Chapter 6: Fated Encounters
Keima gazed upon the PFP, drawing attention to everyone. He pulled a huge smile on his face. His eyes glimmered. His jaw dropped at the sight of a cute girl inside the screen. Her brown silky hair shined with her huge cute eyes. She held her arms out at Keima. The words appeared on the screen, reading "Yotsuba: I'm not going to cry anymore!" Tears poured from his eyes, feeling enlightened by his long lost love. He hugged himself tightly, forming goose bumps on his body.
"Oh! My body feels electrified from my soul mate! And my blood… It boils!"
Kumuro broke sweat on his head, witnessing Keima's girly side. Nikaido rolled her eyes. She grasped his body and carried him near the door. She opened it wide and kicked him out of her classroom.
"Take that shit outside!"
Keima's body collided into a window, groaning in pain. She closed the door and returned to her students. The students laughed, shrugging off the confusion. They talked amongst each other about Keima.
"God he's so creepy!"
"He was talking about his soul-thingy!"
Kumuro sighed. I wish I have a day where Keima buddy acts normal in class…
Keima strolled through the school ground, staring at Yotsuba. Damn… I got too excited. Keima shrugged. Oh well… Since every sucker is stuck at their own class, I have my precious Yokkyun to enjoy with for the rest of this class! Keima closed his eyes, feeling blessed.
"I guess it's really worth playing every single game. Who knows who I might bump into when I get to meet someone very special?"
Keima grinned sinisterly.
"This game only sold 200 copies, the world's full of idiots!"
He stopped moving, feeling something blocking in his way. He lifted his head up, noticing Tsukiyo sitting on a bench. The bench enveloped by a huge crimson carpet. Her arms grasped hold of a Victorian-dressed doll. She moved her head closely, positioning her eye onto the telescope.
"It's beautiful… The moon…"
She moved the doll a bit closer to her.
"It shines admirably, even during the day. A majestic and powerful, yet graceful queen of the night…"
Keima shrugged as he continued strolling through the grounds.
"Stars are… fascinating beings to observe their beauty… isn't that right Luna?"
Tsukiyo turned her head, noticing Keima. Keima stopped moving, moving his head to her.
"The observatory is hers and mine. I would rather you not enter it."
She lowered her eye lids.
"I only wish to gaze at beautiful things!"
Keima blinked at her.
"Pfft! Don't care!"
Keima turned his head away from her.
"Time to spend more quality time!"
Keima walked away from her. As he stepped on the carpet, she frowned at him.
"Hold it!"
Keima stopped, turning his body. He blinked at her, finding her standing next to him. Her small arms gently hold her doll Luna. Unexpectedly, he got pushed away from her quick slap. He collapsed on the floor, lifting his feet off the carpet.
"This carpet symbolises an alternate world. Don't tread your disgusting feet on this sacred place!"
Keima grumbled, trying to stand up. She turned her head facing Luna, smiling at her.
"I apologise Luna. Did this strange man scare you?"
She carefully caressed Luna's hair, showing her affection.
"The smooth silky skin and hair… the crystalline opal eyes… The perfect smile… creates that beauty you possessed… You are one of the few perfections on Earth."
She turned away from Keima and lifted her head up. She took her time appreciating the clear blue skies.
"I wish this world… was filled with absolute beauty…"
Keima shouted at her, angered by her rude behaviour.
"I was only passing by! Why did you slap me for?"
Tsukiyo lowered her eyelids.
"Too bad this world has to contain such grotesque beings."
Keima gritted his teeth, he pushed his PFP forward, showing Yostuba to Tsukiyo.
"Then what dya call this then?"
Yotsuba chuckled lightly, grabbing Tsuyuki's attention. Tsukiyo turned around, staring at Yotsuba. She burst out laughing, making Keima drop his jaws.
"What kind of question is that? It's simply some drawing on that ugly machine of yours!"
Keima's body trembled in fear, feeling defeated. Tsukiyo closed his eyes and placed her hands on her lips.
"Oh my! I can't believe I laughed out loud… How careless of me to do something ugly…"
Tsukiyo strolled away from Keima, leaving him vulnerable.
"Let's go home, Luna."
Minami strolled through the school grounds, wearing her summer uniform. This high school is bigger than I thought… compared to the middle school I'm in. She took her time gazing upon a few people over yonder. She stopped by a huge building and gazed upon it. I heard they've placed a lot of money in this. I wonder what this is like in here… Suddenly, her eyes caught attention of Kumuro. He strolled towards few people walking by, shouting out for someone. His shiny black hair glowed from the sun's bright light. His golden eye glimmered. She took a few steps forward, wanting to see him closer.
He turned around, noticing her. Kumuro's cheeks slightly reddened. He walked towards her, causing her heart to thump faster. This boy… Is he... is he coming over to my side? Kumuro stood in front of her, putting up a friendly smile.
"Have you seen a guy with glasses? I needed something important from him."
Her cheeks slightly reddened.
"Uh, do you know what he looks like?"
Kumuro nodded.
"He has brown hair, holds his PFP most of the times, and his eyes looked like some strategist."
"Strategist?"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"Damn, I'm not good at describing my buddy…"
Kumuro smiled at her.
"Don't worry about it. I'll eventually find him."
Kumuro strolled away from her. She turned around, admiring his looks.
Keima sat on the couch, whimpering about today. Kumuro stared at his sad face, blinking at him.
