Chapter 7 - Kyouko
One evening at Rito's house.
Everyone is gathered around the table for dinner. Lala, Momo, Nana, Mikan and Celine happily enjoy their meals.
Rito, on the other hand, is too distracted by the "Magical Kyouko" episode playing on the living room TV. His eyes are fixed on Run's character as she monologues and cackles like a typical, cheesy villain.
A famous pop idol and TV star. That's my girlfriend, he thinks. Along with Haruna, Lala and even Momi-uh, I mean, Risa. Four girlfriends, four future wives. And I still have a lot more to talk to. Man, this harem stuff ain't easy.
On the TV, Kyouko's hero character appears in the sky, and blasts Run with a magic fireball.
Come to think of it, ponders Rito. Kyouko was also in my dream. That's so strange. I mean, sure, she's pretty and kind. And despite being an idol, she's really down-to-earth, kinda like Haruna. But I'm not in love with her. Right?
Nana notices Rito blushing. She scowls and kicks him under the table.
"Ow!" he yelps. "What was that for?"
"For drooling over the TV girls, you beast. Hmph," she snarks.
As she resumes eating her meal, Rito looks at her while massaging his shin.
That's right, Nana was in the dream too, he thinks. I don't even wanna think about how I'm gonna approach her with the harem plan.
As he eats his dinner, he glances back at Kyouko on TV.
Kyouko...do I…love you?
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The next day in the park.
It's early morning, and a TV crew for "Magical Kyouko" prepares a shoot.
Waiting in her trailer, Kyouko Kirisaki sits at her vanity desk, all dressed up and lost in thought.
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Flashback
The night of Run and Kyouko's concert.
On stage after the show, Rito confessed to Run and explained his goals. She accepted his feelings and the harem plan. They embraced and passionately kissed.
Kyouko saw it all from the upper catwalk.
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Kyouko looks at her reflection in the mirror, and puts some finishing touches on her makeup.
So, she thinks. Rito's willing to have a harem, and Run's okay with sharing him. She's always loved him, and I was always content with supporting her love. But then…
At that moment, all the memories flash before our eyes.
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During Rito and Run's pretend date with Kyouko, the three of them were chased by Mr. Principal into an alley. Run dropped one of her devices, which activated and dissolved both hers and Kyouko's clothes, flustering Rito. Then Kyouko blasted Mr. Principal away, and Rito left to get the two naked girls some clothes. While Kyouko was upset about a boy seeing her nude for the first time, she confided in Run that she was relieved it was someone like Rito. Having only known him for a day and seeing how innocently he blushed when he saw her body, she had an idea of what he was like and understood why Run fell for him.
When Rito was showing Kyouko around his school during her visit, a crowd of fans ambushed them. Kyouko nearly suffocated from the crowding until Rito took her hand, and carried her away in his arms. She felt like a princess being rescued, and became flustered. Then Lala accidentally teleported them into a cramped locker without their clothes. Despite being naked and squished together, Rito maintained his chivalry and kept his hands off Kyouko. Deep down, she actually enjoyed the feeling of his firm, sweaty body pressed against hers.
On Run's behalf, Kyouko met with Rito for a rowboat ride at the lake to learn more about him. But Ren and Momo accidentally released a crazy plant monster from her D-dial, which entangled them in its vines. Kyouko fought off the monster with her flames, and Rito once again princess-carried her to safety. She told herself she couldn't like him; he was younger than her, wasn't right for her, and Run already liked him. But she couldn't deny he was exactly what she wanted in a man.
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Even with all the makeup on her face, Kyouko sees her reflection starting to blush.
Rito, she thinks. He's cool, selfless, acts innocent in the most adorable of ways, and doesn't hesitate to risk his life for others. I get why Run loves him. And that's wonderful. Yeah. Wonderful.
...
Kyouko puts her hand on her chest, feeling her heart pound. But then she clenches her fist.
