Chapter 4 - Run
Sunset at an outdoor stadium.
A massive concert is about to begin. Hundreds of teenage fans flood the seats. The lighting team, sound crew and band are all setting up on stage; all that's missing are the two leading ladies.
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In the dressing room, everyone appears distressed.
"Just relax, Run," says a vocal coach. "Now try it again."
Run sits in a chair, all dressed up, wearing makeup, and ready to perform. Except when she opens her mouth to sing, it comes off flat and hoarse. She's lost her voice.
"Th-this can't be happening," she panics.
The vocal coach releases a sigh. "Looks like allergy season's gotten to you, dear. I'm sorry, but you won't be able to sing for a while."
Run, Kyouko, Ren, the makeup artists, the costume designers and the manager are all speechless.
The manager clears his throat and speaks up. "Okay, okay, everybody calm down. We can fix this. We've got thousands of Run's songs on record. We'll just play one during the show, and she'll lip-sync as she dances. Is that alright, Run, sweetie?"
Run's body trembles. "But I…"
"Apologies, everyone," pipes up Kyouko. "Could you give us the room for a moment?"
"Of course, of course," replies the manager.
Before Ren leaves, he pats Run's shoulder to comfort her.
"You'll do just fine," he says.
"Thanks, bro," replies Run.
Ren gives her a smile, and vacates the room with the others, leaving Kyouko and Run alone.
Kyouko kneels down in front of her friend. "Don't worry, Run. We've done this a million times. And I'll help you anyway I can out there. The show's gonna be great."
"Thanks, Kyouko," says Run as her eyes become misty. "But...I asked Rito to come tonight. I promised him I would sing just for him. Now I can't even sing at all."
Kyouko grabs a tissue, and dries the tears from Run's eyes. "Hey, now, those girls spent hours on your makeup. Don't go ruining it over some silly allergies. Listen, voice or not, Rito's gonna love you up there. I'm sure he will."
Run shakes her head. "He doesn't love me. At least not the way I love him. And the whole reason I became a pop idol was so that one day he could. I do enjoy singing, Kyouko. Especially with you. But I…I…"
Kyouko hugs Run before she starts crying again. "There, there. It's gonna be okay, Run. I promise."
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Outside, an endless line of excited fans wait their turn to enter the stadium, including the rambunctious Mr. Principal.
"Let me in! I wanna see those girls so badly, woo-hoo-hoo-hoo!" yells the perverted old man.
His behavior gets so out of whack, two security guards seize him, and drag him away from the event.
"Wait, no! Let me in, please! Ayeeeeee!" he yells as he's hauled off.
Over by the emergency exit door, Ren scrolls on his phone as he leans against the wall, waiting for someone.
"Hey, Ren," shouts a familiar voice.
Ren turns to see Lala coming his way. He blushes, smiles and opens his mouth to speak. But before he can say anything to Lala, she pulls Rito into view. Ren's smile becomes a sour frown.
Lala, Rito, Haruna, Mikan, Yami, Momo, Yui, Nana and Mea approach Ren, all wearing their VIP passes on lanyards around their necks.
"Hey, Lala, everyone. Thanks for coming," says Ren.
"Thank YOU for the VIP treatment," says Lala.
"No trouble at all. Come on, I'll show you around," says Ren.
He opens the door, and leads the group through the backstage area.
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The crew carries on while the group takes in the sights.
"Wow, this is incredible," beams Mikan.
"No kidding. I've never been backstage at a concert before," says Yui.
"Not bad for a couple of earthlings," says Nana.
"Oh, Nana, behave yourself," quips Momo.
"They have taiyaki here as well," says Yami, already eating from her own bag of taiyaki.
"Ooh, and shaved ice too," says Mea.
"Hey, Ren, where are Run and Kyouko?" asks Haruna.
"Oh, they're still in the dressing room getting ready for the show," replies Ren.
"Any chance we could wish them good luck before they go on? Please, Ren?" asks Lala.
"Uh, sorry, Lala. You'll have to wait until after the show to see 'em," says Ren.
