Chapter 7: The Summer Test
Chihiro strum her guitar hard, emitting loud noises from her guitar amplifier. Ayumi raced her fingers across the fret boards, speeding through the notes. Amika closed her eyes, feeling soothed by her bass guitar. She moved her fingers in a circular direction, pulling the strings to the beat. Miyako carefully placed her fingers on her keyboard, holding the beat of the song. Chihiro moved her head to the microphone. Words came out of her mouth. Amika tapped her feet to the beat, smiling at the flow of the song. Chihiro quickly strum through many power cords, finishing the song off.
"YEAH! How's that!"
She lifted her arm up, showing her excitement. Ayumi turned around, smiling at her.
"That was pretty good, wasn't it?"
Amika turned around, elevating her bass neck higher.
"It's like a science experiment, but with 100% interesting sounds!"
Miyako held out her recorder.
"After we're done with more practice, let's go hear our songs!"
Chihiro nodded.
"Let's play another song from the beginning!"
Chihirio, Ayumi, Miyako and Amika sat in a table, blinking at the recorder. It emitted a flurry of demonic screeching, drawing attention to the customers around them. They stare at the girls placing their heads on the table. Chihiro groaned feeling annoyed.
"Oh my god… Is this what we really sound like?"
Ayumi slowly nodded.
"This is mayhem…"
Miyako sighed.
"I guess you can't really tell when you're playing…"
Suddenly, the recorder emitted croaking frogs, accompanying the demonic screeching. Ayumi, Miyako and Chihiro widened their eyes.
"Why are there frogs in the background?"
Amika pulled out a metal unpainted pedal from her lap.
"I made this one during my science club times. I'd thought I could give it a try for our sessions."
Chihiro broke sweat from her head.
"Maybe you're better off without any sound effects…"
Chihiro cried on her desk. Ayumi, Amika and Miyako stared at her.
"I thought being in a band was easy!"
Ayumi blinked at her.
"So… is this your first time doing anything worth practicing?"
She lifted her head form the desk, pointing her hand up.
"Well when I saw the movies and manga, usually they're already practicing well in studios."
Amika sighed.
"This is the real deal. You can't be sure that you'll do very well the first time around…"
Kumuro strolled towards Amika.
"Hey there girls! Why are you huddling for?"
Chihiro frowned at Kumuro.
"What d'ya want Follower?"
Kumuro stood near Amika, making her blush.
"Well it's just that, you're all doing something that could be exciting…"
Chihiro lowered her eyelids.
"Don't you have that "buddy" of yours to excite you?"
Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima. Keima stared at his PFP, showing his excited look.
"Yokkyun! I can't believe a sequel for you had just released!"
Kumuro turned his head away from him.
"At class times, he doesn't really do much."
Chihiro sighed.
"We're busy right now."
Kumuro sighed.
"You guys are no fun as well!"
Kumuro turned around, returning to his seat. Amika sighed.
"Do you have to be really mean to Kumuro-sama?"
Chihiro glared at Amika.
"Does it look like I care?"
Chihiro stood up from her desk.
"And why are you calling that Follower "Kumuro-sama" anyway?"
Amika huddled, feeling scared.
"N… No reason…"
A box sat on Chihiro's desk, carrying pieces of paper. Chihiro glared at the box, crossing her arms.
"Why are we doing this?"
Miyako sighed, lifting the box up.
"We've been fighting about our roles for hours. It could be easier if we pick one from the box."
Chihiro reached for the box. She pulled a note out and read it carefully. She pulled a uneasy smile on her face
"Alright! I'm doing vocals!"
Ayumi pulled another note from the box. She glared at the words "Vocals".
"Mine says 'vocals' too…"
Miyako, Amika and Ayumi glared at Chihiro.
"Give us that note…"
Chihiro widened her eyes.
"Wh…Why? I told you what I had, didn't I?"
Ayumi pulled the note from her. Chihiro's hand held still, grasping onto it with all her strength.
"You're cheating, aren't you?"
"No I'm not! Let go of it!"
Kumuro turned his head back, staring at the girls. They held out their iPods, discussing about the song choices. Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima. His eyes widened, admiring Yokkyn's affections. Kumuro faced the blackboard and sighed. Everyone's now occupied with their times… Except for me… I wonder what I can do to cure myself from boredom… Kumuro widened his eyes, forming an idea on his head. Of course! These girls have brought something I can do for my potential novel! He pulled out a notebook and drew notes on it.
"Cut!"
The bell rang as Kanon smiled at the cameraman. She walked away from the stage, standing near her manager.
"What dya think?"
The manager placed her hands on her mouth and hummed.
"You could do a bit better…"
Kanon nodded her head.
"I'll try harder next time!"
The cameraman turned his head, facing her.
"Don't sweat it too much! You're going great anyway."
