The World The Girls Also Knows: The Girls God Can Only Save
AU after Goddesses Arc. Keima has to keep the affection of the seven Goddess hosts and Chihiro at the same time. And he still has to exorcise loose souls from girls by making them fall in love with him. Miyako has a loose soul that needs to be exorcised, and the God of Conquests gets himself a new disciple in the game world named Aoba Fuse.
Summary of the last chapter.
Mari gets to know Aoba and Yui. Aoba sees Keima's Game library and his God of Conquest mode. Mari questions Keima and Elsi about Tenri, Yui, and Aoba. Aoba Fuse meet both Haqua and Kanon. Kanon's three hours begins.
And I do not own The World God Only Knows.
And thanks to xellos540 for the beta job!
As for some characters:
Aoba Fuse is a light novel heroine. I took her characterization both from the light novel, and also from Wrathie Winsre's stories.
Oh and an announcement and request. In the near future, I probably would run out of events that the girls could do with Keima during their "official" time. So if any of you could suggest activities that they could engage in one hour, two hours, or three, as long as those activities are in character, please tell me. I'd probably include it, with full credit of course.
Flag XII
It's Kanon Time
Translation of Manga Terms that I use
Nii-sama = Big Brother, Exalted Brother, Beloved Brother
Kami-Nii-sama or Kama-Onii-Sama = Divine Brother
Kami-sama = Divine One, Godly One, God. Aoba Fuse calls Keima Kami-sama, so I use Divine One.
Kami = God
Sama = Lord or Lady so Kujo-Sama is Lady Kujo, or Tsukiyo Sama is Lady Tsukiyo
Otamegane or Otamega = Glasses Wearing Game Nerd or Game Nut. I left it mostly untranslated.
Sensei = Teacher. But in context, I use Mr. or Miss. So Kodoma-Sensei would be Mr. Kodoma.
Otome Games = Games for Girls. The female equivalent of male dating sims. I left it mostly untranslated. Sometimes, I would use Guy Games.
Ojou-sama = aristocratic lady or noble lady
Mai-Hime = Princess from Maijima, the title of Aoba Fuse in the Gaming Community
Part 112 – Start of the First Hour With Kanon
It was about seven in the evening, on a cold late November day. It was already dark, as the night comes early during that time of year. Kanon and Keima were both dressed warmly for the night—Kanon in her brown coat and beret that also doubled as a disguise, Keima in a warm sweatshirt and scarf.
Keima had just asked Kanon what she wanted to do, and she had an answer.
She would like that he would fall in love with her.
"Let's go to the rooftop," Kanon proposed as she wrapped her arm around his arm. She glanced at the device that he had been playing, and even if she was mostly illiterate in game matters, recognized that the heroine he was saving was an idol—a game idol, but still an idol. That sent butterflies to her stomach.
"An idol! You sure know how to pick your games," she said as she leaned on him.
"Yes," he merely said as they walked into the campus. Luckily for them, the place was almost deserted, with only the cleaning staff of Mai High Private School left.
"So, you still think game idols are better than real idols?"
"Yes," he replied without batting an eye. He knew that her affection points were so high that his comment won't even make a dent on it.
Kanon pouted even as she squeezed his arm even tighter. "That's mean to say that to a girl you're dating."
"Would you rather I lie? Would you want me to say that you are better than all game characters I've played and that all the game idols are nothing on you even if I don't feel that way?"
"You're supposed to flatter the girl you're courting," Kanon replied.
"You're courting me, not the other way around," he replied in a teasing tone.
"Oh, you're impossible!" she said even as she clung closer to him. "But as long as I'm better than any other real girl to you, I don't mind playing second fiddle to game characters." Kanon accepted that Keima was obsessed with games and that he would never ever think that real girls were better than game girls. But as long as only game girls came first, not other real girls, then she was okay with that.
Being jealous of sprites on a screen would be petty. It's like getting jealous of a TV character because her crush was a fan of that character.
Keima understood her attitude, so he had no qualms telling her that. He was determined that the girls should get used to his real self, and not a false him. Still, he would not hesitate to present a false Keima if it suited his purposes. Right now, there's no benefit in acting other than himself. He doesn't need to win Kanon. She's already his.
But he wanted to increase her affection points even more. And solve the outstanding issues between them. Knowing her archetype, that of a very mild yandere idol, he needed to tread carefully.
…
Kanon Nakagawa wanted to be the only girl in his life or barring that, to be the only real girl in his life. So game characters meant nothing. The yandere idol wanted to ask him so badly if she considered her his first girl, but she refrained from asking. She knew the answer.
It was not her. Currently. With her schedule dead last, she was sure that the other girls had made their moves, and that they were probably higher in Keima's affections than she was. She would use this night to move ahead of the pack. And maybe, permanently stake her claim.
Keima would be hers! And hers alone. Among the girls, she was less tolerant of rivals.
She decided to ask a safer question.
"Keima, among all the real-world idols that you know, who is your favorite?"
"Why you, Kanon. You're my favorite real idol that I know of," he said. She was the only real idol that he knew of, so he was able to answer honestly.
Kanon beamed at that answer, happy to get something out of her beloved.
Part 113 – Rooftop Reminders
They reached the rooftop. It was dark except for the lamplights, and they walked to a familiar bench.
"Do you remember this place, Keima?" she asked.
How could he not? In the context of Kanon's route, this was the place they first met. And he'd rather forget the memory. Getting tased and his console getting destroyed was not a pleasant recollection. He wanted to give a snarky answer, but he remembered his mission.
"I do. It's something unforgettable," he said.
"Yes. The memories of this place are dear to me," she began. "I always think about this place. What would have happened had I not wandered here on that fateful day? Would I still have that loose soul inside of me? Would I have met Apollo?"
"I can't imagine," he replied. She would probably be totally invisible, but most likely, she would be dead from the Weiss getting her pregnant. He then wondered. Were girls who were possessed more susceptible to falling in love? After all, they wanted the girls they possess to bear a child as soon as possible. Maybe.
On the other hand, the Weiss do not want the girls to fall in love. Otherwise, their gap would be filled, and the loose souls would be driven out. Logically, what the runaway spirits wanted was that the girls get pregnant without falling in love.
He was glad that he was able to save Kanon.
"When I learned the true fate of the girls possessed during the café meeting, I was grateful. You saved me. Twice. For that, I will always love you. That's not the reason I fell for you in the first place, but that made me love you even more."
"I know," he replied.
"For me, that first meeting was a fond memory. But for you, it was not," she said.
Keima looked at her quizzically.
"I was horrible to you. I tased you just because you didn't know who I was. I was so shallow. So self-centered," she admitted. "You suffered because of me."
"It's fine. It's in the past."
"No, no. It's not fine. I hurt you without good reason. And I destroyed something you valued. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
He was surprised by this. This was the last thing he expected. Still, he would not look a gift horse in the mouth. There was only one possible reply.
"I do. I may have been partially at fault too. I shouldn't have been rude," he said.
"So, you forgive me?"
"Yes. Forget about it. It's fate that we met, after all."
"Oh Keima, thank you," she said, and she quickly hugged him and buried her face in his chest, her beret falling to the ground as she did so. "I'm so happy you said that. It's been bugging me ever since the start of this."
