiar to him. When he looked down, his eyes have locked with the girl on top of him.
The two boys beside them pause before the scene, before them as they lay on the floor brought out great feelings of nostalgia from the two. They were these two's Upperclassman. The two chuckled softly at such a sweet scene that they barely noticed the sound escaping their lips.
However, like in all other scenarios, this moment was not to last. No one realized the danger that they were in. A powerful bloodlust filled the air as the noises around them grew silent.
The first to notice the anomaly were the two boys. These two, believe it or not, are seniors about to graduate from this very school. So, the two have a combined six year experience of how their school works. So, the eerie silence around them was something they have gotten well acquainted with when something was wrong.
During their time as Freshmen Students, a certain girl came and dominated the school with force. They learned to respect her authority with fear for a whole year. The air felt thick with oppression which felt like a collar was placed on their necks.
This was their earned experience they accumulated during that single year.
The silence, however, felt like they were in the eye of a storm. There was only one time during their stay in Maijima High that this very situation happened. It was during their sophomore year when they noticed that their notoriously noisy school became silent...for a full minute. At that moment, everyone can hear their own hearts beating and the sound of someone breathing next to them and then it happened.
Killing intent spreading throughout the school like a wild flame followed by the heavy scent of iron. Experienced students knew that familiar scent and when the source was discovered many medical staff have ordered for students to leave the building to contain whatever happened that day.
The feeling of dread has traumatized a great number of students during their final year. Now that these two are seniors, they are fully aware of what to do in this situation.
And that was to run away.
The two silently prayed to any god who listened that the two they left behind would be fine. It was the normal reaction, no one would blame them for running away.
At the spot where the two once stood was a shadow, its gaze glowing red at the scene before it. It knew why it felt that way and it would only take it a few seconds to act out. The shadow is actually an older woman, wearing a traditional decorative black kimono with a unique pattern.
She gently lifted the girl off the floor with a disarming smile. The two notice her with a shock while the girl recognized her.
Keima regained his senses after breaking contact with the weird girl. However, he soon felt a strong pain spread throughout his body; a foot pressed hard upon his… family jewels.
The woman wasn't finished, unfortunately, so she pulled the young gamer to his feet albeit the pain Keima was feeling. Keima's breaths were ragged, the sharp pain barely making it impossible to even stand. Yet, the woman did not care nor showed any mercy.
It took her five minutes to finally leave when she was done. The cold chill in the air disappeared as soon as the two figures left the stairs, one chastising the other as they left. Keima was on the floor, for the second time, merely a shadow of his former self. The pain was no longer registering on his head, his breathing and thoughts barely being audible in both mind and body. He just laid there, on the ground, moaning in pain.
Fortunately for him, he wasn't going to be alone for long. A young boy, about his age, came into the scene completely startled. He was wearing a white jersey over his red school uniform. Keima didn't know that someone was next to him because he already passed out. Naturally, when the boy asked Keima if he was fine, Keima couldn't reply.
Inspections were made, the boy noticed that, luckily, Keima wasn't severely injured at a glance. Nodding to himself, he kneels down to feel Keima's pulse relieved once he felt it.
The boy took his time as he unbuttons Keima's uniform to search for any bruises or cuts hidden on his body… that is, any that are visible to him.
He concluded that this wasn't an attack by any of the boys in their school. Something which slightly delighted the young man. He did notice, however, the odd placement of his hands on his crotch. It didn't take a second to put two and two together.
The boy determined that a girl, probably someone within the school, assaulted Keima. He couldn't help but notice that Keima would unconsciously curl up and hide; scared of what is happening to him while he wasn't aware.
"I understand the feeling," The boy said with a sympathizing smile. "Just walk it off, you'll be fine."
Apathetic to the circumstances that lead to the scene before him, the boy was about to pick him up when he suddenly sense killing intent behind him.
In no time, the boy turned and kicked high displacing a chop aimed for the back of his head. The person behind him stepped away from the pain he received.
"And you are... sir?" This was nothing new to him. However, before him was an old man around his late forties wearing a black suit and satin white gloves. At first glance, he looked competent. But to the old man, his hand was throbbing like crazy.
"I didn't expect a youth such as you to stop that carefully aimed hit," The man said with a tone that gave approval of the youth's strength. Said boy looked annoyed for he knew that the man before him seriously wanted to knock him out.
A familiar scent caught his attention before the young boy could engage on a fight. He recognized it from someone else who regularly visits their school. "Hold on,"
"Hmm?"
"Are you by any chance a member of a certain household's monster parent?"
"…"
He didn't answer; he didn't need to as the boy has already reached that conclusion. He returned to the subject at hand. His purpose for attacking the youth. "I am here under orders to dispose of that insect. I assume that shewas referring to that one behind you."
The youth did not turn to check on Keima. If he had, the old man would have taken that chance and strike. Instead, he frowned, annoyed that someone would do this in theirschool.
"Leave old man," He warned taking a glance on the bottom stairs. "And tell them to screw off!"
The old man was unfazed but he can tell that confrontation wasn't an option. Under his better judgement, the old man backed off.
What happened at that moment was a feeling of intense pain spreading on his stomach and the air knocked out of his lungs as he flew a few paces backward. To his pride, he didn't fall to his knees immediately but was very close to doing so.
"I was careless...!"
The young boy stood there, palm held firmly forward where the old man once stood. At that moment, a cold chill raced down the old man's spine. Something about that boy in white made him realize that he was in great danger.
"I am an Enforcer, you know what that means right?" This caught the old man's attention. "Do not think that you can get out of this without receiving any form of retaliation."