"Ah," pouts Lala.
"Hey, uh, Ren," says Rito with a stupid look on his face.
"What?" asks Ren.
"Where's the restroom?" asks Rito.
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Later in the restroom, Rito washes his hands in the sink.
With no one else around, he starts talking to himself in the mirror. "Hi, Run. Listen, you and I have been through a lot...no, that's stupid. Uh, hey, Run. Wow, you look very pretty. 'Course you always look pretty...stop. Hello, Run. I just want to say that I...I...ugh!"
He grabs his head with both hands, and furiously scratches his hair.
Why is this so hard? he thinks. I just did this with Lala and Haruna, no sweat. Then again, they were okay with sharing me. Will Run feel the same? What if she doesn't? Man, this harem stuff ain't easy.
Suddenly, the door bursts opens, and Ren stomps inside.
"Ren?" asks Rito.
Without warning, Ren grabs Rito by the collar, and slams him against the wall.
Rito grabs his wrists. "Hey, what're you-"
"You're marrying Lala?!" barks Ren, his eyes full of pain and betrayal.
...
Dammit, thinks Rito. Lala must've told him. Being the naïve girl she is, of course she did. Then again, it's not like I told her to keep it a secret.
He releases Ren's wrists, and looks him in the eye.
"Yes, I am marrying Lala," he declares. "When I become king of Deviluke."
Ren tightens his grip on Rito's collar, but Rito doesn't react. He takes it, preparing for whatever comes next.
The door opens, and a random man enters the bathroom. But he stops soon as he sees Ren pinning Rito against the wall, both glaring at him. Sensing something violent going on and not wanting to get involved, the skittish man lifts his hands, and slowly retreats back through the door, leaving Ren and Rito alone.
Ren resumes staring daggers at Rito.
...
Ren sighs, releases Rito and hunches over the sink. "I love her. I have for a long time. But she's always loved you."
"I'm sorry, Ren," says Rito.
Awkward silence fills the air, neither boy knowing what they should say or do.
"Listen, uh, let's talk about this later," says Rito, walking to the door. "We should get back to the others."
"What about Run?" asks Ren.
Rito stops before he reaches the door.
"She's loved you all this time too, you know," says Ren. "So what're you gonna tell her now that you've chosen Lala?"
...
Rito turns around, faces Ren and prepares to say something.
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On the stage, Run and Kyouko stare at the legions of fans from behind the curtains.
"Wow, we've drawn quite a crowd," says Kyouko.
"Mmm-hmm," says Run, still upset over her voice.
Just then, the lights illuminate, and smoke fills the stage. It's showtime.
Kyouko nudges Run with encouragement. "Run, you got this."
Then she struts onto stage.
"Yeah. I got this," says Run.
She takes a deep breath, and walks out on stage.
The crowd goes wild as soon as they see the girls.
Run stares at everyone. Although she has done this a million times, she suddenly feels nervous and overwhelmed. Without her voice, her legs start to quiver.
"Run, Kyouko, good luck!" yells Lala.
She stands with the other girls behind the curtains, cheering her heart out.
Rito and Ren join them, finishing their discussion in the restroom.
The band starts to play. The crowd goes even wilder. Lala and the others clap to the beat.
Kyouko starts dancing, and Run follows suit.
Maybe it's the music or the party vibes, but no one notices Run's rigid dance movements; no one except Ren and Rito.
"You see it, don't you?" implies Ren.
"What's wrong with her?" asks Rito.
"She's lost her voice," replies Ren.
"What?" asks Rito. "Then why would she-"
"Because she wanted to sing for YOU," says Ren. "That's my sister out there, Rito. What are you gonna do about this?"
Rito looks at him, and then stares at Run. He can tell from her eyes just how insecure and scared she feels, even if no one else does.
"Run!" he yells.
She doesn't respond.
"Run, you can do this!" he yells.
She still can't hear him; the music and fans are too loud.
Rito looks around, no idea what to do. Then he looks up, and the idea comes to him. He splits from the group. Ren watches him go, and gives the smallest of grateful smiles.
