The World The Girls Also Knows: The Girls God Can Only Save
FIRST OF ALL, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS. I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS LATEST CHAPTER FOR THE NEW YEAR!
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.
And I do not own The World God Only Knows.
And thanks to xellos540 for the beta job!
And I do not own The World God Only Knows.
Summary of the last chapter
Yui and Mars makes plans for Aoba. Yui spends her first hour with Keima and also makes deals with the gamer. Yoshino meets with Aoba and Keima. Miyako teaches Keima how to play piano.
As for some characters:
Aoba Fuse and Asami Yoshino are light novel heroines. I took their characterizations 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.
ARC II - CONSPIRACIES
Flag XVIII
Chihiro's Memories
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.
Ojou-sama = aristocratic lady or noble lady
Mai-Hime = Princess from Maijima, the title of Aoba Fuse in the Gaming Community
Part 186 - I Can See the Ending
Elsie Katsuragi smiled at hearing that.
"Really, Big Brother?"
"Yes, Elsie. I can see the ending. It's quite clear." He sighed with relief as he said that. At least a part of his problems would be over. Really, conquering girls with loose souls were easy compared to all that he had to put up with recently. Like Ikumi pretending to be Asami.[1] What was that about? It was so obvious from the moment Ikumi opened her mouth.
"Tonight?"
"No, no. Thursday night," he said as they emerged on to the living room. And there was Mr. and Mrs. Terada. The two teenagers greeted the couple and told that Miyako was teaching piano.
"She's teaching both of you?" asked Mrs. Terada.
"No. I just want to hang out with Miyako and watch them play," Elsie answered. In truth, Keima brought her there as a sort of chaperon. He wanted to avoid being seen alone with Miyako until the right moment. It would keep tongues from gossiping about them. And it made meeting Miyako easier, as it would be less awkward with the devil around than if it were just the two of them. And Elsie could always leave when required.
Miyako arrived with Elsie's bag.
"So how was the piano tutoring?" asked Mr. Terada.
"It was great! Katsuragi here is a swift learner. I just need to teach him once, and he gets it and never forgets about it! And he plays well compared to before," she gushed.
"My, you like him, don't you?" Mr. Terada asked.
"Yes, very much," she said. Then she realized the implication of the question, "as a student, of course." She blushed.
"I saw Kanon's announcement. I'm very sorry she isn't in love with you like you thought," Mr. Terada said, although he doesn't seem very sorry at all. "At least now, Miyako, you don't have a strong rival!"
"Dad!" an embarrassed Miyako cried, blushing even more.
"Don't worry, Mr. Terada. It made my life my easier," Keima answered. "Really, it was a pain for people to think I'm Kanon's lover."
"I'm glad you think that," the older man answered. "So, how was my daughter as a tutor?"
"She's great! I knew nothing before, and now I know so much, thanks to her!" he proclaimed. "In fact, I want to show how much she had taught me."
"Will you play for us?" Mrs. Terada asked.
"I'm afraid I'm not that good yet, Mrs. Terada. But I have a better idea! How about we join the Maijima Private High School piano duet contest on Thursday night? All the school knows I suck at music! Won't they be amazed if they see me competent at piano? All because of your daughter?" he asked.
And Miyako paled.
But her parents smiled. "That's a wonderful idea. But do you think you can be good enough by Thursday?" asked Mr. Terada.
"With her teaching, I'm sure I'll be adequate enough," Keima answered. "Don't worry. It's an amateur competition. Only students can enter. I'm sure no matter how average or terrible we are, we would still be better than anyone else. After all, Miyako is a piano genius."
"That's not true, Katsuragi," Miyako answered.
He turned and looked at the pianist. "Can we play a duet at the competition?" he asked in a gentle voice that caused her to blush and go weak at the knees.
She wanted to refuse. It had been such a long time since her last piano competition, and she didn't want to think about that. That was why she threw that invitation in the rubbish bin. What if she…
She looked at him.
And her parents.
All of them were looking expectantly at her, wanting her to say yes.
She didn't want to do it. But how could she refuse? She needed to think of an excuse. She needed time to find a way to avoid disappointing them with a no.
"I need to think about it."
"Can you tell me your answer tomorrow? If you say yes, we would need all the time to practice," he answered.
"Yes, I'll give my answer tomorrow," she finally said.
"Thanks!"
Afterward, her parents tried to invite the siblings to dinner, but he declined. He had another appointment.
Part 187 – Memory Wipes
Meanwhile…
Yui Goido was walking home from Aoba Fuse's house. Yui, Tenri, and Tsukiyo had just concluded another two-hour game tutorial session with the girl gamer. The three girls had just separated at a crossroads.
She took her phone and talked to the reflection.
"Guess what, Mars? I am getting better! Pretty soon, I'll be Keima's disciple, and I can spend as much time with him as Fuse!" she squealed.
"Congratulations then," the Goddess answered. "So how about the next part of our plan."
"Huh?"
"You know, about Haqua and Chihiro. We need to know if Chihiro could regain her memories!"
"Oh, yes! If Chihiro can regain her memories, then Fuse could too," Yui finished.
"Want to meet her?"
"Haqua? Right now?"
"Yes. She's at the home of her former buddy, Yukie Marui. Luckily, Marui's in the country visiting her relations, so the devil's all alone. You can talk to her right now. If I take over, I can fly you there."
"Okay. But I'll need to go home first, and then we can fly, okay?"
Mars agreed.
...
Yui went home, ate dinner, then claimed she needed an 'early bedtime'. When she was certain that they thought she was asleep, Mars took over, made a spell that created an image of Yui sleeping, and flew towards Haqua's place.
…
"Hello Miss Herminium," Yui greeted as Haqua opened the door.
"Miss Goido? How did you?"
"Mars flew."
"Oh. Come in, come in."
They entered Yukie Marui's home.
They chatted for a bit before they sat down to business.
"Miss Herminium, I am curious. You do know that all of the conquered girls lose their memories after the conquest," Yui began.
"Yes, Miss Goido. Why do you ask?"
"Well, because I am a Goddess Host, my memories returned. I want to ask. If a conquered girl had no Goddess in her, would it be possible for her to regain the memories? Can you or New Hell do it?"
"Hm. This question never came up, to be honest. Anyway, do you have someone in mind?"
Yui looked sad. "Yes. Chihiro Kosaka. Out of all the girls in the schedule, only Chihiro can't remember. I feel very sorry for her. She can't even remember her first kiss. How sad is that?"
"I'm not sure. I've got to ask my chief first."
"Then ask. If she said that it is possible, if Chihiro or Keima asks, please restore Chihiro's memory."
"I don't know," Haqua said, a bit uncertain. "It's the policy of New Hell that those who forget should continue to forget."
"But that's only because Keima would not be able to properly continue his mission if the girls remember! But this would not apply to Chihiro right now! She's already aware of his mission, and she's willing to go along with it. Please! It's not fair for her to have that memory blocked out."
"That's a fair point."
"And I am sure that if you do this, Keima darling would be very pleased with you."
Her tone changed as she became more excited. "What? Katsuragi will be pleased with me if I do this? Why? Not that I care! I'm just curious!"
Yui raised her eyebrow at her reaction. Wait. Does that mean that Haqua likes darling…
"Because I already asked him, and he agreed. He'll probably ask you about it. He'll be thrilled and grateful if you can do it. I imagine he would be disappointed if you can't or even don't know," answered Yui, testing her hypothesis.
"I don't care if that man is disappointed! But, for your sake, I'll think about it." Haqua seemed deep in thought. "I'm still not sure if it's possible. But you can bet that I would do as he asked if it were."
Yui smiled. I knew it!
…
Later, in New Hell, Dokuro's office…
"So, is it possible?" asked Haqua.
Dokuro, standing from behind her table, stared at Haqua. "Yes, it is possible."
"Really?"
"It's a rather simple spell. However, before anything else, why do you want to know?"
"Because Katsuragi may want to ask that Kosaka's memories be restored."