The boy removed his outstretch hand before cracking his knuckles and adjusting his stance. The old man knew that this meant: 'Don't take this personally,'
"This is Maijima Private High School, a place where students are free from any trouble that dares to enter our sacred grounds. We are the Vanguards, the school police-The Invincible Enforcers!" The boy declared with raised fist.
"We fight to keep our fellow classmates from being targeted. Those who dare meet us!"
"I see," The old man replied between gritted teeth. He was in an understandable predicament.
"I will let you leave," The boy said as he loosened his stance but still kept a close eye on the old man. "Do not take us lightly. Pray to whoever God you believe in that we never cross paths again. And if I hear or find this boy missing then I will personally make sure to find you..."
The young boy's gaze became sharp. The old man felt a shiver crawl up his spine. In his life as a butler, he always knew the danger of taking care of the household. The years he served was a testament to his overall experience. But, this was the first time he felt endangered in the presence of a young man.
"I'll go... but this wouldn't be the last you see of me," The old man said as he fixes his tie and left.
The boy in white stood still for a short time before finally helping out Keima. He let out a sigh, the stress at the start of his rounds wasn't good for him. He fixed Keima's uniform then carried him on his shoulders and went off. Where he was headed wasn't what you would expect.
The boy was heading towards the roof garden, curiously no one came and notice him carrying the unconscious gamer. Still, the boy was not obligated to send Keima to the infirmary and instead brought the gamer with him. The boy felt that he will responsibly watch Keima until he wakes. For now. Also he had business to attend to that needed his attention.
Keima woke up with a start. It was already at the peak of noon when he noticed he was resting the second time that day on a bench. He has no idea how he got there as he remembered making his way up before his vision blurred and everything went blank. He tried to piece together what happened earlier but with no luck. Also, the pain his body felt was making it difficult to think.
At the moment, as he stood up, he noticed a pill and a water bottle beside him with small note attached. It read that it was a pain killer. Keima wasn't one to trust suspicious pills but it was better than nothing. So he took the pill and drank it down with water.
He still felt sore but this was an everyday feeling. He would mostly end up sleeping on his chair, so the feeling of discomfort is nothing new to him.
He was about to reach for his console when he noticed someone from the corner of his eye. Keima immediately turned and was surprised to see Kanon talking to someone obscurely hidden behind a few leaves and branches from his view. He did note that whoever she was talking to wants their meeting to be private as he can't hear their conversation; also, he felt that it was something he shouldn't meddle in. He sensed that trouble wasn't too far behind those leaves.
Keima turned away and was slightly glad that Kanon seemed busy to notice him right away. Still, he knew that his plans to take refuge up here was a bust. Sighing, Keima decides to leave and head back to class. At least there he can handle the runner and still be able to game in peace…
.
.
.
Unfortunately for him Kanon didn't allow it.
"Hey, Keima-kun~" She greeted him with a smile. "Did you have a good rest?"
The first thing that crossed the gamer's complex mind was that the idol was wearing her school uniform. This actually caught him by surprise as he completely missed that fact when he noticed her earlier. The second thing he took note of was the fact that she watched him as he slept.
Keima didn't want to completely digest the idea that the idol was watching him sleep. He felt freaked out, angry and slightly violated at the same time. Although, through this thick fog of wavering emotions, Keima prevailed in maintaining his façade and ignored his rush of negative feelings.
The fog cleared once he gained control and the heavy feeling died down with it.
Little did he know that this experience will become useful in the coming days to come.
"Don't do that," Keima stated bluntly, clearly annoyed by the idol's presence. "You almost made my heart jump!"
Keima looked away to cement his point across but it didn't reach the idol at all. In fact, Kanon was rather glad that her persistence is finally paying off. Keima would usually not say much at all and even if he did it was usually because it was his job. She hoped that after their tour that they would continue to grow fond of each other.
She was glad that the little interactions they made brought them closer.
Kanon's smile grew until she let out a giggle. Keima was getting used to Kanon's presence and in turn the idol felt that she was beginning to understand him a little better now.
Still, they both know that their worlds are far apart but they didn't care…
"Ne, Keima-kun," She called out as she leans forward to enjoy the cool breeze reaching her face. "I was waiting for you this morning."
Keima raised an eyebrow which goes unnoticed for has his back was facing the idol; he was fishing out his portable console.
"I wanted to greet you this morning and ask you out for lunch," Keima was listening so far as he found the console turned around and booted a game. "Imagine my surprise when I saw you get knocked down by a girl in our class?"
Kanon laughs at Keima's disdain for what happened earlier today. She also voice out how said girl seemed satisfied by her actions after she left.
"You are referring to Takahara-san, correct?" Keima didn't need to turn to know her answer. "The two of us… are slightly acquainted with each other… unfortunately,"
Keima gave a roll of his eyes at the last remark, "She probably came to me to vent her anger or something…?"
Truth be told…
Keima had no clue why she attacked him really. True, the two of them are slightly close… even if Keima hates to admit it. He gave this look that contemplated his relationship with the girl and how it formed. This didn't go unnoticed by the idol, however.
"Hoh," Kanon bit out with slight jealousy. "This is the first time I've heard you talking about someone so fondly,"
Kanon puffed her cheeks cutely but Keima felt slightly offended by her remark.
"Fondly?" Keima said followed by a scoff. "How can you mistake my relationship with her like that?"
To anyone, it would seem like Keima's opinion of Ayumi was shaky at worst. In actuality, he just hated the fact that anyone would assume that they get along at all. The rumor mill in their school was a fearsome phenomenon in its own right and he knew that, if given any provocation, he would get chewed down and then spit out before word reaches the hounds that were Ayumi's fan club.
