Chapter 20: Sports (Carnival) Fever!
Keima and Kumuro entered the classroom, finding their seats. Kumuro stood next to Amika, watching her close her eyes. Is… Is she feeling better after a day? Or, or is she trying to ignore me? I need to set things right today! She formed a fake grin on her face.
"Ahh… Only two days until the sports festival! It'll last until the beginning of the professor festival, where it'll continue the festival road! Too bad the third year students aren't gonna enjoy their week as they have those initial entrance exams to do!"
Chihiro frowned at Amika, strumming her guitar and playing the code.
"Why do they call it a festival? That damn "professor festival" is only another name for the midterm tests! I won't be fooled by that!"
Ayumi rested her head against the desk.
"I'm looking forward to the dance festival… but why does it have to be a test blocking the way?"
Miyako turned her head to Chihiro, smiling at her.
"The dance festival is right after the tests. Isn't that more important though?"
Chihiro sighed, moving her hands through the fret board. Kumuro cleared his throat, grabbing Amika's attention.
"Uh… Amika-chan… about yesterday… I just wanted to say-"
Amika turned her head, glaring at him.
"What's there to talk about, follower?"
Kumuro cocked his eyebrows. Follower? Why is she using that all of a sudden?
"Amika-chan, why are you suddenly calling me that insulting name?"
She turned her head, facing away from him.
"You should return to your seat, follower! I wouldn't want your filthy stench contaminating me!"
Kumuro sighed as he sat at his desk. She moved her eyes, gazing at Kumuro. Why… Why did I reject him? He even wanted to- Amika shook her head, gritting her teeth. Boys are idiots! They only go for those that look most attractive to them! They never wanted someone like me! Filthy disgusting shits! Kumuro rested his head on the desk. Oh Amika-chan…
A student stood near the board, pointing at the list of sport events on the blackboard.
"Okay. Now we can all decide on the participants for the festival. Let's begin with nominations shall we?"
The students chattered amongst each other, ignoring the student. She frowned at them, feeling annoyed.
"Hey! Liiiiisteen!"
Suddenly, Nikaido slammed her huge book on a desk, drawing the students' attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen! We'll send our best members to this year's festival."
She raised her fist up with vigour.
"The sports festival is a high quality battle between all classes. WE WILL WIN! WE WILL BE NUMBER ONE!"
Kumuro widened his eyes, watching Nikaido burn in flames. Her eyes glowed bright red, reminding him of a demon from a game.
"My assessment as a teacher… depends on this festival! WE WILL WIN FOR THE SAKE OF ALL OF OUR GLORY!"
The students shouted, saying "Yes M'am!" The student near the board filled the spaces with the same name.
"So… like this?"
Ayumi leaned forward, shouting at her.
"Impossible!"
Miyako held her hand up.
"I'll do the 400 metres!"
Chihiro turned around, blinking at Miyako.
"400? Are you sure about this?"
The students started filling the whole room with chattering, discussing about the nominations.
"Geez! It's uncomfortable to run in long distances!"
"I specialize in those distances! I did join the track and field club after all!"
"I wonder what I should do…"
"Something not tiring for me would be nice!"
Amika pulled her hand out, letting the student write her name on the board. Kumuro sighed placing his hands on his cheeks. I… I wonder what I should do now... I don't know how long she'll keep ignoring me… Amika turned her head, facing Chihiro.
"Chihiro-san, aren't you putting your hand up?"
Chihiro sighed, closing her eyes.
"I hate sport. If it was music, I would be fine with it then!"
Keima widened his mouth, watching the juicy bits inside his PFP goggles. This is so awesome! Nikaido knocked Keima's head, grabbing his attention.
"I should tell you that everyone will participate in the sports festival! For everyone who decides to miss out…"
Her eyes glowed purple.
"There will be bloodshed in the professor festival!"
Keima moved his goggles up, resting his chin on the desk. Sigh… yet another sports festival gets in the way. Guess I have to do the old routine of being absent again! Well, let's first put my hands up then… Keima and Chihiro raised their hands up, speaking at the same time.
"I will participate in the three-legged race!"
Keima and Chihiro turned their heads, blinking at each other. Ayumi turned around, gazing upon Chihiro and Keima. Her cheeks reddened, feeling slightly disappointed. Amika dropped her jaws, gazing upon Chihiro.
"Waaaah? Chihiro-san and that Otamegane? Together?"
Miyako smiled at Chihiro.
"A great group was formed once again."
Chihiro widened her eyes in fear. She turned her head, reaching her hands out to the student.
"Erase it! ERASE MY NAAAME!"
The student turned her head, frowning at Chihiro.
"Everything's settled now. You should've raised your hands up a bit earlier…"
Chihiro turned her head, watching Keima playing his PFP.
"Don't worry, I'm going to be absent on that day."
Nikaido placed her hands on Keima and Chihiro's shoulders, making them widen their eyes in fear.
"Okay! We'll train up for the cheering competition as well as the relay race for the next PE lesson after this period!"