"It's not her fault she doesn't look that beautiful! It should be blamed on the crappy artists who made her!"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"Dude… Can you calm down?"
Keima wiped the tears off his face.
"Wh… Why should I…"
Kumuro moved his hands, pushing his fingers towards each other.
"Well for starters… we should focus on what's really important…"
Keima glared at him, finding Kumuro suspicious.
"Okay, what is it now?"
Kumuro cheeks reddened.
"Well… I met this cute chick while I was looking for you…"
Keima sighed.
"Didn't your last 'date' ended up a failure?"
Kumuro shook his head.
"Well… I wouldn't say it completely was…"
Keima rolled his eyes.
"Just tell me who it is, and I will at least give you some tips…"
Kumuro sighed.
"I didn't even ask her name…"
Keima shrugged at him.
"Then I guess I can't help you then…"
Kumuro lowered his head down.
"This… Stinks…"
Keima resumed crying, thinking about his precious.
"Yokkyun… I still think you're beautiful…"
Minami sat at her desk, staring at her friends, Akko and Saito, holding a handbook. The book cover read "Majima knights file". They lifted the book down and stared at Minami.
"Are you sure this guy is in there?"
"The one with cat-like hair?"
Minami sighed.
"Yes… I'm pretty sure he has cat-like hair."
Saito lowered her hands down and sighed.
"If it was one of them, it should be in this book. Are you sure he's handsome?"
Minami placed her hand on her chin.
"I would say that he's more fascinating."
Akko rubbed her fingers on her chin.
"Interesting…"
Saito smiled sinisterly.
"Maybe we should text someone from that school there."
Saito pulled her phone out and tapped the buttons on it. A picture appeared on the phone screen. Saito and Akko chuckled as they turned the phone around. The image revealed Kumuro hugging Keima tightly. Keima gasped for air, clutching onto his PFP tightly.
"Is… Is this the boy with cat-like hair?"
Minami studied the pictures carefully.
"Yes… Why?"
Saito fell on the floor, rolled around and laughed out loud. Akko burst out laughing.
"Oh my god! You like this guy?"
Minami frowned at her.
"What's wrong with him?"
Saito lifted her body off the floor, covering her mouth.
"This guy… is the second most famous guy in that school!"
Minami cocked her eyebrow.
"Second?"
Akko and Saito nodded their heads.
"He's the follower of the "weirdest weirdo" in school. You could even say that he's almost like that "weirdest weirdo"!"
"They called the "weirdest weirdo" the "Otamegane". They also called that follower… the "Follower of Otamegane", or "Follower" for short."
Akko giggled at the names.
"We should just call him "Follower" for now on!"
"I know, right?"
Akko and Saito moved closer to Minami, making her lean away from them.
"You know, they say that he plays games during classes. It's a rumour, but I'm thinking that only Otamegane does that."
Saito lifted her finger up, closing her eyes.
"They also say that he follows that Otamegane everywhere he goes. That could be a rumour, but it would be true in my opinion."
Akko covered her mouth whilst laughing.
"I heard from a friend of mine that he refers to his master as God, and that he worships him in every way. He might also have a statue of that Otamegane back at his house."
Akko and Saito hugged Minami tightly.
"Awwh don't worry though. We'll be with you 100% of the times."
Minami frowned at them. Why did I tell them about this in the first place?
Amika whistled through the corridors, holding her arms back. Even though I've joined many science clubs, this one will be one of the most exciting things I have done in my scientific careers. It'll be nice to do something like astrophysics and even building rockets! Amika closed her eyes, feeling delighted. I really want to meet this founder of this club. It'll be a huge honour! Amika stopped moving, standing next to a door with the sign "Astronomy Club". She opened the door and entered inside. She saw Tsukiyo hugging Luna tightly.
"Why… Why am I panicking? I shouldn't be worried about it! It was already clear about my parents!"
Amika cocked her eyebrows.
"Is this the astronomy club?"
Tsukiyo cleared her worried face, noticing Amika's presence.
"Who are you? And why are you here?"
Amika blinked at her.
"I'm here to join this astronomy club. What's with that doll of yours?"
Tsukiyo frowned at her.
"This club belongs to me and Luna only. No other grotesque beings shall ever come here!"
Amika snorted at her.
"What, you're telling me that you're Kujuo Tsukiyo?"
Tsukiyo nodded her head. Amika blinked at her again. She burst out laughing, making Tsukiyo cock her eyebrow.
"I can't believe that the genius founder of this club would turn out to be some child who still plays with her doll!"
Tsukiyo frowned at her.
"Please don't contaminate this room with your ugly emotions! You're making Luna scared!"
Amika stopped laughing, frowning at Tsukiyo.
"No wonder there aren't many people in this club!"
Amika turned around, leaving the room. Tsukiyo caressed Luna's hair, comforting her.
"Don't worry Luna. You're still safe with me…"
Minami entered the swimming pool, holding her swimming goggles close to her. She sighed, thinking about Kumuro. I don't think that Kumuro guy's weird. He seemed to be gentle and kind. Is it weird being gentle and kind? She slowly climbed through the metal ladder leading to the cold chilly pool of water. She submerged her body, feeling the cool chilly blanket of water enveloping her skin. She closed her eyes, reflecting on the past few weeks. It's a shame that I didn't make the meet. Summer's approaching, and I have nothing else to look forward to… She opened her eyes, hearing a male swimmer shouting.