No, I can't, she thinks. Sure, Rito saved me, but that's not reason enough to fall in love with him. And besides, even if he does want a harem, what chance do I have of being in it? He doesn't love me. Heck, he barely knows me. Also...
She glances at a framed picture on her desk of her and Run enjoying a day at the beach.
Run is my best friend, she thinks. I can't steal the boy she loves after she only, and finally, just got him. Yes, this is for the best.
A knock on the door snaps her out of her trance.
"Kyouko," says Run from outside. "They're ready for us."
"O-okay," replies Kyouko.
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Moments later, Kyouko and Run walk through the set, passing the crew, and reading their scripts.
"Ah, man," moans Run. "It's bad enough we had to take off school for the day."
"Why? 'Cause you didn't get to see your boyfriend?" teases Kyouko.
Run blushes with embarrassment. "Well, yeah. But I mean, look at this. They wanna shoot the entire battle scene by tonight? It's at least twenty pages."
"Yeah, I think the director's pushing for an earlier release," replies Kyouko.
"Ugh, of course, he is. Hey, I know!" says Run, whipping out her phone.
"What's up?" asks Kyouko.
Run sends a text. "I'll just ask Rito to swing by after school. I'm sure he'd love to see us perform."
"Oh," says Kyouko, hiding her blush. "Yeah, I'm, uh, sure he would."
"Plus, you're right, Kyouko," says Run, blushing and smiling with elation. "Now that we're together, I just can't stand being apart from him for so long."
"You just saw him at school yesterday," teases Kyouko.
"Like I said, so long," replies Run.
"Oh, you," says Kyouko, laughing and shaking her head.
Run's phone pings; a reply from Rito.
"Yay! He says he just has to make a quick stop at home, and he'll be here," says Run, holding her phone to her heart.
...
"I'm happy for you, Run," whispers Kyouko.
"What was that?" asks Run.
"Oh, nothing," says Kyouko. "Now come on. Let's get out there, and make this the show's best battle scene ever."
"Yeah!" cheers Run.
The best friends trade fist bumps.
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Meanwhile at school.
It's free period in the classroom. Everyone's relaxing and chatting by their desks, including Risa and Mio.
"Momioka!" shouts Yui, stomping towards them.
"Uh-oh, what'd I do now?" jokes Risa.
Yui presents her with a manga. "Here."
It's the lewd one written by Rito's dad, which Yui confiscated from Risa a while back.
"You can have this back," says Yui. "Just don't bring it to school again."
"Oh, thanks," says Risa. "But nah, I don't need it anymore. In fact, why don't you keep it, Yui?"
"Huh?" asks Yui.
"It might help you get closer to Rito. You never know," says Risa.
"WHAT?" she asks.
Even though she did in fact read it, and enjoy it, to get closer to Rito.
"I-I-I wouldn't dream of getting closer to that shameless boy!" shouts Yui. "Never in a million-wha?"
"Whoa, Risa," says Mio. "Did you just call Yuki by his first name?"
"Who? Little 'ol me?" teases Risa.
Yui and Mio trade looks, wondering what could've happened between Risa and Rito.
"Ahem," coughs Yui. "I-in any case, I wouldn't be caught dead reading such carnal media. I'll just dispose of this lewd manga later. And YOU better think twice before bringing such filthy property to school again."
"Sure, sure," says Risa.
"Well, then, good day," finishes Yui, storming off.
"Geez, that girl is too wound up," says Mio.
"No kidding," says Risa. "Say, Mio, super random question for ya."
"Shoot," says Mio.
"Since we're talking about Rito and all, would you ever consider dating him?" asks Risa.
...
"Where'd that come from?" asks Mio with a blank expression.
"Just humor me," says Risa.
"Hmm. No, not really," says Mio. "Yuki's an okay guy, I guess. But I wouldn't say I'm attracted to him. I mean, remember when that Nemesis girl declared the whole school his concubines? I only went along with it, because of the cool space stuff I could get, not because I'm in love with Yuki or anything."
"So..." inquires Risa.