She turned her head, glaring at Keima.
"And one other thing. I already spoke to your PE teacher Kimura-sensei about this… I WILL NOT accept sudden illnesses on that day! Don't even think about doing any funny business!"
Kumuro lifted a javelin stick up, gazing upon it. So… why did I choose this sport again? Kimura shouted at Kumuro, forcing him to throw it. He sighed, pulling the stick backwards. I shouldn't worry about that! How the hell am I going to talk to Amika-chan in her current state? He threw the stick over, landing on a spot. Kimura pulled his hat off him, slamming it on the ground. Kumuro turned her head, watching Amika dash towards the sand pit. She pushed her legs up, sending her flying through mid-air. Her feet stomped on the ground, making the surrounded participants clap for her.
Kumuro crossed his lips, feeling nervous. Damn… I wish I can think up of good plans like Keima buddy… Kimura placed his hands on Kumuro's shoulders, drawing his attention.
"Hey kid! Why are you slacking off all of a sudden?"
Keima and Chihiro sat next to each other. Keima gazed upon his PFP, tapping the buttons rapidly. Chihiro flipped through the pages, gazing upon the articles on the magazine. This… this feels uncomfortable sitting next to Otamegane. If this was something like perhaps even tether-running, I don't have to catch his disease… Chihiro's cheeks slightly reddened. Well… he's not bothering me so far… he… he almost feels like a living aura of serenity… Chihiro closed her eyes, making her blush disappear. Again! Again with that obsession! Why do I have to think about that damn idiot all the time?
Kumuro sighed, watching his 3rd javelin landing a few metres away from him. Kimura exhausted fumes from his head, stomping his feet on the ground.
"This kid sucks at javelin! Why the hell do I have to help him get 1st place for Nikaido?"
Kumuro noticed Keima and Chihiro sitting at a spot together. Oh boy… they're slacking off… I better help them out. Kumuro strolled away from Kimura, making him shout at Kumuro. Kimura sighed as he marched towards another student. Kumuro stood near them, trying to draw their attention.
"Everyone else is training. You guys should too!"
Keima lowered his PFP, staring at Kumuro.
"How are you going with javelin then?"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"Well… best so far is 15 metres…"
Chihiro lowered her magazine, gazing upon Kumuro.
"Something like a three legged race is easy, follower! It'll go fine if we just say left right left right and so on."
Keima adjusted his glasses, making his face shine.
"I always have the high score of a three-legged race in a galge!"
Chihiro lowered her eyes, glaring at Keima.
"Wow… is that so?"
Chihiro grabbed Keima's shirt, lifting themselves up together.
"How about we test it out then? I don't really want to go last."
Chihiro dragged Keima towards a track, standing in a line.
"We'll start with the right foot okay?"
Kumuro followed after them, watching the event. Ayumi turned her head around, gazing upon Chihiro and Keima. Her cheeks reddened, watching the two getting closer together.
"Ready?"
Keima stood still, watching Chihiro falling on the ground. Her face ached from landing on her face. She lifted herself off the ground, glaring at Keima.
"Run you idiot!"
Keima blinked at Chihiro.
"I was pressing the R button as usual… In my head…"
Chihiro punched him in the face, making Kumuro cross his lips. Well… they're done for. Ayumi stood near Chihiro, grabbing everyone's attention.
"How… How's everything going? Alright?"
Chihiro blinked at her friend arriving unexpectedly.
"Ayumi..."
She blinked at her short-sleeved shirt.
"Ayumi, where's your jacket? You look like you're in a very competitive spirit!"
Ayumi giggled, making her cheeks redden.
"Well… my body was heating up… I am training for the event after all…"
Keima turned away from the girls, playing his PFP. Kumuro crossed his lips, having an image of Nikaido pop up in his mind. So… what will happen if Nikaido gets pissed off with the fact that this class didn't win? Chihiro glared at Keima's usual habits.
"He's no good! Teach him how to do it Ayumi!"
Ayumi widened her eyes, gazing upon Keima. Ayumi closed her eyes, chuckling at Chihiro.
"I can't exactly teach you how to run three legged…"
Chihiro turned away from Ayumi.
"Well that's great!"
She turned away from Chihiro and Keima, walking back to her training spot.
"Well… do your best!"
Keima turned his head, facing Chihiro.
"I already got the gist of it."
Chihiro frowned at Keima.
"Yeah right! Like you had the slightest clue!"
Chihiro and Keima strolled away from Kumuro, amking him hold his hands out.
"Hey guys! What about the training?"
Ayumi stopped moving, turned around. She watched Keima playing his PFP.
"I'm going home Kumuro."
Chihiro turned her head away from Keima.
"Well I should quit as well."
"Wait."
Chihiro and Keima turned around, finding Ayumi standing near them again.
"Maybe I should show you once how it can be done?"
Chihiro blinked at Ayumi. Eh? Ayumi placed her hands on her back, asking her cheeks slightly red.