"I have no objection to that. The purpose of the memory wipes is redundant with regard to Kosaka's situation. Anyway, it's a simple procedure. You see, the spell simply would block the part of the brain that contains the memory, and prevents the person from accessing it. The memory is not erased, any more than amnesiacs' memories are erased. So all you have to do is remove that block. The block could be simply covering it up, or making up new memories, or altering specific identities. But once the block is removed, she'll remember everything."
"So, what about the Goddesses?"
"Well, I'm not really sure how the Goddesses work with the memories. My guess is, once the Goddess wakes up, the block is removed without any need for a spell. Depending on how they wake up, it could be instant or gradual."
"So, will you teach me how to unblock them?"
"Of course. Be careful about how you use it. I'll allow Chihiro's memory to be recovered, but be ready to reverse the spell if she decides she doesn't want to be part of Katsuragi's schedule."
"Thank you, Chief!" Haqua bowed in gratitude.
Part 188 – Saying Hello
Keima was lost in his thoughts as he walked, all wrapped up in a sweater and a thick scarf that cold late November evening, towards his destination.
It would be Kanon's first hour soon.
So what would they do? He already had something planned just in case Kanon came up empty.
What to do with Kanon? Her affection points were astronomical. Yet he was still worried that she was still affected by their disastrous first hour last Saturday. He shook his head.
His thoughts went back to Yui. It went far better than he expected. He got her to agree to let him be the player half the time. And it was fruitful. He learned that a kiss need not happen with the right atmosphere or moment for it to count. Unlike when conquering a girl for the first time, when the timing of a kiss could be critical, a kiss to an already conquered girl could happen at any time, and it would increase affection points, especially if it was unexpected.
Still, he was not sure. In games, a kiss happened at the end. Always. And it was the same when he was extracting loose souls. Except for the Akari girl, but she doesn't count. But he had never played a game past the ending. So he was still groping in the dark about maintaining a relationship with a conquered girl. That was one reason he let the girls lead.
He needed to do an experiment.
…
Kanon Nakagawa was in her usual disguise of a beret, glasses, and brown coat. She looked at her watch. She was already at the rendezvous place, even if she was a bit early. She was so excited that she went ahead of time.
She should've listened to Miss Okada. She had been waiting under the lamppost for the past thirty minutes, thinking that he was as excited as her and would turn up early.
He obviously wasn't. Why would he, when he had several other girls competing for his attention? Sure, she was an idol, but the other girls had the advantage of not having tried to get him to dump the schedule. Honestly, that was the most boneheaded thing she ever did. And that included zapping him when they first met.
And he was with that Miyako Terada girl for the past several hours. And she understood. A conquest was more important than her.
She was determined to make the most of her first hour. She needed to make up for that mess she made. She was forgiven, true, but she hadn't done anything to earn that forgiveness except beg and plead.
That was why she was zealous in going along with his schemes. Not that she wouldn't anyway, as she trusted him to do the right thing, but she was determined to show how much she would do for him.
She looked at her watch.
The second hand ticked towards number 12, and the start of her time. She looked around, and there was still no Keima.
He better not be late.
55, 56, 57, 58, 59…..60.
And her time officially began. Where was Keima?
"Kanon," she heard his voice.
"Keima?" she called.
She looked around, and he was nowhere.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed her right wrist.
She gasped, and there he was.
Without warning, he pulled her close to him, his other hand going around her other arm and waist.
And his lips closed on upon hers, utterly surprising her. The only thing she could do was accept it. She closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation.
Of all the things she expected to begin their date, a kiss was farthest from her mind. Not that she didn't expect a kiss in her time—he did, after all, kiss her twice in three hours last Saturday. It was that the kiss usually was preceded by some emotional event, or moment, where it seemed that a kiss was just the right response to the situation at hand. Now, it came from nowhere, preceded by nothing, in reply to a situation that didn't happen.
Not that she didn't like it or she rejected it. On the contrary, she genuinely enjoyed his newfound aggressiveness. Where was this Keima before? Did he suddenly fall in love with her? No, no. That was not the reason. Did he suddenly become a lusty lad? Of course not, that was ridiculous. Maybe he did detect her longing for him to show her love, even if he did not actually love her, to kiss her, to give her something? Whatever the reason, she was glad.
The kiss resembled the last kiss they had, where they locked lips for about a while. Because of their position, with her hands trapped, she couldn't really draw him closer still, and his height meant that she had less leverage. Still, she did her best, tiptoeing to push her lips against his to kiss him back.
Finally, out of breath, he let go.
They both breathed deeply, and her face was red. It was wonderful. At least he accepted that their relationship was a bit physical. It was fun. And she found herself a bit weak.
She looked at him. And she could see a tiny blush, even as his manner and actions were calm.
"So what are we going to do today?" he asked as if nothing had happened.
"What was that?" she finally squeaked.
"My hello," he said with a neutral face as he got his PFP and began playing.
"Couldn't you just say, 'hi'?" asked Kanon. "Not that I'm complaining."
"You just want me to say 'hi' next time?"
"No, I mean, yes, I mean, um…"
He looked at her in the eye, and again she melted inside. He was so cute and handsome, she couldn't help herself.
"I thought you might like that. I guess I was wrong. I won't do that ever again. I'm sorry," he shrugged.
"No, I liked it. Loved it even," she croaked, her face very embarrassed. "You don't have to say sorry. I was just surprised, that's all. It's fine."
"So you won't mind me kissing you again?"
"Of course, I won't mind. You can, anytime you like," she said.
He just shrugged as his eyes followed his game.
And Kanon began to get peeved at his nonchalance. It's as if kissing was nothing to that boy. Which was probably accurate considering he kissed so many girls so many times, but still—
She was about to tell him off when she noticed what he was holding. It was her gift. And the game being played was a game she voice-acted. She could hear and see herself in the game.
And all the anger left her.
He was still playing it! She had expected that he would return to his usual consoles after one or two days!
He may not love her, but he was so sweet.
…
Part 189 – Backstage Tour
"So, do you have plans for us today?" Keima asked.
"Um, oh yes, I have," Kanon said, finally getting her feelings in check. Honestly, it was so unfair that Keima could easily rile her up and cause her emotions to go into extremes, while she was unable to affect him much. The only thing she could do was make him act as if he was affected, like when he played the crazy fan last Saturday. That made her happy.
Hopefully, that could change. What she wanted was to make him genuinely emotional. Hopefully, Apollo's tip would work.
She called someone on her phone.
About a minute later, a car stopped in front of them. Both entered at the back.
Riding shotgun was Okada.
"I thought you forgot," Okada mentioned to Kanon as they drove.
"Where are we going?" asked a still playing Keima.
"You'll see," the idol replied cryptically as she sat at the proper distance. She wanted to grab his arm and lean on him, but the driver wasn't aware of their real relationship. "You're going to be surprised, my dear big brother."
"I hope so, little sister," he answered.
…
Keima was surprised by her event. Instead of being alone together, she chose to share him with more than a dozen other people for their hour. Still, it would be useful to meet the staff. If he could get a good impression upon them, maybe they may not leak damaging stories to the press.
"Okay, Katsuragi. I'm going over the list of staff you're going to meet. Remember, be polite and show your best side," the manager instructed before Okada began to rattle off a list of names and functions. "You are her brother. Act like it."
Fortunately, he already knew the members of Kanon and Okada's staff. And not only their names. He also knew their backgrounds, their personalities, their families, their wants, etc. as a result of the background check that he did before during Kanon's conquest. He had Elsie dig the information up, just in case he needed it—ultimately, he did not.
Kanon herself gave him the backstage tour and introduced the staff. From the director, the producers, the editors, the costume department, the make-up artist, her fellow actors and actresses, the equipment guys, the press agents, etc.
In short, everybody.
And Keima put on a magnificent act as Kanon's brother. He was appropriately curious without being too nosey, being deferential without looking like a sycophant, showing enough concern for Kanon without being too clingy. He said the words he knew would win over each and every one of them. Even the most cynical and untrustworthy.