They were in that position for the next five minutes, Keima standing stoically, Kanon hugging him, and he stroking her head, running his fingers through her pink hair. She was like a child hugging her parents like he was there to protect her from all the baddies.
Which, in a sense, he really was. He did protect her from Vintage.
…
Part 114 – Gifts from the Heart
Kanon finally let go and got her bag. She fished something from it. It was wrapped in a box.
"For you, my darling Keima," she said shyly, as she presented the gift to him.
He took it.
"Please open it," she said.
He did.
It was two PFPs of the latest model. One was colored white. The other, black.
"It's for the PFP that I destroyed," she said.
"Thank you," he said as he looked at it. Both were sleek and beautiful. Keima had been saving for weeks to buy these models. He gave a smile as he looked at it.
"I made you smile!" she said as she gave a big grin. "I have more presents."
She got another box from her bag and gave it to Keima. He unwrapped it. They were two brand new games. They were not yet out on the market.
"I am in these games," Kanon said. "They won't be released until the next week. So I'm giving you copies in advance."
He looked at the covers, and there she was, prominently displayed.
"Did you just do the music, or did you voice-act too?"
"Both," she said, smiling. "So, I take it you like it?"
"I do. I like it very much," he said. He then closed his eyes and put the box and the consoles into one bundle. He opened his eyes once more and looked at Kanon, his eyes steely and cold.
"I knew you would," she said, happy even if the look unsettled her.
"But I can't accept this," he began.
"Keima, but—"
"I don't deserve this," he whispered, and her face turned white. Was he rejecting her?
"How can I, when I let you down, Kanon?"
"Let me down?"
"Yes. I let you get stabbed," he said in a regretful tone. His eyes refused to meet hers as if he was ashamed. "I was negligent. It was my fault."
"You saved my life!"
"If I took the Goddess search seriously from the beginning, I wouldn't need to save your life. Don't you see? It's my fault in the first place. I shouldn't be given credit for fixing something that I broke. It's my obligation to you and the others."
"Keima—"
"Kanon, you're a famous idol. What I am? I am the Otamegane."
"Otamegane?" asked Kanon. She was not familiar with the term since she was almost always absent in school. When she was earlier tutored by Keima, and the 2B Pencil members mentioned the term, she was mystified and had to ask what it meant.
"Glasses-wearing game nut," he said. "And I probably ruined your life when you confessed publicly to me. I mean, I read all the rumors in the tabloids, and they were terrible."
"I don't care about—"
"And I probably ruined your reputation for excellence by making Elsie substitute for you during the week. People thought you got dim and less skilled. I should've thought about it when I made that decision," he said. But in truth, he had no regrets over that. He counted it as one of his best moves during the Goddess search. It got Elsie out of the way and got him Haqua, a much more capable, even if a much less tolerant, devil, as his assistant.
"Don't say that. If Elsie didn't sub for me, it would be much worse. You know that. You saved not only my life but my career too. Oh Keima, I'm so grateful to you and Elsie for that. I don't know how I can thank you."
He didn't say anything to that as he stared at her in the eye. "Kanon, you're one of the best real idols in the country right now. Maybe not as best as game idols, but close. You can't be with me. I can't be with you. You know that. It would be terribly unfair to you. And it would give me more than what I'm worth."
"Don't say that—"
"What of your career? I know how much damage that rumor that you and I are together did to your career. Don't say that I'm wrong. I did the research. You are known as a wholesome and old-fashioned idol. You are a darling to the conservative types who longed for the good-ole days. That's your identity. That's your niche if you will. That made you better than all the so-called modern idols. Am I wrong?"
"No, you're not," Kanon admitted.
"Then you could imagine the damage that the rumor—that you are cavorting with trash like me—can cause you. And I was seen with several other girls after that—with Yui, Ayumi, Chihiro, and Shiori. Because of my mission, I acquired a reputation as a playboy. And you, a gullible fool who still went after me knowing that I have other girls. That did not do any favors to your reputation."
"Rumors mean nothing," she tried to argue.
"You know that's not true in the world of showbiz. Even if it's merely a rumor, people believed it. It's not only Elsie's incompetence that damaged your popularity, Kanon. The mere rumor connecting you to me did far more. I am sorry for that," he said.
In truth, he exaggerated the situation. He was able to mitigate the damage to his own reputation, for example, using many excuses and ruses to convince the school that his relationships with the aforementioned girls were all innocent. And he still wasn't publicly seen with Tsukiyo and Tenri. Thankfully, his very reputation as the Otamegane meant all the explanations he put out were believed, since, to them, it was more credible than him being a playboy. No one could imagine that a girl would willingly go out with him.
And that somehow repaired Kanon's reputation. She no longer was seen as a fool chasing after a playboy who plays with girls, for example. She was just seen as someone sweet and insane for loving a clueless game nerd. Kanon was not seen as the third wheel by anyone.
But Kanon does not know that, and Keima intended to use that as a tool.
Part 115 – The Logic of Love
"Can't you see? I am an anchor to you. A drag. You cannot rise to the heights you deserve in the idol industry with me around."
"That's not true!"
He continued as if she didn't speak. "You have a dream to reach all people. Your voice will give everyone hope. Your singing will touch all their lives. And you cannot fulfill your dream with me around. We can't be together, can't you see?"
"Listen to me—"
"We should end this now. Let's make this meeting our last one, so we can get on with our lives. We can always treasure each other's memories. Goodbye, Kanon."
With that, he turned his back and walked away.
He knew what would happen. And braced himself.
There was a hand on his shoulder, and he was turned around.
And a palm crashed into his cheeks so hard that he fell backward into the concrete.
Kanon looked like the terrifying Yandere that she was as the idol took out from her bag what he feared the most—her stun gun.
And shocked him in the neck.
…
It was pretty intense, and he nearly got knocked out.
"Listen to me, you idiot!" she said as he tried to recover.
"Kanon—"
"Shut up! Don't just go out there and say whatever you want and leave! Listen to what I'm going to say!"
She said it so menacingly, her hands on her stun guns, with an insane smile on her face.
"You know, maybe what you said a while ago is the truth!"
"Then the logical answer would be that we can't be together, and we should—"
"Even if it's true, I don't care. Love doesn't care for logic. Love only is, and I love you, Keima. And all those things you said, I don't think it's all true. Elsie was wonderful. Given the circumstances, she did her best and was awesome. Didn't you know that it actually improved my popularity by her dose of clumsiness and naivety? Elsie as me was adorable! It showed that I am not perfect and am relatable. You can't use that as an argument to dump me!"
"How can I dump you when we're not even together?"
"Don't say that, you insensitive jerk! I'm not yet finished. First of all, I am sorry."
"Huh?" he said as she helped him to stand up.
"It was insensitive of me to confess to you that way in class," she began, holding his hands. "I could say that I was afraid that Vintage was outside, but the way I did it, it was stupid. I ruined your reputation. I made your life difficult. And yes, it made my life more difficult too. You can't imagine how many interviews I had to walk out on just because they asked about you."
Keima had to agree. It was pretty stupid. But it was beneficial in the long run, as it helped him narrow the search for the Goddesses. "I know," he merely said.