"Well… didn't you want me to teach Katsuragi-kun?"
Chihiro's cheeks slightly reddened. Keima's eyes widened, sensing something horrible about to happen. Hang on… Ayumi squatted down, untying the bonds between Chihiro and Keima. She tied her leg with Keima's, smiling pleasantly. Keima whimpered, feeling fear taking over his brain.
"Uhh… I didn't say I needed your help…"
Ayumi blinked at Keima.
"What. Don't you want to win the race?"
Kumuro blinked at Ayumi dragging Keima towards the starting line. Chihiro watched Keima screaming like a baby.
"I don't want to win! Stop! I have a bad feeling about this!"
Ayumi landed her near the starting line.
"We won't go by left-right-left, but with in-out-in-out."
Keima stood up from the ground, watching Ayumi bend her body in a crouching position. Chihiro and Kumruo widened their eyes, feeling surprised.
"A crouching start?"
Keima dropped his jaws, feeling imminent pain drawing near.
"Hang on! I think we should-"
Ayumi dashed through the field, dragging Keima along.
"IN! OUT! IN! OUT! IN! OUT! IN! OUT!"
She continued chanting while running, soaring her way around the tracks. Keima screamed, feeling his body burning from excessive friction. Ayumi shouted "Goal!" as she stopped moving. Chihiro and Kumuro moved towards Keima, watching fire coming out of his body. Ayumi turned around, smiling at Keima.
"Looks like you can be quite fast even in a three legged race, right?"
She closed her eyes, making her face glow. Chihiro and Kumuro scratched their heads, watching the fire spreading across the tracks.
Keima groaned, feeling his scorched body aching on the ground.
"In what kind of place do you run in a three legged race? I had enough! I don't wanna participate in this damn festival anymore! I'll definitely take a break from school! I don't care if I get killed in the process! I won't participate in something like a sports meet!"
Chihiro sighed, gazing upon the clear blue sky.
"It's impossible to train with you anymore, huh…"
She moved her eyes, gazing upon Keima. Now that I think about it… Ayumi seemed to somehow be getting closer to Otamegane… not only that… I sometimes wonder why she's calling him his last name. She moved her eyes away from him, focusing on the people running around. Why do I care about Ayumi like this anyway…? It's not like I ever cared if that damn idiot's with her… as if that'll happen! Her body formed goose bumps, making her slightly uncomfortable.
"Say… Did anything happen between you and Ayumi?"
Keima lifted himself from the ground, blinking at Chihiro. Wait… what was that all of a sudden.
"Forget it."
Keima scratched his head.
"Why are you asking that?"
"I already said forget it."
Keima placed his hands on his chin. Weird… was it me or is she somehow getting closer to me. More so… is Ayumi trying to get closer to me… Keima sighed as he fell on the ground. Never mind that! Why do I care if they even tried getting close to me? Keima widened his eyes, finding Kumuro standing near Chihiro. Chihiro moved her head around, blinking at him. Kumruo hesitated, trying to speak.
"Chi… Chihiro-san… I… I need to ask you a favour…"
Keima scratched his head. Favour? What favour is it? Chihiro turned her body around. Why is that follower asking me a favour now?
"Umm… what is it?"
Keima took a deep breath. I guess I should tell her now…
"Umm… Amika-chan got upset with me yesterday… and… I was wondering how I should cheer her up."
Chihiro scratched her head.
"There's nothing wrong with Amika-chan, is there?"
Suddenly, Amika stood next to Chihiro, ignoring Kumuro.
"Hey Chihiro-san. Are we still having band practice?"
Chihiro turned her head, facing Amika.
"I think Kodama locked all the doors for lunch period. By the way… Was there something going on between you and that follower?"
Amika blinked at Chihiro. She then laughed loudly, dismissing the answer.
"Oh Chihiro. What makes me think I care about that filthy shit known as the follower of Otamegane?"
She strolled away from Chihiro. Chihiro and Keima moved their heads, watching Amika strolling away from them (Keima) Wow… she must be very angry with Kumuro… (Chihiro) Not that I have any concerns for that follower… but Amika's not acting like her usual self huh? She turned her head, facing Kumuro.
"How did you make her upset anyway?"
"I don't think he would want to talk about it…"
Chihiro blinked at Keima, watching him adjusting his glasses.
"Even though reality's not forcing me to do this, I feel somewhat bad for him. I shall help Kumuro mend that shattering and decaying friendship that Kumuro has possessed!"
Chihiro gazed upon Keima's confident face. Reality? What is he talking about? Kumuro turned his head around, blinking at Keima. He then smiled, reaching his arms out for Keima.
"Thanks Keima buddy!"
Keima squirmed, feeling his body aching.
"Get… offa… me!"
Chihiro and Kumuro sat near Keima, watching him write down Amika's name. Keima pressed the pen against his cheeks, gazing upon the note. The big question remains… should I tell Kumuro exactly what happened? Or should I let him figure it out for himself… maybe it's better if we keep this to a friendship level… until Amika-chan decides when to raise Kumuro's love level for herself... Keima moved his eyes, gazing upon Chihiro and Kumuro.