"To answer your super random question, no," says Mio. "I'm not in love with him, and I wouldn't consider dating him."
"Gotcha," says Risa. "Guess I was just curious."
"What about you, Risa?" asks Mio. "Would you be interested in dating him?"
"Who knows? Hmm-hmm," replies Risa.
Over in the doorway, Momo eavesdrops on their conversation.
I still think Momioka's too much of a wild card, she thinks. But I trust Rito's judgment. As long as she doesn't get too wild with anyone else in the harem, ESPECIALLY me, she can stay.
She blushes and shakes her head, refusing to remember that day when she and Risa showered together.
Anyway, she thinks. Now that Rito has her, I wonder who's next on his list. And...I wonder when it'll be my turn.
...
She smiles to herself, and walks down the hall.
No, this is fine, she thinks. Better than fine. Rito's becoming the king of Deviluke AND the king of a harem all on his own, just like I knew he would. He can talk to me when he's ready.
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Later that day at Rito's house.
Rito opens the front door to leave. Lala, Mikan and Celine see him off.
"You guys sure you don't wanna come?" asks Rito. "I don't mind asking Run if you can."
"You're sweet, Rito, but it's fine," replies Lala. "Peke and I have new gadgets to test anyway."
"Yeah, the invitation was for you," says Mikan. "Besides, you should be spending some quality time with your new girlfriend anyway, hehe."
Rito's cheeks burn bright red. "Mikan!"
The girls giggle with amusement.
Rito can't help but smile. "Well then, guess I'll head out."
"Later, bro," says Mikan. "Hey, if Run and Kyouko aren't too busy, invite them over for dinner."
"Sure thing," says Rito.
"Say hi to them for us, Rito," says Lala.
Celine speaks her gibberish, and gives Rito a cheerful wave.
"I will. See ya," says Rito, waving back at Celine.
Up on the roof, Momo and Nana watch him jog off down the street. They trade nods, and fly after him.
"Gotta say, Nana," says Momo. "I'm surprised you wanted to tag along"
"Oh, well," starts Nana, remembering Mikado's advice.
We'd like you all to pay close attention to Yuki. See if you can identify any changes in his lifestyle.
"Ahem," says Nana. "I-I just wanna make sure he doesn't do anything beastly to Run or Kyouko. Who knows what'll happen if he's left alone with them."
"Whatever you say," teases Momo.
Nana thinks to herself. Though if something about Rito really has changed, I need to find out what it is so I can ensure his lewd acts never happen again. Yeah, this is for Big Sis' sake, and for the sake of all women.
Unbeknownst to the two princesses following Rito, one of Stem's scouting probes is following the two of them.
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At the park, the "Magical Kyouko" TV crew is getting ready to shoot the big battle scene.
Run and Kyouko are chatting by the catering table when they notice Rito being escorted over by a buff security guard.
"Rito!" cheers Run.
She dashes over and tackles him. Her skimpy costume combined with the close contact causes Rito to blush.
"Uh, hey, Run," says Rito, noticing some of the crew giving him suspicious looks.
With his work done, the buff guard excuses himself from the trio and returns to his post.
Kyouko steps forward and offers Rito a bottled water. "Hey, Rito. Thirsty?"
"Hi, Kyouko. And yeah, thanks," replies Rito, accepting the bottle.
"Thank YOU for coming," says Kyouko.
"Yeah," says Run. "I promise to put on another great show just for you."
"Uh, thanks again," says Rito.
"Places, everyone!" yells the director. "We're about to start rolling."
"Well, we'll see you after the shoot, okay. Don't go anywhere," says Run.
She kisses Rito's cheek, which makes him blush and the crew members even more suspicious. Then she runs off to get into position.
"Well, uh, better get to it," says Kyouko, going after Run.
"Kyouko," says Rito.
"Hmm?" she asks, stopping.
He wants to tell her something, but appears too embarrassed. "I just wanna say…uh…good luck."
Kyouko blinks twice, then starts giggling. Of course, Rito would say something like that.