"But that's because I love you. I love you so much, Keima, that I'm willing to sacrifice everything, my life, my career, my reputation, just for you. Oh Keima, when I said I'm willing to sing for just one person, I was dead serious. Please, please, be with me. If you think my idol career will suffer, let it suffer. I'm willing to retire right now, just for you. I can retire right now. I can be an ordinary student with an ordinary boyfriend. That's my greatest dream."
"Now we both know you won't do that," he said. "I want you to remain an idol. That's your dream. Remember all your fans. Remember all of them when you make your decision. Because you cannot be mine alone. Remember your first conquest."
That caused her heart to flutter. "I know. Bringing joy to everyone is what I want. It's what I do. I belong to my fans too. I just want you by my side while I do so."
"That's impossible."
"No, it's not. We'll work things out. I can remain an idol while being with you. We'll find a way out of our problems. Just have faith."
"Kanon, are you sure?"
"Yes. Can you help me balance my life and my career? I want to be with you but remain an idol if possible. If I have to choose, I'll choose you, of course. I'd abandon being an idol if it came to that. But I know I don't want to choose. I want to have both. Please help me do so."
"If that is what you want, I'll do so. We'll find a way," he remarked.
Part 116 – Mine Alone
"And you're right. I cannot be yours alone. So instead, I want you to be mine alone," the idol said.
"You want that I'm going to be yours and yours alone?"
"I do."
"That cannot happen. You know my mission."
"I don't care about that. I've been thinking long and hard. What we discussed at the café last Sunday. And I made a decision."
"That is?"
"I don't care if you kiss other girls to save them from the loose spirits. Just as long as you belong to me alone. Please, be with me. I'll be fine knowing that you're mine and mine alone," she said.
"You alone? What about the schedule?"
"Dump it. When I said, in the café, that you should give time to us, I only meant time for me. But I couldn't say that aloud with all the other girls present, could I? I can't bear to see the other girls with you. Let me be the sole girl who would wait for you for five years if you cannot really be mine before that. Tell it to the others."
"You're joking. Tell me you're joking."
"Keima dear, I've never been more serious in my life."
"Do you think I'm going to agree to that?"
"Of course. I saw the schedule. It gives you so little time for games because of all the hours you dedicate to the six other girls. If I'm alone, then you have more time to play," she said with impeccable logic.
Suddenly, his eyes changed. It became even colder if that was possible. He let go of Kanon, and stepped back a bit, even as he stared at her pink eyes.
"That's unworthy of you, Kanon. I can't believe you said that."
"What do you mean?" she replied, noticing the change of tone and atmosphere. Where before, his tone was gentle and understanding even as he tried to distance himself from her, now it was cold and hostile as if she was trash.
"You were the one who suggested the idea of the schedule, can't you remember? You said, 'we'll wait for you'. You also said, 'even if we can't be together, can we, at least, spend time with you.' I made that promise to you. But I also made it to the other six girls. I will make my choice after five years. Not before. What you're suggesting now is practically making me choose already. That cannot happen."
His voice was level, but it was angry and offended. She could detect hurt in his tone—as if he was utterly upset with the idol. For the first time ever, she was on the receiving end of his anger. It was not loud anger, but a calm one, and it was more terrifying than even the agents of Vintage. She never wanted to be in that position again.
"Keima, I'm sorry," she began, knowing she made a mistake.
"Kanon, let me be clear. You have a chance. Like all the other girls. But only if you play by the rules you had already accepted. I already made promises and gave my word to them. I cannot break it. If you refuse to play by it, I'm sorry, but we really must end it now. My obligations are not only to you but to all the girls in the schedule. They've accepted that I cannot choose before the five years are over. If you can't accept that, then I'm sorry, but I can't even spend time with you."
"Don't say that," she began, tears falling from her eyes for the first time. She looked at those brown eyes of his. They were cold and angry.
"If you want a chance to win my heart, then accept the schedule. Accept that you have to share me with six other girls while you wait," he said. "I can't force you to. But that's the only way."
Kanon looked at him. Her plan to make him love her alone and reject the other girls had gone up in flames.
"Do you really want to dump the schedule?" he asked, his brown eyes boring down on hers.
She was silent as her voice searched for an answer. She really wanted him for herself alone. She tried to muster arguments against what he said, but they died down upon his glare. But if that was impossible. Then…
Before she could open her mouth, he said in a disappointed tone, "I thought so. I'm sorry it must end this way. I will always remember you. Goodbye."
For the second time that night, he turned around. And walked away.
Kanon knew it was much more serious, and that tasing him or slapping him won't work. For one thing, this time, it was her own fault. She reneged on what she agreed to on that day in the café. And the way he scolded her was like a parent disappointed with his problem child. It was no mere lovers' quarrel.
It was too much. If she does nothing, she's going to lose him. Permanently. That tone! That voice! Those eyes! It haunted her! It stabbed her heart to see him so disappointed in her. How her heart ached at that very moment. It was the last thing she wanted. She needed to act fast, or it would be over.
She ran and went in front of him just as he was about to open the rooftop door.
"I'm so sorry, Keima. I know am selfish. Please, please, understand. I was away from you for most of the week. I heard from Apollo and the others of what you've been doing with the other girls. I just saw them from afar, and I was in the studio, helpless. I just got jealous. The other girls, even if it was not in their schedule, still got to you see every day in school or in other places. While I am away."
She was now crying hard as she hugged him, burying her face in his chest.
"Please. My love for you is selfish, but that's because love is selfish. I want you for myself, but I understand now that I have to wait. Please, accept me. I want to spend time with you. I want to be in the schedule. Please, don't leave. Please."
"Keima, I love you very much. If that's the only way, then I accept the schedule. I'll share you in the meantime and play by the rules. And I promise that I will make you love me during the five years, and you'll pick me in the end," Kanon said in a desperate voice, her pink eyes pleading at him. "I can't bear to be apart from you, Keima. I need you. Don't do that, please! Don't leave me!"
And they stood like that, still as statues, Kanon sobbing and crying hard, while Keima was just silent.
Her tears were sad, but they were also desperate. It was the last gasp of a drowning girl, a last attempt at life, a last effort to save her love. She did not want him to speak. She was so afraid of his answer, so scared that he'll just reject her. The silence was preferable.
Then suddenly his hands were stroking her back and running through her pink hair. Hope began to fill her heart, and the ache dulled a bit.
They remained in that position for the next ten minutes.
…
Part 117 – Schedule Acceptance
Keima was disappointed in Kanon. He knew that there was a possibility, based on her yandere personality, that she would attempt to dump the schedule and claim him for herself, but still hoped and wished that she would prove him wrong. And when she did try it, it broke his heart. He had hoped that all they needed to do was to solve the issues relating to her career and the effect it had on the schedule. He never wanted to deal with Kanon trying to renege on her agreement. Luckily, her affection points were already so astronomical, so the events didn't do too much damage to their relationship.
He was harsh to her. But it needed to be nipped in the bud. Allowing the issue to fester and grow would only bring disaster in the future. Kanon was a yandere. The mildest one. But if mishandled, that nature could become worse. By confronting it head-on now, he would make it clear that this was the only way forward. Kanon now knows that the schedule was her only hope. And that he would not tolerate any attempts to discard it.