She turned around and bowed at him.
"Thank you."
The manager sighed.
"You better go to your room quickly. The next shoot starts in 10."
Kanon ran away from the stage, travelling to her room. She entered inside and sat on her chair. She gazed upon the mirror, admiring her reflection. Ever since that wonderful night with Keima-kun, I feel more confident in myself. She grabbed the phone from the bench and flipped it open. She pushed a few buttons, revealing an image of Keima standing next to her. She blushed at the sight of his calm brown eyes. She sighed, thinking about the recent days. Recently, I haven't seen Keima-kun watching me at a few concerts. It kinda worries me that he might've forgotten about me…
She pushed a button, revealing an image of Keima smiling happily. He stood next to Kanon, hugging her tightly. Amika stood behind them, folding her arms and glaring at Kumuro. On the other hand, at least I have loyal fans like Muhara-kun. I'm at least glad he came. She closed the phone and placed it back on her bench. She closed her eyes, feeling goose bumps on her body. She imagined herself kissing Keima passionately. He made whispers like "I want you" and "You are not like other girls…" A knock on the door caused Kanon to widen her eyes.
"I hope you're not daydreaming again! This shoot is really important!"
Kanon stood up and rushed to her closet.
"Don't worry! I'll be quick!"
She pulled out her costume and got changed in it. She returned to her phone, pulling it off the bench again. She rapidly tapped the buttons on it. I'll be coming for you soon, Keima-kun.
Chihiro sighed, laying her body on a bench with Ayumi, Amika and Miyako. She moved her hands on her head.
"It's been three days since we've last practiced! I mean, what other things you have to do!"
Ayumi sighed.
"For starters, that running practice routine has little room for band practices."
Miyako yawned, feeling tired.
"Cram school always gets in the way of band practices."
Amika fixed her glasses carefully.
"Not only I have science clubs to attend to, but I also have experiments to conduct."
Chihiro blinked at Amika.
"What experiments?"
Amika turned her head.
"Experiments that could change the world! What do you do when it's not band practices?"
Ayumi and Miyako faced Chihiro. Chihiro blinked at them.
"Well…"
She turned away.
"It doesn't really concern for me."
Amika stood up from the bench.
"If we don't find a way to get more time on practices, there may be little point of forming a band in the first place…"
Chihiro sighed.
"She's right! We have to think of something, and fast!"
Keima and Kumuro strolled through the school grounds, catching the girls' attention.
"I got the best idea for my novel!"
Keima sighed.
"Didn't you make your first manuscript ages ago?"
"Oh… Ummm…"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"About that… my editor told me that it was interesting, but not really good enough to draw public attention."
Keima tapped the buttons rapidly on his PFP.
"If you want to share, do it quickly."
Kumuro smiled at him.
"It goes like this: four girls, who are into heavy metal, do band practice regularly. One day, their life demanded more of other things in their life. How do they solve this? By making a light music club! And so the obstacles of making one begin!"
Keima lowered his PFP, blinking at Kumuro.
"Wasn't there a manga like that?"
Kumuro blinked at him. He then clicked his fingers.
"Dammit! That's from H-Mon!"
Kumuro sighed.
"Oh well… Back to square one for me…"
The girls watched Keima and Kumuro walking away from her. They then look at each other.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Chihiro nodded her head.
"Let's do this!"
"Un-acceptable!"
Kodoma glared at the girls from his desk. He spun his chair around, relieving his aching back.
"If you wanted to make a colourful playground like that 'light music club' you speak of, you should go to elementary school!"
He pointed at a poster reading "term test".
"Besides, you have more important things to work on, like term tests!"
The girls frown at Kodoma, feeling insulted.
"I've seen many fools wanting to make clubs from short-lived ideas. Yours will end up just like those phony "card-battling club" and "voice actor studies club"!"
Chihiro stood out in front of her friends, holding her arms out.
"Don't you start comparing us to those phonies! Our passion for the band ain't some shit joke!"
"Oh really…"
Kodama grinned sinisterly.
"If you love your precious band that much… Show me how serious you are…"
He turned around, pointing at the girls.
"Give me 100% for your test scores, and I will make it happen!"
Chihiro, Ayumi and Amika ran away, leaving Miyako behind. He blinked at Miyako.
"You're not running away?"
Miyako stood from her desk and sighed.
"100 percent… He hates us a lot, doesn't he?"
Chihiro sat on her desk, placing her hand on her cheeks.
"I would risk something for our band… If it wasn't school-related!"
Ayumi shook her hands, feeling nervous.
"It's not like I can't do well… I'm just more focused on running and stuff…"
Amika placed her head on her desk.
"If that guy's not an English teacher, this will be easier for me…"
Chihiro stood up, forming a smile on her face.
