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.

And I do not own The World God Only Knows.

And thank you to xellos540 for the beta!

...

Summary of the Previous Chapter

Short Summary

Mari makes plans about a sleepover. Aoba and Keima discuss being rude. Keima spends time with Tsukiyo during lunch. Tsukiyo asks Keima something. Shiori and Keima go to Narusawa City and meet a very familiar face.

ARC II - CONSPIRACIES

Flag XXV

The Duet

Part 268 – Miyako's Motivation

Miyako Terada, backstage at the Music Hall, looked at herself in the mirror.

She was wearing a long pink floor-length silk gown that was standard wear for female pianists on recitals. Her mother chose it, and she had to admit, she looked beautiful.

She wondered if Katsuragi would like it?

She shook her head. She shouldn't be thinking silly thoughts. She should be thinking of the task ahead. Looking at the other three competitors, she recognized them as great pianists too. But who were the novices? She knew them, but they were the last people she expected to play piano. But wasn't that the point of the expert-novice duet? To demonstrate the teaching skills of the veteran?

"You're so pretty! Katsuragi will swoon when he sees you!" Chihiro exclaimed.

Miyako was delighted with her friends' company backstage. "Stop that! I don't look that pretty!"

"Don't be modest! You look lovely! I'm jealous!" Ayumi admitted. "After you win, could you lend Katsuragi to me, even for a little while?"

Miyako blushed a little. "Huh? What do you mean? Why should—"

"Aw, you're jealous!" Chihiro pointed out. "You don't want to lend him to other girls!"

"Stop that!" Miyako laughed.

"So, you think you'll win?" Elsie asked.

"Of course, they'll win! It's the pianist and the genius," Yui pointed out as she looked at Miyako.

"Stop that! I don't think we'll win!"

Elsie showed a bit of disappointment in Miyako's words. "But why? Don't you have faith in Beloved Brother?"

"Oh, Katsuragi is good! But no matter how good you are, sometimes, someone is better than you. The three other pianists here are outstanding," Miyako pointed out. "They participated in many piano tournaments in the past few years. Compared to them, I'm very rusty."

"Don't worry. You may be right about them, but the novices should have nothing on Katsuragi," Chihiro pointed out.

"Yeah! Don't worry! You'll win!" Yui encouraged.

"I hope so. Just don't be too hopeful, okay? I'll be happy to be first-runner up," she whispered.

…

Inside, she was very nervous. It's not that she's afraid to perform in front of crowds—after all, she had just recently played in the 2B Pencils band during the Festival. Her stage fright was, by that point, non-existent.

She was worried that she might lose. Despite saying that she'll be happy to be first-runner up, she wanted to win. She knew she was ordinary. She was normal. But maybe she can be someone special if she wins? But how can she win if she's normal? She hasn't been number one in anything for a long time. So why should she win this time? Because of Katsuragi?

She scoffed.

If anything, Katsuragi could win it all by himself. She would drag him down to her level.

"Don't be so down, Miyako. Winning or losing is not that important," Chihiro said as she walked to her. "It's if you did your best, and if you had fun—that's what matters. You can't always be the best at everything."

Miyako nodded, even if she internally rejected her advice. You're my best friend, but you can't possibly know what I've been through. Nothing matters if you don't become number one. And tonight, I'll feel another night of pain at seeing another win.

But I'll endure that.

For Keima Katsuragi. After all that he did for me, he deserves my best. I'll show the world that I have confidence in him. And he'll be recognized as the true genius that he is.

Chihiro, Ayumi, you said that Katsuragi is no good, useless, dumb.

Both of you will eat your words.

She was confident that even if they just get first runner up, Katsuragi's genius will show through, and nobody would dare say he's no good. This was for Katsuragi, and no one else.

She looked at the clock. It was fifteen minutes until the start of the show.

"Ayumi, Chihiro, can you do me a favor?" she asked.

"What is it, Miyako?" asked the runner.

"Please, look at Katsuragi, not me, when we play. Katsuragi is a genius, but you don't believe that. I will show the world why you are wrong about him," Miyako declared. "Please, after tonight, don't say to anyone that he is dumb, stupid, or any of those things. Tell others how great he is."

Chihiro and Ayumi looked at each other. "We will do as you asked," the band leader conceded.

…

Part 269 – The Club Members Gather

Aoba Fuse looked at the door of the hall, then at the clock.

Where are they?

"Don't worry, Secretary. They'll be here," Asami assured, standing beside the girl gamer near the stage.

"I know. But I can't help feeling worried. How many will come?"

"A lot. I'm sure of it, Secretary."

"Tell me again. What exactly did you do?"

"After the President's practice, I designed a flyer. And yes, I did not say Kanon would come—it would be useless to us if they came because of Kanon—and made about three hundred copies—"

"Don't forget to thank Yui Goido for paying for that," the genius reminded.

"Yes, Miss Goido was very helpful," Asami answered.

"May I have a look at that flyer?"

Asami gave Aoba a copy. It was a plain white flyer, effortless to make.

In the center was a simple announcement.

Keima KATSURAGI and Miyako TERADA are in a piano duet contest Thursday Night, at about 6:30 p.m. Please support Kanon's brother and come to the Music Hall!

"I made it plain on purpose. The only thing that middle school students need to know is that Kanon's brother is going to have a duet and that we're asking for their support," Asami pointed out.

"So what happened next?"

"After we made the copies, we went to Middle School, where Ikoma introduced me to her two friends—Akko Nagumo, and Saitou Maebara. They were very helpful and agreed to help us distribute the flyers.

"The four of us went to school much earlier than usual, about seven in the morning, before anyone arrived. We put the flyers on all the desks of all the middle school classes, from the first year to the third year. Ikoma did the third year. I did the first year. And Nagumo and Maebara did the second year. And for good measure, Ikoma posted an extra flyer on the bulletin board of the Middle School building. We finished just before the other students arrived."

Aoba nodded. "Excellent, Yoshino. Did you bring it too?"

Asami showed Aoba a small camcorder. "Don't worry, Secretary. Katsuragi's performance will be recorded for posterity!"

"Good! Good!" smiled the genius.

"Senpai!"

Both older girls turned and saw Minami behind them.

"I heard what you did this morning. You did a good job," Aoba complimented.

"It was nothing, Senpai. Really. Senpai Yoshino, Akko, and Saitou did most of the work," Minami answered.

"So, can you take a guess as to how many middle schoolers will attend the concert?"

"Most of Middle School, if that were possible. Especially after what happened yesterday," the swimmer answered.

"Huh? Why?"

"Well, Middle School students were angry at High School for cheering the three bullies who beat up Senpai Katsuragi. We're really really sorry about what happened to him. We want to show that Middle School didn't have anything to do with what happened yesterday and that it was only High School that should be blamed," Minami explained.

Aoba internally winced. She wanted to gauge the natural support of the Divine One from Middle School. The beating would artificially inflate attendance numbers. So that meant that she could not gauge his real popularity. Oh well. Her only hope was that his performance would be so awesome that it would permanently win those who just pitied him. And she was praying that her Master would do as she asked and act polite towards the middle-schoolers when they crowd him after the duet.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Right after they announce the winners, make sure you and your friends go to Terada first. Congratulate her and praise her before you go to the Master."

"Huh? Why?"

"Oh, I have reasons, but it's complicated," the girl genius answered. The reason why was she was sure that this was part of the Divine One's plan to "save" Miyako Terada. She did not know his exact plan, but what was happening was very similar to one of the games she played—Piano Master Heroine. If all the middle school students would crowd around the Master and ignore Terada, that would be counterproductive. They needed to make Terada feel appreciated.

…

Part 270 – Packed Hall

"Fuse!"

The three girls saw Yui Goido walking fast, almost running towards them.

"Fuse! Are you excited?" asked the heiress with a massive grin on her face.

"I'm nervous for the Divine One!"

"Oh, c'mon! You know he'll win! And he'll win easily with Miyako!"

She nodded. "Yui, these are my clubmates. Asami Yoshino, and Minami Ikoma."

"Hello Yoshino, Ikoma. I am Yui Goido."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Goido."

"Hello, Senpai Goido."

"So Fuse, where are you sitting?" the heiress asked.

"I haven't decided yet. Somewhere in the front," she said.

Yui grinned. "How about you sit with us? The seven of us will be in the front row."

"I don't know," Aoba hesitated. She wanted to sit with Minami and Asami. She looked at the two.

"Go on ahead, Secretary," Asami said. "I'm going to be busy with the camcorder."

"And I'll be sitting with Akko and Saitou. Go on ahead, Senpai."

"Thank you. See you after the Master wins," she said before she followed Yui Goido.

She led them to the front row, where Shiori, Tsukiyo, Tenri, and a girl with brown hair—wait, why was she so familiar?

"Hello Fuse!" she greeted in her natural voice.

"Kanon!" the girl genius whispered.

"Hush. Not so loud. This is Keima's moment, not mine," said the idol.

"Your disguise is impeccable, even without the coat and beret," complimented the genius. "You even wore a wig and blue contacts."