By the end of it, he had them—completely. He had impressed them with his manners, his attitude, and above all, his knowledge. He showed far more understanding of the details and minutiae of Kanon's work than any expected. And did so in such a way as to not engender resentment. He was appropriately humble when necessary. He made innocent suggestions that he knew they wanted to make, and thus, earned their gratitude.
He thanked Elsie and Haqua in his mind for all the useful information—he knew most of them better than the crew knew each other.
"Wow, big brother! You were great!" Kanon exclaimed.
Kanon was appropriately correct in her actions, and played the part of the excited and hero-worshiping little sister—in short, she performed as Elsie would have acted, but with more restraint.
"And, darling brother, I have something, or rather, someone, for you to meet."
Part 190 – A Dream Come True
She grabbed his wrist and led him to another floor in the studio, to another room.
Kanon knocked.
"Hello, it's me!" the idol shouted.
"Oh, come in, come in!" a male voice answered.
She opened the door, and she, Okada, and Keima entered.
It was a young man aged 36, with black hair.
"Big Brother, this is Shi Masaru," Kanon introduced.
"Wait. Shi Masaru? Are you Level Eye's Representative Director?" he asked, looking at him.
"Why, yes! And you must be Kanon's foster brother! Welcome," he greeted.
"Mr. Masaru is here to coordinate Kanon's involvement in the voice-acting for the last two games," Okada explained. "The voice acting's over, so Kanon needed to film an advertisement to promote it ahead of release, as well as to discuss her future voice acting roles in galges and otome games."
Kanon smiled at the scene. The look on Keima's face was priceless. For the first time, his mask came off as he stared at Masaru and the room. It was filled with galges and galge-related materials. He looked ecstatic.
"Mr. Masaru, I am a fan of many of your company's games," he exclaimed with barely restrained enthusiasm.
The Representative Director offered his hand, and Keima shook it.
"Could I have your autograph?" the gamer asked.
Masaru nodded, and he signed.
Kanon smiled. "Keima, there's more. We're going to the company headquarters. I'm going to review my commercials for the latest PFP and games before it goes on air. Would you want a tour of Level Eye headquarters?"
"Could I look at everything?" asked Keima.
Mr. Masaru was uncertain at the request until Kanon gave a thumbs-up. Kanon was a priceless asset for his company. Her endorsement, voice acting, and background music were gold. She was worth more than a million TV ads. Their company owed a lot to Kanon.
"Yes, yes, you can," he gave permission.
Keima looked around the room like a boy in a candy store. The rooms were filled with pictures and materials for the next games, and the gamer began to ask questions.
Mr. Masaru was surprised at the knowledge of Kanon's brother for games, and he answered as best as he could.
Kanon smiled and looked at the Director, "Mr. Masaru, I have one more favor to ask. Could we go to your headquarters and have a private tour?"
"Right now?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No problem. I just need to get permission."
"Could you get it now?" asked Okada.
"Yes, yes," he said as he got his phone and called someone.
…
"The HQ is about to close. It's better if there are fewer people in there so you won't be mobbed," Masaru informed. "However, the key people of the company would be there to help on the tour. But I'll be your main guide."
Keima could barely contain his excitement at the news.
And Kanon just smiled. Apollo had earlier told her that the best way to win over Keima was with games. Kanon was not interested in playing games. It would take too much time from her idol work. And she found it boring. So how to have fun using games with him? Well, by using her work with games to make him happy.
She already voice-acted and provided music for galges and otome games before she met Apollo. She recalled when Miss Okada first broached the idea to her. She leaped at the chance to do work on games, even if she was not at all interested. She was not actually sure why she enthusiastically accepted the idea. But after she met Apollo, and she remembered everything, she concluded that it was fate that made her choose to get involved with games.
At least fate sounded better than being a funny coincidence.
After getting him the latest models of PFP and games, the next step was to introduce Keima to her contacts in the gaming industry and to let him tour the game offices. She didn't consider it at first, but after the fiasco of the first hour, and Apollo's incessant prodding, she gave in. And looking at how Keima was so happy, she had no regrets.
Part 191 – Okada's Price
…
They went to the HQ of Level Eye.
Keima was extremely delighted. However, after being warned by Okada, he behaved himself. He acted like a subdued fan instead of a raving loony, following Mr. Masura around as they went from room to room in the HQ. The gamer wasn't very interested in the board room, the offices of the employees, and the other mundane parts. What engrossed him were the places where the game ideas were made and were past games were stored.
He looked wide-eyed at the big posters of various heroines from games he had played before. He eagerly looked at the rejected ideas for games, mumbling to himself that he would have green-lit some of the rejected games. And he happily asked questions to the employees who wrote the stories for the games.
Kanon and Okada, during this time, just followed him.
…
After the tour…
Kanon was signing autographs for the staff. Keima and Okada were standing on the corner of the door, looking at the scene.
"Mr. Katsuragi, I want to ask a favor," the manager began.
"Cashing in already?"
"Not really. This is a small thing, you see. This is a minor favor, unlike what I did last night with your mother."
"Fine. What is it?"
"Kanon is going to school on Wednesday. You already know that. You have one hour with her on that day."
He nodded.
"I want you to act as her chaperone."
"What? Chaperone for Kanon?"
"Yes. You are acting as her big brother, after all. As you know, with our story that Kanon is not your girlfriend, she is seen as single, officially, at least. That would mean that many boys would take advantage of that and try to court her. You must control the crowds around her and accompany her. You are to keep those pesky boys away from her. Or at least manage it so that it doesn't annoy her too much."
"Wouldn't it fuel rumors that I am really her boyfriend if she keeps away from other boys?" he asked.
Okada snorted. "There are already rumors anyway. Not everyone believes in the story. So I advise you to get a girlfriend. I know it's hard for a nerd like you, so it won't have to be a real girlfriend. A pretend girlfriend would do, just like we agreed to."
He nodded.
"Anyway, that's your job. You can do it. I've seen how well you can act. And that's part of the job of an older brother, you know."
"I guess I have no choice, then," he murmured. He really didn't like to be a chaperone, but he had painted himself into a corner.
"You don't."
"Did Kanon put you up to this?"
"Yes. I was already considering a chaperone before, with students mobbing her all the time, but she refused unless it was you."
He laughed. "I thought so. I guess she's trying to find an excuse to spend time with me outside of the weekly three hours."
"She did keep mentioning something about a valid reason to spend time with you or something when she was arguing with me. I guess you would allow her to be with you for a valid reason outside of your three hours with her?"
"You could say that."
…
Part 192 – Kanon's Goodbye
Later…
They were outside the studio. Okada had given them privacy, and the two were alone.
Kanon's time was nearly up. Actually, it was way past her time.
"I'm sorry, Keima. I guess I exceeded my time several times over. I think I got three hours from you. Please don't make me give up the other two hours I have left," she pleaded, her pink eyes staring at his.
"It can't be helped, so it's fine," he answered. "So I'll just have to file the extra two hours as valid reasons outside time. So yes, I would still meet you twice more this week."
"Thank you, Keima. So, did you enjoy it?"
"Yes. Very much," he admitted. In fact, his time with Kanon ranked up with Shiori with One Leaf and Yui's game throne. She gets full positive points for fun with the ideal. Yes, there's a real possibility that Kanon would top the week.
"Really?"
"Are you kidding me? It was awesome! I got to go to the offices of Level Eye! And I got to meet all the people who made my favorite games ever! And because of you, I got the autographs of all those developers! It was a dream come true!"
"Because of me?"
"Yes, you, Kanon. You signed those autographs in exchange for them signing autographs for me, didn't you?"
She grinned. "Guilty as charged!"
"Getting to know all those people, what an experience! Well, I did know their names and reputations before, but to see them in the flesh! That was so fun!"
"I'm so glad. But I have more good news. Want to know?"
Keima gave a slight nod.