He looked at her crying form and had no regrets. He did tell them, in the café meeting, that he may break their hearts and make them cry to save them. He didn't promise them a life of perpetual joy and bliss. He promised their safety. And it wasn't the first time he made a girl cry. There was Chihiro during the Goddess search. And all seven girls of the schedule during the meeting at the café. And Tenri, Shiori, Tsukiyo, and Yui also cried during their first two hours—some tears of happiness, others, not. Some he orchestrated, others, by accident. It was practically a requirement that a girl cries first if she wanted to be part of his life.
Not that he liked making girls cry, but if it was necessary, he would do so, without any hesitation. But only when absolutely necessary, and no more. He did not want to repeat what happened during the reconquest of Chihiro during the Goddess search.
"So, do you forgive me, Keima?" she finally asked as she gathered her courage. She looked at him, her eyes puffy from all the crying, her face filled with streaks of tears.
"I do," he said, looking at her with understanding eyes. "Just don't repeat that, okay?"
She nodded as she let go of him, looking at the ground, unable to look at him. She felt so ashamed.
"Hey, Kanon. I want to accept the PFP and the games. Do you still want to give them to me?"
That voice. It was gentle and caring. She looked at him. She gasped. He was not wearing his glasses. His eyes looked magnificent. Gone was the cold and angry glare. He was very handsome. Very cute. And she blushed once more. He gave a kind smile.
"You really want to?"
"Yes, Kanon. I've already forgiven you, haven't I?"
"But do you still think I deserve you?"
"After what happened, maybe we don't deserve each other. But let's give each other a chance. Be part of the schedule. Will you, Kanon?"
Was that another chance? She grabbed it like a drowning man grabbing a lifebuoy.
"Yes! A thousand yes, Keima!" she said as she once again jumped and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him. Once more, tears flowed, but they were tears of joy. "Thank you, Keima. For giving me another chance after I messed up. I'm happy you still want to spend time with me."
…
Kanon, this time, truly accepted the schedule and all its implications. She banished all thoughts of breaking it. Just the idea of Keima permanently leaving her over that horrified her. It was too much. Between having to share him with other girls, or not having him at all, forever, the decision was easy. And it's not as if she had to share him permanently. There was a chance that he will pick her at the end. And she was determined that she would be the one who will win in the end.
He will be hers alone. At the end of five years. But as for now, she'll play by the rules. She regretted making the suggestion at the café, but what's done is done.
The best thing about this was that she had guaranteed Keima time for three hours every week.
…
"You're welcome," he said as he pried her off him. He held her by the shoulders as he stared at her pink eyes.
She closed her eyes in expectation.
He obliged as he bent his head, pulled her up, and their lips pressed against each other.
…
They sat on the bench for the rest of the hour. Kanon was very happy. Ecstatic. That kiss was wonderful. It was like she was in heaven. She was walking on cloud nine. That kiss was the mark of his forgiveness.
She was leaning on him, her head resting on his chest, his arm around her as played one of the new PFPs Kanon gave him, playing one of the games she bought him.
The idol listened contentedly as she heard her music, her singing, and her voice as he played.
Their first hour was three-quarters over. It was the most emotional hour of her entire life. Her heart had been lifted, then crushed, then repaired, and finally, filled, during that period.
And she had learned a valuable lesson.
She was looking forward to the next two hours. Although she vaguely recalled that the rules stated that the girl could choose their activity, Keima had earlier requested that he choose what they do in the next two hours. Which Kanon immediately granted, as she had no specific plans.
Part 118 - Explanations
"So what are we going to do on our second hour?" she asked as she snuggled against him.
"We're going to fix our remaining problems," he said.
"Problems?"
"Yes. Being part of the schedule for you isn't so simple," he said. "You know that I need to continue with my mission, or else I lose my head. However, the reputation that we got is an obstacle."
"What?"
"Basically, I make girls fall in love with me to extract the Weiss inside of them," he bluntly reminded her.
She swallowed. It was one of the downsides of being with him, one that she had to put up with, and one that she's willing to tolerate. It's only five years, she kept telling herself. "Yes. I know."
"But, if they think I'm with someone else, it becomes harder. Can you see where this is heading?"
Kanon knew but said nothing.
"I need to have a certain reputation to do my mission. A reputation for being a two-timing bastard is not helpful. Any other would be better, even that of the Otamegane. If girls think that I already have a girl, like you, for example, it would be more difficult to make them fall in love with me, can't you see? That's the reason that girls I conquered always forget."
Kanon nodded. It was difficult to hear it, but she steeled herself. No need to get her emotions in the way. She must endure this for her beloved Keima.
"That is why we need to squelch this rumor of you and me. That confession that you made really did a number on me. So what can we do about it? Do you know?"
"I have no idea."
"We need to deny it. We need an explanation for that confession. Well, I already have an explanation. Now I need you to make one as well."
"Explanation?"
"Yes. Here's mine. I'm your classmate, and I helped you solve your problem. Because of that, you confessed to me because you fell in love with me. Simple, right?"
"That's because it's true."
"Let's expand on it a little. You and I met because we're classmates. You had a problem in class that needed solving. Say, you needed a tutor or something."
"But that isn't true. My problem—"
"It doesn't matter what's true. What matters is if it's plausible, and thus, believable. For example, the truth is that all of this was because of Weiss and Goddesses, but no one would believe that. We're going to lie if we have to. Here goes. I helped you with schoolwork. And I solved it. To make it simple, I helped you get a hundred in a test. Now, because of that, you fell in love with me."
"But that's so shallow. Nobody would believe it."
"I'm not finished. You're going to say that because of what I did, you came to love me like a brother. You came to regard me like family. So you confessed because of that."
"But that's not true! And nobody would believe it. I mean, can't you remember how I confessed in school? That's romantic!"
"Yes. I remember. However, I'm not finished. Here's what our story would be. You believed, at that time, that you really are in love with me. That's why you confessed. But, after a week's reflection, you realized that you don't really love me like that. It's just a childish crush. You have never been in love before, so, understandably, you mistook it for romantic love. But you still regard me like family, a close friend, a brother you never had. So you want to spend time with your 'family'. I'm simply your brother and best friend. Nothing more."
"But that's not true."
"Of course, it's not. But it's believable. That's all that matters," he said. "Only me, the devils, and the girls of the schedule would know of the truth."
"But that's deception. I don't know if I can do that to my fans."
"Kanon, lying, deceiving, and manipulating is inevitable once you are part of the schedule," he said. "Don't look at me like that. I've lied and deceived many people, including countless girls ever since I've got this collar around my neck. In the future, I will lie to you and manipulate you if I find it necessary; the same goes for the other girls. I really would rather not, but my situation leaves me with no other choice. Your only consolation is that if I do that, it's for your own good. You just have to trust me on this. Are you still okay with being part of the schedule?"
"I do. I understand that you can't always be honest all the time," she said. "But I trust in you. So yeah, you can lie to me if you think it's for the best. Just explain to me afterward if you did so, and tell me why you needed to do so. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes," he conceded. "Now, it's not only me who would have to lie. There would be times where I would have to ask the girls of the schedule to lie. I'm sorry if that offends you, but that's how it is."