And yes, she does have a fan club. No it wasn't officially recognized. Yes, it was being funded secretly by someone powerful within the school. God forbid that Keima would ever meet the man who had his hand at the bowl that is called their underground social network.
He would know because Keima was the one who built the site originally as a bridge to communicate to other students with the same hobbies. Now it was mostly abandoned and handled by an acquaintance he met online who still runs it for other purposes. Keima was not naïve enough to return to the underbelly that involved their school.
Kanon blinked, Keima stopped moving all of a sudden as if it deep thought. She felt guilty now that Keima stopped talking causing her feelings of jealousy to vanish.
Kanon admittedly looked surprised at his reaction from earlier and decided to do the right thing...
"Sorry,"
By apologizing.
"I made a mistake. It was rude of me to assume things between you and Takahara-san. I thought that the two of you had a thing going on… she was cute too…"
She trailed off.
"WE ARE NOT LIKE THAT!"
Kanon drew back slightly. Keima blinked and noticed the blunder he made as he shook his head. He felt completely embarrassed.
"The two of us are not like that…" He said a bit guiltily.
This was the first time Kanon saw Keima become angry. Something inside her found amusement in that knowledge and continued to provoke him.
"Hoh~ But she was so cute~ In fact, her body line is quite sexy. Are you sure you aren't feeling even slight elation from her?"
Keima was bombarded with the same kind of teasing not too long ago. Kanon had the look of a big sister teasing their little brother. To say that Keima was amused was an understatement.
"…" Keima didn't reply and instead focused back on his game. Though he finds the idol annoying there was no use doing anything now. Keima barely realized that this was her nature; it was difficult deciphering Kanon's parameters during the last week alone and that was when he didn't even want to find out.
"Why are you here, Kanon-chan?" He asked getting to the point.
This level of bluntness was different from his usual indifference when the two of them talked, Kanon realized. At times, he would just blurt out his thoughts without regard to what others think heading straight to the point. She knew that his tone mostly gets him in trouble in class.
But the way he was right now? It felt like Keima was finally opening up to her, even if a little. She was aware that this was Keima she is talking about and that games are more important to him than eating.
One could say that Kanon performed a miracle. Someone finally caught the Capturing God's attention from his games however slight. It was an achievement that Kanon would later brag about in the future.
Keima couldn't imagine himself actually doing this with anyone else, unless said person is his mom. Sometimes it was the only choice to talk and move forward, a valuable lesson he received from the Nurse. It was another thing to enter his world…
"…"
Kanon is no fool to this side of Keima. Ever since the two met, they have become aware of each other's presence as if it was natural. Kanon gathers attention, it was no surprise as she was not only a "Social Butterfly" in their school but also a "Teen Idol". Keima? He was the exact opposite, a "Social Recluse" in isolation and alienated by his classmates and giving him the nickname of "Otakumegane". Contrary to what others may think, Keima was comfortable living his youth like this.
The fact that these two are even talking, an idea which most people would probably laugh at as something silly, act like they are friends. These two who represent the extremes of fame and infamy. One is loved by all and the other alienated but known for his habits. By the laws and norms of their "society" the two are never destined to meet or become friends.
The fact that these two are even talking; people who are representing fame and infamy in a grand scale where the only difference is how others treat them is a social boundary that disrupts the social norm. Yet here they are ignoring such social logic; it boggles the mind that they are doing this behind everyone's back. Granted it was none of their business, fans who see these two together will give various reactions. However, the simple fact that they treat each other well is something nobody can deny.
"I wanted to see you," She confessed with a sweet smile on her face. It was an innocent act which actually caught Keima off guard. "Is being with me causing you trouble?"
In the past, Keima would have yelled "Of course!" without a second thought. However, the circumstances are different now than from back then. Kanon, despite being a famous idol, has no friends in school. That small fact made him slightly stare at her absentmindedly. A small part of him told him that he should respond accordingly. Another part also told him to give this girl a hug. He consciously buried the latter part of his thoughts at the depths of his psyche.
"No…" He finally answered her before looking away. "I don't mind that you are here…"
Keima may be the God of Conquest, but he is still a young teenage boy. So letting out his true feelings is something which he finds difficult. If it were a script he was reciting, then he could say it without a care in the world. Still, the boy had a bit of pride. He won't admit things easily and being subtle allows him to freely pry the girl off his thoughts.
"Really?" Kanon had a smile that would have made any lesser teen confess their undying love to her in a flash. "I'm happy! So happy!"
She giggled with excitement in a way that Keima has never seen before. It also proves that the girl was being honest with him. Keima may be reluctant to admit his feelings but there was no doubt that Kanon is a charming girl. Of course, he knew the only reason the idol constantly approaches him is because of the girl's selfish desire of making him into one of her fans.
A small thought entered his mind. A wicked proposition which made his gaming senses tingle. Keima Katsuragi, during the last sixteen years, never had a single friend. Some may argue that Ayumi is a friend to him and it was shown that she even treats him like any other friend she had. But Keima never reciprocated her good will. He remained the same constantly throughout the whole ordeal of their sessions together.
Keima's feelings remained the same and even though he knew Ayumi wouldn't mind hanging around him. In the end, he was glad that the runner chose to keep her distance. These thoughts gave way for his sinister proposal to come to mind.
What if… we give the girl what she wants?
Become Kanon's fan and end the days of their comedic slice of life. It would be easy, Keima was already listening to her songs so informing her would not be a lie. If he fulfilled her desire then this intimacy will come to an end.
"No… not intimacy," Keima corrected himself with a whisper. "It is more like… friendly banter."
"Kanon-" However, when he tried to execute his plans the gamer's voice became weak.
