Chapter 27: On the Offensive
Chihiro and Ayumi stood near the volleyball net, chatting amongst each other. A few girls behind them performed lunges and stretches for an upcoming match. Yui strolled towards Chihiro and Ayumi, folding her arms. Chihiro and Ayumi turned around, gazing upon Yui.
"Looks like you're still a girl!"
"Though you seem to be wearing men's jersey…"
Yui sighed, closing her eyes.
"Well I still haven't become a man yet…"
Yui turned away from the girls, gazing upon the sky.
"Somehow, it seems that there's something missing… I kinda wonder what that is…"
Chihiro and Ayumi placed their hand on Yui's shoulders, smiling at her.
"Maybe you've been a girl all along!"
"Well you are a part of our band after all!"
Amika strolled towards the girls, giving them a concerned look.
"I have a few questions regarding the band."
Chihiro and Ayumi faced away from Yui, moving their hands off her. Yui sighed, lowering her head. Maybe it's the fact that I haven't captured Keima-sama's heart yet… maybe that's why I'm not a man yet… Suddenly, her eyes caught glimpse of a small girl strolling through the school grounds. Hey… have I seen her before? Yui slowly strolled towards her, trying to get a closer look. That hair looked somewhat familiar…. though… The small girl stopped, turning her head around. She widened her eyes, noticing Yui gzing upon her. She turned her head away from Yui, sprinting through the school grounds.
Yui held her hands out, chasing after her.
"Hey! Wait up!"
Yui's legs pushed through the ground, shortening the distance between the two. Eventually, she thumped into the small girl, knocking each other on the ground. Yui slowly lifted herself from the girl, groaning from her aching head. Suddenly, Yui widened her eyes, witnessing Ichigou's face.
"You! You're…"
Ichigou turned his head around, revealing his blushing face. His body trembled, whimpering to himself. He pulled himself away from Yui, fixing up his wig. Yui moved closer to him, holding her hands out.
"I've seen you visiting us girls at band practices quite often…"
Ichigou continued whimpering, making his eyes watery.
"P-p-please don't tell anyone about it…"
Yui placed her hands on his shoulders, lifting each other off the ground. Ichigou's blush grew, feeling his heart thumping. Yui closed her eyes, smiling at Ichigou.
"You look cute in it!"
Ichigou blinked at Yui, feeling goose bumps all over his body. Yui turned away from Ichigou, holding her hands out.
"Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me!"
Ichigou's body froze from his overwhelming emotions. Is… is this what it feels like to feel loved… as a girl? Keima, Hana and Kumuro popped their heads from a tree, gazing upon Ichigou. Hana turned her head, gazing upon Keima.
"It actually went almost perfect! How did you know that cross-dressing would draw Yui's attention to him?"
Keima sighed, closing his eyes.
"What can I say? She gave more than enough information when she tried to pursue me. Perhaps the only way to divert her attention is to find another cross dresser."
Kumuro awed at the sight of Ichigou's dress.
"You know… I reckon Ichigou should cross dress often. It could end up being a form of a fairy…"
Kumuro widened his eyes, having flashbacks of yesterday. He ran away from Keima and Hana, grabbing their attention.
"Shit shit shit shit shit shit SHHIIIIIT!"
Ryou and Kyo stood behind a wall, facing each other. Ryou held out a piece of paper, reading the notes.
"Okay… I guess the first thing you should do is to pretend you're walking pass by her, talking to yourself. Then you try provoking her in many ways."
Kyo blinked at him.
"Umm… how exactly?"
Ryou popped his head from the wall, gazing upon Tsukiyo.
"Maybe you could touch her telescope or steal her doll. I don't know!"
He moved his head within the wall, facing Kyo.
"Well… use your imagination."
Kyo shrugged at him, strolling away from him.
"Well I guess I'll just pretend I'm making a story while performing it live then. You seemed to be very helpful."
Ryou grinned at him.
"Thank you."
"That comment about you was sarcasm."
Ryou blinked at him, watching Kyo stroll towards Tsukiyo. Kyo lifted his head up, gazing upon the sun.
"It's a glorious day for our hero to stroll through this uncharted world! After travelling many miles from his homeland, he has finally arrived at a place unfamiliar to him!"
Tsukiyo sighed, peering through the telescope. What grotesque noise is this? I never heard such voices like that before! Kyo turned his head around, blinking at Tsukiyo. Hmm… she's too absorbed with the telescope I see, though… He gazed upon her hair, awing at the sight of her golden glow. Maybe I should just admire her beauty instead… Ryou gritted his teeth at Kyo, lifting up a rock. Hey! Stop slacking off! He threw it at Kyo's head, making him groan in pain. He turned away from Tsukiyo, glaring at Ryou. Ryou moved his hands around, giving him sign language. Stop getting distracted and get her attention!