"Hey follower! I bet you can't beat me in a swimming race!"
Her eyes were fixed on Kumuro. His cheery smile caused her cheeks to redden. She moved forward, getting a closer look. Kumuro shrugged at the swimmer in response.
"We'll see about that."
Kumuro dived towards the pool, creating a small splash. His head popped out of the surface, revealing his hair being pushed down. The swimmer jumped after him. He swam past Kumuro, reaching for the other end quickly.
"Hey! I wasn't ready!"
Kuimuro swam after him. Her eyes slowly widened, witnessing Kumuro soaring through the lane. He eventually overtook the swimmer, making him stop and stare.
"Hey! How are you going that fast?"
Kumuro reached for the other side, popping his head above the surface. He rubbed the drips of water from his eyes, revealing his glowing eyes. Minami's cheeks further reddened. He… He's amazing! The students ran towards him, feeling dazzled. The swimmer reached the other end and blinked at him.
"Hey follower, how did you swim so fast?"
"I have never seen such weirdos do something like this?"
"I'm onto him! He could be on drugs!"
Kumuro shrugged, feeling content.
"I guess I'm a natural swimmer like my dad!"
Ichigou ran towards him, feeling empowered.
"Oh my god! I can't believe I'm saying this, but you should go for the Olympics!"
Kumuro chuckled nonchalantly.
"I don't think I see myself as an athlete."
He turned around, facing Minami. His eyes widened, noticing her presence. Feeling exposed to Kumuro, she turned away from him. He blushed at a sight of her glowing brown hair.
Tsukiyo strolled towards her bench, carrying Luna on her arm. She carefully placed her doll on the bench and sat down. She cautiously moved the telescope, adjusting it to her eyes. She gazed upon the moon, smiling with awe.
"I can see every single bit of perfection on the moon. Oh Luna, I hope there's a lot more to look at as time pass by!"
She moved her head away from the telescope. She pulled her phone out, reading the time on it. 1:56pm.
"The comet's coming soon."
She moved her head towards the telescope. She pivoted it carefully, trying to find the comet. Suddenly, the telescope stopped moving. She pushed it hard, ordering it to continue moving.
"This telescope has flaws... Such an unsightly event to happen to me..."
She pushed herself off the bench. She tried lifting it up, attempting to rotate it around. Her weak arms throbbed, forcing her to let go of it. She fell on the carpet, feeling her bottom aching. She frowned at it, feeling annoyed.
"It's is much too heavy! Whoever designed this must have a lot of flaws inside of them!"
She turned around, noticing Keima standing next to her.
"You're that grotesque guy from yesterday! Did you come here to try and enlighten me with that drawing of yours again?"
Keima blinked at her.
"I'm only just passing by... I don't know why I ended up here again..."
Keima stared at the telescope.
"Are you trying to move that telescope?"
Tsukiyo turned away from her.
"I don't need to answer you! And I don't certainly need any help!"
Keima blinked at her, watching her stand up and face towards the telescope. I wasn't even offering her help to begin with... She tried lifting the telescope again. Keima shrugged and walked around her. Alas, she collapsed on the ground. How embarrassing of me to fail at something so simple. I hate to do this now... She stood up and called for Keima.
"Wait!"
Keima turn around.
"I guess you can help me move it around."
Keima blinked at her.
"No thanks."
Keima turned away from her. She growled at him. How rude of someone who had offered me some help! She marched towards him. She placed her hand on his shoulders, causing him to turn around. He blinked at her again, finding her small hand resting on his shoulders. She pulled his ear down, dragging him towards the telescope. He screamed in pain, feeling violated.
"Hey! Why are you doing this to me?"
Tsukiyo dropped him on the ground.
"I should've guessed that grotesque beings would respond rudely to me!"
She turned around, folding her arms.
"Move the telescope around for me."
Keima sighed. I don't even know if this is reality's doing or not. What's real to me? I don't know anymore! He lifted himself off the ground, staring at the telescope. She moved him away from it, getting his feet off the carpet!
"Hey! I thought you need my help!"
She pointed her hands at the carpet.
"You stepped on it again."
Keima groaned tiredly. Of all of the annoying girls I've encountered, she is now at the number one position! He lifted the telescope, feeling his arms ache.
"Wouldn't it be easier for me if I get close to the telescope?"
Tsukiyo sighed.
"Your moaning and whinging sickens me! Now hurry up!"
Keima carefully moved the telescope around, pointing it towards him. He placed it on the ground and fell down. He gasped for air, feeling his arms weakened. Tsukiyo moved to the telescope, putting her eyes near the lens. She moved the telescope around, trying to find the comet. She sighed, feeling disappointed.
"I have missed it, thanks to that grotesque thing."
She moved away from the telescope, pulling him off the ground.
"Okay, you can rotate it back."
Keima groaned, frowning at her. This... is... one hell... of a bad day!
Minami ran towards the bus, holding her arms out. Oh no! It's about to take off without me! She jumped through the doors a few seconds before it closed off. She sighed, feeling relieved. Her body faced a herd of passengers chatting amongst each other. She slowly pushed through the crowd, trying to find room to stand on. She stopped moving, standing next to a passenger. As he turned his head around, her eyes widened. She blushed at the sight of Kumuro's face. It… it's that Muhara guy! Kumuro's cheeks reddened. Wow… Twice I've seen her. Is this meant to be? She turned her head away from him, having her heart thumping.