"Thanks, Rito. Just sit back and enjoy the show," she says.
As she runs off to join Run on the set, Rito facepalms himself.
"Rito, you scaredy cat," he scoffs.
Hiding behind a tree, Momo watches Rito. Her eyes dazzle upon seeing him take such initiative with the harem plan.
Don't worry, Rito, she thinks. You can always try again.
Hiding behind the tree next to her, Nana watches Rito with a stern look.
Seriously? she thinks. Don't tell me Kyouko likes him too.
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"And action!" yells the director.
Rito watches the scene commence.
The lighting, sound and special-effects teams all work their magic. But it's the two leading ladies Rito can't take his eyes of off. They both disappear into their roles, and become different people.
"I should've known you'd betray me, Blue Metalia," says Kyouko, acting. "But I won't let you destroy this planet. I love both it, and its people. I am Magical Kyouko, and I will stop you!"
Maybe it's just because she's playing the hero character, but Rito can't help feeling smitten by Kyouko.
I know she's just performing, he thinks. But she looks so…real. So genuine. I wonder if that's how she'd act if something like this really did happen.
And just like that, all of a sudden, something does happen.
...
On the other side of the park, a lone figure makes his way across the set, heading towards Rito.
The buff guard blocks his path. "Hey, pal, you can't come through here."
With one hand, the figure seizes the guard by the collar, and hurls him against a tree like a softball, knocking him out. The ruckus causes the crew to panic and clear away as the figure walks right into the set. Run and Kyouko stop acting, and everyone else stops working.
Soon enough, all eyes are on the scary-looking, biomechanical, humanoid alien strutting right into the scene like he owns it.
Nana and Momo watch him from behind the trees.
"Who the heck is that?" asks Nana.
"I don't know," replies Momo.
The figure stops just a few yards away from Rito.
...
Rito feels a cold shiver running down his spine as the figure stares at him with lifeless eyes.
A petrified TV assistant whispers into the director's ear. "B-Boss, what do we do? This wasn't in the script."
"I know, but I like where it's going. Keep the cameras rolling," orders the director.
The frightened crew does as he says.
"Rito Yuki," speaks the figure.
Everyone looks at Rito with bewildered expressions; he's just as confused as they are.
"Y-yes?" he asks.
"My name is Stem, and I've come to this pathetic rock of a planet for one reason," he says, transforming his left arm into his laser cannon. "To kill you."
"RITO!" screams Run.
In the blink of an eye, Stem fires a laser beam at Rito. Thinking fast, he hits the ground just in time; the beam zooms overhead and blows up the catering table. A few people scream and flee in terror from the sudden devastation.
"Kill me?" asks Rito, standing up. "Why? What'd I ever do to you?"
"There's only one person who's gonna be crowned king of Deviluke," replies Stem, charging another laser beam. "And it's not gonna be you."
Before he can shoot, both Run and Kyouko block his line of fire to protect Rito.
"Look, pal," says Run. "I don't know who you think you are, but I won't let you lay a finger on my beloved Rito."
"Blowing up our TV show is one thing," says Kyouko. "But Rito's a good friend, and I'm not gonna just stand by and let you hurt him."
Rito appears touched his friends would risk their lives for his safety. "Run, Kyouko."
"This doesn't concern you girls," says Stem. "Stand aside, and I promise I won't harm you."
Momo and Nana quickly hurry to Rito's side.
"Rito, are you alright?" asks Momo.
"Momo? Nana? What're you two doing here?" asks Rito.
"Saving your butt, that's what," responds Nana.
"Well, well," says Stem. "I must say, I didn't expect to see either of you so far from home, Princess Momo and Princess Nana of Deviluke. I take it your sister Lala is here as well?"
"Who are you?" asks Momo.
"And what do you want?" asks Nana.
"Like I said, my only objective is Rito Yuki. Now stand aside," threatens Stem.
"And like WE said, you jerk," starts Run.
"Not gonna happen," finishes Kyouko.