Kyo sighed, turning away from Ryou. Well he is right at least. I shall continue my story… He strolled around Tsukiyo, standing close to Luna.
"As our hero continues marching through alien terriotires, he unwittingly stumbles upon a magical place containing a lonely resident."
Kyo lifted Luna up, gazing upon her.
"Besides that lonely survivor, he also discovers an interesting-"
Suddenly, Kyo caught attention of Tsukiyo stand near him. She glared at him, folding her arms.
"Who are you, and why have you captured Luna?"
Kyo blinked at Tsukiyo, conjuring thoughts inside his mind. Hey… I got her attention! Now… what should I say…? An image of Ryou appeared in his mind. Talk like how you would talk with your parents! Kyo sighed, making Ryou disappear. Even though I rarely talk to girls… maybe I'll just make up as I go like I would with my manga projects…
"Is this your doll? It does look beautiful, ey?"
Tsukiyo kicked him in the shins, making him groan in pain. He slowly lowered his body, allowing Tsukiyo to snatch Luna off him. She hugged Luna tightly, rocking it around.
"Did that disgusting man harm you in any way?"
Kyo quickly lifted himself from the ground, gazing upon Tsukiyo.
"To be quite honest with you, I think your doll didn't mind me holding her!"
Tsukiyo grabbed his shirt, pulling him towards her.
"I'll ask again. Who are you and why did you touch Luna?"
Kyo blinked at Tsukiyo, consulting his mind. She does seem serious about getting answers from me. I guess a little introduction will soothe things…
"My name's Pokori Kyonshi. What's your name?"
Tsukiyo pushed her feet on Kyo, making him squirm.
"You didn't answer the other question… now tell me!"
Kyo tried speaking, feeling his voice dropping.
"I… I just think… you're doll is, ummm… beautiful…"
Tsukiyo moved away from Kyo, making him fall to the ground. She gently placed her doll on the bench, brushing her clothes.
"Of course Luna is beautiful. She is one of the few perfections of this dreadful world!"
Kyo lfited himself from the ground again, watching Tsukiyo return to her bench. She turned her head, glaring at Kyo.
"I suggest you leave this place immediately! I don't want your grotesqueness to contaminate this place!"
Kyo blinked at Tsukiyo turning her head to the telescope. Should I leave her alone or continue to ask her name at least? Oh why would I do that in the first place? Her name's Rukia anyway! Kyo walked around the bench, strolling away from her.
"I'll see you later Rukia."
Tsukiyo moved her head away from the telescope, blinking at Kyo.
"Who's that Rukia girl you're talking about?"
Kyo stopped his body, turning it around.
"Isn't your name, Rukia?"
Tsukiyo continued blinking at Kyo. She faced away from him, peering through the telescope.
"It's Kujuo Tsukiyo."
Kyo turned away from her, walking asway from her. He formed a smile on his face, feeling his cheeks slightly red. Tsukiyo… what a lovely name… why didn't I think up of that name for Rukia? Would've been ten times better! He stood near Ryou, grinning at him.
"So… what dya think of that performance."
Ryou slowly swivelled his hands.
"It's okay… you could've done better…"
Kyo lowered his eyelids.
"Yeah… Like you had any better ideas!"
Shiori sighed, resting her head on the desk. It's no use… Without any help, I won't make it in time… She closed her eyes, picturing herself lying on the ground in the middle of a desert. No one's going to come to save me… I'm all alone… She slowly lifted her book up, watching it crumble into dust. All this information lost… lost because of that deadline… Maybe I should give up when I had the chance… I should never challenge myself into this kind of situation…
"Shiomiya-san!"
Shiori widened her eyes, hearing a familiar voice. That voice… could… could it be…?
"Shiomiya-san!"
She slowly lifted herself off the desk, watching Kumuro stand in front of her. He bent his body slightly forward, panting for air. She placed her hands near her lips, gasping at him.
"Mu…Muhara-kun!"
He tilted his head, smiling at Shiori.
"I… I'm sorry I didn't come yesterday…"
Shiori sighed. He… he remembered… though I don't know if I should trust him again… Kumuro pulled her notebook from her desk, making her widen her eyes. He flipped through the pages, skimming through the words. He crossed his lips, recognising the end page.