The bus drove off, moving to its destination. It entered through a road overlooking a calm sea. Her heart pounded quickly, feeling her stomach churning weirdly. I'm… I'm not ready to… to suddenly see him again like this! She sighed. I guess there's nothing I can do about this… This Muhara guy doesn't know me anyway. She slowly peeped at Kumuro, finding him staring through the window. He doesn't look anything like the "second weirdest weirdo" anyway. The speaker called out, emitting its drone-like voice.
"Next stop, Misato new town!"
She moved her hand towards the stop button. She slowly leaned her body forward, trying to reach for it. Kumruo moved his hands, pushing the button. She turned her head, staring at Keima face. He smiled at her.
"You should be a bit careful out here! You might fall doing something like this!"
Minami blinked at him. Is… Is he talking to me?
"I noticed that you were at the pool today."
Minami reddened her cheeks further. He… He noticed me! The bus stopped by, waiting for Kumuro and Minami.
"I got to go now! Nice meeting you!"
Kumuro walked past her, trying to get off the bus. She snapped out of her daydream and followed after him. Kumuro strolled away from Minami, travelling through the streets. Minami walked to another direction, thinking about Kumuro. Kumuro turned around, watching her leaving him. Damn! I didn't even ask her name! Maybe I'm too afraid to talk to her a lot… for now… He turned his head, noticing Kirino standing in front of him. He waved at her, walking towards her.
"Let's go to that ramen shop you've been talking about!"
Kirino grabbed his ear, making him cry in pain!
"You actually believed that shit?"
Tears flowed out of Kumuro's eyes.
"You… You promised!"
Kirino dragged him, moving him to another location.
"You're gonna get tougher by the time you attend all of the wrestling lessons! And I'm gonna make sure that's gonna happen!"
Keima groaned, standing near the telescope. Seriously! How the hell did I end up spending hours on helping this annoying girl? Did reality come up with a perfect being capable of forcing me to do its bidding? His body shivered from the night chills, forcing him to huddle. Tsykiyo gazed through the telescope, admiring the moon.
"This moon is a lot more alluring to look at than some comet that doesn't come all the time."
She moved her head away from the telescope, gazing upon the bright shining moon. Keima blinked at her, feeling confused.
"Why use the telescope if you can just stare at the moon perfectly well?"
Tsukiyo sighed.
"Every single detail shown on the moon brings out its exquisite exterior. The moon is perfect in its own way."
Keima tilted his head, staring at the moon.
"So you rather stare at something that will always be the same, rather than look at something different and exciting?"
Tsukiyo turned her head, facing Keima.
"It's better having its beauty preserved rather than having it distorted into something rather grotesque!"
She hopped off the bench, carrying Luna in her arms. She yawned, having her eyes weary.
"It's getting late…"
She turned away from him, walking away from him. Keima took a deep breath, relieved to be free from her clutches.
Kumuro groaned on his desk, feeling his body aching. His arms twitched and throbbed from last night. Keima snored on the desk, feeling very sleepy. Chihiro poked at Keima's body repeatedly, trying to wake him up.
"This is weird… Katsuragi's asleep?"
Amika blinked at Chihiro.
"Katsuragi?"
Chihiro turned around, widening her eyes.
"Uh- I mean to say Otamegane obviously!"
Amika shrugged, turning her head to Kumuro. She awed at the sight of Kumuro's injured body. Her glassed glowed from the sunlight. This is my chance to shorten the gap between Kumuro-sama and I! I'm gonna use this method I did with my experiments… She walked towards him, pressing her hands gently against his shoulders.
"Oh Kumuro-sama! What's wrong?"
Kumuro continued groaning.
"My body hurts from these wrestling lessons…"
Amika leaned her head closer to Keima.
"Awwh… Do you want to make me feel better?"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"Can you steal the PFP off Keima?"
Amika blinked at Kumuro.
"Eh?"
Kumuro slowly turned his head facing Keima's sleepy body.
"He's been telling me that he doesn't feel pain when he plays his games. I wanna see if it actually works."
Amika gritted her teeth. I can't believe he asked that for me! She strutted towards Keima and snatched the PFP off Keima's hands. She walked back to Kumuro and dropped it on the ground.
"Thanks."
Amika turned her head in disgust, returning to her seat. Kumuro lifted the PFP to his head, staring at the screen.
"Wow. My back's starting to ache less!"
His smile glowed, gazing upon a cute girl inside the screen.
"I gotta admit! She sure is cute!"
Drool escaped from his mouth, spreading it to his desk. His face glowed, feeling enlightened. Minami peered from the door, watching Kumuro playing his PFP. Wow… He's actually playing his game during class… Minami turned her head facing Keima. Keima snored, making some students covering his ears. That Otamegane guy doesn't seem weird at all though… Minami shifted her focus back to Kumuro. Amika placed a note on his head, trying to grab his attention. She sighed as she returned to her desk again. Muhara! There's a note on your head! Kumuro continued playing Keima's PFP, having his eyes brightened.
Minami sighed. I wonder why he never paid attention… A shadow crept over her, forcing her to turn around. Nikaido folded her arms, staring at her.
"What do you want?"
Minami's body trembled in fear.
"Uh… Nothing…"
Minami ran away from her, returning to her class. Nikaido watched her run away. She shrugged, strutting inside the classroom. She placed her books on her desk.