She nodded. "I know. But I'm not a good liar like you are."
"We'll see about that," said Keima, looking at her. "Now listen. I have a plan."
…
Part 119 – The Manager
Miss Okada looked at her watch. It was five minutes to eight.
She looked at the message she had received in the mail. How it got to her room without going through the mailing department, she had no idea. It just appeared inside a white envelope that was slipped under her door last Monday.
Come to the place indicated in the envelope at eight in the evening, this Saturday. It concerns Kanon Nakagawa.
It concerns rumors about the events of Kanon's life and her alleged boyfriend.
Be there, please.
Keima Katsuragi
At first, Okada wanted to ignore the message. Just who does this Keima Katsuragi think he was?
Then she changed her mind. She would meet with this alleged boyfriend.
When the first rumors of Kanon having a boyfriend surfaced, she did some research. But the more she researched, the more she found that there wasn't any verifiable information about it.
She wracked her brain of what she knew.
She saw him before. During the time when they were shooting in the old school theatre the previous week. He had made a racket outside, calling for Kanon. Okada thought that it was just a random fan who somehow discovered that they had rehearsal in that place.
Kanon recognized him. And he knew her. And the idol defied her by letting him in and requesting a break. She knew him and called him by his name, "Keima". This Keima and Kanon jumped on the second-story window of the theatre! She sneaked out with him! And when the idol came back, Okada scolded Kanon for doing things on her own again.
That confirmed the rumors. Yet when she tried to question Kanon, she was mum and said nothing at all. Nothing to confirm or deny the rumors.
Sadly, it was affecting her career. Not much, but it was noticeable. The tabloids were having a field day. Controversy dogged her and Keima Katsuragi.
Looking back at it, Okada shouldn't have been surprised at all.
Kanon was a teenage girl. Katsuragi was a teenage boy her age. They were classmates.
The only thing that surprised her was Kanon's lack of discretion. Why did she think confessing in front of the entire school during exams was a good idea? It even led to her failing her exams! And not just failed—she failed catastrophically. And her refusal to talk about it was even more damaging than if she openly admitted it.
As her manager, it was her job to take care of Kanon's career. Also, she considered herself a surrogate mother when the pink-haired girl was not home. So she had to meet this guy. Maybe there would be a solution that could be found that would repair or even enhance Kanon's image. And in any case, there was no harm in meeting him. She could judge if he were a good boy for Kanon. And see what his intentions were.
…
She was in an apartment room in the middle of Maijima. When she had checked in, she was surprised when she learned that there was already a room reserved under her name.
She again looked at her watch. She hoped he was not late.
"If this turns out to be some wild goose chase, I'm going to sue that boy for wasting my time!" she said to herself.
At 7:59 p.m., the door opened.
And Keima Katsuragi entered. He was as she remembered him when she saw him in the theatre. But his demeanor was different. She remembered that he was childish and caused a tantrum to get Kanon's attention. Here, he was cool and poised. His eyes were not on her, but on something he was clutching. Was that a PFP?
And behind him, to the manager's surprise, was Kanon Nakagawa.
Part 120 - First Impressions
He looked at her and said, "Nice to meet you, Miss Okada. I'm glad you came."
He bowed.
"Mr. Katsuragi, likewise. Take a seat," the manager said and bowed as he sat on a spare chair. "Kanon, you defied me again and sneaked out without me knowing."
"It was my free time," Kanon tried to argue. Then she bowed. "I'm sorry."
"You should have told me," she said. "I thought you were in the studio, studying. I'm sorry, Mr. Katsuragi, but she's my responsibility when she's at work. And during break, as long as she's in the studio, she's still considered at work."
"I can see that," he said as he pocketed his gaming device.
Time to get down to business. I'm going to scare you. Let's see how much mettle you have after facing me.
"Mr. Katsuragi, let me first state that I do not approve of your clandestine meetings with Kanon," she stated in a formal, threatening tone. She needed to establish who's boss. "I know you love her, but the fact is, thousands of her fans love her, and—"
"You're mistaken," he interrupted as he looked at her. "I do not love her. Or like her."
She was a bit shaken by his confidence. "What? That's impossible. You're going out with Kanon."
"I'm not going out with her," he replied as he took his game from his pocket and began playing once more, which irritated her further. What a rude boy!
"Surely, you can't expect me to believe that—"
"Keima's right. He does not love me or like me at all."
"Then what is going on here? Are you playing with Kanon's heart?"
"She knows from the beginning that I don't love her. She's the one who pursued me."
"That's nonsense. I'll sue you for slander for saying that," she barked back.
"It's true, Miss Okada," Kanon confirmed.
"I came here because I need you to do something for me, Miss Okada. In exchange, I can do something for you."
"What can you offer me? You're just a boy! You're still a high school student! From what I've heard, you're just a nerd."
"A nerd whose very existence is threatening Kanon's image," he snapped even as he continued playing. "One wrong move from me, and that would destroy Kanon's reputation."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm not. I'm just telling the truth. And I'm here to deal. If you don't even want to talk to me, that's fine. There are other ways to get what I want."
"And what do you want?"
He looked up from his game, and his brown orbs behind his glasses stared at her bespectacled eyes, showing no nervousness but plenty of steel.
"Peace. Peace from all the rumors and innuendo thrown at me. People thinking that I am Kanon's boyfriend is not a pleasant experience. It's hell."
That stopped Okada. "What? You want peace?"
"Yes. Do you have any idea how Kanon's confession thrashed my reputation? How many times I've been beaten up by bullies just because of that? How I became more of a pariah because of that? I want that to end."
"I'm so sorry about that. Being a celebrity is hard. So is being a celebrity's rumored boyfriend. So what do you propose to do? What do you want us to do?" she finally asked. "I don't think there's much that we could do to help you, Mr. Katsuragi."
He pocketed his gaming device and stood up. He towered over her as he spoke. "Ideally, I just want to disappear from Kanon's life, and never see or hear from her again. I want Kanon to say to the world that she doesn't love me, and she'll never see me again. I want her to leave me alone."
"Keima, I'll never say that!" Kanon shouted. "I want to be with you."
To demonstrate, she went and clutched his arm.
"Don't touch me!" he screeched as he pried his arm off and jumped back as if Kanon had leprosy.
He looked at Okada, and said, "Now you can see how that's impossible. She thinks that she's in love with me. Unless you can convince her otherwise."
"Don't worry, Mr. Katsuragi, I'll talk to her," she said.
"I don't want to!" Kanon pouted.
Part 121 – Kanon's Threat
Okada sighed. The solution to Kanon's problem was obvious. If Kanon ended this foolish relationship and left the boy alone, her reputation could be repaired. Now, if only Kanon would be reasonable.
She looked at Kanon and said, "Kanon, maybe you should think about his situation. This boy does not love you. Does not even like you. Is not interested in you. And your confession at school was very inconvenient for him. It's causing him hardship. Can't you see how much it affected him?"
"But I love him."
"I'm sure you do. But he does not feel the same way. You can't chase a guy who rejected you!"
Kanon looked at her, and for the first time, smiled at her. It was a sweet, sincere smile. "Miss Okada, I know that. And it's okay. He doesn't love me now. Now. But that can change."