Kanon smiled. "Yes. All for Keima. And I didn't get to say this, but thanks for helping with those suitors."

"Anything for the Divine One," she said as Yui pulled her to a chair beside her.

So from left to right, sat Aoba, Yui, Kanon, Tenri, Shiori, and Tsukiyo. All wore the Maijima Private High Uniform, even Tenri (and Yui wore the male version of the uniform, as usual).

"Fuse! Didn't know you'd watch!" Chihiro Kosaka greeted as she and Ayumi arrived.

"Did the backstage crew kick you out?" Yui teased.

"Yeah. We wanted to stay, but they said only participants could remain backstage," Ayumi answered as she sat next to Fuse, and Chihiro next to the athlete.

…

There was a commotion.

Aoba turned around and smiled. Many people entered the hall. Most of them were middle-school students based on their uniforms.

The gamer could barely contain her excitement. It's happening! It's happening!

When it was over, the hall was packed, with many more middle schoolers standing at the back. There was a loud murmur throughout, and mostly it consisted of 'Katsuragi', and 'Kanon's brother.'

Besides the middle school students, there were a few adults, mostly the parents of the contestants. Mari was sitting just behind them, talking with the parents of Miyako Terada.

To Aoba's delight, a lot of the middle school students brought banners and streamers.

'GO KATSURAGI!'

'WE LOVE YOU, KEIMA KATSURAGI!'

'WE SUPPORT YOU, KANON'S BROTHER'

'GO, KATSURAGI AND TERADA!'

Of course, being a piano recital, not a concert, the atmosphere was subdued and quiet. Aoba could feel the palpable affection for the God of Conquests emanating from the crowd behind her.

Minami was right. Her master was very popular among Middle School students.

Chihiro was dumbstruck as she looked behind her. "I can't believe it! Wait! This is your doing, Fuse! Right? Right?"

"Is this your plan, Fuse?" Ayumi added.

Yui called the four girls beside her. "Hey, girls, look at the crowd behind us! They love Keima! And it's all Fuse's plan!"

"Wait!" Tsukiyo began. "Miss Fuse, that's you who's responsible for this?"

"Yes. I asked Minami Ikoma and Asami Yoshino to invite the entire Middle School to watch the Master. I wanted to test his popularity with them."

"Almost all of Middle School is in here!" Kanon added as she looked behind her. "It's like one of my concerts. And we're the only high schoolers here!"

"It was my plan, but you should also thank Ikoma and Yoshino. And Yui too. She paid for the costs," Aoba acknowledged.

Yui looked proud.

"Wait! You used Yui? Why didn't you ask me for help?" Kanon asked, pretending to be offended.

"I want to know how popular the Divine One is. Kanon, if you helped, I couldn't know if it was him or you that drew that crowd," Aoba explained.

Tsukiyo nodded. "With this much support, Miss Fuse, your plan for Keima to win the School Council Presidency next year doesn't look so foolhardy. Congratulations."

"So, Katsuragi will surely win?" Shiori asked.

"Not yet. Popular as the Master is in Middle School, we don't know if he's more popular than Lady Yuuzaki," Aoba Fuse explained. Hopefully, this event would make him more popular than Kaori Yuuzaki, but I doubt it. But every little bit would help.

"Wait. Keima is running for School President of his school?" asked Tenri, confused by the conversation around her.

"Not yet, but I hope so," said Aoba. "Please don't tell him what we're doing. This is a surprise for him."

Tenri nodded. "It's for Keima. I won't spill the beans."

"You're awesome, Fuse!" Chihiro exclaimed. "That doofus might win after all!"

"Yes. Yes. We need to convince Keima to run!" Ayumi agreed.

…

Part 271 –Before the Duet

"Are you nervous, Miyako?" asked Keima Katsuragi as they watched the first pair of contestants walk to the stage. He had just arrived wearing an outfit for a black-tie event—a suit, a white shirt, and a bowtie—a tuxedo, complementing Miyako's evening gown.

"A little. It was a long time since I performed in public, Katsuragi," Miyako confessed. "How about you?"

"Who wouldn't be feeling a little jittery? Unlike you, I've never performed before an audience," he admitted.

"Getting second thoughts about this contest? It's too late to back out," Miyako teased.

"I wish I could run away. Maybe I never should have pestered you to join!" he laughed.

They made a couple more jokes as the concert went on.

Later…

The third pair of contestants were nearly finished, as Miyako got more and more nervous as she watched them play.

They're so good!

She looked at Katsuragi, who was, as usual, playing his PFP.

Suddenly, she felt the need to say something.

"Hey, Katsuragi?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For not winning. I'm apologizing in advance," Miyako said, bowing slightly towards him. "I already know what will happen. We're not going to win."

"Don't say that!"

"But it's true. I never won anything or got first place in anything, since sixth grade. Why should this be any different? I'm sorry, but I'm just a normal ordinary girl. Maybe if you found other pianists to duet with you, I'm sure you'll win easily. You're a genius. I'm holding you back."

"Miyako—"

"But don't worry! I'll do my best just for you. You've been a wonderful student, Katsuragi. I feel very honored in making you a great piano player, and I will always treasure that in my heart. Please remember me when you became a famous piano player," she asked, her face growing red as she spoke, looking at the floor before looking up into the brown eyes behind his spectacles.

"I will never forget you, Miyako. But you're jumping the gun! We can win!" he said. "All because of you."

"Yes, Katsuragi, we should believe we can win. But we must be realistic too."

"Miyako, it doesn't matter—" Keima began, but they were interrupted by the applause of the audience.

The third pair of contestants were over. The pair was bowing to the audience as they walked back.

"Congratulations! You were good!" Miyako said as the two went backstage.

"Thanks, Miss Terada! But I can't wait to hear from the kid prodigy herself!" the novice contestant said, as they shook hands.

"And Katsuragi! I never heard that name in piano before," the veteran pianist contestant answered as she looked at the gamer. "Good luck!"

Then there was the announcement.

"And for our final pair of contestants, Miss Miyako Terada, the veteran pianist, and Mr. Keima Katsuragi, the novice, playing—"

There was a tremendous roar from the crowd accompanied by thunderous applause and stomping of the feet that drowned out the announcement of the name of the piece they were playing as the two walked on the stage.

Miyako was surprised at the reception and looked at the crowd. She was taken aback.

Since when do piano recitals have packed halls? This was more like a Kanon concert than a recital! Only parents, friends, and piano enthusiasts were supposed to attend these things! And middle school students? What were they doing here? No middle school student was playing tonight, only high schoolers! And were they cheering for them? She didn't hear any kind of reception for the other contestants like they just received. But that couldn't be! Why would they cheer for them, a nobody and a loser gamer?

She looked at the audience and read the banners. Of course. For Kanon's brother. You're famous, my duet partner. I never thought you'd be this popular with the middle-school crowd.

Keima Katsuragi too was perplexed when he saw the crowd as they walked to the grand piano in the middle of the stage. What was going on?

"Please calm down and be quiet!" the voice over the loudspeaker ordered.

The crowd became silent as the two sat side by side on the Grand Piano bench, Keima on the left, and the smaller Miyako on the right.

…

Part 272 – The Piano Wizards

And they started playing.

Suddenly, all the jitters and nervousness were gone as their hours of practice took over. Miyako's years of piano playing and Keima's sheer memory work showed as their fingers glided over the keys, the sound produced harmonious and pleasant to the ears.

"Wait! Katsuragi isn't supposed to be a veteran pianist, right? Why is he doing so well?" a judge murmured.

"I'm going to check the database to see if that Katsuragi fellow had played in a contest before. He's too good to be a novice," another judge said as he was mesmerized by the sight and sounds before him.

They looked so natural, so at ease. It's like what they were doing was child's play. Their body movements matched the tone of the music—sometimes playful, sometimes solemn, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

Then came the solo part.

The duet rules stated that there must be lengthy sections, about five minutes each, where both the veteran and the novice should have a solo part.

Miyako was the first soloist.

As she began her solo part, Keima stood to the side to give her room, and she moved to the center bench and continued playing.

…

Keima Katsuragi looked at Miyako with adoring eyes, just like a student should look at his teacher. And he was sincerely proud of her. Despite all the practice he did by himself, despite using all his galge knowledge to make himself a musical person, most of the credit for his performance was due to Miyako. She honestly was a great piano teacher. And for being her second student, she did great. She had innate talent, not only for piano but for teaching too. And studying. And being part of a band. She had so many skills in so many things.

Hopefully, by the end of the night, she would realize it. And forget about him too.

And there was his cue. As Miyako moved to the right, he sat back and rejoined the duet.

And it was his time for the solo part.

…

Miyako slid out of the chair after her cue, and Katsuragi moved to the center and began the solo.

This was the most exciting part of the concert for the judges.

A piano duet could mask the beginner abilities of the novice, so by giving them solos, the judges could judge the ability of the novice on his own.

And Keima did not disappoint.

He was wonderful. Miyako wanted to cry and hug him as she watched him perform.