Kanon was humming in the meantime, not minding that she was spending her lunch with a boy. The tone with which she was using differs from all her previous songs. Keima didn't know it yet but Kanon was now on the final stages of completing her new song.
Today, Kanon felt that all the pain of the world faded away. The times that she shared with Keima will be treasured in her memory forever. For others, it may look as if the two are a couple but that was far from the truth.
If word got out that the teen idol spent time with Otamegane, it will become scandalous. Once it reaches the idol Industry, then Kanon's fame will plummet.
Once your fame is down the drain then you are a goner, this was the reality of showbiz. To a youth who wanted to reach greater heights, it would be like jumping off the train tracks.
Both are partially-they chose to ignore such an obvious risk. Keima knew of how the 'real' works and has spent all his life to only follow the minimum requirements and basics the reality ask of him.
They tell you adults know best. They were right. There are limitations that prevent others from improving. Their dreams were nothing more than a fantasy once they realize this. Only few people reached their dreams and that few acknowledge the hardships they faced. If they can allow it, they will discourage others from taking too many risk. Keima came to understand that the 'real' will provide 'risk' if he stands out.
Keima realized the futility of studying. The world was just like that, a ball and chain. The only reason Keima didn't go mad from the revelation is due in part of his one true love. Video games, specifically of the galge genre.
Many think that he is just escaping reality but the truth was that he has already found a goal in life. A life playing his beloved games and earning off them. Granted, he would pay to play his games but a lot of people actually seek for his guidance that he is living off the network's advertisement.
He would overspend a lot of the time, not including the last month of hell he bitterly still remembers. Still, it was only a minor setback. In fact, due to the speed he had played his games, his fan base only increased with time. This in turn increased views and also his income. He doesn't know it yet but the site he was managing has become a hotbed for would be game developers to seek wisdom. Even some veteran and failing companies visit his site on a regular basis just to gather information about the games he played. The gaming industry bloomed because of Keima's relentless pursuit of his gaming and this has earned the unconditional respect of many gamers.
He would soon receive a check containing a large sum of money. The likes of which can only be compared to the salary of a prominent company's manager.
"That's a nice tune," Keima complimented absentmindedly. Kanon noticed which made her smile.
"Thanks!" She beamed. "It is from a new song from my upcoming album."
Keima nodded though he wasn't sure if Kanon was advertising her album to him out of necessity or good intentions. Being an idol, mixed signals can be sent making the girls intentions vague at best.
Keima still has no idea why Kanon was up there with him but that concern left him a while ago. He returned to playing his console as the two spent their time together on the bench. In this moment of peace, Keima felt his earphone taken away from his ear.
He turned to find a playfully amused idol toying with his gaming accessory.
"Ne, Keima-kun, can I listen?" The gleam in her eyes made him remind himself of his curios days. It was the same look of fascination and curiosity he had when he first held a console.
Keima gestured with his hand to do whatever she wants. Kanon took this chance like a kid having candy and sat closer to him. Today, Keima was in the middle of playing a game with a long narrative than gameplay options. A visual novel one would say. The music playing made one curios and interested in the story unfolding on the screen.
This, of course, brought the idol closer as the text on the screen ran pass. It was mostly the thoughts of the main character contemplating about life and the girls he is involved with. Though, the route he chose was complicated.
He was stuck with the red haired girl. She was an artist with parameters Keima barely had a grasp over. One could say that her character is unique despite many others having similar traits.
The game treats the characters as if they are real people. Extensive knowledge and experiences are mixed in with the development and progression. Naturally, Keima at first, thought he was able to capture multiple girls.
But that was not the case after he successfully unlocked the route of the first girl.
Coincidentally, the first girl was a runner like Ayumi. The irony Keima found as he played the game is that the two girls shared some similarity.
Beside him, Kanon was absorbed at the text that came and went. The colorful cast of characters appearing in the Artist's route is amusing her to say the least. Right now, the MC and the Artist are together having a smoke and talking about the experience.
Of course, until it came to the mature scenes. Kanon had a blush spreading all the way to her ears. The scene before her embarrassing her and made her slightly curious.
Keima thought of pulling away but went against it. The scene played before them and the text continued to run. He raised his eyebrows slightly at the scene which he had already seen many times along the run.
For some reason, Keima dropped on the bad ending even though he thought he chose the correct choices.
Beside him, Kanon was blushing up a storm and Keima was starting to feel slightly uncomfortable because of it.
Before he can do anything however, the bell rang signalling the end of lunch period. Keima instantly hit save and powered off the console which slightly disappointed the idol as she was reading an interesting part.
"You can watch me play this through next time. I've already seen it a lot of times but I don't mind showing you how it ends." Keima said as other students began to head to class.
"Ah!" Kanon exclaimed as if remembering something important. "I forgot to give you these!"
Keima started at the idol as she digs through her pocket. "Here!"
What she brought out was a pair of tickets.
"And this is…?"
"Premium tickets for my concert that allows you to go backstage with two other people!"
"Oh," Keima nodded understanding. "And?"
"I am finally having a concert at the stage of my dreams! I want you to be there!"
Keima did not know where her enthusiasm came from as she hands him the tickets. It wasn't that long since the concert they had on Tokyo so he didn't know what was special about this concert.
"When will it start?"
"Tonight!"
"Of course you threw me the curve ball at the last minute," Keima said a hint of annoyance in his tone.
However, Kanon was unrelenting as she leans forward on Keima with pleading eyes. "Will I see you tonight~"
Oh the innuendos one would have made at that moment to make things worse. Luckily, no one insensitive was close by so nothing was said.