"So, you think he'll fall for you in the future?"
"I don't think that. I know it," she said with complete confidence as she stared at Keima, who again was playing games as they talked. "All I need is a chance to make him fall in love with me. But I can't get that chance if I can't see him, can I?"
"You're impossible! Think about it. Maybe if you'd be an ordinary schoolgirl, and you'd be his classmate, that would be feasible. But you're not. You're an idol. Think of your reputation as an idol if you did that! You'll be a laughingstock! And Katsuragi will be even more hated because he rejected you, and you kept clinging to him. To the boys in the country, you are an object of desire. They would kill for a chance to be even seen beside you. And yet you throw yourself at him, and he doesn't reciprocate. They would hate him even more! If you really love him, let go of him!"
"I don't care! I want to be with him!" Kanon said, throwing a tantrum.
"Don't be like that. It's unbecoming of an idol!" Okada scolded.
"Then I don't want to remain an idol. I love singing for the people, but I love Keima more. If I can't be an idol while chasing him, then I'll announce my retirement," she said.
"Surely, you can't be serious!"
"I'm not? Watch me!" she said as she got her phone, type a message announcing her retirement, put on the phone number of various reporters, and put her thumb just above the 'send' button.
"See what I'm dealing with? I said the same arguments, and she insisted she's going to stop being an idol to chase after me. I brought her here so you can talk some sense into her," Keima said with a sigh of exasperation. "I'm going to get lynched by her fans if she retires because of me."
"Keima, I told you that bringing me here won't work! I'm still going after you," said the idol with sickening sweetness.
For the first time, Okada felt sympathy for Keima Katsuragi. It really was a pain dealing with a lovesick idol. The manager looked at the idol with her thumb menacingly close to the send button.
"Don't do that, Kanon! Okay, okay, before you make any decision, Kanon, I need to know more," Okada said, hoping to buy time so she could think of a way out of the impasse. "Let's start at the beginning. How did you meet in the first place?"
"Well, it started when she shocked me with a taser for no good reason. Twice. Destroyed my PFP—" Keima began.
"Mr. Katsuragi! That is uncalled for! I want to help you, but if you are going to lie about Kanon just to—"
"That's true. I shocked him because he didn't recognize me at first, and I got upset."
"You did? Over that?"
"Yes," she admitted sheepishly.
"Kanon. How many times do I have to tell you to use your stun guns responsibly? No wonder he's trying to get away from you, with that first impression."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"After that, you should not be surprised that he doesn't love you. So what happened next?"
Keima and Kanon told her the story of the first conquest, omitting the supernatural elements.
"So basically, I wouldn't even be this famous if it weren't for him. I would have no-showed my first big concert," she admitted. "But he encouraged me. His words were so moving. I fell in love with him that night."
"Then we lost contact as her career took off. The next time we met was when I tutored her for her English exam."
"Yes, that was the exam where I got a perfect 100! You're so amazing, Keima."
"Wait! That was you?" asked an amazed Okada. "You were the one who tutored her to get perfect?"
He looked up from his game and nodded.
"You're a pretty smart boy," Okada complimented.
"He's a genius!" Kanon added.
"So why did you confess in such a crazy way? If I hadn't already finished my exam by the time you did that stunt, I would've been in real trouble," the gamer said crossly.
"I guess I'm in love with you. You seemed to have forgotten me by that time. And well, I can't take it anymore. I was having difficulty answering the English test because I kept thinking about you. And well, I remembered you tutored me. And it just seems right for me to do so, to go to you. I know it looks stupid and crazy. But love makes you do crazy things. Yeah, I love you. That's why I did it," Kanon explained.
"In other words, it was an impulse?" he clarified.
Kanon nodded.
He sighed a bit. "We haven't met for a week after that, except in the school theatre. But ever since the end of the school festival, she kept bugging me with messages asking to meet her. I tried to dissuade her and all, but you can guess, Miss Okada, how effective that was. Then, she tried to stalk me."
Part 122 – Proposed Solution
"So Mr. Katsuragi, what's the solution to this problem of ours?" Okada asked.
"I'm not sure how to handle this problem. All I wanted was to play games and be in the ideal world. This girl is dragging me to the real! Geez! You know you've got it bad when a crazy idol goes after you even after making it plain that you don't like her! When is the world going to make sense? Why don't you leave me alone, Kanon?"
"I'm sorry for what happened to you because of the confession. I really do. I just want to be with you and spend time with you. Hey, I have an idea!"
"Yes, Kanon?" asked a skeptical manager.
"How about if I tell the world that I don't love you?" the idol began.
"Deal!" shouted Keima, his eyes brightening at the suggestion. He could barely conceal his glee when he heard her.
"Wait! I'm not yet finished. In exchange, you must let me visit you regularly. Hm, let's see. I want to see you every week. How about three hours a week? That's enough, I think, for me to win you over. How about that?"
"For how long?" he asked.
"I don't know. Until I win you over, of course. How about five years? That's enough time. By that time, I'll be twenty-two, and I'll be on my way out of the idol business," she said. "Then, we can safely be together in public."
"That's crazy. You're crazy! Why would I even think about anything that would let you near me for the next five years? And nobody would believe you when you say you don't love me. They saw you confess," Keima said.
"Well, how about this. I'm going to say that it was just a crush. That I thought that I love you. But after a week's reflection, it turned out to be a passing infatuation. So yeah, I don't love you in a romantic sense. I'll apologize too. However, because you helped me, I realized that it's not love for a lover that I felt for you. But instead, love of a sister to a brother. You're like the brother I never had and had always longed for. You're family. So I want to see you because you're family. See?"
"I'm gonna waste five years of my time because of this? But I won't get rid of you even if I don't agree to this, right?"
"I'll retire, and I can spend all the time in class with you if you don't!" Kanon said.
"Don't do that! Fine! It's better to pretend to be your friend and brother rather than pretend to be your lover," Keima conceded. "You can have three hours of my time per week. It's better than you bugging me every minute of every day for the past week!"
"Hey, it's not every minute!"
"But if I agree to this, don't go near me outside those three hours!"
"I'll only approach you if you allow it outside the three hours," said Kanon.
"That's fair, I guess," he relented.
"Anyway, about my cover story, what do you think about it?"
"It's crazy," said Keima. "What do you think, Miss Okada?"
"That would take you off the hook, Mr. Katsuragi. If they believe it. I don't think they're gullible enough."
Keima was silent for a minute before he replied. "Come to think of it, I do see benefits to this plan. It doesn't matter if not everyone believes it. Many people would want to believe it to be true. Imagine, Kanon would be single again. Those poor souls who had crushes on her would have hope again. And everyone in school would readily believe it. Believe me, it would be the greatest news in school! There would be a celebration! The great Kanon Nakagawa is free of the terrible Otamegane! She's available once more!"
"Are you sure about that?" asked Okada.
"Yes. It would at least give me a break and make my life better," he said in earnest. "I'm changing my mind about it. It's not crazy. I like the deal. But that's not my call. What do you think, Miss Okada?"
"Please say yes! If you don't, I'll quit being an idol!" Kanon threatened, showing her phone with her unsent message, but came off as a child holding a tantrum.