"Who needs clubs anyway? We still got options for us, right?"
Chihiro sighed, sitting on her chair.
"This is just great… First Ayumi didn't come yesterday. Then we had to find a cheaper studio… Then we have to suffer from heat stroke!"
Amika sighed.
"Well… It is summer after all…"
Miyako pushed a button on the recorder, playing out soothing music. Ayumi's smile waned.
"You know… It's getting a bit better…"
Chihiro frowned at Ayumi.
"You call that crap better?"
Miyako sighed.
"Barely…"
Amika shrugged.
"If you look on the bright side, it sounds more like music."
Chihiro took a bite out of her rice cracker.
"With four of us getting together as a hobby… I guess this is as good as it gets…"
A gentle but firm knock form the door forced the girls to turn around. They widened their eyes, witnessing Kanon's appearance.
"Excuse me. When do midterm tests start?"
Kanon's eyes widened, hearing soothing music form the recorder. She pulled her glasses off, revealing her shining face. The girls turned around, widening their eyes.
"Holy shit! She's back again!"
"And I thought she was a myth!"
Kanon turned away from the girls, having her cheeks slightly red.
"Well… I need to at least take the tests…"
She turned her head facing Chihiro. She eyes widened at the sight of her guitar.
"Wow! Is this a band?"
Chihiro blushed, turning her head to Miyako.
"Oh um… This… This isn't anything… (Erase it now!)"
Kanon placed her hands together and smiled.
"People in the same class playing music too… This makes me feel happy…"
She faced Ayumi and Amika, making them blush.
"It's still a secret… But I'm going to perform at the Mai-high fest this fall. You can come and listen there if you want."
The girls (except for Chihiro) gleamed with joy. Chihiro looked down, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Then… Will you come and listen to our song too, Kanon-chan?"
Kanon blinked at her, witnessing Chihiro's burning spirit.
"We'll be at the Mai-high fest too!"
She pointed at Kanon.
"We'll see you there, Kanon-chan!"
Kanon nodded at her.
"I hope so too then."
Kanon turned around, leaving the classroom. The girls blinked at her, feeling bewildered.
"Why did you say that for?"
"We're barely ready…"
Chihiro gazed upon her guitar.
"Yes… I know… But this isn't the band I want us to be in…"
Chihiro turned around, holding her arms out.
"If I wanted our band to shine like Kanon-chan, we'll be ready in no time! So let's do this with our heart!"
The girls blinked at Chihiro again. They then smiled, feeling empowered. They moved close to her, giving her a group hug.
"I thought the day you would say something passionately would never come, Chihiro-san."
"This is my type of leader!"
"Let's do this!"
Kanon strolled through the school grounds, smiling with content. I was almost nervous to do this in secret… But at least I have some others to back me up. Kanon sighed. If only there's someone else to complete my day… Suddenly, her eyes widened, noticing Keima sitting on the same bench as when she had first met him. His hands clutched onto his PFP tightly, staring at the screen. Suddenly, the PFP emitted smoke, making him widen his eyes.
"It's all brand new! Why break down now?"
He fell on the floor, slamming his fists onto them.
"Damn you reality! This is your doing, wasn't it?"
Kanon slowly walked towards him, feeling her heart thumping. Finally… after so many days without him… I'll be able to see him again… She held her hands back, smiling at him.
"Keima-kun!"
Keima slowly turned around. He widened his eyes, finding something monstrous standing in front of him. Oh… My… GOD! His body shivered, feeling scared. Sh-sh-sh-she returned? At this time? At this place?
"K-k-Kanon-chan?"
Her cheeks reddened.
"You remembered!"
She pulled him off the ground and hugged him tightly. His body shivered more tensely, remembering the unforgettable event. Goose bumps formed around her body, reliving the unforgettable event.
"I missed you so much! I thought I would never see you again!"
Keima chattered his teeth. This is bad! This is not supposed to happen again! I'm supposed to forget about her! But I guess… This kiss… Keima closed his eyes, generating bitter rage inside his mind. Damn that girl! Why did you have to do this to me? She moved her body away from him, forcing him to change his face. He smiled at her, creating a façade.
"I… I never thought I'd see you again…"
Kanon chuckled at him.
"Awwh Keima-kun… I still have tests to do…"
Kanon placed her hands behind her back.
"Dya think we could…"
Keima's cheeks reddened. No… Is she… Kumuro walked towards Keima and Kanon, waving at them.
"Hey Keima buddy! Dya wanna go to-"
Kumuro widened his eyes, noticing Kanon standing next to Keima. He screamed loudly, forcing Keima to cover her ears.
"OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD!"
Kumuro dashed towards Keima and aAnon, hugging them tightly. Keima gasped for air, feeling his lungs tightened. Kanon smiled contently, feeling loved. Kumuro closed his eyes, feeling joyous form Kanon's reappearance.