"Get in your seats!"
She turned around, facing the class. She cocked her eyebrow, staring at Keima sleeping on his desk. Well… At least he's not playing his games today. She turned her head to Kumuro. Her eyes widened, finding him holding his PFP. She shifted her focus between Keima and Kumuro, trying to make sense of what she's seeing. The students blinked at her, feeling confused. Nikaido fainted, collapsing to the ground.
The school bell rang, making the students stand up and leave the classroom. Kumuro continued staring at his PFP, unwary of his surroundings. Keima yawned, waking up from his slumber. He blinked at Tsukiyo, finding her standing in front of him.
"I hate to say this…"
Keima widened his eyes. Oh no! Not again! Tsukiyo dragged Keima out of desk, making him fall off.
"I need your help again…"
Keima kicked and screamed, begging her to let go. She pulled him out of the classroom, leaving Kumuro behind. Minami peered through the window again, staring at the note on his head. She widened her eyes. It's still there! She looked behind her, making sure no one was watching her. She turned her head, facing Kumuro again. Is Muhara always like this? Mimani's cheeks reddened. Why am I even here in the first place? She turned around and ran away, returning to her friends. Kumuro placed the PFP on his desk and smiled.
"Keima buddy might be right! Galge games ARE awesome to play!"
He stood up from the ground.
"And now the pain had gone away!"
The note flew off his head, descending towards his desk. He snatched the note from the desk, levelling it to his head. His eyes were fixed on the words "Tanabata Festival".
Keima crossed his armed, sitting on the floor like a naughty school boy. He glared at Tsukiyo looking through her telescope. I don't get her. First she insulted Yokkyun, and now she "insists" that I would help her. Since I've somehow became her slave, what will reality do next? Get that annoying Kanon girl to announce that she and I go out? His turned away from her, walking to another direction. Screw this! I'm not gonna let something like her to force my will! Suddenly, his hand felt heavy. He turned around, noticing Tsukiyo holding her hands tightly. She glared at him, squeezing his hands tighter.
"I didn't say that you can leave!"
Keima's eyes formed a burning flame.
"What else do you need from me? Why are you getting help from me?"
Tsukiyo widened her eyes. She released Keima's hands, turning away from him. He turned his body, facing her.
"You're right. Ever since your grotesque presence came here, I somehow got more dependent on such beings like you."
Keima blinked at her. Tsukiyo strolled slowly, heading back to her bench.
"I should only rely on Luna."
Keima shrugged, turning away from her. He reached for his pockets, trying to grab his PFP. He widened his eyes, feeling worried.
"M… My PFP!"
Tsukiyo stopped moving, watching a small shadowy figure guarding the bench. Its eyes glowed bright red. It opened its mouth wide, revealing its ferocious teeth. Her hands trembled. Her teeth chattered. She turned away from the figure, running towards Keima. She hugged him tight, holding him firmly. His eyes widened, feeling his body heavy.
"Help me! What should I do?"
He turned his head, gazing upon Tsukiyo's scared face. Her cheeks reddened, highlighting her vulnerability. He moved his head facing the bench. He blinked at a furry white cat showing off its huge pink ribbon. It purred softly, showing its friendly looks. It licked its paws as it got off the bench. Tsukiyo slowly turned her head, watching the cat walk away from her. The blush disappeared from her face. She released Keima body, stepping away from him.
"How uncouth of me to show these kinds of emotions!"
She strolled away from Keima, returning to her bench.
"Honestly, if I continued like this, my face will deform for sure!"
She sat on the bench, gazing through the telescope. Keima turn and ran away, embarking on a quest. She turned her head from the telescope, staring at Keima running away from her.
Minami hid behind a wall, watching Kumuro walking with Ichigou and Heihachi. They both laugh together, carrying their Hitomi figurines in their arms. My friends didn't tell me that he has his own doll… As they strolled away from him, Minami moved away from the wall. She blended in with passing pedestrians, sneaking up behind them. They turned to their left, entering a café. She lifted her head up, noticing the sign "Mikuka Cosplay Café". She crept towards the building, entering inside. She quickly searched for an unoccupied table, sitting on a vacant chair. She lifted a menu from the table, covering her face.
Her cheeks slightly reddened. I hope Muhara didn't see me there… She slowly lowered the menu, gazing upon Kumuro, Ichigou and Heihachi. She blinked at them, noticing their dress completely changed. Kumuro's Royal-red jacket stood out, matching the bunny ears on his black ahir. Heihachi's green hat and pants matched his orange tuxedo and his black undershirt. A piece of paper reading "10/6" tucked inside his hat. Ichigou placed his cat ears on his head, matching it with his Cheshire suit. He lifted a tea pot up, pouring tea on each cup. The boys lifted their cup up and drank their tea. All of them said "aah", resting their back onto their comfy seats.
"You know Kumuro, today's not my birthday!"
Kumuro and Heihachi turned their heads to Ichigou, putting up their surprised look.
"Happy unbirthday!"
"Have a jolly good unbirthday!"
Kumuro lifted his tea pot up, pouring tea on each cup. The boys picked it up and sculled it through. They placed it back on the table and clapped at each other. Heihachi stood up, having an idea in his head.
"It's really strange… But today's not my birthday!"
Minami blinked at them. Okay… Am I seeing things and hearing things right? Ichigou stood up, holding his tea pot.