Rito watches the four girls take a stance to defend him. They prepare themselves for a brawl against the cyborg-alien while all he can do is stand by and watch.
...
"So be it," says Stem.
He fires several laser beams at Run and Kyouko. The two girls work together, and dodge his attacks. Kyouko fights back using her fireballs. Run equips one of her inventions, a photon pistol, and returns fire. Stem avoids their volley of attacks.
The chaotic fight causes the remaining people on set to flee, except for the director and cinematographers; they continue filming with a camera on a rolling platform.
"That's it!" yells the enthusiastic director. "Keep filming like your lives depend on it!"
Nana activates her D-dial, and summons a ferocious alien lion to attack Stem.
"Rito, get outta here," she says.
"What?" asks Rito.
"She's right, Rito," says Momo. "If he's after you, we gotta get you to safety."
Rito watches his friends fight on his behalf while he does nothing. "But I…"
I can't just leave them like this, he thinks. Dammit! The one time I actually need Nemesis. If she were in me, I could use her powers to protect them and fight back against this jerk.
Momo grabs Rito from behind.
"Hey, Momo," he says.
"I know what you're thinking, but I'm sorry," she says.
Then she spreads her wings and launches them both into the air.
"Wait!" he protests.
But it's too late. They're already flying away, leaving the others behind.
In the midst of the fight, Stem spots them getting away. "Oh, no, you don't."
He activates his jet boots, and soars into the sky like Iron Man. Then he takes another shot at Rito with his laser cannon. The beam misses, but causes Momo to lose her grasp of Rito, and he falls.
"Rito!" she yells.
Run, Kyouko and Nana all react with fright.
Rito screams as he plummets to his certain death; none of his friends can reach him in time. Thinking fast, he angles himself towards a tree, and crashes into the treetop. The thick foliage cushions his fall, but he slams against several branches on the way down. He hits the ground hard, suffering a great deal of pain.
Momo flies fast as lightning towards him. "Rito, I'm coming!"
But before she can make it, Stem comes out of nowhere and kicks her, sending her crashing into another tree trunk.
With that, Nana and Run charge Stem together.
"How dare you do that to my sister!" yells Nana.
"How dare you do that to my beloved!" yells Run.
With one well-aimed shot from his laser cannon, Stem fires at the ground in front of Nana and Run. The explosion blasts them away, and they hit the grass, unconscious.
Nana's pet lion lunges at Stem. The cyborg-alien winds back his fist, punches the lion square in the face, and sends it sliding across the ground, down for the count.
Stem turns his attention to Rito, who's still on the ground. Then he draws his red energy sword, and approaches with sinister intent.
"You only have yourself to blame, Rito Yuki," he says. "I didn't want to hurt anyone, but you've gone and made these girls care about you, leaving me no choice."
Despite the overwhelming pain, Rito forces himself to stand, leaning on the tree for support. He can't run nor defend himself; he's helpless.
Suddenly, Stem strays left, narrowly avoiding a fireball aimed for his head.
Kyouko appears, standing in front of Rito and facing Stem alone. "I told you, I won't let you hurt him!"
Rito stares at her, transfixed and awestruck.
...
...
...
He touches Kyouko's shoulder, steps forward and spreads his arms out. Now he's the one protecting her, much to her surprise.
"Rito," she says.
"You think yourself brave, you little worm?" mocks Stem.
"I'm not brave at all," replies Rito. "I'm cowardly, clumsy and unforgivably weak. I couldn't protect Run, Momo or Nana. But even so, at the very least, I will do everything I can to protect Kyouko. So go ahead, cut me down if you want, but stay away from her!"
Kyouko gasps and blushes like crazy.
Still on the ground, Run, Momo and Nana stare at Rito in disbelief.
Stem approaches Rito, ready to slice him in half while sporting an evil grin. "As you wish."
Rito's legs tremble, not from fear, but from the pain. Still, he stands his ground.
Kyouko clutches the back of his shirt, her courage waning.