"Miss Okada had negotiated a new contract. I'm going to be the voice of the new heroine, and provide the music, as usual. However, get this. They're going to send me the scripts for the games before I record, and I can suggest changes. How about this? Why don't we go over them and we can make changes together? You're the expert, so you can be far more useful than I can ever be."
And once again, Keima's world was blown. "Of course! Yes, yes. To be given a chance to influence the script of a game! That's the best thing ever!"
"Will that come out of my three hours?"
"It's a valid reason outside of your time," he answered. He looked at his watch. "Look at the time. I've got to go."
Kanon pouted. "Aw! Already? Well, I guess you have to go home, or Aunt Mari might get mad at me. I'll get a ride for you."
"No, thanks. Elsie will fly me home."
Keima looked at his watch. It was very late. He still had several things he needed to do that night. "Elsie!" he called.
"Oh, and Keima, I forgot something," he heard.
He turned around, and when he did, Kanon grabbed his cravat with her right hand, pulled his head down in a fast motion, and wrapped her left arm around his neck. She tip-toed. He knew what was going to happen.
And their lips met.
To say he was surprised was an understatement. His mind was already on Elsie. Thus, just like Yui earlier in the day, he got surprise-kissed.
Not that he was complaining. It was part of the territory. In fact, kissing girls had become, to him, a routine. No longer unexpected. Whether from him or the girls.
…
For Kanon, like before, that kiss was beautiful. And it made her very happy that she was able to catch him off-guard with that kiss. She had been thinking, ever since they met and he surprised him with that greeting, how to get back at him. When she was sure there was privacy, and she was convinced that he did not expect it, she took her chance. Just the wide look in his eyes was proof of that.
Not that she savored the look—she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling, her hands firmly gripping the boy. She would make this kiss last.
She really did not want to let go. Still, she had to breathe. But she waited for something before she would let go.
Finally, she felt him kiss back. That was her signal. She let go. They both panted afterward, breathing deeply.
"Huh?" he can only say as he stared at her in befuddlement.
"That was my goodbye," she said sweetly, her face as pink as her eyes, before she ran back towards the door.
…
"Aw, that was sweet, Divine Brother!" he heard. "That was lengthier than usual, I think."
"Elsie! You saw that?" he asked as she made him invisible, and they flew home.
"I did," she beamed. "Your kisses are getting longer, Divine One. Their love is growing. Your plan is working!"
…
Part 193 – Mari's Thoughts on Kanon
Meanwhile, earlier in the night…
Mari Katsuragi was deep in thought as she poured through the accounts of Café Grandpa. Her mind was not able to concentrate on the numbers as she kept going back to her son.
She did not know how to feel about her son at that moment. There was no question that she loved him or trusted him with her life. It's just that…
Mari was happy that he finally had a social life. And he has friends! Lots of female friends, in fact! And Elsie was responsible for everything! She was now more grateful to her husband's illegitimate daughter. Scratch that, she was beginning to regard Elsie as her daughter. She really opened-up his shut-in of a son to the wider world.
What was funny was that Keima's new friends were all girls. In fact, all of them, except for Aoba and Haqua, seemed to be in love with him and were only friends for him for that very reason.
Not that Mari was complaining. It finally put to rest the idea that Keima's personality meant he could not marry. He could. And he had a wide range of choices. All the while remaining an anti-social game addicted otaku.
If only he wasn't as dense as a neutron star. How could he have missed the fact that seven girls were madly in love with him? Maybe it was because he was still encased in the bubble of his game world. She can imagine him now saying, 'Of course she can't be in love with me! She's not a heroine, she raised no flags, etc,' when that lady was openly telling him that they would get married in the future.
Even Yui throwing herself at him was not enough!
Except for Kanon. But Kanon was so obvious and so forward that Keima could not even deny it. Do the other girls need to imitate Kanon to make him believe their love? If Kanon was the template, should all the other girls start calling her Aunt then?
Kanon.
So Kanon was on probation, so to speak. Kanon was to prove herself to Keima. Kanon would attempt to make him fall in love with her. And in the meantime, Keima was allowed to have other girls.
That was the oddest, strangest arrangement she had ever witnessed in her life.
At least Keima was giving her a chance. Although Mari wished that he would provide the same opportunity to the other girls.
The truth was, even if Mari adored Kanon as an idol, and also as a potential niece, she did not approve of Kanon as a future daughter-in-law. Kanon had shown an appalling lack of judgment in her actions towards Keima. How can she think that confessing in front of the entire class in the middle of the exam was a good idea? And it took the idol more than a week to realize that she ruined her son's life! And she allowed herself to be manipulated by her shrewd manager!
Kanon had better mature.
But if Kanon was Keima's choice, in the end, she would accept it. She would love Kanon as if she was her own daughter. Kanon would never know how strongly Mari disapproved of her.
In comparison, her disapproval of Tenri was trivial.
Tenri, despite her timidity, was a far better suited for a wife of Keima than Kanon. She wished that Tenri would just do something so Keima can realize her love for him. But that girl was just too timid to act. And Mari was not one to interfere in the love life of her son.
Part 194 – Mari the Master Conspirator
"What are you doing?" asked Elsie as she joined her in the café.
"Looking over the numbers. Good thing Keima used his own money for his own coffee, or we would have been in the red for this month," Mari mumbled as she fiddled with the calculator in the table.
"Mom, can I tell you something?"
"What it is, dear?"
"It's about Tenri."
"What about her?"
"I think she's in love with my Divine Brother."
"Yes, I know."
"Well, I was wondering. Would you approve it if my Beloved Brother was also giving Tenri the same chance as Kanon?"
That stopped Mari in her tracks. She put away her calculator and accounts and just focused on Elsie.
"What do you mean?" she asked, bewildered that her often naïve carefree Elsie would say such a thing.
"Well, the Divine One told me that deal you made with Kanon and Okada. He can see other girls, right? So why not Tenri? Tenri deserves it since she's been in love with him ever since she's a small girl."
"How did you know that?"
"Tenri told me."
"So you're telling me that Keima should give the same chance to Tenri as he did Kanon? You already know the whole deal, so do you mean that Tenri should also have three hours per week like Kanon?"
"Now that you put it that way, yes," she answered.
"But Keima does not know that Tenri loves him."
"But when he finds out, I'm sure he'll give the same chance to Tenri. But would you approve of it? I mean, with Kanon and all. I want to ask you first before I ask my Divine Brother."
"Yes, yes," Mari said a little too hastily. Her hopes were raised. She didn't care. She wanted competition for Kanon. If Kanon was the only girl trying to win his heart, the idol may become complacent and would not try to mellow out. If Kanon sees a threat, maybe she would try to improve herself and change enough to get Mari's approval. "Tenri's a very nice girl. It would be a shame if she just let go of my son just like that."
Elsie's eyes widened. "Really?"
"But, but I have conditions. First, Keima must know that Tenri loves him. And not like a friend, or a brother, or whatever. He must know unequivocally that Tenri loves him like a lover, like a girl loves a boy. Like how Kanon loves him."
"Oh, that's easy. We can just tell him that."
"You're optimistic. My son has the wonderful ability to be blind to the most obvious things in the world. He'll have all sorts of excuses for why Tenri can't love him. That would be the hardest to overcome. Anyway, my second condition is related to that. After Keima finds out that Tenri loves him, he must accept Tenri spending time with him in the same terms as Kanon. I know, I prefer that things would be different, but with the Kanon deal in place, we cannot have girls do things differently than Kanon, or Okada would cry foul. Do you think my son would accept that?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't he?"
Mari gave a laugh. "My poor, sweet, innocent, naïve Elsie. I'm sure it took a lot, a lot, just for Keima to agree giving up three hours per week to Kanon. Because my son, my wonderful son, that wonderful boy, would not want to give up any of his gaming time for a 3D girl! Do you think he'll give up another three hours for Tenri, a 3D girl?"
"I guess you're right. Still, there's no harm in asking him. Maybe we can persuade him otherwise? Give him extra allowance or something in exchange?"