"Damn... You only made a few pages yesterday…"
He closed his eyes, smiling at her.
"Not to worry. We'll still continue this for today!"
Shiori's cheeks slightly blushed. He… he seems to care a lot…
Chihiro, Ayumi and Yui moved away from Amika, leaving her behind. Amika strolled away from the volleyball court, humming to herself. Suddenly, she saw Kusunoki walking though the school grounds, glaring at her. Hmm… I see her now… this is a good chance to confront her! She clenched her fists, marching towards Kusunoki. Kusunoki turned her head, stopping her body and blinking at Amika. Amika stood near Kusunoki, folding her arms.
"So… did you go anywhere special yesterday?"
Kusunoki continued blinking.
"Why are you asking me that for?"
Amika pulled out a note from her pocket, holding it out.
"I have reasons to believe that you sent that to me!"
Kusunoki glanced at the note, studying the hand writing. She shifted her away from the note, focusing on Amika.
"I was at home training myself. What makes you believe I would do something as childish as that?"
Amika continued gazing upon Kusunoki. Is she telling the truth? …Or is she trying to lie to me, thinking that I would buy something like that? Kusunoki faced away from her, continuing to travel across the school grounds.
"Besides, you are going out with Muhara, right?"
Amika's cheeks reddened, feeling her heart thumping. She waved her arms around, closing her eyes.
"We-we-we're just friends! What makes you think-"
Kusunoki's body froze, drawing Amika's attention.
"Interesting... You told him not to go out with me, and yet you are only friends with him."
Amika hesitated, feeling moved by Kusunoki.
"Yeah, well… what's your point anyway?"
Kusunoki continued moving away from her.
"I am running late. I have no reason to stick around for longer…"
Amika gritted her teeth, pulling her arms downwards. She's got some nerves to talk like that for a girl!
Keima strolled through the corridors with Hana, tapping buttons rapidly on the PFP. Looks like everything's going well for Ichigou so far. I'm going to get in contact with that messenger again and see how they're going… Hana folded her arms, gazing upon students awing at her. Now that I think about it, I wonder what those people are going with their operations… She imagined two people hiding behind the bushes, gazing upon Tsukiyo. Somehow I find that a bit unlikely that they would at least help us… Hana snapped out of her daydream, gazing upon Keima.
"Say... you know that so-called messenger of god?"
Keima's glasses glowed from the screen light.
"What about them?"
Hana sighed.
"Are you really sure we can trust them?"
Keima's body halted, making her gasp.
"Do you not trust me with my instincts?"
Hana gazed upon Keima turning his head facing her. She turned away from him, gazing upon the window.
"Umm... well it's just that they might be playing around with you. There could be a possible chance that they might be doing nothing at all..."
Keima turned away from her, continuing to stroll through the corridors.
"I did say that I will check on them today..."
Hana faced away from the window, following after him.
"I... I guess we shouldn't worry about it for now..."
Suddenly, she stopped moving, blinking at Nikaido lifting Keima off the ground. Keima jerked and screamed, demanding her to release him from her grasp. Instead, she held up a broom, making him widen his eyes.
"It's your turn today, so get going!"
Nikaido strolled away from Hana, travelling to another place. Hana turned around, watching Keima scream louder.
Keima's eyes twitched at the sight of his hands chained up against a wall. Hey... what kind of a sick joke this damn teacher's pulling...? He lifted his head up, watching Nikaido turning away from him and walking back to the stairway entrance. He waved his fist around, shouting at him.
"Come back here! Untie me at once!"
Keima blinked at Nikaido's body continue to be faced away.
"The chains should be long enough to cover this area. Don't expect yourself to go anywhere this time..."
Keima sighed, falling on the ground. Even though I gave myself time to rest up and recharge through games... He closed his eyes and sighed. ...reality is still on the offensive... An image of Yotsuba appeared inside his mind, making him sigh. I wish I get to spend more time with her... He formed a weak smile on his face. I think she's beginning to miss me...
"Why are you sleeping on the ground again?"
Keima opened his eyes widely. That voice... it sounds... He slowly elevated his head, gazing upon Ayumi's glowing face. Her pristine black hair shined from the bright glowing sun. Her eyes shimmered from Keima's glases. He noticed an old wooden broom on her hand. Keima blinked at her, feeling puzzled. Wh... why her? Why is Ayumi there all of a sudden? Is she... helping me? She held out her other hand, closing her eyes.
"I almost ran you over then!"
Keima slowly lifted his body up, making her blink. He formed his god-like face, gazing upon her sudden confused face.