"Okay Kumuro. Tell me exactly what happened yesterday."
Kumuro crossed his lips. Wait, you mean I have to tell her about my date with Nanaka-san? Keima blinked at him.
"Umm... is there anything wrong?"
Kumuro leaned forward, whispering inside Keima's ears.
"Umm... are you sure I should disclose this information with this classmate of mine?"
Chihiro glared at Kumuro.
"I have a name, follower!"
Keima scratched his chin and hummed. Hmm... I actually wonder how someone outside of Kumuro's circle of friends would react... I guess manipulating the events a bit to suit one's ears wouldn't be a bad idea... Keima closed his eyes, folding his arms.
"Just tell us anything that's only necessary."
Kumuro scratched his head, making his brain run around in circles. Okay... I just need to think this in my head... then... I can tell them almost exactly what happened...
"First off, a friend of mine and I discussed about hanging out together. Then on Saturday, we went to the movies. Then we went to the ramen shop and tried out sweet ramen... and then while we're walking back to her house, we saw Amika-chan and that's when she got upset."
Keima nodded his head. Okay... so Nanaka and Kumuro planned a date together, went to the movies and had ramen. Hmm... I wonder if Kumuro went to Sumire's shop and saw her there. Afterwards, Amika confronted the two somewhere on the streets... I guess the undoing of Kumuro and Amika lies there... Chihiro gazed upon Kumuro, placing her hands on her cheek. That follower doesn't seem as gentleman-like as Amika-chan had always claimed... Keima wrote down a few things on the note, recording Kumuro's words.
"Okay... tell me what happened when she confronted you..."
Kumuro sighed.
"Well... she asked me what happened to you... then she asked me who that girl was and then..."
Kumuro hesitated to find words, feeling his eyes watery. Keima placed his hands on Kumuro's shoulders.
"I think you gave enough details."
Keima watched Kumuro's eye drying up. By the looks of his face, Nanaka might've said something that further offended Amika and make her very depressed. The problem was very clear from the start... but the method on solving this... A light bulb inside Chihiro's head, making her grin brightly.
"I got a good idea on how to cheer Amika up."
Keima and Kumuro turned their heads, blinking at her.
"You do?"
Chihiro cackled like a witch, making Kumuro cross his lips. I don't like the sound of this... Keima watched her eyes shrink, reminding him of a mad scientist. Even though my mind hasn't thought up of a solution... should I trust her? Chihiro lifted herself from her chair.
"You said she got left out, right? Isn't this why she got upset?"
Keima and Kumuro turned their heads, facing each other. (Kumuro) Hey Keima buddy! You think she fully understood the situation? (Keima) She sounds suspicious... maybe she only paid attention to half the details... (Kumuro) So... you think this will turn out badly? (Keima) Maybe it will... but my mind's stumped for this problem of yours so... Keima and Kumuro turned away from each other, watching Chihiro exit the classroom.
"You just leave everything to me! You won't regret this!"
Amika strolled through the streets, carrying her bag on her arm. She sighed, having an image of Kumuro on her mind. She watched him whimper at her, shedding a tear from his eyes. Why do I keep thinking about him? It's not like he deserved to be with me… A tear dripped from her eyes. I… I don't understand what happened… I tried seducing him… I tried being friends with him first… I think I tried everything I could do… where… where did I go wrong in this? A voice whispered in her mind. I have one advice for you. Amika stood still, listening to that voice. Since boys are all idiots, all you have to do is confess their love and make them go out with you…
Amika sighed, remembering the summer vacation.
"Hana… I…"
An image of Hana appeared in front of her, making Amika stop moving and widen her eyes. Hana chuckled happily, covering her lips with her hand.
"You haven't changed one bit!"
Amika frowned at the image.
"You're not really here! Go away!"
Hana shrugged at her.
"Yes yes. I may seem to be just a figment of your imagination… but I do share the same thoughts as that other person looking like me…"
Amika folded her arms.
"What do you want?"
Hana sighed.
"You think you could give up easily and back down after seeing one girl going out with him? Now's a good time to confess your love and force him to choose you over whoever that girl that took Kumuro away from you."
Amika's cheeks reddened.
"I… I can't…"
Hana folded her arms.
"Why not? What have you got to lose now?"
Amika sighed.
"I…"
"Are you going to move or what?"
Amika turned around, finding a man in a suit tapping his feet. Amika took a step away from him, letting him through. She turned her head, finding Hana vanished off. Amika strolled through the streets, wiping the tear off her face. I… I don't want this to happen again…
A huge crowd gathered around the sports track, finding a spot to sit at. The scoreboard stood near the moderators, revealing the participating classes. The speakers shouted at everyone within the carnival.
"Welcome to the 5th annual sports festival! Today, we're going to see some clashes from all classes this school offers! You will however see more action from the classes of 2-B and 3-D! Who will reign supreme?"