"I thought you would never come here again!"
Keima squealed, trying to speak.
"Geeeettt… Offf… aaaaa… mmeeee…"
Kumuro broke sweat on his head as he let go of Keima and Kanon. He scratched his head, feeling embarrassed.
"I keep getting the habit of hugging people, don't I?"
Kanon smiled at Kumuro.
"I'm also glad to see my number one fan again!"
Kumuro chuckled lightly.
"Well… It's only been a few weeks ago…"
Kanon turned her body to Keima, bushing at the sight of his face.
"Since Muhara-kun is here with us…"
She placed her hands behind her back, holding them tightly.
"Maybe we can go to a nearby restaurant together…"
Kumuro gleamed with joy. Keima sighed, feeling bad. This keeps getting worse and worse…
Keima sat at a table, spending time staring at Kanon's glowing face. Her hair covered by her navy blue beret. Her blue coat shrouded her from lurking creatures of the paparazzi. Kumuro held out a menu in front of him, looking through the food choices. Kanon gazed upon Keima's face, imagining him wearing a shiny suit of armour. She sighed, dreaming about Keima lifting her off the table. He's just like the time when we stood on a bridge that wonderful night… Smart, caring, and strong looking… I… I dunno where to start… She took a deep breath, mustering all of her courage.
"Keima-kun… Have you been busy since we last met?"
Keima broke sweat on his head. Dammit! She's trying to drag me into her quicksand! I need to find a solution, and fast! He hummed, conjuring a list of conversations inside his mind. Which should I choose? The following words formed more clearly:
"Oh yes! School's getting harder for me to keep up with!"
"I'm fairly busy in the shops…"
"Not really… I don't really have much to do…"
"I'm usually busy, but I'm sure it's not a big deal!"
Keima took a deep breath. He scratched his head, smiling at her
"Well…"
"He's only busy with playing games." Kumuro interrupted.
Kumuro placed the menu down, turning his head to Kanon. Keima glared at him. What did you do that for, you stupid idiot? Kanon placed her hands near her lips, giggling playfully.
"You haven't changed a bit!"
Kanon sighed, feeling bothered by something.
"Ever since the last time we met, I've gotten a lot busier lately…"
Kumuro's eyes watered, sharing Kanon's sadness.
"My schedule is very tight, so I have little room for spare time."
Kumuro placed his hand on her shoulders.
"It must be tough for you, since you're becoming more popular…"
Kanon smiled, closing her eyes.
"I should be thankful of what I have right now though…"
Keima sighed. This is not ending well for me. I need to create a gap between the two of us, and fast! Keima smiled at Kanon.
"Well I wouldn't argue since you got Kumuro around."
Kanon blushed a bit.
"Awwh… Now you're being modest!"
Mini Keima popped up, feeling scared. Dammit! What am I doing? I'm not thinking straight, aren't I? Keima stood up from his seat.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Keima strolled away from Kanon and Kumuro, travelling to the bathroom. He placed his hands on the basin, tilting his head down. Okay. So far, the only plausible way of getting out of this 'bond' I somewhat created is by giving her bad impressions. But I might trigger that 'event' again if so. He placed his hands on his head. Oh god dammit! Who am I kidding? At this rate, I'll be trap in Kanon's clutches forever! Kumuro entered the bathroom, staring at Keima.
"What wrong buddy?"
Keima turned around.
"Oh umm…"
He placed his hands on his chin, thinking up a excuse.
"I was just…"
"You know, Kanon's getting a bit closer to you. Is there anything you need to tell?"
Keima sighed. Even though he was partly responsible for getting me more stuck, he seemed a bit suspicious. Should I drag him into this? Keima turned away from him.
"Listen very carefully…"
Kumuro blinked at him. He then slowly nodded his head.
"Okay…"
Keima turned around.
"The night when I ran away from the line…"
"I remember that! And you almost missed out then!"
Keima gazed upon Kumuro's eyes.
"I realised that she was feeling insecure."
Kumuro placed his hands on his chins.
"Here's something interesting…"
Keima sighed again. Here it goes…
"We kissed on that night."
Kumuro widened his eyes.
"You…"
Keima broke sweat on his head. Oh shit… Here I go again… Kumuro grabbed onto Keima's shoulders!
"This is fantastic!"
Kumuro shook Keima's body, making his head feel dizzy.
"Oh my god! I so didn't think you would do that! Now I'll be able to go to Kanon's concert whenever I want! This is so amazing Keima! Thank you for that! You really are the best buddy in the world!"
Keima fell on the ground.
"It wasn't like I wanted to do that!"
Kumuro blinked at him, scratching his head. Keima glared back at him.
"Does it look like I wanted that to happen in the first place?"