"What do you want from me now?"
Ayumi continued blinking at him. She closed her eyes and scratching her head, chuckling nervously.
"Well I heard that you're doing some cleaning today... so umm... I came here to help!"
Keima blinked at Ayumi's blushing face. Okay... this is an entirely dfferent scene from what would usually happen to me all the time... He imagined himself strolling through the corridors, feeling his head aching. I guess this is the day when that annoying Kumuro showed up shortly after this ordeal... I was playing my PFP, minding my own business when... Ayumi shouted at him, charging towards him. He turned around, widening his eyes. She crashed into him, making him collapse on the ground. The PFP bounced away from him, shattering into pieces. I had lost one of my most valuable allies...
Keima turned his head around, holding his hands out and screaming at his PFP. Ayumi lifted herself from the ground, scratching her head. Keima turned around, shouting at her. I really really wanted to get away from such small trouble... but she pretty much replied to my cries by forcing me to do the cleaning... Keima gritted his teeth at her, watching her drop the broom near him. She turned away from him, running through the corridors. I had to pick that damn broom up and chase after her. Keima waved his arm around, watching her run at full speed. After a few metres, he collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.
The worst part is that she got away from me, and so I practically had no choice at all... He snapped out of his daydream, finding himself standing near Ayumi. Shurgging off the confusion, he placed the broom on the ground, facing away from her. She blinked at Keima sitting on the ground, holding his PFP out.
"You're more than happy to do all of the chores for me!"
Ayumi frowned at him, swinging her broom around. He widened his eyes from getting hit on the head. He fell on the ground and gritted teeth in rage. Ayumi leaned forward, placing her hands on her hips.
"Hey! You have to at least do it too you know!"
Keima sighed, lifting himself from the ground.
"It's like everyone wants me to stay away from my games..."
Ayumi sighed, gazing upon his PFP.
"Ka...Katsuragi-kun..."
Keima cocked his eyebrows, hearing his last name. Okay... what's going on now? Keima turned around, noticing Ayumi's concerned face.
"Wh... why do you like to play your video games all the time?"
Keima's body froze from more confusion. What is she now? A reporter? Hang on... Keima formed a frown on his face.
"Are you trying to get something out of me to further humiliate me?"
She moved her hands from her hips.
"I... I just wanna know... and..."
She faced away from him, hiding her glowing blush on her cheeks.
"I... I better get started..."
Hana sat on a bench, gazing upon the clear blue sky. I can't believe I lost track of him again... She sighed, placing her hands on her cheeks. Well... I still have little knowledge around this school... She closed her eyes, feeling her body form goose bumps. Ever since I came to this school, I made little progress with Keima... She imagined Keima inside a dark damp room, dressing up in his military uniform. He pointed his stick at the board, going through battle formations and other plans. He seems to be too absorbed with his own problems... I don't know if helping him with his problems was such a good idea in the first place...
She watched herself getting dragged away from Keima by floating icebergs. She held her hands out, crying to Keima. We seemed to be getting further and further apart... Maybe later on, I'll become nothing more than a stranger to him... A tear crawled out of her left eye. Is this what it's like... to have a desire that may be virtually impossible? Is it worth having these kinds of desire when it could bring you some pain and sadness inside of you?
"Hey... are you alright there?"
Hana widened her eyes, noticing Chihiro standing in front of her. Her guitar case rested on Chihiro's back. Her glowing brown hair glimmered from the sun. Hana wiped the tear off her face, closing her eyes and smiling at her.
"Oh umm... I was thinking about last night's show..."
Chihiro slowly leaned forward.
"You watch Autumn's sadness last night?"
Hana slowly nodded her head.
"I guess you can say that..."
She opened her eyes, leaning slight to the side.
"Say... isn't that friend of yours with you?"
Chihiro turned her head, wondering what Hana's doing. Feeling her head being filled with glowing lightbulbs, she turned her head, gazing upon Hana again.
"Oh, Ayumi? I was actually searching for her before I noticed you there."
She sighed, closing her eyes and shrugging.
"I was gonna tell her about doing band practice earlier... but I have no idea where she went off this time... it's like she has a secret or something and she prefers to be alone..."
She opened her eyes, smiling at Hana.
"You wanna take a look at our band practice room?"
Hana blinked at Chihiro momentarily. She lifted herself off her chair, smiling at Chihiro.
"I guess I have nothing else better to do right now..."