"I-" He wanted to say he was busy. That he had more important things to do than attend her concert. But, his brain told him that it was wrong. "Don't have any friends to bring with me."
Keima mentally slapped himself, why did he evade the question?
"Oh," It seems like she finally remembered who she was talking to. "You can invite your mother along if you want."
"Over my dead body," Keima silently whispered with dread. He had the look of someone who heard something absolutely stupid. Kanon realized this and played it off with a laugh.
"Of course, you can just go there alone,"
"Do you really want me to be there?" Keima asked as he glanced at the tickets.
"Yes!" She declared unexpectedly. She blushed once Keima shifted his gaze to her. "I mean… it will make me happy,"
Keima noted the business-like answer and groaned. He pocketed the tickets for later. "I'll be there. But I make no promises of bringing someone along."
Kanon smiled, gave a bow, and went back to class first. Keima didn't bother to watch the idol leave as he prepared his bag. For him, there wasn't a need to hurry back to class.
Once he opened the sliding door, the teacher was already in the middle of teaching class. Said teacher marked him present already and didn't bother to turn to the door to address Keima.
Keima took his seat and switched his gaming cartridge for a different game. He slightly caught sight of Ayumi looking at his direction before sheepishly looking away slightly annoyed. Keima didn't mind but also noticed Kanon who was seating a few tables away from him. She noticed that Keima was staring at her from her peripheral vision but by the time she turned around to look Keima was already in the middle of playing his game.
It didn't take long for school to come to an end as the students thanked their teacher for the lesson. Everyone else prepared to leave.
Some of them had club activities and are heading to their respective club rooms. Others had part-time jobs and left school entirely. Others had nothing to do as they are the type who are waiting their friends to come and go home together or have some fun.
Keima did not fit to any of this trope.
Keima sat there completely alone as students came and went. He left soon after the assigned students finished cleaning the room. At this hour, Keima would have went home. However, today he is planning to ask someone out with him. He only hopes things won't get… weird.
He walked to a certain hall in the building and vanished as he soon turned.
Later that day…
It was almost evening when Keima finally arrived at the concert hall. He was waiting for the people he invited to this concert to come has he had their tickets.
At the present moment, Keima was leaning beside the backstage entrance of the concert hall. He already showed the personnel there his ticket and told them that he was waiting for his friends.
Keima was in the middle of a very intense moment where the game he was playing finally reached a favourable conclusion right until someone took his PFP away. Furious, Keima turned and looked at the thief with fury in his eyes.
"You seem energetic, considering what happened to you earlier today." A male about his age said. He was wearing their school uniform under a very familiar white jersey as his bag hangs on his side.
"Forgive me for the wait, Gamer-kun~" Another voice, this time a female said. She wore a purple shirt under a white tank top, leather jeans and a pair of sneakers.
"You changed clothes?" Keima asked with raised eyebrows.
"You gave me a small amount of time when you invited me to this event you know! I didn't have the luxury of dressing up for event when I arrived on my apartment when they dismissed us! And this boy right here still had to report to the chairman to boot!" She complained slightly to the boy right next to him.
"No choice. Someone assaulted a fellow student that afternoon and attacked me. Had to report this matter for the chairman to handle." The boy said as if there was nothing he could do about it. "It involved that monster parent."
Though the conversation was turning interesting, this wasn't the reason Keima invited these two to the concert.
"It's fine, we barely have to get on time to get in anyway." Keima said as he turned to the crew loading in their equipment on stage. "Glad you can make it Nurse Joy."
"Speaking of which, you came here earlier than expected Gamer-kun?" Joy pointed out. Keima didn't even change out of his school uniform.
"Can't do anything about it. Mom would find out that I was heading out somewhere pass my usual night outs."
"If I remember correctly, you live only a few blocks away from school. Why didn't you just sneak in and have a change of clothes? There was a lot of time before the appointed meet-up." The boy pointed out which made Keima think about it.
"I won't be able to do that as Mom is the only one home. Besides, if I came home from school early she would have me work on the shop leaving me no time to change either way." He said with a sigh before turning to the boy.
"Who are you anyway?"
"I am Sena, an Enforcer of our school." The boy wearing the white jersey introduced himself. Keima suspiciously turns back to Joy gave him a contemplated look at his staring.
"Is he your boyfriend?" Keima asked catching the two by complete surprise.
"What!? No!" The two denied while sharing a blush.
Keima gave them a look of disbelief when he took note of the two having this air of familiarity. It was obvious the two shared feelings of intimacy to each other.
"What's your relationship then?"
The two stared at each other before answering Keima, "We are siblings,"
"Oh," Keima said with a slight nod. "So, Sena is a Nishihara-"
"I am not a part of her family name." Sena corrected him before Keima could continue.
"I didn't think you were married already, Nurse Joy?"
"I am still single, Gamer-kun~" The nurse replied with a sweet disarming smile. The gamer looked at the two baffled and a loss for words.
"…the hell?" Pretty much sums it up for him.
"It's complicated," The two replied as if this was rehearsed for a long time.
"I don't want to know," Keima honestly replied as he took his game console from the nurse. "We should get in before they leave us here."
Both of them nodded as Keima lead them to the backstage. A staff member inside gave them V.I.P passes in exchange for their tickets. This allows them to come and go as they would please. The staff member then brought them to the lounge where snacks are placed on a table for them to eat. While Sena and Joy thank the staff Keima noticed the flowers placed nearby. They were filled with letters of congratulations and the like from many sponsors and names of various people.
Two of the flowers stood out as they were named Lime and the other Yuri.
As Keima walked past at those two sets of flowers which stood out he bumped into someone.
"Sorry," He apologized without looking at the person.