Kumuro shrugged off the confusion and sighed.
"Knowing you, I should really doubt that… There goes my chance of seeing more of Kanon…"
Keima stood up from the ground.
"I can't think straight now that I'm caught in her traps…"
Kumuro blinked at Keima.
"I thought you're the god of getting virtual girlfriends? Can't you find ways to break up with her?"
Keima glared at Kumuro.
"I'm the capturing god you idiot! Does it look like I'm the heartbreaker god?"
Kumuro broke sweat on his head.
"If you want my advice, you have to tell her how you feel, but in a polite manner."
Keima slam his hands onto his face.
"That would make Kanon commit suicide."
Kumuro turned around, widening his eyes.
"WHA- YOU SERIOUS?"
Keima nodded his head.
"At one time, she was about to jump off the school building…"
Kumuro placed his hands on Keima's shoulders, giving him a demonic face.
"Stop scaring me like that!"
Keima pushed Kumuro aside.
"But since I have no choice, I guess I have to do this!"
Kumuro held out his hands.
"WAIT!"
Keima pushed the door open. Kumuro held his arms tightly.
"DON'T KILL HER!"
The customers inside turned their heads facing Keima and Kumuro. Kanon followed the customers, blinking at the boys.
"Kill who?"
Their bodies froze momentarily. Keima scratched his head, feeling very embarrassed.
"Oh umm…"
Keima's mind heated up, trying to generate excuses.
"I was… I was rehearsing something from a game I had played."
The customers turned around from them. Kumuro smiled.
"Yeah… Demon Might Wail 4… alright storyline… repetitive game levels…"
Kanon nodded at them, smiling at them. Keima sat on the chair again. This is going to get bumpy, what I'm doing right now…
"Kanon… There's something you need to know…"
Kanon moved closer to Keima. She won't take it lightly… I don't know what's going to happen now…
"The truth is…"
Kanon's smile slowly grew. Keima's hands trembled. My body… It's feeling… Keima closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind. Dammit! Usually, I can dismiss anyone with ease… Why… why doesn't it feel right? Kumuro sighed, studying Keima's face. Juidging by the situation, maybe he does like her after all… I should try to ease him up before he hurts himself. Kumuro sat back on his chair, smiling at Keima.
"What he's trying to say is that he has never met any girls who are as unique as you are!"
Keima glared at Kumuro. You idiot! That was my only shot in getting out of her reach! You just did the complete opposite! Kanon blushed, feeling moved.
"Awwh… That's so sweet of you."
Her pager buzzed off, making her eyes widened. She pulled it out and gazed upon the words.
"I'm sorry. My spare time ran out."
She hopped out of the chair and ran out. Keima frowned at Kumuro, unleashing his rage.
"Why did you stop me?"
Kumuro sighed.
"Dude… I wouldn't think you would do this…"
Keima pulled Kumuro's shirt close to him.
"What are you talking about? I can do this!"
Kumuro glared at him.
"Dude. I can tell by your face! You're in love right now."
Keima threw him off the chair, making Kumuro whimper.
"Love and reality do not mix!"
Keima stood up, growling at Kumuro.
"I will only fall in love with 2D girls! Do you understand?"
Keima strolled away from Kumuro, leaving him unconscious.
Chihiro sat on her bed, holding her guitar. She strummed the guitar, moving her fingers all over the fret. She smiled, feeling soothed by the noise she makes. She stood up from the bed and jumped, feeling like she's performing in front of thousands of raving spectators. She jumped off the bed and swiftly moved her fingers down the frets. She slid through the bedroom, finishing off her imaginary song. Her ears caught attention of her crowd going wild. She stood up and bowed to her fans. She strolled towards her desk, gazing upon a CD cover of Jimi Hendrix. Her mind formed pictures of her standing near her uncle.
Her uncle held out a guitar, smiling at her. Her eyes glimmered, feeling honoured by him. She slowly moved her hands out, gently touching the guitar. She carefully pulled it away from his hands, gazing upon the shiny guitar body. She tilted his head up, noticing him holding his acoustic guitar.
"In order for you to first become a guitarist, you must first learn and master the code."
Chihiro blinked at him.
"The code?"
Her uncle strummed the guitar, emitting a catchy tune. Chihiro tapped her feet to the beat, making her smile grow bigger.
"This code is invented by a famous guitarist, and so every guitarist must know it."
Her uncle strummed his guitar hard, finishing the tune.
"If you can practice it well, you will be just like me: one of the greatest guitarists in Japan!"
She turned the guitar around, placing her hands on the fret board. She tried imitating her uncle. However, her guitar emitted irritating noises. She crossed her lips, feeling slightly disappointed. Her uncle chuckled and placed his hands on her shoulder.
"You definitely got the heart! Now you just need to practice so you can become that greatest guitarist!"