"That is a good idea. It would restore Kanon's reputation. She won't be after someone who doesn't like her. And the rumors would die down. Not entirely, but at least it's better than when we had nothing," the manager said. "And it would prevent our idol here from just quitting. Promise me, Kanon, that if I agree to this, you would not even think of quitting and do as I ask."
"Of course! As long as I get my three hours per week with Keima here, I'll be happy!" she said, with a big smile on her face.
"How about you, Mr. Katsuragi? You said you could do something for me when we began."
"I've been thinking. I don't want to face the media or do anything to expose myself or my family. However, even as a friend or foster brother or whatever, I may still have to say something. How about this. If you need me to do something for Kanon, or to make statements to the media, or to arrange Kanon's weekly three hours, I am at your beck and call. If you want any favor from me regarding Kanon, as long as I could do it, I will do it. What do you say?"
"Don't speak to the press or to anyone about this. Don't talk about your relationship with Kanon. I'll arrange everything so that you have to go through me," the manager insisted.
"That's fair. And to make the ruse believable, I can't just be seen with Kanon. What if I'm seen with girls other than Kanon?"
"You don't seem the type to attract girls, despite Kanon being crazy for you," said Okada. "Don't be offended, but you're too nerdy to be the type to play Casanova."
"Don't need to. I have no girlfriend at the moment, but I have several female friends. They could pretend."
"I'm surprised you even have friends, Mr. Katsuragi. And it's fine if you have them. The image we want is that of a close friend or brother. That would dispel rumors that you are with her. And why would Kanon be upset if her brother is dating other girls?" Miss Okada said. "Right, Kanon?"
"We won't be able to be publicly together for five years, so I don't care if he's seen with other girls," said Kanon. "As long as during my three hours, I have him all to myself, that's all that matters to me. And as long as he doesn't really love the other girls."
"Fine. So let's get this straight. Here's the deal. I would help you with whatever job you need regarding Kanon. And I will give three hours of my time to Kanon every week. Kanon would give me my reputation back and make my life easier. Kanon would also do you the favor of not quitting and becoming even more obedient to you, Miss Okada. You, Miss Okada, will help me by arranging the press briefing and announcement of Kanon regarding our relationship while keeping the truth secret. You will also help Kanon by allowing her to meet me three hours every week. You also get to protect and repair the reputation of your charge. Is that it?"
"Yes. Let's shake on it," said Miss Okada.
Part 123 – The Agreement
"How about we write everything down?" asked Keima. "This would be our secret agreement? Just to keep everyone honest."
"Don't you trust me?"
"I trust you, but not your memory. You might forget. I might forget. And we might honestly misremember things."
"Very well, Mr. Katsuragi. I'm going to do the document tonight. We can sign tomorrow."
"Fine. Send an attachment to my email before that so I can read it first. Kanon knows my email."
Okada nodded. "How about tomorrow? About seven in the evening? I'll arrange a Press Conference. We can sign backstage."
"Fine. Just don't expose me. I don't want to deal with crowds," he said. "And Miss Okada, if it's okay, could you send the time of the three hours a week before? I am a busy person, so I can arrange my schedule around it in advance."
"Yes, that's fair."
"And I know that Kanon is strictly visiting you as a friend or a brother, but we know that that's not the case. Officially, you two are not going out, but in reality, you'd be dating," she said in a normal tone as he looked at her as if she grew horns. "Don't deny it, Mr. Katsuragi. It will be just semantics if you say it isn't a date. I'm asking you to be discreet at what you do in public if you don't want your cover blown."
"Agreed. I'm sure Kanon could think up a disguise or ruse."
"And take care of Kanon. If you make her cry or if you do bad things to her, you will answer to me!"
He just nodded.
"By the way, if I didn't agree to any of this, what were your plans?"
"I was going to tell the public the truth. That I'm not in love with Kanon, and I will plead in the media for the idol to leave me alone. I don't think you'd like that."
"No, I wouldn't. But that would trash your life even more, don't you think?"
"It would ruin Kanon's life too, but after the hell I experienced? Anything's better than that. But I'm glad we came to an agreement. It would be better for everyone involved. I'm sorry I even thought of that."
"Don't worry. I was wrong about you too. I thought I could bully you into doing what I say," she said as she extended her hand.
He took it, and they shook hands.
Miss Okada looked at the boy in front of her. Those brown eyes. They held steel and intelligence. She had thought he was just a fanboy who she could easily lead around, but she was wrong. Still, no matter how smart he was, he was just a high-school boy. She had no doubt that she could handle him if need be.
So why did she agree with him?
It was because it was a very fair deal.
Kanon was getting restless, and her performances were becoming subpar. She long suspected that he was the cause of all of this. The deterioration of her performances only started when rumors arose about her having a boyfriend named Keima Katsuragi.
She had no doubt that Kanon, in her state of mind, could follow through and announce a rash retirement over this boy. She really was head over heels crazy over him. And she knew that love could make people, especially teenagers, do irrational things. Like confess in the middle of a difficult English examination in front of the entire class without even being sure that the guy likes her back.
And she believed him when he stated that he just wanted peace. Watching his mannerisms and body language, it was undeniable that Kanon's love was one-sided. Yet based on their stories, he obviously cared for her, even if he was very exasperated with Kanon's antics.
It was a good thing that as a manager, one of her skills was reading people. Nobody could ever put one over on the manager of the idol Kanon Nakagawa. Certainly not a nerd who plays games while talking. She had gotten the measure of him, and while he was impressive and far more intelligent than she initially thought, he was still below her.
Based on her reading of him, he was a sincere, if rude, boy who happened to be classmates with Kanon and helped her. And that act of kindness ruined his life.
She felt so sorry for him. Kanon was a kind, sweet girl, but sometimes, the idol could be so thoughtless of the consequences of her actions.
Their agreement was best for all involved. This way, the manager could control Kanon's activities with this boy. Hopefully, they could manage it so she could continue with her idol career and balance school life and her time with him too. And the hope that she may win him for the next five years would spur her on to be the best idol that there ever was.
Not that Okada had any hope for Kanon. Based on what had happened, it would be a miracle if the idol managed to win the boy's heart even after five years. Kanon really did mess up their relationship. But that's not Okada's problem.
End of Flag XII (Note: Kanon's three hours hasn't ended yet)
Stats for the Week
Monday – Official Time
Tenri – Morning Walk – 15 minutes
Chihiro – Lunch – 1 hour
Ayumi – After School Event – 1 hour
Tenri – Visit After School – 45 minutes
Tuesday – Official Time
Ayumi – Lunch – 1 hour
Chihiro – After School Event – 1 hour
Shiori – After School Event – 1 hour
Wednesday – Official Time
Tenri – Morning Walk – 15 minutes
Tsukiyo – Lunch – 1 hour
Chihiro – After School Event – 1 hour (shared with Ayumi)
Ayumi – After School Event – 1 hour (shared with Chihiro)
Tenri – Visit After School – 45 minutes
Thursday – Official Time
Tsukiyo – Lunch – 1 hour
Shiori – After School Events – 2 hours
Tsukiyo – Nighttime Event – 1 hour
Friday – Official Time
Tenri – Morning Walk – 15 minutes
Yui – Lunch – 1 hour
Yui – After School Events – 2 hours
Tenri - Visit After School – 45 minutes
Saturday – Official Time
Kanon – Evening Event – 2 hours
Total:
Tenri – 3 hours
Chihiro – 3 hours
Ayumi – 3 hours
Shiori – 3 hours
Tsukiyo – 3 hours
Yui – 3 hours
Kanon – 2 hours
Author Notes
Aoba Fuse is a light novel heroine. I took her characterization both from the light novel, and also from Wrathie Winsre's stories.