Gone was the awkward mechanical nature of his earlier performances. Gone was the fact that he had no musical talent and only memorized the piano keys. His finger movements were natural, and the music played was so smooth and moving. And the way his fingers moved—it was like he was doing it all his life. His performance was superior to every other novice and even some of the veterans too.

As Keima played the piano, he imagined his heroine Sakuya as he played her route on his PFP. Yes, the tune he was playing on the piano was the same as the one from game Paradise School Adventures Version 12. It was one of his favorite games, and the music just added to the experience. He remembered as he made choices, and Sakuya became closer and closer to him, as he moved in to capture her. The tune played was one of the few in-game music he truly remembered, as it was truly fitting. And as he played the piano at that moment, he felt the same feelings when he solved Sayuka's problems, and he got closer and closer to conquering her.

Finally, he played his cue, and he moved back to the left as Miyako once again sat beside him, and then played the rest of the piece as a duet.

…

Part 273 – Duet Climax

"I can't believe my son is such a great pianist!" Mari mouthed as Keima's solo ended.

…

"Kanon's brother is so wonderful! How could High School hate him?" a middle school student exclaimed as she watched.

…

"There's no way those two can't win!" another middle school student opined.

…

"Keima, I wish you could play at my concert," Kanon said. "You play, and I'll sing. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

…

"I wish you joined the light music club," Chihiro muttered as she watched, wide-eyed.

…

"You are a miracle-worker, Miyako," Ayumi said to herself.

…

"Keima, I am so proud of you," Tenri whispered.

…

"Keima is beautiful," Tsukiyo remarked. "I can't believe it!"

…

"Wow, Katsuragi! You memorized piano notes too, huh?" Shiori added. "I wish I could do so. I can only memorize words in a book."

…

"Darling, if my parents could only see you, I'm sure they'd change their minds and make you my betrothed!" Yui mouthed, her eyes glued on the scene in front of her.

…

"Divine One, you are Divine!" was the only thing Aoba could whisper.

…

"That's my beloved brother!" Elsie said as she watched.

…

"Katsuragi is an amazing boy!" Asami said as she watched. "I wish you'd notice me."

…

"Middle school will love you even more, Senpai," Mimani said as she watched besides an entranced Akko and Saitou.

…

Keima and Miyako played the climax of the piece. Their long practice sessions paid off as the mixture of Miyako's piano skills, and Keima's genius and memorization gave a blend that was very pleasant to the ear. It mesmerized the audience and made them forget, if only for a moment, that they were watching a piano recital.

Finally, they reached the finale, as the playing got faster. It suddenly stopped at the right moment, as they played their final pieces.

Then it was over.

There was silence in the hall as the two stood up before the audience.

And bowed.

Then there was a clap.

That started a torrent of applause and shouting as the audience gave them a standing ovation, unlike the merely polite applause given to the first three contestants.

…

"My son! You better win! Or I'm going to fry those judges!" Mari said as tears flowed from her eyes as she stood up and applauded.

…

The announcement of the winner was anti-climatic. Everyone in the hall except Miyako knew that they were going to win. Even the other participants, as they walked to the stage, gave their congratulations even before the announcement.

"Congratulations on winning," the veteran of the second contestant said to Miyako.

"Nonsense. They haven't announced the winner yet," Miyako said, still not believing it.

"Listen. If anyone else won, there's going to be a riot," she said. "Terada, you totally blew the roof off the stage! It's like you never left the piano circuit! You're just the same, no, even better than the last time you played in a contest!"

"Yup, the real contest is who's coming second!" the veteran of the third contestant declared. "And it's obvious that we deserve that honor after Terada and Katsuragi!"

"In your dreams!" the novice of the first contestant argued. "We are the first runner up to the winner! Not you!"

…

"Katsuragi, are you sure you're a novice?" the novice of the first contestant asked as he shook his hand.

"I only learned piano last Sunday!" Keima admitted to the disbelieving novice.

"Don't give me that! You've been playing privately since you're a kid! I mean, you were great! I only started learning about a year ago. You should've joined other piano contests before! It's so unfair to real novices like me! You're better than many piano experts I know! I mean, you could've at least participated in some recitals! Now I know why Kanon chose you as her brother."

Keima just smiled as the hall became silent.

"And the winner of the contest is!"

Part 274 – The Victors

There was an air of anticipation as if the audience pretended not to know who deserved to win.

"Contestant number 4! Miyako Terada as the piano veteran and teacher, and Keima Katsuragi as the novice and student!"

And it was not even close. After the judges made some calls and confirmed that Keima really did not participate in previous piano contests before, there was no doubt.

And Miyako was shocked.

They won?

How was that possible? Sure, their playing was better and viewed objectively, they deserved to win.

But she was just Miyako Terada. She's just a normal ordinary girl who can't win anything. So why should she win at all? She was so sure that even if Katsuragi's performance was perfect—and it was—her performance was mediocre—it wasn't. Was her performance that great? Was she better than all the other contestants?

But it seems that was the case. Because they did not only win overall, they won every category. Best duet. Best solo performance. Best veteran. Best novice. Best coordination. Best teacher. Though looking at the scores, Miyako barely scored better than the other veterans [1], while Keima blew the other novices out of the water [2] [3]. Overall, Miyako and Keima won comfortably.

And even the other contestants were happy to admit Miyako and Keima were better.

Does that mean she was something special, at least in piano?

Before she could process it, there was a deluge of people coming over to congratulate her.

First, there were her parents, then Keima's mother.

But that was expected.

The other contestants' parents also congratulated them, first her, and then Katsuragi.

But the most perplexing of all were the students. She expected her fellow 2B band members to jump up the stage, but a mass of middle-schoolers swamped them.

First to approach her was a middle school girl with brown frilled hair—who she recognized as having watched the practice.

"Senpai Terada! You were great! I love your playing!" the girl exclaimed as she thrust a small notebook and pen to her. "May I have your autograph?"

Wait. Did someone want her autograph? Why? Not even when she performed during the festival with Kanon did anyone want to get her autograph. During that concert, all the students ignored the 2B band members and went straight to Kanon.

Shouldn't they go to Katsuragi instead?

"Surely, you don't want my autograph. Go to your Senpai Katsuragi. He's a genius. He won this, not me."

"You're too modest, Senpai! If he did great, it was because you did a great job teaching Senpai Katsuragi! I heard that he did not know how to play before this week! You were responsible for everything that happened tonight! Please?"

Miyako relented and signed the middle-school girl's notebook. Then she signed the notebooks of her two friends, called Akko and Saitou.

...

Most of the middle-schoolers went to Keima Katsuragi.

"You were so awesome, Senpai Katsuragi! Please sign my autograph!"

Keima was bewildered by his sudden popularity. What was happening? Why were they coming to him? Granted, he played a great piano piece, and they won, but to his knowledge, this kind of adulation happens in idol concerts, not piano recitals. Piano recitals were supposed to be dignified and staid events, not rambunctious ones.

He got irritated. This was not part of Miyako's conquest. Why would the real intrude on his plans? He wanted just to tell them off, and shout at them to leave him alone. A shock of rudeness would do the trick.

He was about to shout when he noticed that the crowd was not a mix of students, but almost all middle-school students.

Of course! Aoba Fuse asked that he act politely to middle school students! And he made that promise to her!

That disciple of his probably knew this would happen. Minami probably told Aoba that she would invite her friends to watch his concert, and knew that they would probably ask for his autograph. And then, unexpectedly, because of Minami and her friends, word of Kanon's brother performing spread like wildfire among middle-school students. Curious, they came to see what Kanon's brother was really like. And they were impressed with his performance.

They were here because of his association with Kanon.

My disciple, you knew this would happen, didn't you? Well played, Aoba! Well played indeed.

Oh well! A promise was a promise.

He put on his mask and gave a gentle smile. How nice should he act? He remembered Elsie asking him why couldn't he act normally like he does when conquering a girl. He decided to act like he was in a conquest. "Of course. I'd be happy to sign my autograph. If you do me a favor?"

"Anything, Senpai," the middle school girl nearly screamed in happiness.

He looked at Miyako Terada. Minami and her friends were asking for her autograph. But the line of students in front of her was very short compared to him. She would think that the students were here because of Kanon, not her. Which was true, but it would not be helpful to his conquest.

"Can you please go and ask Miyako Terada for her autograph too?"

"But why? She isn't as awesome as you are, Senpai!"

"I'm only awesome because she's an amazing teacher. Please, as a favor for me?" he asked in a gentle voice, smiling and giving her those eyes that sent girls to their knees.

"Anything for you," she said as he signed her notebook. He noted with approval as she went to the back of the line of students wanting Terada's autograph.

Then next in line for his autograph was another middle school girl. "So, what's your name?" he nicely asked as he took her notebook.

And so he went through the line of middle-school students, acting nice, polite, considerate, and always asking them to go to Miyako afterward.

…

Part 275 – Aoba Fuse's Plans for Keima

Tears dropped from Aoba Fuse's eyes as she watched the scene.

Everything had gone according to plan.