Chihiro nodded, smiling at him.
The pictures of her uncle faded, teleporting her back to reality. She turned her head, facing the book of Literature notes. Chihiro sighed.
"I can't believe I have to study for my band…"
Chihiro sat at her desk, placing her hand on her chin. She sighed, feeling bored. Ayumi entered the classroom, strolling towards Chihiro. Chihiro lifted her head up, gazing upon Ayumi's face.
"Good morning."
Ayumi sat on top of her desk, looking down on Chihrio. Chihrio sighed again.
"Did you get to study?"
Ayumi shook her head.
"These practices I had to do yesterday are killing me! I'm not sure if I'll be able to get 100…"
Chihiro swayed her legs around.
"I didn't get to study last night… What a bummer!"
Amika stormed through the classroom. She sat at her desk and folded her arms. Ayumi and Chihiro turned their heads, staring at Amika's frowning face.
"What's wrong Amika-chan?"
"Did someone piss you off?"
She pictured an English book laughing evilly at her.
"Damn study notes! They always laugh at me when I tried understanding the concepts!"
Ayumi sighed, resting her head on her arms.
"Looks like the three of us aren't studying well…"
Chihiro leaned her chair backwards, placing her feet on the desk.
"I wonder if Miyako's at cram school again."
Ayumi shrugged.
"Probably."
Amika placed her head on the desk, groaning in frustration.
"The three of us will never get 100 at this rate! We need to find a tutor if we want to get out music club!"
Kumuro entered the classroom, carrying his notes with him. Amika lifted her head up, gazing upon Kumuro's eyes. Her eyes glowed, feeling enlightened. She lifted herself off the desk and walked towards him. She grasped his arms, making Kumuro turn his head around. He blinked at her, noticing Amika caressing his arm with her head.
"Oh Kumuro-sama! Would you please help us?"
Ayumi and Chihiro frowned at Amika. They stood up and shouted at her.
"What are you doing?"
Amika turned her head around.
"Be realistic. We're not gonna get anywhere without any help, and he's one of the only people who can get 100 on an English test!"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"I got an 85 last test…"
Chihiro glared at Amika.
"I don't need to drag that follower into our situation! I would rather study to death than to study with him!"
Amika lowered her eyelids.
"What if I force the both of you to study with that Otamegane, eh?"
Chihiro and Ayumi widened their eyes. Their cheeks reddened.
"Uh… On a second thought… Maybe the follower ain't half bad after all…"
Ayumi nodded her head.
"Yeah… I agree…"
Amika smiled, feeling victorious.
"Then it's settled!"
Chihiro, Ayumi and Amika sat at their desks. Chihiro placed her hand sonher chin, having her eyes half-open. Ayumi placed her head on the desk, yawning quietly. Kumruo entered the room, carrying the study notes with him. His white wig stood out, covering all of his black hair. His huge green jacket concealed his school uniform. He placed the notes on the desk and turned around, revealing his huge white moustache. Amika clapped for Kumuro, feeling excited to see him. Chihiro set her eyes on his face, cocking her eyebrows.
"This isn't the dress up room, you know."
Kumuro sighed, pulling out his blackboard stick.
"Well I am teaching you things you need to know..."
Ayumi lifted her head up, blinked at Kumuro.
"What's with the costume anyway?"
Kumuro spread the sheet of notes across the table.
"I just thought that looking like a teacher brings authenticity to this study lesson."
Ayumi rolled her eyes.
"Right…"
Chihiro glared at Kumuro.
"Take that damn wig off your head! You look ridiculous!"
Amika turned her head facing Chihiro.
"Just let Kumuro do what he wants. He's here to help us anyway."
Chihiro folded her arms.
"Some great idea you had, Amika."
Kumuro sighed. He turned around, pulling out his chalk.
"Well then, I'll get the notes down first."
Chihiro groaned, placing her head on the desk. Ayumi's head plummeted on the desk, falling asleep. Amika pulled out her pen, copying the notes from the board. Kumuro moved side to side, jotting down the important notes. He turned around, frowning at Ayumi falling asleep. He slammed a heavy book on the desk, forcing Chihiro and Ayumi to lift their heads up.
"This is no time for you to rest up now! I need to go through most of the points!"
Chihiro rolled her eyes. Kumuro moved his blackboard stick, pointing at a paragraph of notes.
"This one tells you the basics of how to structure your work. It's very important that you apply the formula of three!"
Ayumi raised her hand up.
"What are the three?"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"Well… The three consists of "guess what?", "prove it!" and "so what?" guidelines."
Kumuro walked around, turning around every few steps.
""Guess what" is where you state one of your arguments. "Prove it" is where you provide evidence for that argument you made. And "So what" is where you must explicitly link how your proof justifies your argument."