"Congrats on your unbirthday!"
Kumuro raised his arms out.
"Happy unbirthday!"
Ichigou poured tea on each cup. The boys swing their arms around, singing a song and spilling tea on the floor. The waiter rolled his eyes, walking towards the mess.
"God I hate this job!"
The waitress pulled out his towel, scrubbing the mess on the floor. When the song ended, Kumuro scratched his head.
"Now that you've mentioned about your unbirthdays… Today's not my birthday!"
Hehachi lifted his tea pot up, pouring tea on each cup.
"Have a jolly good unbirthday!"
Ichigou danced on his chair.
"Congrats on your unbirthday!"
The boys lifted their cup up, sculling the tea again. Heihachi spilt some tea on his face, letting it drip towards his tuxedo. As they placed their cups back on the table, they clapped at each other.
"Happy unbirthday to all!"
Minami placed the menu on the table. What's so interesting about this guy? Nothing… except for his weirdness… Minami sighed, feeling defeated. She lowered her eyes down, looking away from Kumuro. Suddenly, her eyes widened, finding herself wearing a blue dress with a white apron around it. Huh? How did I end up wearing it? The waiter strolled towards her, carrying a notepad with him.
"You're ready to order now?"
Keima tapped his feet on the ground, finding Kumuro near his house. He glared at Kumuro, staring at his PFP held by Kumuro. His PFP drenched in tea.
"I was gonna give it back…"
Kumuro's voice sounded like a guilty child.
"But I got caught up with my friends…"
Keima snatched his PFP from Kumuro. He pushed the switch button, trying to lighten the screen up. He growled at the PFP's lifeless body.
"How did you manage to drench my PFP in tea?"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"Well… We went to that cosplay café, so…"
Keima blinked at him.
"What anime does that even involved tea party?"
Kumuro hesitated.
"Well… There's Kuroshitsuji?"
Keima blinked again.
"So… You're saying that it turned into a messy tea fight because of that show?"
Kumuro stuttered.
"Y-y-yes… I g-guess you could s-say that…"
Keima squinted at him, finding something suspicious. Keima turned away from him, returning to his lair. Kumuro held his arms out.
"Wait!"
Keima turned around. Kumuro pulled out a sheet of paper, unfolding it.
"Dya think this is a good place for my next date?"
Keima squinted at the words "Tanabata festival". Keima shrugged at Kumuro.
"I guess so? Why?"
Kumuro ran away from him.
"I got a lot of things to plan now! See ya!"
Tsukiyo stared at her bench, carrying Luna on her arms. I… I'm becoming a lot more involved with disgusting beings over the past few days. She tilted her head down, staring at Luna. Perhaps I need to escape from this dreaded place! Keima strolled towards Tsukiyo, holding his PFP in his hands. He lifted his head up, noticing Tsukiyo standing there. He blinked at her. Why is she standing there all of a sudden? How did I end up here again? Why is my body taking me there all the time? Tsukiyo turned back, glaring at Keima.
"Why do you keep persisting?"
Keima sighed.
"The truth is… I don't really know…"
Tsukiyo strolled away from Keima.
"Don't bother coming for me."
Keima cocked his eyebrows. What does she mean by that? Tsukiyo strolled passed the bench, making Keima scratch his head. She… she's not going to look at the moon today?
Minami stood near a pole, holding onto it tightly. Kumuro stood away from her, feeling his body shaking. Oh god! I've never actually asked anyone out for a long time. That thing with Kusunoki didn't really count… Kumuro took a deep breath, holding a piece of paper out. C'mon Kumuro! Be strong! If you want her, you have to act cool with it! Summoning all of his courage, he pushed the paper in his pocket and walked passed a few people. He stood near her, gazing upon her. Her body trembled in fear. Her cheeks slightly reddened. He quickly moved his head away, hiding his blushing cheeks.
Oh god! I think I'm about to have a heart attack! I… I better do this quick! Kumuro took another deep breath. Okay… I better start with a conversation…
"I…"
Kumuro hesitated.
"I noticed that… that you've been following me the other day…"
Minami widened her eyes. She covered her head, feeling ashamed of herself. Kumuro dropped a sweat from his head. Oh shit! Now she thinks I don't like her… I need to pick this up quickly! Minami spoke softly, hesitating to find the right words.
"I… um… umm…"
Kumuro closed his eyes, trying to focus hard.
"Well… If you want to get… close to me…"
He opened his eyes, feeling his mind hollow. He turned his head, smiling at her.
"Why don't we go out together at the Tanabata festival?"
Mimami slowly moved her hands away from her head, revealing her widened eyes. She slowly turned her head, staring at his glowing face. Her cheeks reddened further.
"I… I'll think about it…"
The bus stopped. Minami walked away from Kumuro. Kumuro jumped up in triumph.
"I did it!"
Tsukiyo strolled towards the darkened trees, noticing the sign "Do not enter". She hugged Luna closer to her. Braving the unknown, she walked past the sign. Keima ran towards the sign, trying to catch up to her. What is this idiot thinking? Not only had she left school early… Keima stopped and panted, feeling exhausted. She's going out in the wild? In fact, why did I run half-way across Majima for? He glared at the sign "Do not enter". Normally, I should be leaving things alone, not getting involved with 3D girls. Am I getting weaker? Is that reality's ultimate goal? To make me less of what I had become before?