Stem raises his blade over his head-
BANG!
All eyes turn to the direction of the sound.
"That's enough, Stem," says Zastin.
He emerges from the trees, decked out in armor, and holding a photon pistol which he just fired into the air.
"Zastin," says Stem. "This planet truly is full of surprises."
"Lower your weapons, and surrender peacefully," demands Zastin, taking aim at Stem's chest.
...
Stem looks from Zastin to the girls, who're starting to stand up, ready for another fight. Then he looks to Rito.
"Another day, worm."
He snatches a white marble from his utility belt and chucks it at the ground, producing a massive cloud of smoke. Rito and Kyouko cough from the smoke. Zastin charges into the cloud. Once it disappears, Stem is already gone. Zastin curses under his breath.
Rito collapses into Kyouko's arms.
"Rito," she says with worry.
Even if it was for a brief time, Rito fought through the pain and stood his ground; now he's out cold. Momo and Run approach them; they're a little bruised, but they'll live. Nana tends to her alien lion; they're both injured, but they'll live too.
"Princess Momo! Princess Nana! Are you both alright?" asks Zastin.
"Hey, I'm here too, ya know," says Run.
"We're fine, Zastin. Thanks for coming," says Momo, holding up her D-dial.
"I'm glad I got your message when I did, Princess. Though I'm sorry I couldn't get here any sooner," says Zastin, bowing.
"It's fine. But just who was that jerk anyway?" asks Momo.
"Let's save the questions for later, you guys," says Kyouko. "Right now, we gotta get Rito to a doctor."
Nana pets her injured lion's mane. "Not just him."
"Yes," says Zastin. "From the looks of it, you all could use some medical aid."
"I know," says Run. "Let's head to Dr. Ryouko's clinic. It should be just a few blocks away."
"Right. Let's go," says Momo.
A few yards away, the director and crew are still filming.
"And cut!" yells the director. "That was the best battle scene I've ever filmed! Well done, everybody!"
The whole movie crew cheers and applauds.
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Later that night at Rito's house.
Once again, everyone is gathered around the table for dinner. Only this time, Run and Kyouko enjoy the meal with them. Rito and the girls are all patched up, thanks to Mikado.
Lala and Run take turns feeding Rito, though it looks more like they're fighting over who gets to feed him. He's embarrassed, but doesn't mind.
"Here, Rito. Eat up," says Lala, offering him a spoonful of ramen.
"No, Rito! Eat mine," says Run, offering a piece of chicken with chopsticks.
"Come on, you guys," says Rito.
"You beast," snarks Nana.
"Must be nice having two pretty girls fawning over you, bro," teases Mikan.
"No, no, I just, uh," says Rito.
Mikan smiles and refills his cup of tea. "I'm glad you're safe, Rito. But don't you go worrying me like that again, got it?"
"Promise," says Rito, smiling back.
The night goes on as usual, and everyone's happy; everyone except Kyouko. She looks between Run and Rito, while something heavy weighs on her. Then she touches her chest, feels her heart, and clenches her fist. She's made up her mind.
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Outside the front door, Run and Kyouko begin walking away, heading home for the night. Rito sees them off.
"Thanks for having us, Rito," says Run.
"My pleasure," he says. "And despite what happened today, I did enjoy myself at the set. So thanks, for the invite, that-mmm!"
Suddenly, Run runs up to Rito, and kisses him straight on the mouth. Both he and Kyouko are taken aback.
Run puts her hands on his chest, and somberly lowers her head. "I'm so happy...you're okay."
Rito smiles and hugs her. "I'm glad you're okay too."
Kyouko watches them, her lips trembling.
A moment passes, and Rito and Run break away, smiling at each other.
Then he turns to Kyouko and bows. "You as well, Kyouko. And thank you for saving my life."
...
Kyouko remains silent, looking down at the ground. Rito and Run exchange bewildered glances. Their confusion turns to worry when tears start falling from Kyouko's eyes.
"Kyouko, what's wrong?" asks Run.