Mari and Kirino faced away from each other, standing within the crowd. They folded their arms and gazed upon the participants.
"Why the hell are you there Gut-smasher?"
"I'm here for my son, Lips-Ripper! Why are you here?"
"I'm just here to see how my wimpy son's doing…"
Kirino gazed upon Kumuro holding a javelin. He threw it away from him, watching it fly through the sky. As it landed on the ground, Kirino gritted her teeth and clenched her fist.
"10 metres? Your grandmother can throw twice as far with that thing than you can so far! Is this all you can do?"
Kumuro turned his head, whimpering at Kirino… Why… why? Mari gazed upon the empty seat with Keima's name. She sighed, feeling disappointed.
"Why isn't he here? This always happens!"
Chihiro sat next to Keima's seat, flipping through the pages. Well this guy's not here eh? That's great! I don't like to run with him anyway… now I'm going to find a perfect place for Amika's date… Ayumi stood next to Chihiro, holding her hands out.
"I came first in 100 metres!"
Chihiro lowered her magazine, smiling at Ayumi.
"That'll put us in the lead already!"
Ayumi nodded her head. Suddenly, her eyes gazed upon Keima's seat. She crossed her lips, making Chihiro blink at her.
"Ayumi… is there something wrong?"
Ayumi chuckled nervously, scratching her head.
"Uh… what happened to your partner?"
Chihiro turn around, gazing upon Keima's seat. She shrugged, lifting her mazagine up.
"Who cares about that Otamegane anyway! He's probably trying to get out of this festival!"
Chihiro stood still, having something bothering her.
"Say… Did anything happen between you and that guy?"
Ayumi widened her eyes. She hesitated while feeling her cheeks red.
"Umm… well… not really…"
"Then…"
Chihiro flipped through a page.
"Why are you calling him his last name?"
Ayumi blinked at Chihiro.
"Well… I don't know to tell you the truth… does it bother you a lot?"
She leaned forward, smiling sinisterly.
"Or perhaps… you have something for him…"
Chihiro widened her eyes, making her cheeks red.
"Wha-wha-what makes you think of that?"
Ayumi placed her hands on her back.
"Oh I don't know… you seemed to be getting closer to him…"
Chihiro's body trembled.
"I… I don't have anything for that damn Otamegane!"
Chihiro faced away from Ayumi, flipping through another page.
"Fine… I won't ask anymore!"
Suddenly, she lifted her head up, finding Keima standing in front of him. She jumped away from him, sitting near Ayumi.
"You… you're actually here?"
Keima sighed.
"The three-legged race is coming up soon… you're coming?"
Chihiro sighed. She lifted herself off a chair, placing her magazine on the chair. Ayumi's cheeks reddened, watching Chihiro and Keima walk away from her.
"Hurry up and line up! The race will begin soon!"
The competitors flexed their legs around, laughing happily amongst each other. Chihiro and Keima faced away from each other. Keima folded his arms, gazing upon Mari holding her camera. She waved at him, calling out to him. Kirino folded her arms, glaring at Keima. Chihiro gazed upon the scoreboard, finding 2-B in second place. I… I can't really believe he's here! He wouldn't be here without a reason though… An image of Keima appeared inside her mind. He held out flowers to her, whispering inside his ears. I had admired your beauty and your newfound talents ever since you have found your calling…
Chihiro shook her head, feeling her cheeks red. Oh dammit! Why am I conjuring such things inside my mind! Make it stop! Her heart thumped, watching Keima lean his head forward. She closed her eyes, gritting her teeth with mental pain inside her. Keima turned his head around, blinking at her.
"What are you doing?"
Chihiro opened her eyes, finding Keima staring at her. She faced away from him, folding her arms.
"Uh… nothing…"
Keima faced away from her, gazing upon Mari.
"About yesterday… did you find a way to cheer Amika up?"
Chihiro sighed. Of course… I was the one who said I'll find a solution…
"I did say to leave everything to me. No questions are needed at this stage…"
Keima turned his head around.
"Well could you at least tell me what you were planning then?"
Chihiro turned her head, frowning at him.
"What, are you saying that you don't trust me?"
The gun popped sound out of its barrel, she widened her eyes, feeling scared from the noise. She leaned towards him, holding his arm tightly. Chihiro and Keima blinked at each other. Her cheeks reddened with embarrassment. Keima moved his head away from her, feeling violated.
"D-Don't touch me!"
She moved away from him, placing her hands together.
"S…Sorry."
Chihiro and Keima moved their heads, watching the contenders running ahead of them.
"We need to run now!"
Keima sighed.
"You're right."
Chihiro and Keima wrapped their arm around their bodies, sprinting through the tracks. Kumuro stood near the tracks, cheering for Chihiro and Keima.
"You guys can do it! Come on now!"
One couple fell down, allowing Chihiro and Keima to take over.
The crowd cheer for him, watching Keima and Chihiro face away from each other.