"This makes you very happy, Secretary," Asami remarked as she arrived and sat behind Aoba—the parents were on the stage, fighting with the throng of Middle School students swamping the winners.

"You're finished?"

"Yes. I got everything. I'll upload it on the Utube as soon as I finish editing it. Katsuragi's popular, isn't he? Ikoma was right."

"Yes. And this would cement his reputation among middle-school students."

"I know. But I'm not surprised by that. I'm more surprised that he's acting so polite and friendly with the middle-schoolers. That's not like him at all," the girl with the side ponytail remarked.

"I asked him to act politely. Just for Minami Ikoma and me," the genius said.

"What? You got him to act politely? Just by asking?" asked an amazed Ayumi, who was listening in on their conversation.

"What? You made Keima darling be nice to them?" Yui added, and the rest of the girls of the schedule crowded around Aoba.

"I can't believe it! You made Katsuragi act all polite!" Haqua exclaimed from behind. "I wish you could make him act polite to me!"

The girls looked behind their row, and sure enough, there was Haqua, wearing the Maijima uniform.

"Haqua! What are you doing here?" Aoba asked.

"I'm just curious. So, what scheme are you cooking up this time?" the purple-haired girl asked.

"Don't say anything," Yui began, "but it's part of her plan to make Keima darling President of the Student Council!"

"What? You want to make Katsuragi President? And this is part of it? Explain. How would this help?" Haqua demanded.

"Yes, I want him to be President. And how does this help? Simple. In middle school, rumors abound that the Divine One is rude, anti-social, a jerk, and a lot of other things."

"But Katsuragi is all those things," Chihiro asserted.

"Yes, Kosaka," Aoba continued. "Nice and polite are the farthest thing you'd associate with the Master. But they also know that he's Kanon's boyfriend, at first, then Kanon's brother. But why would Kanon associate with him if all those nasty rumors were true? So they concluded that his fellow high school students spread all those bad rumors because they're jealous of him."

"I get it!" Haqua said. "By getting him to act polite in front of the middle school students, you're confirming that the bad rumors are just rumors, and in truth, Katsuragi was just a nice young man wrongly maligned because of Kanon."

"Correct. Especially after what happened yesterday morning," said Aoba. "So yeah, to middle school, the Divine One is perfect and can do no wrong. After tonight, nothing High Schoolers can say would dent their image of him."

"So the middle school students need to remember this night for Katsuragi to become School President?" asked Haqua.

"Yeah. But why ask that? They wouldn't forget such a momentous event! It would confirm in their eyes the hero status of Keima Katsuragi! And it's working! Look at them! They're looking adoringly, all of them, boys and girls, at him!" exclaimed Aoba.

"So, nobody should forget this," Haqua murmured and looked at Elsie, who nodded.

"I still couldn't believe it!" Tsukiyo murmured.

"And my confession helped Keima in middle school?" Kanon exclaimed with delight. "I'm so glad that disaster had some silver lining for him!"

…

Part 276 – Minami's Request

It took two hours for Keima and Miyako to sign autographs and pose for photographs with all the middle schoolers. It took so long that Mari and Miyako's parents went on ahead and left them, with instructions to meet them later. The high school girls waited patiently for their turn to congratulate the winners.

Finally, when Keima and Miyako finished greeting almost all the Middle Schoolers, the girls of the schedule went to Keima and Miyako to congratulate them. Aoba stayed behind as she knew it was not her place to join them—she's not in love with him, nor was she a girl of the schedule. She would have enough opportunities to congratulate the pair at another time personally.

"Senpai," Aoba Fuse heard and saw Minami sit beside her on her left.

"You were magnificent!" the girl gamer complimented. "Thank you very much. If there is anything you need from me, just ask."

Minami looked at her lap nervously. "Um Senpai, there is one thing,"

"Anything."

"Senpai Fuse, before I make my request, could I ask you a question?"

"What is it?"

"Do you like Senpai Katsuragi?"

Despite hearing that Senpai Fuse did not like Keima Katsuragi, observing the genius, Minami was beginning to doubt it. Every act the older girl does seems to indicate that Senpai Fuse was in love with Senpai Katsuragi. She always looks at him with awe and admiration. She hero worships him and does so openly. She does far more for him than most other girls do for boys they professed to love. All that the gamer did, she did for Senpai Katsuragi—like the club, the school presidency, the concert, her rule that only those who admire him could join the club, her doing everything he asks her to. Her eyes sparkled when she looked at him. If Minami did not know any better, she would have concluded that Senpai Fuse was in love with him.

"No. Why do you say that?"

"I'm sorry for saying this, but you act like you're in love with him," she answered.

"I know what it looks like. But I don't. I just admire him because he's God to me. Isn't it an obligation for a worshiper to act as I do to the God she worships? Besides, I can't love the Divine One. I already love another boy. That boy is my true love, whom I will never betray whatever happens."

"Oh. In that case, could I make my request?"

"Anything, Ikoma."

Minami was very nervous even as she was so glad that Senpai Fuse denied loving Senpai Katsuragi. She just had to be sure.

In truth, joining the club was but a step in her goal of pursuing her beloved Senpai. But even inside the club, she rarely got a chance to interact with him because he was so busy. And she did not know what to do. How can she win him?

Senpai Aoba Fuse was someone who knew everything about him. Maybe… It was a long shot. And with the genius being in a very good mood with how the concert turned out, now was the best chance to ask. It was now or never.

"I want to go out with Senpai Katsuragi," Minami said in a low voice, her eyes looking at her lap, and her face becoming a deep red. "I…, I love him. Please help me."

Aoba Fuse was not surprised. She knew that the younger girl had a crush on the Divine One. But to be so bold as to ask her to serve as her wingman?

Her first instinct was to say no. After all, even if she was not in love with him, seven other girls were after him. Also, because the middle school girl was outside of the schedule, she had no chance. And she already favored one girl of the schedule for the Divine One, and that was Tenri Ayukawa.

But she could not deny Minami Ikoma. Not after what she did for the Divine One in the duet. So what could she do? And if she refused, Ikoma would think that Aoba's really in love with the Divine One.

She would support Minami. But only to have a chance with the Master.

"Minami, if the Divine One wins the presidency, I promise you that you will have a chance at him," Aoba Fuse conceded. Yes, she could only promise her a chance. That meant that Minami would have to enter the schedule.

"Really? Thank you, Senpai Fuse!" the younger girl squealed in happiness. "I'll do my best to get Senpai Katsuragi elected!"

"Secretary, I want to have a chance too!" Asami suddenly said, and it was only then that they noticed the girl with the side-ponytail was sitting behind them.

…

Part 277 – Asami's Determination

Asami had already gone to the stage to congratulate both her classmates for their victory. After that, she went back to where the Secretary was. She saw that she was with Minami.

As she approached her, she heard their conversation. Minami Ikoma had just asked the Secretary to help her go out with the President.

And she was surprised that the Secretary agreed. It was unfair! The secretary had earlier offered to help her get close to him. Well, she had demurred, thinking that merely becoming a club member would be enough to get close to Katsuragi. But if the Secretary were helping Ikoma, then she would be at a disadvantage. She needed to act, or she would lose.

…

Aoba looked with wide eyes at Asami.

"Come again?"

"When I joined, you offered me tasks that would make me closer to him. I want to be closer to Katsuragi. I want to go out with him. Please help me."

"No fair! I asked first!" Minami reacted. She usually was not this assertive, but in such an urgent matter, she must fight.

"No, I asked way earlier than you did," answered Asami nicely, smiling at Minami.

Both girls stared at each other, neither giving way.

"Look, you two, don't fight," Aoba asserted, and the two club members looked at the club secretary. "I'll help both of you. How about that?"

"Help both of us? Is this possible? I mean, the President could only choose one of us," Asami argued.

"Normally, you'd be right. But the Divine One's circumstances are not normal. I'll tell you some other time when we have more time, but at present, you have zero chance of winning him. What I'm offering is to help you get a chance at winning. It would be a small chance, but it's better than no chance at all."

"What do you mean?"

"It's complicated. What I'll do is to help you both have the chance. Once you have that chance with him, it's up to you to win him. But both of you must accept that I'll help both of you at the same time, or I won't help either of you."

"If you say so, then please help me and Minami Ikoma have that small chance," Asami Yoshino asked, looking at Minami with a smile.

"Yes, I'll accept that," said Minami. She did not know what Senpai Fuse meant by 'chance,' but she'll take it. She was sure the Secretary would explain it in due time.

"Then here's my promise to both of you. Minami Ikoma, Asami Yoshino, I, Aoba Fuse, on my honor, promise that I will do my best to give you a chance at winning Keima Katsuragi's heart if he wins the Student Council Presidency."

"Thank you, Senpai," Minami exclaimed happily.

"I'm very grateful, Secretary," Asami Yoshino answered joyfully.

As she made her promise, a slight ache developed in her heart. She shrugged it off. She was not in love with Keima Katsuragi—otherwise, she would never have made that commitment. And either of the girls would be excellent for her Master—both were nice, and she had no problem seeing him with either of them, just like she had no problem seeing him with the seven girls of the schedule.