"It's fine… hmm?" The person noticed his gazed fixed on the flowers. "Say, are you curios about her old idol group?"
This caught Keima's attention. Someone knew of the idol's old performance partners and he wanted to know as much as possible.
As he turned to ask, he noticed the person he bumped into was a girl. There were two of them, girls who look out of place in the place they were in. One looked outstanding with her blond curls while the other girl with bob hair looked upbeat.
"You don't seem to be a fan… so are you related to Kanon-chan in some way?" The blone girl asked.
"I am." He stopped for a moment before turning to face them fully. "I helped during her tour to Tokyo."
He omitted the fact that he walked her home in the end but they didn't need to know that.
"Oho~!" The girl with bob hair raise with delight. "Kanon-chan asked a boy out to her concert? That is really reassuring!"
There was a slight misunderstanding so Keima tried to fix it. "I am just her classmate,"
"Just?" The blond one raised as she looks at Keima from head to toe. "Indeed, you look like you just got here from school."
"Doesn't mean that the two don't have a connection, Lime-chan~" The other girl teased.
"I'm sure Kanon-chan's springtime hasn't bloomed yet, Yuri." The girl named 'Lime' pointed out.
"Heh," 'Yuri' seemed disappointed but that smile never left her face.
Keima stood there confused at everything that is happening. The two girls exchanged their banter while the other jokes and teases. The blond would often flush and grumble while the other would always give a refreshing smile.
"Are you two?" Keima wanted to ask but wasn't sure where he should start.
"Yup~ The two of us are Kanon-chan's former idol group Citron~ desu~" Yuri cheered raising her hands as if the spotlight was on her.
"Why is there a spotlight there?" Keima asked bewildered with the fact said light was on Yuri and showed of her sensual form.
"Cut that out Yuri, the kid is gonna have a headache keeping up with us at this rate." Lime reprimanded Yuri as the lights came back on like nothing happened.
"Ok~" Yuri spun around once and brought her hands together before putting them forward. "It is our once in a lifetime opportunity to introduce ourselves to a fan so I wanted to go all out~"
For some reason, Keima was comprehending less and less as Yuri continued with her act. It felt like he shouldn't laugh but he can't help but chuckle at her childishness.
It made him realize that these two were with Kanon for a majority of her career before they split up. He finally understands where the idol's childish stubbornness comes from.
"Ah, forgot to introduce myself." Keima called out before Yuri can set off again. "I am Katsuragi, Keima."
"You already know the two of us so there won't be a need for introductions." Lime said matter-of-factly as she sighs.
"What made you interested in us, Keima-kun?" Yuri went straight to the point as she leans forward. "Did you want to know Kanon-chan's three sizes?"
And awkward silence ensued as Keima was left speechless by the shameless girl. Although, he wasn't very convincing as his face light up like a Christmas tree.
"Ah~ Keima-kun is a boy after all! Of course you would want to know~" She teased which made Lime sigh once again.
"Yuri, be serious about this. He clearly wants to know something else." For someone who looked like she didn't know any better, Lime seemed quite sharp in Keima's eyes.
Keima regained his composure and asked about Kanon's past.
At that moment, the cheery mood all but disappeared and what was left gave the impression of leaving a bad after taste.
Unknowingly to Keima, the two behind him were listening in on their conversation. Sena was on the table eating food while secretly listening in while Joy smiled bitterly beside him.
Lime decided to take the lead and explained from the beginning.
Kanon isn't actually born from her parents. Her real parents left her in an orphanage long ago before being adopted. The circumstances behind the adaption weren't specified to the two so they told Keima to ask her instead.
Unfortunately, while growing up, people would often forget her and would unknowingly cause her pain when they jokingly dismiss their mistake of forgetting her. It left a wound that desperately needed to be fixed.
At the time Lime and Yuri were trying out and invited Kanon to join them. The two were friends since they were in their primary and often looked out for her.
It didn't take long for them to officially debut and perform on stage but the road to stardom was paved in hardship, scandals, and most important of all the support of fans.
Yuri stepped up when Lime became uncomfortable about the subject and explained what had happened the year before the group officially disbanded.
Their fans were split up between Lime and Kanon and the company they were signed in were forced to give them away to more capable hands.
Lime debuted and stayed at Narusawa City, forcing her to change schools in the process.
Kanon stayed and made her debut in Maijima City while Yuri decides to pursue in her studies. Currently, she is a student in their school as well but under special circumstances is she allowed to attend school during exam periods.
Keima understood then that his itch to know has been satisfied but a new problem arises.
What should he do to confront Kanon?
He knew now that he must go to her but he can't meet her yet. Maybe when the concert is over-
"Kanon-chan is gone!"
It was then that all hell broke loose.
Somewhere…
Tonight was the big night for Kanon's career as hundreds to thousands of fans line up and enter the stadium. Little did they know that said idol was nowhere to be found and every staff member was completely alarmed.
Keima, Joy, and Sena were outside searching for the runaway idol but with no luck so far.
Of course, a dazzling star such as her would immediately catch the attention of anyone but no such thing happened as they searched around.
The three met up on a spot where the nurse and Keima rested while Sena had a look of frustration present in his face.
"I don't get it! It's like she disappeared in thin air!" The young boy shouted as he paces back and forth in front of the two.
"That can't be, Kanon-chan would have been spotted the moment she left the dome. But, surprisingly no one seems to even notice her." Joy said with a sigh.
Keima was silent as he remembered what happened a few minutes ago. When news that Kanon disappeared reach their ears it didn't take a moment too soon for them to head out and drag the gamer along with them.
At first, Keima wanted to protest but decides against it. The star of the show is missing and a lot of anxious fans are dying to see her.