"Alright! We got two points! That makes us close to winning this year's championships!"
Keima gazed upon his PFP, tapping buttons on it. Well… I guess I should let her do whatever she needed to do… I still have nothing good for Kumuro… The speakers boomed out, grabbing people's attention.
"And now the relay will begin shortly!"
Chihiro strolled away from Keima, standing near the tracks. Kumuro strolled through the field, moving his head around.
"Amika-chan… Where are you?"
Kumuro stood near Keima, watching him play his PFP.
"Hey Keima, have you seen her?"
Keima sighed.
"I'm too busy right now…"
Kumuro frowned at Keima.
"You never help me! Besides, you didn't even consider talking to Chihiro!"
"I did…"
Kumuro blinked at Keima.
"She didn't even tell me what she was planning to do… I still have no ideas on how to cheer her up… You made things a lot tougher for yourself…"
Kumuro crossed his lips.
"Keima… do you think I will ever be friends with Amika-chan again?"
Keima watched a girl cry on the screen.
"This is only for you to decide."
Kumuro sighed. Suddenly, he lifted his head up, watching Amika strolling towards the tracks. He ran past Keima, holding his hands out.
"Amika-chan!"
Kumuro stood near her, watching her head facing away from him.
"Listen… about that girl…"
"Can't you see that I'm watching Ayumi win the game?"
Amika turn her head around, giving Kumuro a scary-looking face. Kumuro whimpered as he ran away from her.
The crowd cheered for Ayumi standing on the podium. She lifted her hand up, showing her fingers standing apart from each other. Kodama poured tears from his eyes, watching Nikaido standing next to Ayumi. She grinned sinisterly, thinking about torturing Kodama. As Ayumi hopped off the podium, Chihiro, Amika, Yui and Miyako gathered in front of her, smiling at her. They strolled away from the crowd, talking amongst each other.
"What stuff do you eat Ayumi? You seem to be running a lot faster than some of the male runners!"
"It's like nothing's slowing you down!"
Ayumi scratched her head.
"I don't know really."
Amika folded her arms, smiling sinisterly.
"Maybe it's the fact that there are no boys dragging her down!"
Chihiro and Ayumi turned their heads blinking at her.
"Amika-san. What's going on with you?"
"Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"
Amika sighed.
"I don't know… maybe it's because I realise that boys are stupid…"
Chihiro's head glowed brightly, having an idea on her head.
"Speaking of boys, that follower wanted you to have a date with him."
Amika giggled.
"Oh him? I don't get why that always persist. And now he's-"
Amika widened her eyes, turning her head to Chihiro.
"WWHHAAAAAAA? A DATE?"
The girls blinked at Amika.
"All of a sudden she changed her tone?"
Chihiro shrugged.
"Well the whole point is this – he felt sorry for you and so he proposed a date for the two of you."
Amika's cheeks redden, feeling her heart thumping. What… It… it can't be… I… How could Kumuro-sama do something like this all of a sudden? Chihiro grabbed Ayumi's arm, making her blink at Chihiro.
"Wh-where are we going?"
Chihiro and Ayumi strolled away from Miyako and Yui.
"We're gonna tell the boys the message has been delivered. Miyako and Yui will perform their extreme make over on you before the date. The two of you will be going very soon."
Amika crossed her lips. Is… is this what Kumuro-sama's thinking about?
Keima and Kumuro blinked at Chihiro and Ayumi.
"Wait? Your proposal's an amusement park?"
Chihiro nodded her head.
"Well I just think that all girls will become very happy after one trip down there. This also applies to Amika!"
Keima pressed his hands on his chin.
"Can you really have fun on your own there?"
Chihiro gritted her teeth.
"The follower's also coming too!"
Kumuro widened his eyes.
"Uh… why me? Why do I need to go?"
Chihiro frowned at Kumuro.
"Well you need to do at least that too! What happens if some perverted freaks come and assault Amika?"
Kumuro crossed his lips.
"Hmm… you're right…"
Chihiro placed a note on Kumuro's hands. She turned away from Ayumi, Keima and Kumuro, strolling away from them.
"Don't be late!"
Keima blinked at Ayumi standing near her.
"So… aren't you going with Chihiro?"
Ayumi scratched her head.
"Well… I got one thing to ask you…"
She closed her eyes, smiling at Keima.
"Did you see me win the race?"
Keima blinked at her, feeling confused.
"Umm… why are you asking me that?"
She slowly moved her hands behind her back.
"Well… there's no harm in that, is there?"
Kumuro scratched his head, gazing upon Ayumi's cheery face. What's going on now? Chihiro turned around, frowning at Ayumi.
"Ayumi! You coming or what?"
Amika, Ayumi, Chihiro, Miyako and Yui strolled through the streets, heading for the amusement park. Amika gazed upon Miyako's jacket covering her yellow shirt. Her white beanie sat on top of her head. Her colourful skirt caused her cheek to redden. There… there's no way that Kumuro-sama… would think about me like this… Did he even mention about that awful girl? The girls chattered amongst each other, talking about the park.