Yui notices Rito running off. "Yuki? Where's he going?"
"To make something right," says Ren, cryptically.
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Up in the sound booth, the crew struggles to get the recorded songs going.
"What's the problem?" asks the frantic manager.
"No clue," replies the sound guy. "It was working just fine this morning."
"Get it fixed! Quickly!" shouts the manager, wiping his sweaty brow. "It's her lyrics next."
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Back on stage, Kyouko belts out her lyrics.
The crowd cheers and dances.
Any second now, it'll be Run's turn to sing; with no voice to sing with. And, unbeknownst to her, no recorded songs to lip-sync with either.
Above the stage, Rito climbs onto the catwalk.
"This has gotta be the eighth or ninth dumbest thing I've ever done," he mumbles. "What am I supposed to-WHOA!"
He suddenly trips on the catwalk, knocking one of the stage lights off its axis, and causing the beam to shine down directly onto Run.
Caught under the beam, Run looks up in bewilderment, and her eyes meet with Rito's.
"Rito?" she says.
And for a split second, everything is quiet.
The crowd, the music, everything. It's as if the whole world just fades away.
Rito stares at Run, and for the first time, he literally sees her in a different light. It's as if the beam has basked her in an angelic glow. He blushes by how radiant and divine she appears. And so, he does the only thing he can; he smiles, and gives her a thumbs-up.
Run's eyes beam with joy.
That's right, she thinks. How could I ever doubt it? As long as Rito's there, watching me, I can do anything. Rito, my love, this is for you.
The split second is over. Everything goes back to normal.
Kyouko finishes her lyrics, and looks to Run; her turn to sing.
Back in the sound booth, the panicking manager loses it.
"No, no, no!" he screams.
He and the sound guy put their hands over their heads, bracing themselves for the worst.
Back on stage, Run opens her mouth and sings.
...
Her voice is perfect.
Her energy, spirit and joy echo throughout the entire stadium. This is the best she's ever sounded.
Kyouko is amazed. Everyone in the sound booth, including the sweaty manager, are mystified. Behind the curtains, Ren, Lala and the others are ecstatic.
As for Rito, he just watches and listens, mesmerized. But as loud as Run and the music are, there's another sound drowning them all out. Rito touches his chest, and discovers the sound; his own heartbeat.
Run and Kyouko dance and sing together. They finish the song with fireworks exploding in the background.
Ren, Lala, the other girls and the whole crowd cheer their hearts out. Everyone in the sound booth, including the manager, applaud like crazy.
On the stage, Run and Kyouko embrace, overjoyed.
"See? I told you you got this," says Kyouko.
"Thanks, Kyouko," says Run.
Then she looks up and gives Rito a wave. Kyouko follows her gaze, and sees him waving back.
"Wait, Rito?" she asks.
"I know, right?" says Run.
Kyouko can't help but blush upon seeing Rito.
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Later in the VIP green room, Rito and his friends celebrate the after-party. Snacks, fruit punch and laughter all around.
"Rito, that had to be the eighth or ninth dumbest thing you've ever done," scolds Mikan.
"Yeah, it was kind of stupid," says Rito, sheepish.
"Kind of? It was downright insane," scolds Yui.
"Of course, it was," snarks Nana. "Then again, what else should we expect from a beast like you?"
"Hehe," says Rito.
Then he feels someone patting his shoulder from behind.
"Well done," says Ren.
Before Rito can respond, Ren bolts away to grab a snack from the table. Rito grins, deciding to leave it at that.
Just then, Lala hugs him from behind.
"Way to go, Rito! You completely saved the show!" she says.
"Oh, well, uh, I wouldn't go that far," he says.
But then he notices Run chatting with everyone else; she looks happy, and that's all that matters.
"As expected of my beloved," says Lala.
"Lala, shh," whispers Rito. "That reminds me, did you tell Ren about…well, about me marrying you?"
"I sure did," she replies. "When you went to the restroom, he spoke to me in private, and confessed his love. But I turned him down, told him I loved you, and had already accepted your proposal. He seemed sad at first, but I think he'll be okay."