Oh and an announcement and request. In the near future, I probably would run out of events that the girls could do with Keima during their "official" time. So if any of you could suggest activities that they could engage in one hour, two hours, or three, as long as those activities are in character, please tell me. I'd probably include it, with full credit of course.
Review Replies
To ZelgadisGW, thanks for your review.
I'm glad you like the events of this chapter, especially the ones you listed. It was fun writing all about it. From Mari discovering new things about Keima, to Aoba's reaction to her God's abilities, to Yui with them, it's very enjoyable.
You're welcome. I like inserting Haqua in all these scenes. Hopefully, she'll get a greater role in the future so we can enjoy her glorious tsundereness.
And yeah, they did play Kanon really well. As for when Keima's world gonna crumble, we'll see. He thinks he's in control of the entire situation, but he's not. The question is could he adapt to things going out of his expectations?
As for Kanon getting a reality check, yeah, this chapter shows it.
Once again, thanks.
To DarkSoulthe2nd, thanks.
As for your question, yes, Mari does eventually uncover all the girls in Keima's life. The question is how. And will she actually be aware of the schedule?
To xellos540, once again, thank you for your review.
Anyway, I've already sent this reply through PM. I'm going to repost it here for the the enlightenment of other readers.
Noted. I knew it was a bad idea to put a chapter summary of the current chapter. But I'll retain the summary of the previous chapter!
Well, Mari at least learned that Keima could make friends with girls of the opposite gender. So he is moving towards the real—kinda. But not to the extent that she wished. All thanks to Elsie, of course.
As for how Aoba and Keima would act as a couple, we'll see. Though you're right, they wouldn't play games all day. Would they do normal couple things? Of course, but it would be an interesting dynamic to see how they do those normal couple things. Especially if the love is one-sided, as most of Keima's relationships are.
Yep. Mari couldn't have raised him too bad if he could make friends like Yui, Aoba, and Tenri!
Haha! Keima could still pretend he's a clueless boy who knows nothing about true romance. That way, he could still pursue other girls without looking like a cheating bastard. After all, he's not aware that the girls love him, is he? That's his plan with his mother and other people. So her mother is aware of girls liking him, but he's pretending not to notice.
As for when it will crack next, you'll see.
Maybe I could place a flashback on when Mari first got to see the God of Conquest mode? I wonder what age she would have discovered it. When Keima's eight? Nine? Ten? I'm not sure. How long could Keima keep it secret? Does Keima even try to keep it secret? I have no idea.
I'm glad you like Aoba Fuse's reaction to both the God of Conquest mode and the Game library. It shows that she still has a mountain to climb. And Keima really appreciates her reaction because Aoba could tell what big achievements those are. Unlike Mari or Yui for example, who had no idea why it's such a big deal other than because Keima tells them it's a big deal.
As for developing feelings, well, I won't tell, but I think it's obvious who'll develop feelings first.
About your suggestion… That's a wonderful suggestion. I'll try to include it in some future chapter. Easy enough to add, as I don't think it will conflict with future plot points. I still try to imagine her parents' reaction. I would imagine that they are already aware that their daughter was a gamer already, as just a view of her room would indicate. But I wonder how will they react when Aoba brings home a boy, whom she calls God or Master? That's bound to be hilarious!
And Princess mode? That's really a good name. The Princess of Maijima mode! Second only to God!
Yui's just very jealous. Keima never called her by a pet name or a nickname. Just Goido or Yui. And yeah, she'd probably prefer to be called "prince" but "princess" will do as well, as long as it came from Keima. And yeah, Yui cannot suppress her girly nature forever!
Yeah, Yui does not believe Aoba when she talks about her feelings for Keima. As for Aoba's feelings for Keima, she's still in love with her first master, so she won't allow her feelings for Keima to develop since she's loyal to that first love of hers. Remember, she's still looking for that absent master. So maybe her unconscious was directing her actions. Who knows?
I'm looking forward to writing it. I wonder how Aoba will make her pay? Let's see.
At least Mari got part of the truth, at least. Now she knows he helps girls because of Elsie, and that those girls fall in love with him, not that Keima would ever admit to that.
As for Elsie lying, consider this. Elsie lied about being Mari's husband's illegitimate daughter. That is such a big and significant lie, that all other lies pale in comparison. That lie allowed her to insert herself into the Katsuragi family. Compared to that, her other lies to Mari are nothing. If Elsie could easily lie about that to Mari about being Keiichi's daughter, she could easily lie about the girls in Keima's life. And the manga and anime also showed that Elsie could easily lie when she's doing her mission for Hell and Keima. Here, the lying was part of her mission.
As for what she thinks, I'll probably put it in a future chapter when she lies again. My own thoughts are that she does not like lying to Mari, but won't hesitate to do so in the line of duty, or when Keima asks her.
Yeah. If Aoba is allowed to see hell stuff and the Goddess, a scene with the four geniuses in one room could be arranged. Though I doubt an intellectual atmosphere could arise due to the feelings of Diana and Haqua.
Yeah, Kanon could be quite selfish. My reading on Kanon's character was that the issue that was fixed by her conquest was her self confidence about being noticed. After her conquest, she no longer feels invisible or insecure about her talents, or that no one would not notice her. I don't think her selfishness was affected much. Her selfishness for Keima was only removed due to her loss of memories, yet it came back full force when she regained her memories. And it's a quite rational and understandable feeling too, as romantic love, is by nature, a selfish emotion. So I don't it's quite a black mark against her that she wants Keima for herself.
Oh yes, the situation was diffused. They decided that a direct approach regarding the Aoba situation was not going to work with Kanon, so they tried their ruse, which worked. As for whether Kanon would accept that, I don't think Kanon will be think about Aoba Fuse much during the three hours, as she would have much more on her plate with the schedule and Keima's reaction.
As for how Keima would try to persuade Kanon to accept the schedule, it won't be pretty, as Chapter 12 would show.
Thank you for this review.
To AmericanTheoristBros, thanks.
Yes, I have thought the plot of this story. The only question is if I can even reach the points I'm really excited for given the details I put in. Hopefully, it would be all worth it in the end.
At the current point of the story, Keima loves Chihiro. But he can't tell anyone or even act on it, because of the schedule. At best, Chihiro's just one of seven girls competing for his heart. She has an invisible leg up on the others, of course, but as Keima noted, a lot can change in five years and he can pick another girl because he can grow to love that girl more than Chihiro or he can stop loving Chihiro. He simply won't show any favoritism towards her.
So yeah, he'll pick a real girl in five years. At least that's what he has decided on.
As for Haqua, we'll see. If there's enough demand, I may include her, though it would difficult due to the current set-up. We'll see.
Thanks for the review.