"So why are we meeting them at the front gate at 17:00?"
"The entrance fees are cheaper at this time!"
"Hey! That is a good one!"
Suddenly, the girls stopped, finding the entrance empty.
"Hey… the boys ain't there yet?"
"What's keeping them late?"
"So the follower's the type to let ladies wait?"
"He's the worst! He has to be on time!"
"You guys are the ones who are late! It's not 17:05!"
The girls widened their eyes, finding Keima and Kumuro standing in front of them. Keima huffed and puffed, carrying bags of games. Posters were sticking out of his backpack. Kumuro sighed, folding his arms.
"Dude, I told you I can wait here! Why did you drag me onto this?"
"This shop required two people to enter in! Since they weren't there, I needed you to come inside…"
Kumuro sighed.
"Well… I'm sorry if I didn't wait… I was supposed to do that… but he got me involved in his schemes…"
Amika blinked at Kumuro. He… he would wait for me? Amika shook her head. No… I think this is a trick… how could this happen right now? Kumuro strolled towards him, holding his hands out.
"Let's wait no longer! We better get inside before it gets dark!"
Amika's heart thumped quickly. Oh Kumuro-sama… Amika gently grasped onto his hands. Kumuro turn away from her, carrying her to the amusement park. Chihiro strolled towards Kumuro and Amika, making Keima, Ayumi, Miyako and Yui blink at her.
"Why are you going with them?"
Chihiro turned around.
"I need to see if that follower is a gentleman or not…"
She continued following them, leaving her friends (and of course Keima) behind.
Kumuro placed his hands on his head, gazing upon the rides and attractions looking down on him. Wow… It's been a long time since I took Kusunoki there… this might turn out fun for the two of us! Amika gazed upon the ground, frowning at it. I don't know about this… It doesn't seem likely that he would like to go out with me… how can this be possible?
"Amika-chan…"
Amika lifted her head up, gazing upon Kumuro. His face glimmered, revealing his gentle yet handsome side.
"What rides do you want to go on? I'm fine with whatever you want…"
Amika's eyes glimmered. She lowered her head down, gazing upon the ground.
"I… I'm fine with whatever you want…"
Chihiro popped her head from the crowd, watching Kumuro. I got full vision now… Kumuro crossed his lips. Maybe she's a bit too nervous to choose… What should I do?
"Well… this day is especially for you. I just wanted you to be happy…"
Amika's heart thumped quickly. Oh… Oh my god… She gasped, making her cheeks red. I… I've never been moved like this before! Kumuro blinked at Amika trembling in fear. Shit… did I scare her like this? Perhaps my voice needs to be gentler… Chihiro dropped her jaw in disbelief. WWWAAAHHH? He acts very nice towards girls like Amika?
Amika and Kumuro strolled beside each other, having their cheeks red (Kumuro) this is strange… even though it's not exactly a date… it kinda feels like one… (Amika) We… we've been through a few so far… is… is he gonna confess his love for me today? Maybe I should ask him to win me something… Amika pointed her finger at a game stall, drawing Kumuro's attention.
"K… Kumuro-sama. Do you mind if you win something for me?"
Kumuro turned his head facing Amika.
"Umm… I could try…"
Chihiro stood near a stall, sipping on her milkshake cup. Wow… this couple's going well so far… I couldn't believe how someone like that follower would end up being friends with that Otamegane… Kumuro stood near the stall, gazing upon the hoops standing far away. The man in charge of the stall held his hands out, revealing a few basketballs. Kumuro placed a note on the man's hand, holding a ball in his hands. He frowned at the hoops, channelling his thoughts inside. Come on Kumuro! Let's win this! For Amika-chan! He threw a ball over, reaching for the goal. The man clapped his hands as he lifted a huge teddy bear up.
He pulled the bear from the man, handing it to Amika. Amika's eyes shined, gazing upon her soft furry toy. This… this is like one of my dreams I had… will will we be together after this date? Kumuro turned away from Amika, holding another ball in his hands.
Amika and Kumuro entered inside the cable car, sitting opposite to each other. As the car slowly ascended above ground, they both faced away from each other. Kumuro smiled at the people below him. Wow! It's like the last time with Kusunoki… except for the Ferris wheel ride… Amika gazed upon the people resembling her friends. Today… it was wonderful… I feel like I've been dreaming all along… She closed her eyes, picturing Kumuro flying along with her. They soared across Majima, gazing upon the houses. They held their hands together and gazed upon each other. Kumuro whispered to her, making her cheeks red.
Amika-chan… Amika-chan… Amika-chan…
"Are you listening Amika-chan?"
Amika opened her eyes, snapping out of her daydream. She gazed upon Kumuro's eyes being fixed on her face. Her cheeks blushed, noticing the bright orange sun, covering his cute face. Am… am I ready to embrace this? Kumuro crossed his lips, feeling anxious. Maybe Amika-chan's getting a bit nervous around me… maybe I should try and ease her up a bit…
"Well… you don't have to feel nervous about this… I'm here to cheer you up…"
Amika scratched her head, chuckling nervously.