Of course, she knew that at present, her Master does not want additional girls in the schedule, but at present, the Divine One also did not want to run for the Student Council Presidency. She has five months to think of ways to persuade him, and the rest of the girls, that Yoshino and Ikoma must be included in the schedule. Besides, it was not as if she was forcing the Master to choose either of the girls at the end of five years. Ultimately, he would decide to choose the girl he would spend the rest of his life with at the end of five years. So what's the harm in expanding the number of candidates for his heart?

What she was doing was for the greater good of Keima Katsuragi. With this promise, Aoba Fuse was sure that both girls would work very hard and very enthusiastically for the election of Keima Katsuragi—that was the primary reason the girl gamer agreed to it.

…

Part 278 – Miyako's Happiness

Miyako Terada was nearly exhausted shaking hands, yet she was still full of energy as she was still experiencing the adrenaline rush of winning. Winning! It was a very long time since she won anything! And she was happy! Joyful! She was special! She was somebody!

She was a great pianist! And an even greater piano teacher! She remembered how three days ago, how hopeless Katsuragi was at piano! He was terrible! And look at him now! All because of her! She was a great piano teacher. That was reflected in her score for piano tutor—she got highest, and it was not close [4].

Looking around them, the hall was empty as the last of the students left the hall. She would meet her parents later to celebrate—they had gone ahead after she explained that she would join them later, after meeting with her friends. However, Chihiro, Elsie, and Ayumi seemed to have disappeared from the stage. Maybe they were on the chairs? But the bright lights on her eyes, and the darkness of the seats, meant that she could not see anyone else.

And the only one left was her partner and student, Keima Katsuragi.

"Katsuragi, you were wonderful!" she exclaimed. Her hands were holding a bouquet of flowers and the big trophy she had won. She gently put them on the wooden floor as she approached her partner, who also had put down his trophy and flowers. He was, appropriately enough, playing a PFP. She giggled.

As she walked closer, she heard something—it was music. And she gasped. The music of the game was the same tune they played. Of course. Only when he was playing game music could he muster the will to play a piano piece with passion.

"Yes, we're both wonderful, I gather. After all, if it weren't for you, I would still be laughed at if I even look at a piano," he answered, his eyes still on his game.

Miyako listened to the tune in the game—how different it sounded on the gaming console, even as the theme was familiar. "I never thought you'd be so good. You were a novice, but you played like a pro."

"Nothing that practice, memorization, and muscle memory couldn't accomplish, and a great teacher too," he said, and looked at her with those enchanting brown eyes of his, "and you were that great teacher, Miyako."

She turned red at the compliment as she got lost in his eyes. "No, no, I did nothing. It was you. You're a genius. There's nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it."

"That's true—not only for me but for you too. Just try your hand at anything you like, and you can be outstanding. You're the third-best student of the school. That's nothing to be ashamed of."

"That can't be true—"

"But do you believe it? Tonight, you put your mind into it, and you won. You got first place. It feels very good, doesn't it?"

"It does. And I only reached first place because of you. You are my genius student. I'm very proud of you, Katsuragi."

"I'm very proud of you too, Miyako. You are a genius teacher since you made an unmusical boy like me into a decent pianist."

"Then let's enter more tournaments! We can win everything! Together, with my piano skills and my great teaching, and your genius and great learning technique, we can conquer anything! We will take the piano world by storm! And not only piano! I guess there are lots of things we can do together and we can show ourselves to be the best! We can rule as Teacher and Student and Partners together to the end!"

"That's nice, but I can't do that. This is the last time we'll work together."

That shattered Miyako. "But you can't! Are you going to leave me alone?"

"Miyako, you don't need me to be the best."

"How can you say that? Do you know that I've never been number one before, for a long time? I've never won anything for a long time! Do you know that I've reconciled myself to the fact that I can only be normal, ordinary, destined to be nothing special? That the best that I'm going to be was number two? And when I won, it was a wonderful feeling! I love it! It made me walk on cloud nine! And what's the difference? Why did I win now and not before?"

"Why, Miyako?"

"Because of you, Katsuragi! You were there for me! You made me do my best! You made me realize how special I was. I realized, I realized that I can fulfill a lot of my dreams if you're by my side to help me, to push me up. Because I don't think I can do this alone again. Please be with me."

"Miyako, you're wrong."

And her world began to shatter as she tried to hold back her tears. She was being rejected.

"I'm not good enough for you?"

"No, Miyako. You're way too good for me. You don't need me. You're wrong because you're already special. You're already great. You just don't know it. Or rather, you refuse to recognize it."

"No, no, you don't know what you're talking about! I was not special before this night! I am just ordinary girl, a commoner! You can't possibly know that!"

"Looking at your room, with all those medals and awards, how can you be a mere commoner?"

"Idiot! Most of them were me being runner-up."

"It was Kousei Arima, was it?"

"How did you—"

Part 279 – The Letter

"He was a piano genius. Unlike me, he had it in him to be one of the greatest piano players there ever was. You could see his raw talent when you first heard him play. And you were sure that you could polish that raw talent into something genuinely great. Miyako, I am not the first person you tutored for piano, aren't I?"

Miyako just looked at him in shock. How did he know all of that? I never said anything to anyone!

"Yet, despite the certainty that you would win, you did not. You got first runner up, but the actual winner doesn't hold a candle to both of your talents, right? Something happened, right? Why did you lose?"

"Because I was not a great teacher, I'm just average," she said as she relived those bitter memories.

"You're wrong. You are a great teacher. Listen to me. The reason you lost doesn't have anything to do with how special you are," he scolded as he got a piece of paper and handed it to Miyako.

Miyako trembled as she took it, unfolded it, and read it.

Dearest Miss Miyako Terada,

Big Sister, I am sorry for not writing sooner. Stuff happened. And I was just a first-grader when we last saw each other. I didn't know how to write, okay? My Mom was angry at you, and she blamed you for our loss. I'm sorry. It's my fault.

You see, my dear older sister, I was sick during that recital. My stomach hurt, and I had a headache. I told Mom that I couldn't play, but she told me I was childish. I was too afraid to disappoint you to say what I felt, but I wasn't feeling good. That's the reason I sucked during the recital. I am very, very sorry. Mom thought you didn't teach me well, and I couldn't say anything. I was too afraid of her.

Looking back at it, maybe it was my nervousness or fear that caused me to get sick. It was my first time seeing a big crowd, and playing before a big crowd, and I got jitters. And I got sick. I'm sorry.

I learned that you joined another veteran-novice contest. Good luck. I know you can win, big sis.

By the way, I want to thank you. I've been playing in concerts for two years now, but I've won so many contests in Sapporo, my father's hometown. They tell me I'm famous. And I guess I am, in my hometown, at least.

But I'll always remember your lessons.

I was a brat five years ago. I was seven years old, but that is no excuse. I am still a brat today, but I'm just twelve, unlike you, who's probably very mature for a seventeen-year-old girl, big sis.

But going back to the point, the reason I'm so good is because of you. You polished my raw talent into something great. All my other piano teachers have nothing on you, big sis. They have taught me nothing that you didn't teach me first. You are a great teacher.

So there. Hope that makes you happy. Your boyfriend Keima Katsuragi emailed me that you feel terrible because you think you're awful at piano because we lost—don't think that. You were great! It was my fault for getting nervous and sick and failing to perform. But I still remember your words. "Playing piano with your heart comes first."

Remember that! You told me that over and over. I still play every time I can that first piece you taught me to play—it was Mozart's Moonlight Sonata. My middle school friends think that I am so great, but I told them it was you who is great.

Where was I? Sorry for the rambling, I'm writing this in a hurry, and I have another piano recital coming up. Sorry, I can't go to Maijima. I have lots of things to do. It sucks to be a piano genius at twelve years old. Everyone wants to listen to me play, and I can't take it anymore. But I always think of you. You are my big sister, and I always dedicate my songs to you when I hit the keys. Sorry about that. And thank Keima Katsuragi for telling me about it! I wouldn't write if it weren't for him.

Your beloved student, and adoring younger brother.

Kousei Arima

It was a handwritten letter scanned and printed. She recognized the handwriting, even if it was far better than his handwriting when he was seven years old.

…

Part 280 – The End of the Conquest

As she read it, tears fell from her face.

"It wasn't your fault, Miyako. It was because Arima's mother forced him to join a piano contest even if he was just a seven-year-old child. He was not ready to face the crowd, and he got sick because of it. But he was too afraid to disappoint you, so he kept telling you that he was so excited to perform. But he was not. He tried his best, but he suffered stage fright and performed poorly. He was an immature boy."

Miyako began to openly sob as Keima went in and put his arms around her.

"I thought I was terrible! I thought I was a lousy teacher."

"The only one at fault is Arima's mother," he softly said as he stroked the head of the crying Miyako.

"It's terrible. I feel so sorry for him," she continued. "He's just a child! I never thought of that! I was feeling sorry for myself. I am so selfish!"