"No, no, no. We will not bribe Keima to spend time with Tenri. Still, maybe we can pressure him to accept Tenri if he finds out that Tenri loves him. After all, it's only fair for Tenri," Mari began to muse. "Hm, yes, maybe we can talk him into that. Yes, yes. Let's wait for him, shall we?"
"Can you do it? I mean, make Tenri confess for real to Divine Brother and for Beloved Brother to accept that and give time to her?"
"Don't you know that when I was young, and even now, I'm one of the best in intrigue and plotting? How did you think I was able to win your father?" she boasted. "Maybe it's time for Mari the Master Conspirator to make a comeback! If I can persuade Keima to give Tenri a chance, it would be my greatest triumph!"
"Well, I have homework to do. Call me when he gets back!" Elsie said before she left the café.
Mari sighed. She really needed a long talk with her son. She wrapped up her accounts and went to the living room to wait for Keima.
…
Part 195 – Keima's Confession
"Mom, I need to tell you something," Keima said as soon as he entered the house.
"Tell me, how was your time with Kanon?" Mari asked.
"It's fine. Mom, this is important. I have a problem."
"Problem?"
"Yes. It's about Tenri."
That caught Mari's attention. While she was planning on talking about Tenri anyway, she expected resistance from his son. She didn't expect that it would be him that would initiate the topic.
"Tell me your problem, my son," she said in a motherly tone.
Before he could talk, they heard footsteps ran down the stairs and enter the living room.
"Divine Brother! How was your time with Kanon?" Elsie asked with a bit of enthusiasm.
"Not now," he snapped. "I'm about to say something important to Mom."
Mari waited for Keima to ask his younger sister to leave, but he continued on.
"Tenri's parents think that we are a couple."
"Oh, that? That's all? Considering that, last week, you spent the night twice with Tenri in her room, that's hardly surprising," Mari commented. "Are you a couple?"
"No, Mom. Tenri is a real girl. And it's much worse than that."
"Go on. I'm listening."
"You see, Tenri's participating in a play. She is playing a heroine. So she asked me to help her rehearse. So I did. That play has a kissing scene. And when I was leaving her home, she decided to practice that scene by kissing me. And it happened that her parents saw her do it. They think that Tenri and I are girlfriend and boyfriend. Which isn't true. Could you tell them that they are mistaken?"
"Wait. You and Tenri kissed?"
"Yes. But it's nothing. It's just a practice for a play," he defended.
"What kind of kiss?"
"Lips to lips," he said as nonchalantly as possible.
"Are you sure that it's really for a play?" Mari asked, her eyes going wide-eyed. You get your first kiss, and that's how you react, my son?
"Of course. Why not?" he asked.
Mari wanted to groan. Oh, my darling son, you are so naïve! You have no idea what a first kiss meant, do you?
"Tenri did say that there's no such play," Elsie said. "I asked after you told me about it. I wanted to know. But there isn't any."
"But that can't be. If there isn't any play, why would Tenri bother doing all that?" he asked with a bewildered look on his face.
Mari wanted to strangle her son for missing such an obvious hint. I mean, really! A girl kisses you, and you still don't get it?
"It means he likes you, Exalted Brother!"
"Impossible! Tenri's a childhood friend. And childhood friend's more like a sister than a lover!"
"How could you say that?" asked Mari.
"All the games say so!" he defended. "And they are never wrong!"
"So what if there really is no play? Why would she kiss you, then?" asked Mari.
"I don't know," he shrugged. "Maybe she wants to practice kissing so she can kiss some other boy? Or she lied to Elsie about it?"
"Why don't you ask her?"
"Fine. I'll do so. Then we can end this thing. Still, can you help me persuade Tenri's parents? They might misinterpret the entire thing."
"Why don't you tell them yourself?"
"Because they won't believe me. At least they'll listen to you, Mom. As I understood it, you and Dad come a long way with the Ayukawas. Since elementary, am I right?"
"Keima, I'll do that if you do me a favor."
"What?"
"What if Tenri likes you?"
"Impossible!"
"Just listen, my son. If it's true, and she likes you, loves you even, then why don't you give her the same chance as Kanon?"
"What? If that is true, would Tenri accept that? And would Tenri's parents accept it? Because you know that accepting the same chance as Kanon means that she can't have me for herself until I choose a girl, and she'll only have three hours of my time in a week. And I can't give more because Kanon and Okada will get mad."
Mari raised an eyebrow. So her son was using the difficulties as a mask to hide his real reason? She smiled. Time to lay the trap.
"Are you sure that's your real reason? You just don't want to lose more gaming time to real girls?"
"Well, uh, um, for other girls, that's a good reason, but Tenri's different. She's a long-time friend. I'll help her, of course. Yeah, that's it," he finally stuttered. "But it's impossible."
"But if it's possible, would you give Tenri the same chance as Kanon?"
"Why not? Sure," he conceded. "I'll give you that as long as you help me with Tenri's parents. I still don't see the point of this, as Tenri doesn't like me anyway."
"Thanks, son!" Mari beamed. And Part One of her plan was successful!
"So will Tenri and her parents accept it?" he asked.
"I don't really know," the Katsuragi matriarch admitted. That was the hardest part. A girl really would not like to share her man with anyone. Mari herself, in a normal situation, would find it unacceptable that the man would have more than one girl at the same time. But Keima's situation was different. Will Tenri and her parents understand?
"It's impossible," he argued.
"Not yet. We'll ask Tenri first. If Tenri says she likes you, and she says yes, then we can concentrate on Mr. and Mrs. Ayukawa," Mari suggested.
"If you say so," he gave in.
"Now Keima, let's plan this. Let's assume that Tenri likes you. Let's assume she accepts being at the same level as Kanon. How can we make her parents give in? Come on! Consider this a theoretical exercise. Use that wonderful brain of yours! I'll exercise mine too!"
"Okay then, Mom. Let's make a plan. Purely theoretical, of course," he said.
And Mari smiled. Her hopes were up as the matchmaker inside of her was awakened.
…
Part 196 – Planning With Tenri
Tuesday morning…
Like the day before, Keima met Tenri outside the gate. It was Tenri's time for another fifteen minutes. This time, her parents did not see her off.
"Did you say anything?" he asked as they walked together. As usual, his hands and his eyes were on his PFP.
"No. I didn't say anything," Tenri answered, "like you instructed me to."
"Good. Now listen, Tenri. I am, well, we are going to fix our problem with your parents. Here's what I want you to do. Some things might surprise you later, but just go with the flow, and answer and act as you normally would. And you would be given more instructions later, okay?"
"Okay, Keima. What are your plans?"
"I can't really tell you, or you wouldn't act natural," he answered. "Don't worry, you won't have to lie or anything."
"Thank you, for that, Keima. I'm not as good a liar as you are."
"There are a couple of things that you must know, though," he began. "It has to do with Kanon. Remember Kanon's announcement last Sunday?"
"Who doesn't remember that? That's what everybody's talking about. Even in Misato High."
He nodded. "You already know that that is just a ruse. However, we have a secret agreement between me, Kanon, my mother, and her manager."
And Keima told her an abbreviated version of the deal that they struck with Mari.
"That was really clever of you," Tenri remarked.
"Okay. I am going to ask you this. Do you love me?"
"Y-y-y-ou know alrrr-r-r-r-ready, K-k-k-eima," she began shyly.
Keima stopped, and Tenri too. He stared at her eyes, and asked, "Please, answer me as honestly as you could. Do you love me?"
"W-w-w-why?"
"Please do as I asked. Do you love me?"
"Yes, Keima. I, I, I love you with all my heart. Ever since we were s-s-seven years old. I love you more than ever," she answered as passionately as she could, even as her face became the same color as Diana's eyes.
"Hm. That would do," he muttered. "I'm going to ask that, so please answer honestly. Now, I have another question. You know the deal I have with Kanon. Do you want the same chance as Kanon has with me? With three hours per week, sharing me with Kanon and other girls if need be, of waiting for me to decide in five years?"