"Well… since it's my first date…"
Kumuro blinked at her, scratching his head.
"Date? What date?"
Amika widened her eyes in fear.
Chihiro gazed upon the Ferris wheel, placing her hands on her hips. Wow… these potential couples are getting comfy up there. Keima stood near Chihiro, gazing upon the Ferris wheel.
"I'm getting a strange feeling you had little idea on Kumuro's request…"
Chihiro widened her eyes. She turned around, finding Keima near her.
"Wha… What are you doing there?"
"Did you tell Amika that she's going on a date?"
Chihiro blinked at him. She shrugged, turning away from him.
"Does it matter if I did or not?"
Ayumi, Miyako and Yui strolled towards Chihiro, making her blink at them.
"I thought you guys went home."
The girls shrugged.
"We wanted to see how Amika's date was going as well."
"Where's Amika?"
"I think she's running out of the wheel."
The girls and Keima turned their heads around, watching Amika's tears coming out of her eyes.
"You're still the same! I knew I should've trusted my instinct!"
Kumuro dashed out, holding his hands out.
"WWWAAAIIIITT!"
They strolled towards Kumuro, following after him. Amika stood still, letting Kumuro and the others catch up. She clenched her fists, gritting her teeth in rage. After acting so gentle to me… he didn't even consider this as a date? He didn't care one bit for me? He just wanted me to be happy so he doesn't have to feel guilty? She turned around, shouting at Kumuro.
"What is it you really want from me? Did you get guilty because I felt left out?"
Kumuro slowly moved towards her.
"I… I don't want to see my friend get sad!"
"Well don't worry about me! I'll be a lot happier if we're not friends anymore!"
Kumuro widened his eyes in fear. No… An image of Kumuro playing games alone appeared inside his mine. No… He sat isolated from other people. NO! NO NO NO NO NO!
"D… do you really mean it?"
Amika turned away from Kumuro, folding her arms.
"It's obvious that you only care about going out with girls that you considered attractive! You don't even have any concerns about your damn friends!"
Kumuro placed his hands on Amika's shoulders. Tears poured out of his eyes.
"Please don't say something like that…"
He whimpered, feeling his cheeks wet.
"Please… don't say we shouldn't be friends anymore…"
Amika turned her head around.
"And why not?"
She widened her eyes, watching his eyes watery.
"I don't want to get lonely again! Not after what happened during middle school!"
Keima, Ayumi, Chihiro, Miyako and Yui leaned forward. Keima widened his eyes. Middle school… he hasn't told me about his life there…
"I tried to gain more friends by trying to impress everyone! I had many friends before I was forced to fight with someone tougher than me. I refused… and so I because an outcast, spending the rest of my middle school life all by myself playing my games…"
Amika turned her body around, watching Kumuro wrap his arms around. Her body trembled, feeling strange vibes from Kumuro. Tears dripped onto the jacket from Kumuro's cheeks.
"I can't bear to lose one friend! Please! Don't leave me! I won't go out with Nanaka-san anymore! I won't find any other girl to fall in love with! If this friendship costs me an arm and a leg, it's better than living a lonely life! Please! Please don't leave me!"
Amika sighed, feeling her cheeks wet. Oh Kumuro-sama… I… I didn't realise…
"So… is this it?"
Kumuro lifted his head up, gazing upon Nanaka and Tenri. The two held an ice cream. Keima blinked at the girls. What are these girls doing here? Ayumi, Chihiro, Miyako and Yui gazed upon Nanaka and Tenri. Who are these girls? Are they from different schools? Kumuro moved away from Amika, wiping the tears off his face.
"Na… Nanaka-san?"
Amika turned her head, noticing Nanaka dropping her ice cream on the floor. Tears poured out of her eyes.
"Wow… It's funny… first I came to this place to spend some time with Ayukawa-san… and… and then I ended up findin' my knight vowin' to not go out with me anymore…"
Tenri turned her head, watching Nanaka wiping the tears off her.
"Well ya know what? I'm fine with it! I… I don't any knights to help me win shogi!"
Nanaka turned away from Kumuro, running away from him. Tenri chased after her, holding her hand out.
"Haibara-san!"
The girls turned their heads to each other, chattering amonst each other. Keima gazed upon Kumuro standing near Amika. Looks like Kumuro can't make everyone happy…
Author's Note: I like to proudly announce that you have just reached the half-way point in this series: welcome there! After the 1st 20 chapters of the (mis)adventures of Keima and Kumuro, now I am able to reach to the main plot of the story. Now you're like "What? There was actually a plot?". Well... you will soon see the main plot in the next few chapters. Also, you will also see what will happen to Nanaka after this chapter (as well as other girls affected by both Keima and Kumuro), for the next chapter. Until then, I hope you enjoy this chapter and this series.