"He's the greatest pianist in Sapporo. And that's because of you. Because you're a great pianist. A great piano teacher. And because you're special."

"I'm not special. I can't win anything."

"Yes, you are. It's because you did your best. Tell me, how can you not be special when you got second out of twelve, even if Arima was performing so poorly? Because contests and ranking don't determine what you are. What determines it is if you did your best at whatever you do. And Miyako, you did your best. Look at Arima today. Look at us today."

"But I'm average!" she said as she pulled away from him, wanting to cling to that belief she held on for so long even as her logic crumbled all over her.

"You're not! Miyako, I know you are not average. You're not a commoner because you are special."

Miyako just looked at him as the tears stopped, and she stared at those beautiful brown eyes. And she couldn't deny it. She was in love with him.

"You're special to me, Miyako. You're number one in my eyes," he said as he closed the distance between them and put his hands on her shoulders. "And because of that, you ought to be special and number one in the world."

She blushed hard, her entire face turned red as emotions flooded her brain, and she could not think clearly.

"You're special to me, even before we played piano together," he said with a tender voice, as he closed in and their lips pressed against each other.

All the feelings that have been bottled up inside of Miyako burst open the moment their lips touched.

I love Keima Katsuragi!

Her first kiss felt wonderful as she savored the taste. But more than that, she felt light as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

For she realized as she was being kissed that she indeed was special. For why would a great genius like Keima Katsuragi kiss her and love her if she was normal? She was special, and he knew it all along. It's just that she was blind to her uniqueness.

She was so happy. Not only because the boy she loved kissed her, but because all those things that she had been thinking the past five years were not true. All the reasons why she kept telling herself she was average were swept away. Because of the letter, and the victory, all of it, showed that it does not matter if she came in first or second—as Katsuragi mentioned, all that matters was if she did her best. And she did her best both in the first and second duet contests. She did her best to teach Arima and Katsuragi, and she did her best to win the duet. It did not matter that she did not win both—what mattered was her effort. Because her efforts polished the skill of her first student and made her second student acquire piano skills.

And Katsuragi recognized it, that's why he kissed her. Katsuragi loves her because she's special, just like how she fell in love with him a few days ago. Because if she's average, there's no way he would kiss her.

That kiss symbolizes her healing, her journey back to the recognition of her extraordinary nature, how being the second or third best does not mean she's average, but the fact that she got second on so many things that are so wildly different showed how unique she was.

She was satisfied with her life. And she was sure that Keima Katsuragi would be satisfied with her.

…

Part 281 – The Audience Prepares

Meanwhile…

"Let's go over there," Elsie proposed to the seven girls of the schedule. "You'll have a front-row view of the entire thing."

Tsukiyo objected. "Wait. Wouldn't that be peeking?"

"That's why we're here," Chihiro snapped at the moon-lover.

"I mean, Miss Terada could easily see us, and we need to stay out of sight," the blonde answered back.

"Don't worry. I'll cast an invisible spell on all of you," Elsie proposed, looking at Keima and Miyako talking to the last batch of middle schoolers as they walked. The seven girls joined Haqua on the first row of seats.

From left to right, sat Haqua, Chihiro, Ayumi, Tsukiyo, Shiori, Tenri, Kanon, and Elsie.

"Hey, where did Yui run off to?" the younger Katsuragi wondered.

"She better get here soon," Haqua grumbled as she looked at the diminishing number of students remaining on stage.

"I'm sure she won't miss this for the world!" Tsukiyo muttered.

…

After Aoba Fuse separated from Asami and Minami, she walked out of the music hall. Looking back at it, the night was a success, not only for the Divine One and Terada, but for her as well. As her mind worked on how to exploit all the advantages gained that night, she heard someone call her.

"Hey, Fuse! Where are you going?" asked Yui Goido.

The genius turned around as the crossdresser caught up to her. "Home."

"Hey, don't go home yet. The best is yet to come!"

"The duet's over," the genius answered dryly.

"Look, I know Elly told you about Keima saving girls," Yui said.

Aoba raised an eyebrow. "He's saving Miyako, I know."

"He'll save her tonight. And guess what! Tonight, all seven of us are watching. Do you want to see him kiss Miyako?"

That caught Aoba's attention. "What? All seven of you are going to watch?"

"Yes. To understand Keima further. All of us would sit on the front row. Anyway, I'm not saying that you should join us. It would be fine if you don't. But if you want to, please sit behind us, and don't let yourself be seen. The other girls might not take too kindly to an outsider joining us."

"What? But—"

"Please don't tell anyone I talked to you," she pleaded before the crossdresser ran back.

…

"So, have any of you seen a loose soul, also called a Weiss, before, like when you were first conquered?" Haqua asked the six girls beside her. "Because if you could not—."

"You mean we may not see them? But we have Goddesses!" Ayumi argued. "Shouldn't that mean we could see the Weiss?"

Haqua sighed. "I'm not sure. Tell you what, I'll cast a spell that makes you see a Weiss. I'll just wait for Yui to come over."

With that, Haqua floated to and waited on one of the opera boxes.

A few minutes later, Yui arrived, panting.

"Where have you been?" asked Kanon as Yui sat down.

"Toilet," she said as the last of the middle schoolers left, leaving Keima and Miyako alone.

…

Aoba Fuse was confused. What was that about? She wanted to go home, but her curiosity overcame her. Just what was Yui talking about? And why would she want to see the Divine One kiss Miyako?

Wait! All seven members of the schedule would witness the Divine One kiss another girl?

She could not miss this! She wanted to see how they would react! It would be a splendid show! And she could compare it to what happens in games.

Usually, a girl would freak out if she saw her beloved kiss another girl. Here, seven girls who were madly in love with the Master would voluntarily witness him kiss a girl outside their circle.

Despite her doubts about the wisdom of it all, her curiosity got the better of her, and she followed Yui. The lights inside the hall were all off except those lighting the stage, but she could see Yui running, her silhouette against the stage clear as day. The heiress went to the front, where the girl gamer noticed all seven girls of the schedule. And on the stage was Miyako Terada and Keima Katsuragi, talking to the last of the middle-schoolers.

Aoba silently walked to where the seven girls were, and sneakily went to the row of seats behind the seven, sitting just behind Yui.

…

Haqua just looked at the stage and refused to look at the row of girls. She was ready to cast the spell. She needed to be sure, but she also needed to have plausible deniability.

Then she saw Yui running. And that's her signal. She looked at her watch. In five minutes…

And five minutes after Yui arrived, the valedictorian waved her hand, and without looking at the group of girls, cast the spell giving them the ability to see loose souls and other supernatural phenomena.

That would be Elsie's signal to cast her invisibility spell. And the last middle-schoolers had finally left.

They were alone.

Time to watch.

…

Part 282 – Elsie's Invitation

Elsie was excited as she saw the last middle-schoolers leave. She had wanted to resume catching loose souls with her brother so bad! Not that he did not keep her busy, but catching loose souls was her true purpose, not the other jobs she had to do. Not that those jobs were unimportant, but… those were boring in comparison to catching souls.

She nearly forgot! She had a job to do before the start of the conquest.

"Girls!" Elsie cried, catching the attention of all the others. When all eyes were on her, she said, "Let's have a sleepover at my place on Saturday night!"

All the girls just looked at her, dumbfounded.

"What?" Yui finally uttered, confused as the rest of them.

"Please come over to my house for a sleepover!" Elsie repeated, standing, and bowing politely. "I'll be delighted if you do. So will Divine Brother. It's kinda important that you all do."

"What do you mean, important?" asked Tsukiyo.

"Well, it has something to do with the schedule. Those who don't make it may not be part of the schedule anymore. Please say yes. I don't want to lose you!"

Before anyone could react, the last middle-schooler exited the building. The younger Katsuragi sibling waved her hands, and all of them became invisible.

"Whew. I'll explain later. It's beginning. Listen," Elsie whispered as Miyako approached Keima. "Please don't be hurt by what you're going to see. Please remember that you asked to see this and that my Divine Brother is just acting."

All seven girls just nodded as their attention went back to Miyako and Keima.

…

The seven girls were mesmerized at the unfolding scene before them. Not one of them could tear their eyes as they saw Keima act out his conquest of Miyako. And to make the conquest even clearer, Haqua and Elsie cast a spell that amplified the sound so that the watching girls could clearly hear what was being said, so even the slightest whisper would be heard.

All of them were impressed with how Keima handled the conquest. He was excellent. The look on his face, the tone of his voice, and his mannerisms and body language—the girls of the schedule each felt that they were falling in love with Keima all over again.

As they watched, several girls felt a little pain in their chest. His words reminded them of their own conquest.

Then they saw that which was the point of the entire exercise—Keima kissed Miyako. And the feelings of the audience became even more intense. They all wished to be Miyako at that moment.

Chihiro and Ayumi understood the most, as they helped Keima conquer their best friend. Yet they loved Keima too, and they couldn't help but feel jealous. But they also had a certain pride inside of them—they helped in the conquest—Miyako's conquest was their victory too.