The three of them split up. Joy took to looking on the nearby stalls, Keima took to search around the dome and the perimeter while Sena ran around in various places looking for said idol.
In the end, all of them came back with no clue as to where she has gone to. Naturally, Sena was the most frustrated as he literally dragging his feet around a quarter of this side of Narusawa just to find Kanon.
The situation seemed grim and all three knew that things are going to get worse if they don't find the idol soon.
"I'll go and return to the dome. I want to find out if Kanon has returned." Sena voiced as he turned to leave.
"I'll come too!" Joy said standing from her seat. "Maybe will get some clue as to what happened in her room."
While the two left to gather clues back on the dome, Keima stayed behind and released a sigh.
"Where are you idol?" Keima silently called out as he looks up towards the sky.
The stars were out that night and one can see the beauty of Narusawa's Seaside area.
Unfortunately, it was cold during this time of the year and colder if near the sea which caused the gamer to slightly shiver in place.
Unbeknownst to any of them, the one they were looking for was actually right beside them this whole time.
Kanon was there, crying on the bench until the three came and settled right next to her. At first, Kanon didn't notice until her name was called out.
She watched as the three looked exhausted, two of them looked out of shape while one of them seemed to have run a marathon.
They didn't notice the idol staring at them at that moment.
At first she was embarrassed to cause these three trouble. When the two left Kanon slightly calmed down as she rubbed her eyes.
She felt like a lost child again from long ago.
It depressed her and at that moment, Keima turned towards her… or at least it looked like it.
He was staring straight into her eyes. What she saw was a look of worry and genuine concern for the missing idol.
It was a look she hadn't seen Keima make since the moment they met.
Kanon was torn at that moment, more tears pouring out than she did previously.
At that moment, Keima decided to leave and search some more…
For the first time in her life, Kanon was filled with bravery.
She reached out her hand and held Keima's hand. Keima was shocked to suddenly feel his person being intruded upon once again. When he turned, he found the crying idol looking pathetically at him.
"Kanon…?" Keima was at a loss for words, she looked so pitiable that he didn't know what to do.
"P-please stay with me…" She trailed off not looking him in the eye.
Keima had a lot to say to the idol. First was the ask her to let go of his hand; the rest was to berate her before taking her back.
So why did he decide to take a seat next to the idol? In truth, even he didn't know the answer. It just felt… wrong… and he doesn't understand it himself…
Minutes passed as the two sat there without saying a word. Occasionally, Keima would hear his PFP notify him of mail. He decided to ignore it as Kanon held his hand tightly.
It was the hand of a scared frail girl about to lose something important in her life.
"Are you afraid of being ignored again?" The gamer asked the idol.
It may be considered rude but this is how Keima truly is, he wouldn't change even if the world would end then and there.
Kanon couldn't help but give this sad smile at Keima. It was the only answer he needed before she turned away again. Not talking.
"I've talked with some people…" Keima trailed off looking at the empty area in front of him. "I think I now understand why you decided to continue being an Idol,"
Kanon didn't show interest but her eyes were glued to him now. This was what he wanted to happen.
"When you took up the mantle of idol, you hoped with all your heart that people would start to notice you. To be a part of their lives,"
"But, you noticed, that the road you walk in is filled with pain and loneliness." Keima felt his hand started to hurt but ignored it. "You lost your only friends in exchange for fame."
"I-" Her tone was hoarse, like she just swallowed a cup of needles.
"I know, you aren't a selfish girl. I can tell from your friends, they really…" Keima was silent for a moment before turning to the idol. "Love you,"
Her eyes grew wide at the sudden declaration of love, her face flushed faster than she realized and soon her whole body heated up. Keima noticed it as it was his turn to hold her tight.
"…"
Again silence but Keima said his part. Now, he can rest easy. There was no need for them to continue the relationship they had until now.
"Yes… Keima-kun is right… you know everything about me!" She could barely say so properly but her eyes said that she was serious.
"This scenario happened in a game I played so…" He trailed off but was ignored by the idol.
It was at this moment that Kanon embraced Keima in a hug. Her warm body suddenly came in contact with him and he was slightly freaking out. However, what she said next only made him realize how desperate Kanon has become.
"Keima-kun, please stay with me forever!" She declared holding me tight. "I want you there with me! By my side, supporting me!"
The look in her eyes were filled with despair and in those eyes was no one other than Keima. It told him… that if he let this continue, then her whole world would revolve around the gamer.
If this scenario continued, then they would never reach the good ending. She would desperate hold onto him like a life raft in the crashing sea that is the 'real'.
It would lead to scandals and eventually, forced retirement. But it wouldn't be so bad. She would just return to a regular normal girl.
Granted, she would be shunned but Keima would be there with her. Although she doesn't have any friends, he would be there at the rooftop playing games and Kanon would be there listening to the game and watching him make his choices.
It wouldn't be so bad…
"How pathetic have I become…"
"For me to think that such an outcome was okay?"
"I'm nothing but scum…"
At that moment, as Kanon was about to lean in for a kiss, Keima held her face. It was a silent moment where Keima's eyes were clouded before he finally said something.
"No, bleh bleh."
"What would I be if I allow this person to be alone?"
Kanon was confused but life returned to Keima's eyes. For some reason, his cold stare stopped her from breaking down and crying. It felt like the eyes of a parent finally resolving in scolding their child.
"Are you just willing to accept that? To push so hard to get where you are only to back out cause of fear?"
The resolution in those eyes spread out and Keima stood up and placed his hands on the shoulders of the startled young idol.
"Stop it! Stop pushing yourself to become what others expect you to be!"