"Yes, I-I-I-I do. All I w-w-w-want is a chance, Keima. I want the chance that Kanon has. P-p-p-please give it to me. I'll accept that," she answered.
He nodded. "Very good, Tenri. Just answer like that the next time I ask those questions. Or even if someone else asks those questions."
"I just answered honestly about how I felt and what I liked," Tenri answered. "I didn't act or pretend or lie."
"I know. That's what makes it so great."
"And what do you mean someone else? My parents?"
"No. My mother," Keima said. "Don't worry. My mother will understand. Here's another thing. My story about our kiss was that it was a play. But you actually made up a play just so you can get a kiss out of me. Can you tell your parents that?"
"I can't. That's a lie. I'm sorry, but I wouldn't be able to do it," Tenri answered. "It's not that I won't lie for you, Keima. I would do anything. It's just that, I'm a bad liar, and they'll see through me. I can't lie like you."
"I thought so," he mumbled. "Don't worry. I already had thought of something."
"You have?"
"Yes. Do you know Haqua?"
"Yes."
"She's going to get involved," he said as they reached the crossroads. "Well, see you later. Tell your parents I'll be coming."
"I will, Keima."
"And Tenri?"
"Yes?"
Keima gave a peck on her left cheek before he separated from her.
Part 197 – Bento or No Bento
Later, at lunch period…
Chihiro Kosaka was pacing back and forth in the rooftop waiting for Keima Katsuragi. It was her first hour, and she was nervous.
Ever since her talk with Yui the day before, all that was on her mind was the possibility of regaining the memories of her first conquest. Would the memory be good? What about her first kiss? Was it worth it? Would she love or hate Katsuragi more because of those events?
But what if it was not possible?
A small part of her wished that it should be impossible. There was no need to dredge up feelings and memories long gone. At least if it were impossible, she has a perfect excuse to keep to the comfortable status quo.
A status quo broken by Yui. Damn that Yui Goido! What was she thinking? She's probably not thinking. She just wants to know about my first kiss!
So her curiosity was peaking. She was looking forward to, yet at the same time dreading, regaining her memories.
And here he comes!
"Katsuragi! You're late!" she immediately scolded, even if he was on time.
He looked at his watch. "I guess my watch is running late," he remarked. "Shall we extend the hour then?"
"Um, I guess so," she remarked as she took her lunch from her bag.
"Aren't you gonna eat your lunch? I want to eat first," she mentioned, still nervous about what was to happen. She wanted to delay it a bit.
"Sure. Where's my bento?"
"Bring your own bento!"
That surprised Keima.
"You brought me lunch last Saturday."
"Yes, I did. But don't expect it every time," the normal girl snapped back. "Wait. Did you bring your own lunch?"
"I didn't. I have no time for that. Game food is all that I require!"
She looked at her own packed lunch and began to feel guilty. It was, after all, a tradition for a girlfriend to bring her boyfriend a bento lunch. Girl Walker advised giving food to one's boyfriend. But he's not yet her boyfriend, was he?
Well, that's her excuse anyway. She actually forgot to make an extra bento because she kept thinking about her memories.
She recalled an earlier conversation with Ayumi about bento lunch.
Earlier that day…
"So what did you make for Keima?" asked Ayumi as they walked to school.
"What? Why should I make the Otamegane anything?"
Ayumi's eyes widened. "Wait? You did not?"
"Is that required?" she defended.
"Yes. Listen, girl. Mercury advised me that Keima likes it very much if you bring him lunch. If you don't bring him anything, he'll think that you're taking him for granted. Every other girl in the schedule would bring him bentos. Hell, Yui brought him two bentos yesterday!" Ayumi ranted as she searched for her bag. She produced her own bento. "Here. Take my lunch and give your own bento to Keima."
"Huh? Why are you doing this?"
"Listen. I can buy my own lunch. But this is for Keima's heart. I know we are competitors, but you're my best friend. Mercury is giving such good advice on how to win him that I never knew before. And so are the other Goddess to their hosts. You have no Goddess. It would be unfair to you if I don't give you good advice," she mentioned. "Next time, make two bentos and give it to him."
"Fine, I'll take it just in case he did not bring his own food. But I won't give it to him if he has his own lunch."
Back to the current time…
"Fine. Here, I made this for you," Chihiro lied as she gave her lunch. "I just didn't want to waste good food if you already brought your own."
"You have your own lunch, right?" he asked with an eyebrow raised as he accepted it.
"Of course I have, doofus!" she snarked as she took Ayumi's bento.
They spent the next fifteen minutes eating.
"So, do you like it?" Chihiro asked shyly. She was a bit nervous as she made the bento for herself, not for Keima. She was afraid that their taste buds might not be the same.
"It's fine," he said. "I'll be looking forward to your next bento."
"Hey, don't expect it every time!" she snapped.
Part 198 – Memories Forgotten
He just shrugged as he took his game console from his pocket and began playing. "What do you want to do for the rest of the hour?"
And there it was. The truth was, Chihiro was so consumed by the thought of getting back her lost memories that she wasn't able to think of any activity that she would have liked to do with Keima. So her mind was blank.
She can't delay it any longer.
"Hey, Katsuragi."
"Chihiro."
"Um, the girls in your mission forget, right? Miyako will forget, right?"
"Yes, she will."
"That's a relief. I've said many terrible things to Miyako about you, just like you asked. Do you know how hard it is to say those things?"
"I don't know. I heard that you said those pretty easily. I'm impressed."
"Well, I feel bad that I was able to say it easily. It's like I haven't changed at all and still see you the same before I fell for you. Unlike Ayumi. She didn't feel bad for saying those, because she says it's part of your mission, and that you told us to tell Miyako those bad things, and it's our contribution to saving Miyako. I know those things too, yet I still can't believe how easily I said those things! Even if I didn't mean to."
"I wouldn't have asked you if I knew you can't do it."
"Anyway, Otamegane, my point is, Miyako will forget, right?"
"Of course. Do you still want to help me with my conquests?"
"Of course, you dweeb! I love you so much that I want to help you no matter how much it hurts. And no, I won't accept being a bystander! I want to be a full partner in your loose soul hunt, like Elly, or Haqua."
He nodded. "Thank you. You still need acting lessons for you to fully help me, and you still need to be cold-blooded enough to do so."
"I'll learn."
"I'm sure you will."
Chihiro wanted to smack herself for allowing herself to get distracted by peripheral issues. Maybe that was because she was still nervous about it.
"So Katsuragi, about the memories. Miyako will forget, right? Just like I forgot."
"Yes."
"Keima Katsuragi, IwanttorememberPleasebringbackmymemories," she said in a rapid motion.
He looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Huh? Care to repeat that?"
She wanted to kill herself for that. It was so embarrassing. Her face blushed red as she repeated her wish. "I want my memories of my first conquest. I want it back."
He pocketed his PFP and looked at her in earnest. He grabbed her by the shoulders and looked at her in the eye. "Are you sure?"
"More than anything else in life, yes."
"Do you really want this?"
"Yes. Please do so if you can."
He sighed. He was really hoping that the normal girl would not remember about it. The truth of the matter was, he did not want to stir that hornet's nest. He's in love with Chihiro, and the emotional balance that he forced upon himself upon the start of his new mission to save the Goddess hosts may be disturbed if she remembered. But he had promised Yui that he would do so if Chihiro brought it up. And looking at how earnest Chihiro was, he could not refuse.
Part 199 – Memories Returned
He let go of her. "Haqua!" he called.
The violet-haired devil suddenly materialized in front of them.
"Wah!" Chihiro shouted. "Please don't give me a heart attack!"
"Haqua. Yes, or no. Could you restore her memory of her first conquest?"
"Easily."
"There are no side-effects?"
"None that can be traced to regaining her memory."
"Are you allowed to do this?"
Haqua pondered for a moment. "Yes. This is within the guidelines set by my superiors."