"I'm sorry, Run," says Kyouko.
"What?" asks Run.
"I know you love Rito," says Kyouko. "I've known it all along, and that's why I wanted to support you. But the truth is…I love him too. Rito, I'm in love with you!"
...
Both Rito and Run become speechless. Kyouko cries as she continues.
"Run, I tried so hard to dismiss these feelings, because I wanted to protect our friendship," she says. "I started spending more time with Rito, because I was trying to learn more about him, so I could help you with your romance. But the more time I spent with him, the more I realized why you loved him so much, because I began feeling that way too."
"Kyouko," says Run.
"I really am sorry, Run," weeps Kyouko. "You finally have the love of your life. And the last thing I want is to steal him away after you only just got him. But as your friend, I wanted to be honest with you about my feelings. And with you as well, Rito."
Rito and Run trade looks again, not sure what to say.
"Also," says Kyouko. "I was at the stage that night. I heard what you said to Run about your harem plan."
"You did?" asks Rito.
"Yes," replies Kyouko. "And the truth is, if you have any feelings for me, any at all, I want to be a part of it. I wasn't sure at first. I thought my crush on you was just a fluke, because you saved me that time at school, and again at the lake. But today, you risked your life to save me again. You're not cowardly, clumsy or weak at all. You're the bravest, sweetest and most dependable boy I know. And now I know for sure how I feel. I truly, deeply love you, Rito Yuki."
With that, she buries her face in her hands, and softly cries.
...
Run steps forward, and wraps Kyouko in a big hug.
"Huh?" asks Kyouko.
"Kyouko, you are my best friend," says Run. "All this time, you were supporting my love for Rito. What kind of best friend would I be if I didn't do the same?"
"You mean?" asks Kyouko.
Run smiles and nods. "I accept your feelings for Rito, and I happily welcome you into his harem."
"Oh, Run! Thank you!" says Kyouko, hugging Run back, ecstatic.
But the joy is short-lived as the realization dawns on Kyouko. Even if Run accepts her, Rito is another story. Both girls face Rito, awaiting his reply.
"Well, Rito?" asks Run.
Rito takes a deep breath, and steps forward. Run backs off, standing idly by to give them some space.
"Kyouko," he starts. "I think you're really brave yourself. Seeing you stand up to that Stem jerk...it's just like something Magical Kyouko would do. Only that wasn't acting. And you're not just brave; you're kind, and really cute, and a lot of fun to be around."
His sweet words make Kyouko blush.
"That being said," says Rito. "I'm not entirely sure how I feel about you. I mean, I do care about you, but I'd be lying if I said I'm head-over-heels."
"Oh," says Kyouko, sorrowful.
"However," says Rito.
Kyouko gasps and perks up.
"If you give me a chance, if this is really what you want, I'll accept you," he says with a smile. "That way, I can grow to love you too."
Kyouko resumes crying. Only now, her tears of regret have turned into tears of joy.
"Oh, Rito. Yes. That's good enough for me. Thank you," she says with a bright smile.
"Kyouko," says Rito, smiling back.
"What're you waiting for, Rito? Kiss her already," eggs Run.
"Uh, right," says Rito.
Both he and Kyouko blush crimson, too nervous to kiss.
...
She stares at him, closes her eyes and tilts her head.
He gulps and gently grabs her shoulders.
...
He leans in close, and presses his lips against hers. She rests her hands on his chest, feeling his heart beat as they kiss. Run watches them, happy and content.
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Out in the middle of the ocean, Stem flies to his camouflaged ship, which hovers over the water.
The hull door opens, and Stem enters with an evil look in his eye.
Once the door closes, the Dark Rover descends into the water, disappearing under the sea.
Author's Note: Stem has finally shown his hand; get ready for his epic rivalry with Rito. Now, while Rito and Kyouko have some fun chemistry, there weren't enough moments between them throughout the manga, so getting them together naturally took some work. But it paid off in the end (at least, I hope it did).
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