It was for a split moment but Kanon saw Keima have a hint of pink on his face while slightly looking down.
"Your songs. I think… they are good,"
At that moment, Kanon felt the pain in her heart being forcefully wretched out. Like some force was about to expelled from her at that very moment.
"Use your own power!" Keima declared with all of his heart. "Shine!"
Tugging became intense and Kanon was becoming weak at the knees. She could barely stand as she replied,
"I… I can't use my power. I'm afraid! It is impossible for me to do it alone!"
Tears slowly fell from her eyes but Keima's face was all she could see. Bold, daring, and full of pride. Qualities she lacks, things she isn't able to have because of her nature.
"Listen…" Keima said softly as he slowly closed his eyes. "They are calling for you,"
At first Kanon was confused. It was only then she realized what he meant.
Not far away, Sena and Joy were screaming out for Kanon. Somebody from the stadium heart them and thought it was a chant to receive the idol and suddenly called her name too. It soon catch on and everyone in the stadium started calling for her name. Their one and only idol.
"When the lights begin to fade," Keima nonchalantly said as he turned towards the dome. "Everyone is eager to hear you sing, to see you dance, to see their idol."
It was then that Kanon understood, what it truly means to be an idol.
"It would be selfish of me to keep you to myself."
Silence reigned as the idol turned her back on the gamer. The cold wind blew as their foggy breaths leave their warm body.
"I always sing… even though it would only reach a single person,"
"Honestly, I'm glad I do that..."
Kanon turned around with the biggest smile Keima has ever seen. "Ne~ Keima-kun~"
Before Keima could utter a word something warm invaded his lips.
It was Kanon, her face right in front of him.
"Let's see each other next time, 'k?"
Kanon felt it even before she gave Keima a kiss. The feelings that dug deep in her heart was finally gone and was now filled with something else.
Love… perhaps?
Whatever it is, Kanon knew that now she can face forward without fear. And it was all thanks to this stubborn person in front of her.
Without losing any more time, Kanon turned and ran for the stage.
The show must go on right?
Center stage…
Sena was on stage, playing a soft tune on a piano that was placed there. At first the fans were confused but slowly the fans calls slowly died down.
The tune was soothing, almost as if it was becoming hypnotic and the many fans were slowly getting sucked into the music.
On the stage was also Joy, playing a saxophone in hand providing soothing music to further entice the uncontrolled fans.
It was at this moment, the lights were turned off. The two were surprised but continued playing as what they saw next made them relieved.
At the center of the stage, was the idol clad in her outfit. But, instead of starting with bright uplifting music she beckons everyone to let the two continue playing.
"Do you remember?" Kanon sang as the lights were all focused on her. "The first time we met?"
From their Kanon continued to sing her song.
It was during our spring time,
This was my first time meeting you
Console in hand, not paying attention to anyone around.
You surprised me, finding you there where I used to hide.
I didn't know what to do, I was incredibly shy~
I took my courage and say "Nice to meet you~"
You looked up~ And I could tell, that we lived in two different worlds~
At first we didn't get along,
But little by little, I found myself getting to know you~
Kanon raised her free hand to the crowed as the lights slowly points around before turning back to Kanon.
To my surprise, you find my songs relaxing,
Though you continue to play your games~
You tell me that my songs give you peace
I never knew the relief of hearing such words
It gave me hope and now I find myself singing my songs for you~
Kanon closed her eyes as she brought her hands close to her chest.
Remember the day you decided to join me?
You encouraged me and told me how my songs reach the crowd~
At first, I didn't know what to do,
To see it through, but I held on.
Suddenly things began to change
This as all thanks to you~
Sena and Joy finally understood. This was more than just a song, this was her love letter.
And now I got to know you better…
I noticed little by little…
I am beginning to fall for you~
Little by little, I am getting to know you~
How nice it was that you are listening to my songs~
Even though you mostly ignore me…
The two of us are beginning to get along~
But when I begin~ To start to sing~
I feel the weight of the world lifting off my shoulders~
This is a song filled with my love~
Slowly, the music began to fade but Kanon wanted to continue. She didn't want to end this song just yet. She wanted for him to hear her voice… even if just for a moment longer.
I welcome you to my world~
Don't be nervous or afraid~
Though I wanted to run~
You told me to stay~
You held onto me~ Told me everyone is calling~
I am ready to give all of my love~
My love…
But you confessed to me, that I wasn't yours alone~
I can see you are letting me go…
I smiled but I want to still hold on~
So this is where we part~
Though it is lonely at the top~
I know you will still be waiting for me~
Bellow that cherry… playing around…
Sayonara…
The song came to an end. The fans were silent for the first three seconds before they gave a standing ovation.
Sena and Joy excused themselves as the real show began.
To everyone's surprise, the idol seemed more energetic as the concert goes on. Her smiling face never faltered and it seemed to even shine.
In fact, she was shining so bright that the crowd was momentarily stunned by the brilliance of her performance.
It was like the birth of a goddess.
Everyone watched at sheer awe as the idol continued to perform.
Even the musicians stopped playing but the music continued to play which was prepared in case they made mistakes.
However no one took notice and instead, the idol continued to give the greatest concert they have ever seen.
It was only when the concert truly came to an end when everyone finally came back to life. Many were excited as they gave post about their experience in social media.
In all of that, Sena, Joy, and Keima were walking along outside the dome heading back for Maijima City.
All three of them were exhausted and though they exchange no words, they were glad for the idol's successful performance.
At that moment, no words were needed to be exchanged as the three went their separate ways.
As Keima headed home and come up with an excuse for how late he was. Kanon received a final message on his console that day.
'Thank you'