"Chihiro. Once more, are you sure you want this?"
"Yes. Let's do it."
"Oh, and one more thing. Just so you'd know, Kosaka. Your memories are tied to being in the schedule," Haqua warned. "Once you decide to quit being part of it, in any shape or form, you would forget everything."
"Everything?"
"Yes. Frankly, for a non-Goddess host, you already know too much about loose souls and New Hell. The only reason you're allowed to remember is that you're under the schedule, and thus, under Katsuragi's supervision, and indirectly, since he's under New Hell, under our supervision too. So if you decide to quit this, then you'll forget everything. Not only the memory of your first conquest, but everything, including that night when you saw Mercury and Vintage for the first time, the two café meetings, and everything that has to do with the schedule."
"Including my three hours with Katsuragi?"
"Yes."
"Well, I don't care. I don't plan on quitting anyway. And he'll choose me at the end of five years, so it doesn't matter!" Chihiro asserted. "I want my precious memories back."
Haqua nodded. "So be it." And she cast a spell.
Suddenly, it came flooding back to her.
The time in the rain. The random confession to random guys. The plan of Katsuragi for Chihiro to conquer Yuuta. Katsuragi working so hard to bring the two together. Katsuragi scolding her for not trying. Her running to the ship Akanemaru and shouting that she's nothing special. Katsuragi following her.
And finally.
Her first kiss.
She remembered vividly how his lips suddenly pressed upon her, shutting her up mid-rant. How special that felt. How wonderful it was. How it was a dream come true since she, for a very long time, had secret feelings for that dweeb. She was ecstatic. She felt pleasure.
It was her dream come true. Something she wished never to end.
So she had kissed him three times. And now, she remembered her first.
Then she remembered how she fell to the deck, and his words.
"You can. Whenever you lose faith, I will come and save you."
That was the real reason she found herself again.
That was the real reason she started a band.
So, in essence.
She owed everything.
To that dweeb. Keima Katsuragi.
Part 200 – Kisses Galore
Emotions suddenly flooded, and she looked at him. He was staring at her, saying nothing. Why wouldn't he say anything? Why didn't he tell her before?
Suddenly, she got angry. Really angry.
"Why didn't you tell me? Why did you let me forget? Do you know how precious a memory the first kiss of a girl is?" she shouted as she began hitting him with her fist. "I can't believe you! You lied to me! You lied to me so much! You deceived me! Manipulated me!"
"Chihiro—" he scolded as he grabbed both her shoulders and looked at her. But she continued ranting.
"How can you do that? How can I trust you? How can I even believe any wor—"
She was cut off when his lips pressed onto hers.
And all the anger melted away. Her eyes widened at the sudden sensation before closing it. And like before, it was good. And given the context, it felt even better. Yes, she loved the dweeb. Loved him even before the events of the first conquest. Still loved him after she forgot. Got her heart crushed as a result of the Goddess search. And got repaired and loved him even more as a result of the first week of the schedule. And loved him even more, if that was possible, upon regaining her memories.
Yes, she loved the dweeb. More than ever. Her fears were groundless. All it did was reinforce her existing feelings.
Given that he still held her tightly by the shoulders, it was impossible to wrap her arms around him like she wanted to. So she leaned forward and pushed her head against his, kissing him back.
And after a while, they stopped, searching for breath.
"Chihiro, I said that I may lie to you, manipulate you, deceive you, all for your own good. Please, that applies in the past as well as in the present and future. I do it because I care for you."
And Chihiro suddenly understood all those explanations he kept telling them. Everything that happened was for her sake.
Not because he loved her. That was impossible as the dweeb doesn't like any girl.
But because he cared. Like a brother or friend.
And tears began forming in her eyes.
Then it burst. All those pent-up emotions.
"I am so sorry. I was so selfish! I treated you so badly!" she bawled as she sank into his arms. "I love you, but I didn't act as if I did! I'm so sorry!"
And he guided her back to a bench, and they sat together, Chihiro crying her heart out, wetting his cravat and her uniform in the process.
…
Keima didn't know what to do. Inside, his emotions were raging. He badly wanted to comfort her by saying that he loved her. He wanted badly to say those three magic words 'I LOVE YOU.' To show his true feelings to the girl he loved.
But he cannot. If he did so, the goddess hosts would get heartbroken. And die.
And he knew that he could not assure Chihiro that he would choose her in the end. That would be unfair to the other six girls, as, in effect, he would be playing with their hearts. No, he had to be open to the possibility that he may fall in love with some other girl of the schedule, and choose her instead of Chihiro. For the sake of the girls, he had to do this, or he would be cruel and inhuman to them.
Yes, Tenri, Kanon, Tsukiyo, Shiori, Ayumi, and Yui all have a real chance to win his heart at the end of five years. Even if at present, his heart still belongs solely to the girl crying in his arms.
Fate could be such a cruel master.
He could only put on his mask as the normal girl kept crying and kept professing her love.
That was his true suffering. To deny his real emotions for the sake of those he cared about—his heroines.
What can he do?
How could he show his love without Chihiro, or any other girl, recognizing it for what it was?
The answer was simple. And it had the added benefit that it could make her stop crying.
He cupped her chin up, so her crying face was looking at him.
And again, for the fifth time, kissed her on the lips.
Yes, a kiss in his world wasn't a sign that he loved a girl. Otherwise, he would have loved almost 20 girls. And the girls of the schedule knew that. But he also knew that the girls felt love every time he did so.
And this time, unlike the other girls, he felt certain emotions when he kissed Chihiro. How could he not?
He felt her arms go around his neck as he pressed against her, savoring the taste of her lips. Not that it tasted better or worse than the other girls—like everything about her, it was average. Her kiss wasn't particularly better or worse than the others—it was middling. He internally frowned as his mind went to all the other kisses he made. He couldn't help it. A kiss has become something so commonplace for him, even if he knew it held special significance.
And again, they only broke up after a while. Was he beginning to get used to long kisses instead of the short, chaste kisses he was used to before? Maybe it was because of Yui. She started the trend after all.
He was blushing a bit afterward. But no more than the blushes he showed the other girls.
Evenhandedness. That's the rule of the harem. One that he would stick by until the end. The girl he chose would only know when he made that choice, and he will only make that choice at the end of the five years.
…
The kiss made Chihiro stop crying. She felt forgiven, felt that everything was okay between the two of them. Happiness returned to her.
"Thank you for that, Kei—Katsuragi," she said, her face deep red as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
He was again playing his PFP. Typical boy.
"Do you need anything else? I have things to do, you know."
And for the first time, she realized that Haqua was still there.
"Um, did you see that?" the band leader asked as she became a deeper shade of tomato.
"Everything. Is there anything else you need me for?"
"No, everything's fine. You can leave if you want."
"That only? Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Oh, yeah," Chihiro realized. She stood up and bowed before the valedictorian. "Thank you very much. I will never forget this act of kindness."
"And?"
"Fine. Thank you, Haqua," Katsuragi said without even standing up from the bench or even looking up from his game.
"What a rude boy! That's the last time I'm going to grant you a favor!" she screeched before she disappeared.
"Dweeb, did she just see… Everything?"
"Yeah. Don't worry. She's used to it. Comes with the job. I mean Elsie witnessed almost every kiss that I had with other girls, so I guess the same would apply to Haqua," he remarked as she sat down beside him and once more leaned against him.
"Guess I still have one more kiss, right?" she teased.
"Huh?"
"Well, Yui did say that you're going to kiss us three times," she said, eyes on her lap and her voice barely audible. It was so embarrassing to say, but she had to say it, or Keima might think she was not claiming that right.
"Oh yeah. Sure," he said. And he internally cursed Yui once more. Now that word had gotten around, he could not refuse to give the same rights to the other girls—evenhandedness and all that, after all.
They spent the rest of the hour just chatting about nothing in particular. The hour soon ended, and they both walked out of the roof, Chihiro as happy as a lark, walking with extra spring on her step and humming a happy tune. She wanted to hold his hand or his arm as they walked to Class 2B, but the ruse must be maintained.