Chihiro was jealous and blushing. And her chest tightened. The Doofus was right. It did hurt. It hurt to see him do this. But she was proud of how she controlled herself. Hopefully, the pain will lessen as time goes by. She planned to attend all the future conquests, and witness all the kissing that he planned to do—that way, that uneasy feeling, that jealousy, that tiny anger, will go away.

Ayumi was a bit angry. It hurt to see Keima do that to her best friend. But what could she do? What could Keima do? It's his mission. She can't blame him. She did insist that she witness it. She must be strong—not only for herself, but for Miyako, and Keima. She vowed that this would just be the first time—she would see all the other conquests and, hopefully, cure herself of that bad feeling, or at least make herself numb. She needed to, or she would never be the girl that Keima needed during the next five years.

Part 283 - Weiss

Kanon was intensely jealous. Her Yandere nature wanted to jump up, scream and pull Miyako away, kicking and screaming! Keima was hers! So it was a good thing that she was forewarned. She had prepared herself for the moment. Yet it took all her effort to remain in her seat and endure what she must endure. It was for Keima. Keima does not love Miyako. There was no reason to be jealous. Keima kissed her more times than he ever would Miyako.

Yet those words were fighting against the scene in front of her. Her instincts were fighting against her rational brain. In the end, reason prevailed, even as she got insanely jealous.

Yui was excited. She was so proud of Keima. She could not help but applaud his performance even as she felt a wave of jealousy wash over her. She knew her jealousy was natural. She needed to show that she was strong and that she understood Keima. Oh Miyako, I'm very sorry that you won't remember any of this. Please appreciate Keima even after this. As for the kiss, she wanted to squeal. It was like getting to the good ending in games or watching the climax of a romantic movie. She loved it.

Tenri wanted to look away, but she was mesmerized. She had helped Keima conquer Nanaka, but this was something else. She was curious, and at the same time, proud. It was a good thing that Keima was not a playboy, or he could get all the girls of his entire school all to himself. Oh Keima, it must hurt to do this to girl after girl, when you'd rather do something else.

Shiori was blushing hard as she watched. It was way better than reading her romance novels. She recalled her own conquest and imagined that it was her in Keima's arms at that moment. She was a bit jealous of Miyako. Still, Shiori felt sorry for the girl pianist, for she would soon forget that magical moment. And it hurt a bit. But not as much as she anticipated.

Tsukiyo couldn't believe her eyes. It was happening! His words—they were so sweet! Keima was like the protagonists of her romcoms that she sometimes watches or the players of the games she plays. Keima was such a player! How could she have fallen in love with him in the first place? Yet she loved him. And as she listened to him utter those words that conquered Miyako, fell deeper in love. And that kiss—she looked at it, transfixed, in a spell. And she felt a tiny hurt in her chest. It helped that she knew what was going on. She imagined being one of those girls in those cheap soaps who accidentally walked in on their beloved kissing another girl—how that would hurt! She was lucky that Keima was honest about it.

….

Then, as they watched the kiss—it was a relatively brief one—something happened.

There was something white starting to come out of Miyako. It was smokelike. Then it took shape, and it resembled a ghost.

And every thought of every girl got pushed aside by what they were seeing.

Is that a Weiss? Yui thought.

Ayumi was shaking as she saw it. That's terrible! Oh Keima, I'm so sorry for being angry with you.

Chihiro too was shaking in fright. That's a Weiss? That—thing was inside Miyako all this time? You are a hero, Dweeb!

Tsukiyo and Shiori's minds became blank as they just stared at it.

Tenri was scared even as she was warned and prepped by Diana ahead of time so she won't be surprised. Even if she had seen Weiss before, lots of Weiss, in fact, she still shivered at the sight.

Yui's mouth was wide-open. For the first time since it began, she got frightened. She hoped that thing would be caught soon. You're a big hero, darling! You're my hero.

Kanon stared. She was scared but also shocked. All anger and jealousy left. That thing was in me? That's a Weiss? Oh, Keima, thank you, thank you, thank you for saving me!

As they watched in horror, the loose soul flew to the ceiling, as it tried to fly and escape.

Then suddenly, there was a strong wind.

And there was Elsie, floating near the roof of the hall, holding a giant bottle, sucking the white creature in.

In less than a second, they all saw the Weiss get trapped inside the bottle, and Elsie sealing it up!

"Loose soul in custody!" she cried happily.

Then Miyako fainted.

"She'll forget the entire thing," Haqua remarked. "Elsie and I'll take care of her."

The seven girls of the schedule were in shock. But more was to come.

"What's that!" shouted a girl. "Is that—a ghost?"

It was Aoba Fuse from behind them.

…

Part 284 – Aoba Fuse's Emotions

Meanwhile…

She was not supposed to be there. So why was she there, acting like she was watching a cheap chick flick inside a movie theatre?

Because the male lead in that flick was her Master, and he was with that Miyako girl.

Despite wanting to leave them to their privacy, she could not turn away once the Divine One started talking to Terada.

And why was his voice so clear when he was not close enough for that to happen? And also Terada's voice? It's as if their voices, or her hearing, or both, were magically enhanced.

And they turned multiple times to them. Why didn't they react? Why didn't they go to a place where there's more privacy? Couldn't they see them? Was the hall so dark that they might as well be invisible?

As she listened, she couldn't help but notice that almost all his lines were from the game the Heroine of the Keyboard version 7. Nearly word for word. She wanted to laugh. That was too much, and Terada was acting like Sakuya, the heroine of that game. And Aoba mentally applauded how effective it was. That Terada girl was eating out of the palm of his hand.

Still, Aoba felt something as her chest tightened. Even as she treated it like a movie, she felt jealousy.

Wait! Why was she jealous? She wasn't in love with him. She couldn't. She felt nothing romantically for him. She's in love with another boy.

Then he kissed Miyako.

As he did so, Aoba's chest tightened even more, and she blushed even more. And she realized that maybe, maybe, all that she had been feeling—her admiration, hero-worship—was an expression of her love.

It struck her like a thunderbolt.

If that was true, and it was harder to deny it, then she was in love with him all this time, ever since—was it that visit to his home? She couldn't place it. And she was guilty of betraying her first master.

She felt so ashamed. How could she abandon him just like that? She's in love with her first master, not second. Wait! Maybe, if it were possible, she's in love with both of her masters!

Impossible! Scratch that! In games, it's sometimes possible.

Before her rapid brain processes could make the proper conclusions, something extraordinary happened.

There was a ghost-like figure that came out of Miyako Terada as Keima kissed her. It was terrifying, and Aoba became pale with fright. As she was pinned to her chair by all that she saw, she followed the path of the ghost, and saw—

Was that Elsie Katsuragi? And she's floating?

What?

What?

What?

She held a bottle, which became gigantic, and sucked the ghost in like a vacuum cleaner.

Was she in a dream?

Compared to what she just witnessed, the emotions inside of her paled into insignificance.

She stood up when Terada collapsed, and shouted, "What's that? Is that—a ghost?"

…

Part 285 – Aoba Fuse's Two Masters

Keima looked on as Elsie shrunk the bottle and wrapped Miyako into her floating raiment. Like always, she would make sure that the girl he conquered would be safe and forgetful. Before he could think of anything else, he heard a familiar voice. He looked at the audience and paled when he saw Aoba Fuse standing behind the girls of the schedule.

She ran to the stage like a girl possessed, and in a loud voice, began asking, "What's that? Why is your sister floating? What's that ghost?"

"You saw that?" asked Keima, his brain shutting down as the implications hit him. As he tried to salvage the situation, Haqua came over.

"Fuse, you saw that?" the purple-haired girl demanded.

"Everything. The ghost. She came from Terada. What's going on? Why was Elsie floating?"

"So you saw it," Haqua declared as the look on her face hardened, and she turned to Keima. "You know what will happen."

Keima began to panic. "Wait! Wait! Wait! Can't you just make her forget this?"

"I'm sorry. The rules state that if she saw that, she either must forget everything, including members of the squad, or she must remember everything."

"I never knew of that rule!" Keima cried as he looked at Haqua, trying to determine if she was lying. Haqua was not.

"I'm sorry, Katsuragi, rules are rules. You must decide. She'll remember everything, or she'll forget everything."

It was no choice at all. Keima looked at the disciple and asked, "Tell me, do you want to forget about me?"

"What do you mean, Divine One? I don't want to forget anything!"

"Do you want to remain my disciple?"

"Being your disciple is my greatest joy. I want to remain so," she answered automatically, confused about everything, about why he would ask her so. Haqua's words were confusing. What was she talking about? Keima knew something, but it too was confusing.

Keima closed his eyes. Aoba does not want to forget. "Okay, Haqua, if you have no choice, I choose for her to remember everything."

Haqua looked at the girl gamer. "Fuse, do you wish to remember about your first love?"

"Huh? How'd you know about it?"

"Answer it!" demanded the valedictorian.

"I do!" cried Aoba.

"Then, you shall remember it!"