Keima ran past the sign, trying to find Tsukiyo. Well I guess I can't turn back… for now… He stepped on a lot of bushes, having his leg catch a lot of thorns. This is no time for pain! I could also be in trouble if they find out I was somehow involved! Wait. Why does that even matter to me! Suddenly, he heard Tsukiyo's scream. Hearing her sound, he continued trudging through the forest. The forest darkened, making Keima's eye's squint. Time to use my PFP! He pulled his PFP out, creating a bright light form the screen. He spotted Tsukiyo far away as he walked towards her. She struggled from a tangle of vines wrapping her body.
Using all of his strength, he placed his PFP on the ground and pulled the vines off her, throwing it away from her. Tsukiyo's cheeks reddened, seeing Keima's face again. He face changed as he turned his head.
"Why do you continue to persist?"
Keima glared at her, focusing on other matters.
"Why did you decide to come here? You know it's stupid of you to leave this town that way!"
Tsukiyo sighed.
"I'm sick of grotesque beings showing their ugly emotions. I'm even starting to become like them…"
Keima blinked.
"So what? You're saying that this is your solution? To run away from the city? To run away from your loved ones?"
Tsukiyo glared at him.
"My parents aren't that concerned. They always show me every single bit of atrocity to me."
Keima chuckled.
"So you're basing us "beings" on your own standards?"
Tsukiyo turned away from her.
"I don't need you to understand. I rather find a place where I can be beautiful forever!"
Keima pointed at Luna lying next to his PFP.
"What? Beautiful like that doll over there?"
Tsukiyo turned her head. Her eyes widened as she picked Luna up and hugged her tightly.
"Luna! Are you alright?"
Her eyes widened, noticing her left leg missing.
"Oh Luna! Your leg!"
Keima sighed.
"Do you know why your parents were together in the first place?"
Tsukiyo sighed.
"Why exactly?"
"They were looking for greater beauty: something that can be found by two people together!"
Tsukiyo turned around. She blinked at him, finding Keima's face a lot different.
"Yes, they might've argued a lot of times. Maybe that's because of their differences. I don't really know. But I think they did attempt to find that greater beauty together!"
Tsukiyo's cheeks blushed. Keima walked closer to her.
"Maybe you should be with other humans! They might be able to give you something more beautiful than what you have."
Her body trembled, feeling something odd inside her. He picked up the PFP, holding it in his hands.
"It's getting dark."
Keima turned away from her.
"We better head back."
Tsukiyo stood still, watching Keima walk away from her.
Kumuro sighed, standing near the festival entrance. His body shivered. Even though this is my second date, it feels a lot like a first date. He took a deep breath, making the shivers go away. Amika walked towards him, smiling with joy.
"Kumuro-sama! I can't believe you've came to the festival!"
Kumuro turned around, staring at her pink yukuta. Her hair flowed down, gently touching her shoulders. Her glasses gleamed from the lanterns surrounding the entrance. Kumuro blushed a bit. Damn… Amika's looking damn well today… Kumuro sighed. This might get a bit awkward, rejecting a friend of mine for a date…
"Do you mind if we walk through the festival together?"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"Well actually… I kinda asked someone out earlier."
Amika's smile remained on her face. What… What's this…?
"Really?"
Kumuro moved his hand up, reading the watch. He turned around and ran away from her.
"I gotta hurry! I'll see you later!"
Her face changed, fuming out smokes of rage.
"Who's this someone else he's referring to…?"
Kumuro strolled alongside Minami through the festival lane. Their bodies formed goose bumps. His body shivered, making his legs move slightly faster. Dammit! It's been a few minutes since I faced her. This feels a bit awkward! Minami formed blushed on her face. I'm usually comfortable around boys at my school… Maybe going with a particular boy alone… Kumuro turned his head to Minami, hesitating to talk to her.
"Umm… Am I… Am I going too fast?"
Her body shivered. Her cheeks further reddened.
"I'm… no… It's fine…"
She tilted her head, staring at the ground. Amika blended within the crowd, watching them from behind. Her face reddened at the sight of Minami.
"This… This girl! She's younger than me!"
She clutched her hands tightly.
"How dare Kumuro-sama go out with someone younger than him?"
Kumuro and Minami stopped moving. She twirled her hair around, mumbling to herself.
"My hair isn't frazzled… Isn't it?"
Kumuro turned around and stared at her, admiring her curly hair.
"You know… We haven't introduced each other yet…"
Minami turned her head around. Her eyes glowed at the sight of Kumuro's smile.
"The name's Muhara Kumuro!"
Minami sighed, soothed by the voice of saying his name.
"Minami… Ikota Minami…"
Kumuro blushed. What a pretty name. He turned his head towards a stall, walking towards it. He stopped next to a pool full of floating spheres and turned around.
"Ikota-san. You wanna play "fish the yoyo"?"
Minami nodded her head. She joined him, kneeling on the ground. She grabbed a hook on the bench and picked up a lot of floating balls. Kumuro widened his eyes, feeling impressed.
"Wow…"
Amika frowned at Minami.
"Okay. Now she's showing off!"
The stall owner stared at her, feeling amazed.
"You really are good!"
Minami sighed.
"I… I used to do this a lot with my little brother."
She placed a few balls back, making the owner scratch his head.
"You're sure you don't wanna keep all the ones you picked up?"
She turned around, feeling nervous.