End of Flag XVIII
Stats for the Week
Monday – Official Time
Tenri – Morning Walk – 15 minutes
Yui – Lunch – 1 hour
Kanon – Night Event – 1 hour
Tuesday– Official Time
Tenri – Morning Walk – 15 minutes
Chihiro – Lunch – 1 hour
Total:
Tenri – 30 minutes
Yui – 1 hour
Kanon – 1 hour
Chihiro – 1 hour
Appendix
[1] For those who haven't read the light novel, a description of Asami was in Chapter 16, "Club", in Part 169 - "Enter Asami". As for Ikumi and what she means for the story, I'll explain it in the next chapter when Asami gets a more detailed role, so please be patient.
Author Notes
Aoba Fuse and Asami Yoshino are a light novel heroines. I took their 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.
And thanks to xellos540 for the idea of the backstage tour for Kanon's time.
Review Replies
To xellos540,
Thank you for your review.
Once again, this was originally sent by PM. I'm sharing it for the enlightenment of the readers.
Could Goddesses restore memories of other girls? I'm not sure but I think not. To me, the Goddesses prevents the hosts from permanently losing the memories without intervention of Hell. So the fact that the girls are hosts are the decisive factor in making the girls regain their memories.
But who knows? Maybe they have other powers that can restore the memories of the girls.
Yui isn't a master planner or a master manipulator by a long stretch. I would say she benefited a lot from having Mars to guide her, and some good luck, and some common sense. So yeah, its part planning, and part making it up as she goes along. Though mostly the latter.
Oh yeah. That really surprised Keima. He really didn't expect that at the very beginning. As for positive points, we'll see. Depends on what the other girls do on their time, as remember, it's relative.
I'm glad you like the kiss description. I'm trying to make more descriptive kisses, as you asked. Though I admit, I'm not that good at describing kisses before, that's why I try to keep it relatively brief. And there's more coming in the future. I'll try to make it good. After all, what is World God Only Knows but Keima kissing girls? xD
Yep. It's rare for Keima to kiss back. Though right now, he knows that doing so would increase affection points. No harm in it.
Haha, that's Yui. She really wants to act the boy in the relationship, and Keima the girl!
As for the bento, you could say that! She wants to have an advantage over other girls, and knows that one way is through the bento! As for getting fat, that's a funny image of Keima!
As for any other girl on Keima's Lap, I don't think so. Only Yui have the personality to make Keima do that for his own sanity. Because Keima's learning that it's not good for his mind and body to be completely passive in face of Yui Goido. Being assertive is the only way for him to actually survive Yui.
And that's the effect of Aoba Fuse teaching her and others about games!
"Is it me being paranoid or is Yui going in Aoba's direction with this conversation?" Yes. That is part of her plan to get Aoba in the schedule.
And yep. Yui directly asking to restore Aoba's memories would be harder, and may be outrightly rejected by those she asked. (In case of Keima, it most certainly will be rejected). By asking for Chihiro, she could get the method more easily, since no one can really object to Chihiro regaining her memories.
Of course, once it's shown possible with Chihiro, Yui's hand is strengthened.
Well, Tenri also see more to Keima than meets the eye. After all, Tenri was able to pretty quickly figure out that Keima loves Chihiro! Aoba Fuse too, but she doesn't count since she isn't in the schedule. And with her playing games, her understanding of Keima is bound to grow.
Well, Yui did call Keima a playboy directly in the manga! And I don't think there's reason for Yui to change her mind in that.
As for individual rules for everyone, for now, it's only Yui. Only Yui had the guts and the cheek to suggest it to Keima. For the rest, the default rules would apply until they ask Keima directly, and the wouldn't since they wouldn't think of it, and even if they think of it, wouldn't ask until they gathered their courage.
Yep. That's Rule 9! Fortunately for Keima, the girls, even Yui, are a bit innocent and naïve on that matter. Remember that Yui before her conquest was a shy and sheltered girl, and I doubt her knowledge on those things increased at all since her conquest, and such knowledge, I think, would be at best, superficial. The best Yui could do at the moment is hold and hug Keima and to kiss him. Yeah, make out. As whether Keima could survive a make out session that long, we'll see! xD
And that new era is here to stay, I am please to announce! Yui had unleashed a monster in Keima! xD
Well, there's already three girls who'd like to witness it. Yui, Ayumi, and Chihiro. We'll see what happens.
About telling their stories, I know. Haha. Though I'm sure Yui would not be the least embarrassed. Shiori would be the most!
It's not as if Aoba literally believed it to be 100% true. It's that Aoba has faith in Keima, and Keima gave her a clear order—not to talk to Miyako about Keima. So Aoba will do so in deference to his direct wishes. So she would probably pretend to believe it to be true and try to hope that it is true, even if her rational would doubt it. Though it would become moot and academic if Aoba regains her memories and finds about loose souls.
I love writing about Keima's laugh. It's just so… Keima. It's such a contrast to his calm and cool disposition, yet uniquely him! And it won't be the last time you'll hear that laugh!
I'm glad you liked Aoba blushing. That's something very rare indeed. Although I suspect it would become more frequent in the future. xD
Asami wants to join the club. Though not originally, as she didn't know there was such a club. But yeah, she would once she found out about it. The combination of books and Keima would be too much. And you're right about how she would like to play games too. I wonder if Aoba would gain another student? I won't say anything more about Asami since it would involve spoilers.
I really could see Keima dumping all the responsibility to Aoba, though that wouldn't be undeserved.
A blushing Miyako! Yup, she's falling! If she already hadn't fallen as Keima thought before.
Yes, he can. But only the basics. Four hands? That would be something! I mean, that means he can play duet by himself!
Well, Miyako is a good piano teacher.
Miyako is second to Keima in 2B, so she's brainy, but not in the Keima's category, especially in deviousness!
As to whether it's near, maybe, but it'll be clearer in chapter 18. It won't happen immediately, of course, but just wait and see.
And once more, thank you for your review.
To aznxa21, thanks for your review. As for when the bad end will come, if at all, you will just have to wait and see!
To issei, thank you and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too!
To ty, thank you. I admit that some parts have little tension. Aside from the fact that the scenes were not independent, and are just transitions to future scenes, where the importance of those previous scenes would be realized. Plus, the entire story was Keima trying to remove tension and difficulties from his situation at the beginning. Like making the girls accept sharing him with the others, making clear Aoba was just a disciple, making them aware that he was courting Miyako and he will kiss her at the end, making them accept the rules of the schedule, making Mari accept that Keima could have several girls at the same time, making Okada accept the situation with Kanon, making the girls accept the necessity that he will lie and deceive them in the future, as well in the past, so even if he was caught lying, he could have a very easy escape.
Of course, not everything will succeed. The plot was seeing Keima pull all the above objectives off, and seeing how he does it. And of course, there are the other girls making their own plots regarding Keima, and how will they conflict with Keima's objectives.
Sorry, I don't watch or read Nisekoi, or almost all other harem comedy. So I can't relate about it.
As for cute scenes with Miyako and Keima, they will happen, but at the last chapter, it isn't time yet. The objective is simply to show Keima learning piano under Miyako, and Miyako gaining confidence in herself. It will pay off soon, but be patient. The punchline from some scene sets up, unfortunately, could sometimes take several scenes from different chapters. For example, the scene with Chihiro in this chapter here took several scenes and several chapters to set up. The first scene that sets it up is way back in chapter 3! If it seems boring, well, I'm sorry.
Anyway, thanks, and I'll try to improve based on your points. But I have already written and finished several chapters in advance, so it may take time to see it.
To Rahmanism, true. Keima Katsuragi's reputation in school was awful at the end of the manga, worse than at the beginning. Yep, and the funny thing is, that was not the intention of Aoba to draw him to the real. In her mind, all that she did was in service of the ideal! As for making Keima see her as a girlfriend, she must first of course see herself as being in love with Keima, which she still denies!