Chihiro crossed her arms.
"Can you not give something we have learned in middle school?"
Kumuro sighed.
"It's always a good idea to go back to the basics first, in case we forget."
Kumuro turned around, pointing a huge chunk of words from the three columns of notes.
"Anyway, I would like you to take note of those that will help you get 100."
Ayumi and Chihiro widened their eyes. They lifted their bags from the desk, searching for their notebook and pen. Amika raised her hands up, grabbing Kumuro's attention.
"Yes. You have a question?"
Amika stood up from the ground.
"Is this how we can all get 100?"
Kumuro placed his hands on his chin.
"To be quite frank, there are some things that could result in a leap of faith. This is my best guess of how Kodama would expect for you to get 100. However, it ensures all of you to at least get A's and above."
A knock on the door grabbed everyone's attention. The girls and Kumuro turned their heads around, noticing Kanon standing near the door.
"Is this time for studying?"
Kumuro screamed, making the girls (except for Kanon) cover their ears.
"OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD!"
Kumuro blinked, realising what he had done. He coughed a few times, regaining his accent.
"Sorry about that. It was unprofessional of me to do that."
Kanon chuckled at Kumuro.
"You're kinda funny, Muhara-kun!"
Kumuro sighed. Kanon turned her head, facing the girls. Her eyes widened in joy.
"Are you all studying for the test?"
Amika nodded her head.
"He's helping all of us get 100."
Kanon sat at a desk, pulling her glasses out and placing it on her face.
"I feel so glad about it! I'm not really good with studying."
Kumuro turned around, pointing at the notes on the far right.
"These notes are also needed, as they accompany well with the main points."
Kumuro lifted his watch, studying the time. He lowered his arm, gazing upon the girls.
"Looks like I've covered every single detail. I'll be here for an hour to help all of you so you can easily do your own studies. I will spend no more than 15 minutes for each of you so I can make sure you're all on the right track."
The girls moved their head down, staring at their notes. Kumuro stood near Ayumi. Her forehead poured out sweat, staring at the notes she written down.
"I… I'm not sure if I can remember all of them…"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"Ah… A classic case of the fear of forgetting…"
He pulled out his highlighter and underlined a few words and phrases.
"The solution to this is just to remember a few keywords."
Ayumi blinked at her notes. Kumuro moved his highlight back.
"That way, if you remember some of them, you will be able to generate more words, which means you won't forget everything you have learned!"
Ayumi smiled.
"Hey! That's actually easier."
Ayumi turned her head, facing Kumuro.
"Thanks for that, follower."
"Is there anything else you need?"
Ayumi shook her head.
"I think I'm fine now."
Kumuro nodded her head.
"If you need help later on, just call me."
Kumuro moved towards Chihiro. Chihiro continued glaring at him.
"Seriously, what's with the wig?"
Kumuro blinked at her.
"Is there a problem?"
Chihiro lifted herself off the desk, levelling her head to his.
"I can't concentrate properly when that damn thing's on!"
Kumuro sighed.
"You see…"
He placed his hands together, bouncing his index fingers off each other. He giggled nervously, trying to answer her questions.
"I'm not really good with explaining stuff…"
Chihiro blinked at him.
"Since I have the wig with me, I can explain stuff better…"
She placed her hands on her sides.
"I don't believe you! Take it off!"
He slowly removed the wig from his head. She pointed at her notes.
"Try explaining it again then!"
Kumuro shook his hands, having his teeth chatter. He hesitated and stuttered a few words.
"Uh-uh-uh-umm… well.. y-you see…"
Chihiro blinked, witnessing his scared face. She rolled her eyes, returning to her desk. She folded her arms in defeat.
"You can put your damn wig on for all I care!"
Kumuro quickly placed the wig on his head and fixed it up.
"Don't you need any help?"
Chihiro sighed again.
"I don't care! I'll manage somehow."
Kumuro moved to Amika, studying her frustrated face. He cocked his eyebrows at the sign of mathematical formulas written on the sheet.
"What's with the equations on your notes?"
Amika turned around.
"No matter what I do, I just seem to fail at making up a good formula using your notes."
Kumuro blinked at her.
"You do realise that English has more than one answer, right?"
Amika cocked her eyebrow.
"Of course! Even maths sometimes requires two answers."
She laid her head on the desk.
"I can't seem to figure it out!"
Kumuro placed his hands on her back.
"Maybe if you stop thinking of this test as it is and think of it as some form of maths test, maybe it'll help you focus."
Amika sighed.
"I'll try…"
Kumuro strolled towards Kanon. He blinked at her, noticing her notes were blank. She gazed upon the blackboard, having her hands on her cheeks.
"Kanon-chan. Have you written everything down?"
Kanon turned around. Her eyes were clear like the blue sky.