"Alright," he says. "But from now on, could you please not tell anyone else about the...the harem plan? Not even your sisters?"
"Huh? But why?" she asks, innocently.
"Well, because," he replies. "Because it'll cause some misunderstandings. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ashamed of my decision. But for now, could you please just keep it a secret? For me?"
"For you, Rito? Of course. I'll do anything for you," she says, smiling ear-to-ear.
"Thanks, Lala," he says.
"So...are you gonna confess to Run too or what?" she asks.
He blushes. "Oh, well..."
Then he looks over at Run once more, and makes up his mind.
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Later, the stadium empties, and the crew packs up for the night. Show's over.
On the sidewalk, everyone heads home in a group; everyone except Rito.
"Woo! That was so much fun," says Lala.
"It sure was," says Haruna. "Hey, Lala, if you're free tomorrow, you wanna come over to bake Run's thank-you cake?"
"Yeah, I'd love to," responds Lala.
"In that case, I think I'll bake one for Kyouko," says Mikan.
"That sounds wonderful, Mikan," says Yami. "Would it be alright if I assisted you?"
"Huh? Well, um..." mumbles Mikan, remembering the last time Yami tried, and spectacularly failed, to cook.
"I know I'm not the chef you are, but I'd still like to help," insists Yami.
Mikan looks at her, gives in and smiles. "And I'd love for you to help, Yami. Of course, you can."
"Thank you, Mikan," replies Yami, smiling back.
"Geez, that beast is as clumsy as he is lecherous," says Nana.
"No kidding," says Yui. "He goes and messes up the lights, now he has to stay and help out with the cleanup duty. Serves him right."
"Well, you know," says Mea. "I'm sure Rito-senpai would've helped out even if he wasn't being forced to, Lady Shameless."
"Mea! For the last time, I am not shameless!" screeches Yui, flushed with embarrassment.
"Uh-oh, I've gone and made Lady Shameless mad," teases Mea.
"Why, you," says Yui.
She chases the laughing Mea around the street.
"Now, now, guys," says Haruna. "Rito said it wasn't an issue, and insisted we go on ahead. I just hope he doesn't stay out too long."
"Don't worry, Haruna," says Lala. "Rito'll be back home before you know it. After all, he is our...you know, hmm-hmm."
"Oh, yes, I suppose he is," says Haruna, blushing.
"Hey, now, what're you two talking about, Big Sis?" asks Nana.
"It's a secret, hmm-hmm," giggles Lala, leaving Nana and the others confused.
At the back of the group, Momo trails behind, head in the clouds.
It is true what Mea said, she thinks. Rito would stay and help even if he weren't asked to. That's just the kind of guy he is.
She blushes, and looks ahead at Lala and Haruna.
And to think, he'd actually, FINALLY, go through with Project Harem. It's only natural he'd start with Big Sis and Haruna. And now he's going after Run.
She stops and looks back at the stadium, wondering how Rito's doing at the moment.
Good luck, Rito. I hope you'll confess your love to me too. Hopefully, sooner than later.
She hurries after the others.
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The stadium is empty. The lights are off. Everything's cleaned up, and everyone's gone home. Time to call it a night.
But not for Run.
She sits alone on the stage, taking in her surroundings. The crescent moon radiates in the night sky, bathing her in a gentle glow.
Rito appears behind the curtains. Once he sees Run, he takes a deep breath and walks out onto the stage.
Alerted by his footsteps, Run turns and stands up, happy to see him. "Hey, Rito. Finished already?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah. I mean, I had to apologize to the staff a thousand times, but they eventually came around, hehe," he says, scratching his head.
"That's great. I'd hate for them to ban you from my next show," she says.
"No kidding," he laughs.
Up above on the catwalk, Kyouko watches them laughing together.
What am I doing? she wonders. This is Run's big moment. I should leave them be.
Rito and Run stop laughing. Then they twiddle their thumbs and shuffle their feet, both nervous and unsure of what to say.
...