"I'm… I'm okay with two…"
Kumuro stood up, creeping towards her. I wonder if she's okay… She turned around, stuttering at him.
"M-m-m-m-uhara-kun?"
She moved her hand forward.
"He-he-he-here. You can have this."
Kumuro smiled at her.
"Thank you."
He gently grabbed it from her hand. They continued strolling through the lane, talking amongst each other. Minami chuckled lightly, enjoying Kumuro's humour. Amika grumbled feeling left out.
"Now she's getting on my nerves!"
Two messy-looking boys approached her, holding their trading cards on their hands.
"Excuse me… Are you alone?"
She turned around, shouting at them.
"No I'm not!"
She strutted away from them, making the boys cry.
Kumuro held out two cooked squid to Minami.
"You want some?"
Minami smiled as she carefully took one of him. Muhara-kun's so nice to me… I'm glad that he came by… Her eyes widened, noticing her friends walking towards her.
"Muhara-kun! Follow me!"
She pulled Kumuro away from her friends, running to another lane. Kumuro's body burned from friction on the ground, making him scream in pain. As Minami dropped him on the ground, she found him covered in black dust.
"Wha… what's wrong Ikota-chan?"
Minami hesitated.
"There… There we people I didn't want to see…"
Kumuro stood up from the ground.
"Did something terrible happen?"
Minami sighed. She shook her head.
"Nothing too dramatic…"
Kumuro hold her hands.
"Well… If you say so…"
Kumuro smiled at her. Minami saw her hands, causing her cheeks to redden a lot.
"Hey! The bonfire's starting!"
Minami sighed as she turned around. Kumuro stared at a few people people holding the torch.
"You're gonna wish for anything?"
Minami shook her head.
"It's fine. I don't have anything to wish for…"
Kumuro sighed. Maybe… Maybe she doesn't like me as much as I thought… Still… She turned her head around, smiling at him.
"Last year, I wished I could be in the swim meet, but it didn't work."
Kumuro turned his head. She held her squid up.
"I guess I'm like that thing, all washed up…"
The fire grew from the torches, standing strong in front of the crowd. Kumuro and Minami turned their heads, holding each other's hands a bit tighter. Kumuro turned his head facing Minami. Poor Ikota-chan… I didn't realise… A huge speaker boomed from behind.
"This concludes the tanabata festival! Please get home safely! Also, be mindful of littering!"
Kumuro frowned at the speakers.
"Damn! Just as it got-"
Kumuro stopped talking, noticing Minami looking down.
Amika panted, regaining her energy. She lifted her head, searching for signs of Kumuro and Minami. She gritted her teeth, feeling annoyed to lose track of Kumuro.
"If I don't do something soon, I might get beaten by this chick!"
She turned around, noticing Akko and Saito walking towards her.
Minami covered her face. Tears poured from her eyes. Kumuro placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Is there something wrong?"
Minami sniffed.
"It used to be fun… I get to swim everyday… That's all I could do… I have nothing else to do…"
Tears dripped onto her Yukuta.
"It's all over… My life…"
"You're life's not over!"
Minami move her hands away. She turned her head, facing Kumuro.
"Yes… It may be the end of your swimming careers… but there will be a new beginning!"
She wiped the tears off her face.
"I remember when I was in middle school. I wanted to have as many friends as I can."
Tears flowed from his eyes.
"I tried to impress them but… it turned out that it wasn't a good idea at all…"
Minami blinked at him.
"I… I got lonely then… thinking that I won't make friends ever again."
He wiped the tears from his eyes.
"But I told myself 'It won't end here and now'. Maybe if I make a new beginning, I will be able to move from the past and look forward to the future."
Kumuro placed his hands on hers.
"You still have many more years to live! You still have other things to look forward to! You must move forward!"
Minami blushed, feeling his hands warm.
"Maybe I can help you find a new beginning…"
They gazed upon each other's face. Their heads slowly leaned forward, aiming for each other's lips. They closed their eyes, embracing something new.
"Oh my god! What are you doing?"
Minami and Kumuro stopped. They turned around, finding Akko and Saito standing by. She widened her eyes, feeling surprised. Oh… Oh no! Akko moved towards Kumuro, punching him in the face.
"Get away from her, creep!"
Kumuro fell on the ground as Akko pulled Minami away from him. Akko, Saito and Minami strolled away from Kumuro, leaving him behind. He stood up, watching her prize fading in front of him. He sighed, feeling defeated.
"I guess it's not meant to be…"
He trudged away from Minami, lowering his head down. Minami turned her head, watching Kumuro walking away.
Kumuro stood near the entrance, staring at the lanterns. I can't seem to stop thinking about how close I was with her… I shouldn't really be sad though. I should look forward to the future as well as Ikota-chan will… He turned his head around, noticing Amika walking towards him. He sighed, remembering the things he said to her.
"I wanna apologise for leaving you like that ages ago…"
Amika shrugged, smiling at him.
"It's okay! I usually go to tanabata festivals myself anyway."
She held her hands to her back, standing next to him.
"So… You wanna come to my house?"
Kumuro smiled at her.
"I have to ask my mum first! She told me that she'll pick me up soon."
Amika sighed. At least I still have time to make him fall for me…
Author's note: This is personally one of my favourite chapters (as well as chapter 4). The whole idea in this is that no matter what people do, two people will always meet up with each other through a few encounters (for better or worse) matched by fate itself. Hope you enjoy this chapter and the series!