"Can you ask Keima-kun where I can meet him again?"
Chihiro dropped the pencil on the floor, having her eyes widened. Ayumi's cheeks blushed, holding a rubber out in front of her. Amika's dropped her jaws, looking like she's going to spew. The girls slowly turned their heads to Kanon, revealing their surprised face.
"D-did I just hear what I thought I've heard?"
"I… I don't really know…"
"Who the hell would call that Otamegane that… that…"
Keima scratched his head, feeling embarrassed. Oh shit. I need to get this situation sorted out A.S.A.P!
"I think she said heima-toon. She's personifying that channel as a guy…"
He lifted Kanon off her desk.
"I forgot to ask you a favour, Kanon-chan. Can we talk outside please?"
He quickly moved her out of the classroom. The girls turned their heads, facing each other. Kumuro peered through the door, checking on the girls. He sighed, moving his head to Kanon. Kanon blinked at Kumuro.
"Is there something wrong, Muhara-kun?"
Kumruo gazed upon Kanon's innocent eyes.
"Listen…"
Kanon nodded her head.
"Keima buddy isn't really popular at school, and…"
Mini-Kumuro appeared, whispering in his ears.
"If people misunderstood about you and Keima buddy… well…"
Kanon placed her hands on her lips.
"He could get further ostracised by his peers."
Kanon sighed.
"I see…"
She moved her hands down.
"Well… I'll be very careful of what I say and do at school then."
She placed her hands behind her back.
"But… I still want to see him again…"
Kanon strolled past him, returning to the classroom. Kumuro sighed. Phew! That was so damn close! Kumuro returned to the classroom, strolling towards his desk. Suddenly, his eyes widened, noticing the teacher's desk on fire.
"Hey follower! What did you do to the desk?"
"How could that have happened?"
"Is that a magnifying glass on the desk?"
Kumuro screamed, holding out his hand towards the desk.
"My belongings!"
"I got it! I got a 100!"
Miyako closed her eyes, smiling triumphantly. Chihiro and Ayumi held out their notes.
"We got it too! Somehow that follower got it right!"
"You know… it's almost like the manga!"
Kumuro strolled towards the girls, holding out his results.
"So ladies, did you all get 100?"
The girls nodded their heads. Miyako pointed her finger at Kumuro's test paper.
"You got 100 too?"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"It seems like my theory worked after all…"
He turned his head, facing Amika.
"What about you, Amika-chan?"
Amika sighed as she held out her test paper.
"85…"
Chihiro placed her hands on Amika's shoulders.
"For someone who hates English so much, you did pretty well!"
Ayumi stood near Amika.
"Let's go and celebrate at the studio!"
Chihiro blinked at Kodama, standing alongside Ayumi, Amika and Miyako.
"Why did you call us, Kodama-sensei?"
He turned around, smiling cheerfully at the girls.
"I am proud to say that you can now have you own light music club!"
Amika scratched her head.
"But I only got an 85…"
Kodama lifted his body off the desk, hugging the girls.
"But I'm so touched by your efforts! This is the only thing worth overlooking with my conditions!"
He strolled away from them, walking towards another group of students.
"Sure! You can have that "Sengoku Warlord" club!"
The girls turned their heads, staring at each other.
"Why is he that happy all of a sudden?"
"He touched me…"
Keima grumbled, sitting on the bench. Kumuro stood in front of Keima.
"You serious? You only got a 99?"
Keima slammed his fist onto his legs.
"That damn Kanon girl made me crazy! Maybe that's why I lost a mark…"
Keima sighed, tilting his body backwards.
"Can you fetch me some water?"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"I'll be back quickly!"
He turned away from him, running to a vendor. Keima stared at the clear blue sky. He spread his arms out wide, relaxing them on the bench. This Kanon girl… Am I really… In love with her? Keima gritted his teeth, trying to clear his thoughts out. This is stupid! Why would I start falling in love with something that I truly hate? It is of high contradictory levels if something as irrational as this happens. He moved his body forward, staring at the city buildings. Summer vacation's coming up. And since Kanon's not going to see me at that time, I might be able to conjure up a plan to get me out of this mess once and for all!
Keima sighed. Who am I kidding? I'll be spending time with something else… Kumuro returned, holding out a drink bottle.
Author's Note: This reason why I decided to add the summer test segment as a possibility in Keima's life for this chapter are as followed: Well Chihiro and her band would be needed later on in this following series (depending on the direction I wanted it to go to). You also need to consider Kanon into Keima's life: She wouldn't just disappear after one kiss from Keima. Of course it's a bit obvious that Kanon sees him as his boyfriend, but Keima yet again tries to widen the gap between them for his own reasons, only to fail miserably. Next Chapter will bring the start of Summer fun (and mayhem for Keima) until then, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
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