And Haqua cast the spell.

…

In an instant, Aoba Fuse remembered everything.

From the time he tried to court her with flowers, and she cruelly rejected him. To his almost comical persistence as he tried every means to win her over. To the fact that he was able to worm his way into her life, so much so that inviting him into her room seemed natural. From him introducing her to games and changing her life forever, to him teaching her how to be good at it. She remembered how she fell in love with him. Yes, she loved him so much.

Finally, to that final kiss before he left her life forever. And left her pining away after that first master.

And her first master was none other than her second master, Keima Katsuragi.

She realized something.

She could now love him without any guilt on her part. She need not feel that she was betraying someone with her feelings.

"Master, my master," she said as she dropped to her knees and bowed to him as he looked on with a poker face. "I remember! You made me who I am today. Divine One, I love you! I love you with all my heart! I will love you until the day I die!"

Then, emotions swirling through her, she stood up, grabbed his head with both hands, and kissed him in the lips.

And it felt so good to kiss her master once more. She felt fulfilled as she finally found him. He had been right in front of her all this time. She had been looking for him for so long, and her search had long been so fruitless, that she just wanted to enjoy her success. And his lips felt so good. She was in love. And she did not care what happened afterward. She was like a heroine in all her games. She was a typical blushing schoolgirl.

Then the kiss ended when she could no longer breathe. Her face was flush red. She took one look at him, his face impassive.

She knew he still did not love her. That was okay. She could fix that.

Then she realized something. It was impossible to win him over unless…

The implications dawned on her as she looked at the side and saw all seven girls of the schedule, silently watching. And she felt very ashamed. She lied to all the other girls, deceived them about not loving Keima Katsuragi. She had broken their trust, and because of that, there was no chance that she would ever be permitted to join. He would forever be out of her reach.

She could bear it no longer and ran away, not looking at the others.

…

Keima was rooted to his spot. He felt his world crumble away. He knew what would happen.

"Katsuragi," Haqua declared. "In three days, she must be part of the schedule or all her memories will be taken away."

He was just silent as he listened to her words. It would be over for him and his disciple.

He would fix this. Preferably, he would fix this without her joining, but if necessary, he would consent to it. Above all, he wanted her to remain a disciple.

Yet the other girls would never vote for Fuse even if he wanted her to join. Fuse herself would never consent to share him.

He racked his brain for a solution, yet it refused to yield an answer.

He needed time to think. Three days would be plenty. He will fix this colossal fuck-up.

…

Yui Goido was just as mesmerized by the entire scene. She never expected that Aoba's memory restoration, confession, and a second kiss would happen right in front of them. She and the others were just silent.

As Yui looked at the other girls, she could only think of one thing.

I win.

End of Flag XXV

AN: This is one of the chapters I've planned for a very long time, and I'm glad that it's done. Thank you for your patience for enduring this far. But the story is not yet ended. Not by a long shot.

Appendix

[1]Miyako overall got 9.4 vs 9.2 for the second placer, 8.9 for the third placer, and 8.5 for the last placer.

[2] Keima scored 9.3 vs 4.1 for the second placer, 3.9 for the third placer and 3.1 for the last placer.

[3] Miyako and Keima got 9.35, compared to the next closest team, who got 6.5.

[4] Miyako got 10 out of 10, while her nearest competitor got a 6 on that score.

Review Replies

Once again, thanks for the review, xellos540!

This reply was first sent via PM.

Oh, the sleepover will be the greatest idea ever, as you'll see. :D

Well, Kanon and Tenri both confessed in front of Mari, so to Mari, it would be unfair to the two of them if the others did not do the same. And yes, I do look forward to writing how they'll confess. Though I'd imagine the proud Tsukiyo would have less trouble admitting her love than the shy Shiori XD

Yep, Mari will know how the girls made Keima suffer. But not all, of course. After all, Keima doesn't want to make Mari reject anyone of them because of their prior violence, right? Still, it would be interesting to see how they explain their actions to the mother of the boy they love yet beat up.

Keima doesn't know what coming! But neither do most girls, I think.

Right now, I can tell that Mari and Yui are not in cahoots with each other. Mari has her own reasons for inviting Aoba, which will be revealed in the future.

Let's just say that Keima realized that he was being rude shortly afterwards the Chihiro incident, and Keima decided that he doesn't mind being rude if it meant keeping the real world at bay.

Oh yes. Though I'm not sure how bold middle school girls could be in comparison to girls his age. The fact that they were at different buildings would make it less of a hassle for Keima even if it came to that, I think. And I'm sure he knows how to gently reject a girl from the countless games he played. And unlike the girls who he had conquered, middle schoolers would know when to accept 'no' from him.

Keima is on time. Tsukiyo is just being Tsukiyo in finding fault with Keima.

Thank you for liking how I made Tsukiyo speaks. I noticed that Tsukiyo's personality has a resemblance to Shinku from Rozen Maiden, so I based some of Tsukiyo's speech, and how she acts as the mistress to her butler, from Shinku.

Well, Tsukiyo hasn't reached the internalization of game terms and feelings that Keima has, so speaking in game talk does not elicit the same emotional reaction as normal talk on Tsukiyo, so she can talk more freely on sensitive matters using game talk. There are exceptions, of course, but mostly that holds true.

The thing about Tsukiyo's kiss was that this was after Yui "regaled" her about her long kiss with Keima. So she wanted to experience whatever wonderful thing that Yui experienced, so much so that it overcame her normal hesitations. And yes, the cumbersomeness of the kiss was Tsukiyo being Tsukiyo.

As for that particular scene with Keima's arms around Tsukiyo, I believe, though I can't remember exactly where, that he did that with Yui too.

Oh yes. You see, before I started writing the second week, I already wrote the entire week's schedule on excel (including the piano duet) to aid in writing the story. And mostly, I was able to follow it. But because of plot purposes, the original schedule of Ayumi and Shiori would be better if it were switched. So I decided to add the switching to showcase Rule Eight of the Schedule.

I don't think Shiori could even think of hitting someone physically! XD

Shiori a zombie, haha! XD. Yeah, she did seem like one.

Who cares about ruses? Why, Keima, of course! Or people might think he's actually a six-timing bastard! :D

Not a script writer, only a novel writher. She wants to novelize already published games, preferably games that Keima likes. It's just an extension of her wish to write novels.

Aoba did not do much. All she did was copy paste the walkthroughs that Keima posted on his website, and printed it for Shiori's benefit. Of course, Shiori did not know that, so she might think Aoba actually did all that. But Aoba did not spend too much time on it. And yes, Aoba was too busy to look for her master. But she's not forgotten about it. Most of her searches now consist of surfing the net at night about the identity of her first master, since she does not have the time to travel around and ask questions.

And yes, it would be a thick book—when finished. It's not yet finished, so it's not that thick yet.

Flying kiss! That's a good term for that :D

As for Sumire recognizing Keima, I did consider that Mai-High Festival, but then, Keima would just be one face among many, and he's not that memorable for her to remember. He's just an ordinary guy with glasses. But he's famous as Kanon's brother, and before that, Kanon's boyfriend, so if she'll remember him, it's for his association with Kanon.

Shiori's breathe of relief was to the fact that Sumire did not remember her conquest, and thus, was not in love with Keima. Of course, as you stated, Shiori really had no idea about what's gonna happen. xD

Would Shiori vote against Aoba? We'll see. And yes, I've planned that part since the beginning. :D

About the advertisement picture, I was really tempted to include that, but with so many plot threads to handle, I decided not to. And I don't think Keima would fail to see the implications of that kind of picture for his life!

And this was not Shiori's first confession to Keima. She actually confessed way back in Flag 5. And during that confession, she was tongue tied, her mind was full of thoughts, and it came out accidentally. And this time, the confession was fast, natural, without Shiori thinking much about it. She was just so happy that she was able to overcome her natural limitations for just that brief moment in time.

And yes, I am very excited so show the next chapter! That chapter, I'll confess, was something I planned for a very very long time.

And so, once more, thank you for your review.

And I haven't finished editing Flag XXV. So once again, please tell me when can I send it to you for beta? Thanks.

To ty, no need to explain and apologize. Real life trumps fictional ones, and I hope you're fine now.

Adding Mobuko was to give the perspective of an "ordinary" normal student. The reason I gave her perspective was because I can't justify her telling someone else all her thoughts, as all those were known and taken for granted by other high school students. I don't think the girls of the schedule, for example, could express the vicious dislike and hatred that some high schoolers felt for Keima.

As for Miyako, the reason it was only exposition and not action was because I reserved almost all action for this chapter. All those little thoughts, seemingly unrelated actions, seemingly dragging scenes culminate in this chapter. Because of the previous chapters, the climatic scenes of the current chapter will be without context and confusing.

As for your praise on how I handled subtlety and Keima's character, I can only say thank you. Coming from you, someone who would not hesitate to criticize my work, that meant a lot. I am very grateful!

Thank you very much, ty!

To Rebelling Death,

Thank you. And I also enjoyed writing about Sumire! She's such a fun character!