Rito steels himself and takes another breath. "Listen, Run."
"Y-yes?" she asks.
"You were incredible tonight," he says.
"Ah," she gasps whilst blushing.
"I've never seen you so happy before," he continues. "No, not just happy. It's more like you were...alive. Your voice was so passionate. It was as if I could see your heart flowing out into your song. And that's why I'm here...to tell you something from my heart."
"Wh-what is it?" she asks.
This is it. The moment she's waited so long for.
"Run," he says, blushing scarlet. "I…I'm in love with you."
...
Up above, Kyouko covers her mouth to quell her surprise.
On the stage, Run stands frozen while tears of joy fill her eyes. "Oh, Rito."
...
"In the past, you told me so many times that you love me, and I shut you down every single time," says Rito. "It's not that I didn't like you. It's just...mmmm...well, half of it was Ren. You were right; you and him sharing a body did make it difficult for me to see you as just a girl. But that was never your fault nor his; it's just how you were both born. And even though you guys eventually separated, I never should've treated you that way in the first place. I can't apologize enough for that."
Up above, Kyouko remains where she is, fascinated by the scene below. She couldn't leave now even if she wanted to.
"And like I said, that was half of it," continues Rito. "The other half was that I wasn't sure if you really loved me. I thought you only felt that way because Ren and I accidentally kissed. But as I started spending more time with you, I realized how genuine your feelings were. Even so, I dismissed them because I didn't believe I deserved you. I figured you'd be happier off with someone else. But the truth is...the thought of you being with someone else...it makes me hurt. Right here," he says, touching his heart. "I don't want you to be with some other guy, Run. I want you to be with me...because I want to be with you."
...
Run walks towards him. "Rito, I..."
But then, Rito raises his hand, stopping her.
"Wait," he says. "Sorry, but before you say anything, there's one more thing you need to know."
A few moments pass by as he explains everything to her; his goal to become king of Deviluke, the harem plan, his decision to marry Lala, his love for her and Haruna, and the other girls in his life who he might love as well.
Run listens to every word.
Up above, so does Kyouko.
"And that's about it," finishes Rito.
Then he closes his eyes and hangs his head, bracing himself for Run's response.
For a moment, nothing happens.
...
...
...
"Please say something," begs Rito. "Scream at me, pummel me, just please do-"
He's cut off when Run slams her lips against his own, surprising him. She wraps her arms around his neck, and holds him tighter than she ever has.
A few seconds tick by, and she breaks away from the kiss.
"You'll marry me?" she asks with happy, misty eyes.
Rito smiles, and wraps his arms around her waist. "If you'll have me."
...
"Just so you know, I don't plan on losing to anyone, especially Lala," she says. "So marry as many women as you want. I'll show them all who's best."
"Uh, okay," he says; not the answer he was looking for, but good enough.
Joyful tears slide down Run's face. She wipes them away, but they won't stop.
Rito hugs her tighter. "I love you, Run Jewelria."
She hugs him back. "And I love you, Rito Yuki. So very much. Now YOU kiss ME, and never let me go."
...
Rito brings his face closer to Run's, and their lips collide.
Up above, Kyouko watches them, her expression a mixture of happiness and uncertainty. Then she walks away.
I'm so happy for you, Run, she thinks. But...a harem plan? Does that mean I could marry Rito too? Wait, what? Why am I even thinking of such a thing? It's not like I'M in love with him too. Right? And besides...how does he even feel about me?
Down below, Rito and Run walk hand-in-hand backstage, heading home for the night.
Just as they disappear behind the curtains, one of Stem's black probes flies by in the sky.
The probe stops and scans the stadium; no sign of Rito. Then the probe flies off, continuing the search.
Author's Note: Another challenge, because Run once said she wanted Rito all to herself and would never share him. I also wanted Rito and Ren to make peace while also foreshadowing Kyouko's romance. And finally, I wanted girls like Lala, Haruna and Run to be confessed to first, because they'd be the easiest for Rito to start with. From here on out, things will only get tougher for him. And that's without even mentioning Stem.
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