Shiori gazed upon her novel lying on the desk, imagining words coming out of the book alive. Kumuro smiled at her, feeling fulfilled. She's about 75% complete with this novel... not only that, but she also has made good progress with the plot! He closed his eyes, imagining Shiori standing on the podium with Kumuro. Once our novels get published, I'll be on top of the podium and Shiomiya-san will stand beside me, hearing the crowd cheering for us. Oh this will be wonderful! Shiori turned her head, blinking at Kumuro's absent-minded face. I'm starting to get this novel done thanks to Muhara-kun... though...
Static noises echoed inside her head, making her cross her lips. I'm having more trouble trying to figure out the fitting ending for it... She sighed, closing her eyes. I'm not sure if he could even help me with that...
"You sure are being a bit overdramatic there!"
Shiori opened her eyes, finding Kurt standing near Kumuro. He shook his head at her, folding his arms.
"It's pretty simple you know... the end flows from the middle... I can make a thousand endings to your story!"
Shiori frowned at Kurt.
"If it's that simple, why don't you tell me what I can do?"
Kumuro opened his eyes, hearing Shiori's stern voice. He turned his head, blinking at her.
"Did you say something to me?"
Kurt vanished in front of Shiori, making her widen her eyes and gasp. She covered her mouth, revealing her blushing cheeks.
"I, uh... it was nothing."
Shiori's eyes caught glimpse of Amika standing behind him, watching her fold her arms. Kumuro turned his head, blinking at Amika.
"Oh hey. Whatcha doing here?"
Amika gazed upon Kumuro's face.
"So... what are you doing with that girl near you?"
Kumuro continued blinking at Amika. ...ummm... is there something wrong I did there?
"I'm helping her get her novel done. Why do you ask?"
Amika turned her head to Shiori, squinting at her.
"Can I have a moment with you...?"
She pulled Kumuro away from the desk, making him squirm. She dragged Kumuro towards a wall of bookshelves, hiding him there from Shiori. Kumuro scratched his head, witnessing Amika's unusual face.
"What's going on? You look very suspicious and unusual there..."
Amika sighed, releasing his arm.
"Say... Do you..."
Kumuro tapped his feet, waiting for Amika to finish her sentence. She slowly tilted her head downwards.
"Do you like her?"
Kumuro's body whitened, feeling his mind blank. An image of Kumuro and Shiori walking together appeared inside his mind. Wait... what?
"What makes you think that?"
Amika lifted her head up, gazing upon Kumuro's blank face.
"Well... you seemed to be together very often..."
Kumuro turned his head away from Amika, gazing through the gaps and staring at Shiori. She widened her eyes, facing away from Kumuro. He turned his head, facing Amika again.
"As I said, I'm just helping her with her novel. Why did you ask anyway?"
Amika imaginied herself ginning sinisterly. At least he's telling the truth... well... just in case.
"Well if she happens to like you, I don't think she's right for you..."
Kumuro blinked at Amika momentarily. Shrugging off the recent confusion inside his head, he chuckled loudly. He turned away from Amika, holding his hands out.
"Don't worry. I don't think she has anything for me either..."
Ayumi's broom swept through the ground, facing away from Keima. Keima tapped the buttons rapidly on his PFP, gazing upon the screen. His glasses shined from the PFP screen light. She slowly turned her head, gazing upon Keima. He hasn't said a word ever since I started cleaning... She sighed, placing the broom on the ground. Maybe... maybe I should just ease him up a bit... Ayumi strolled towards Keima, sitting next to him.
"Say... did you know that I've won the prefectures?"
Keima's hands froze momentarily.
"Umm... what about them?"
His fingers continued moving, making Ayumi blink at him. Shrugging off the confusion, she faced away from him, lifting her head to the skies.
"Now I get to compete in the country championships... though it's not due for at least three months..."
Keima watched a shy girl backing herself against the wall. It almost feels too similar to that damn summer vacation... why is she talking to me about this... unless... Keima widen his eyes, feeling his body shivering. Hang on... Flashbacks of Ayumi appeared in his mind, making his eyes twitch. No... Could she-? Ayumi turned her head to Keima, blinking at him.
"Katsuragi-kun, is there anything wrong?"
Keima reformed his god-like eyes, hiding his true emotions.
"Uh... just a few bugs in this shitty game..."
Katsuragi-kun... now that I think about it... she usually calls me that shitty name like everyone else... He imagined himself bashing his head with a huge hammer. I can't assume that she is going after me! There must be some other explanation to this! An image of Keima standing near Ayumi inside the nurse's office appeared inside his mind. Though... perhaps I accidentally made this relationship go deeper... He gritted his teeth in rage. No... I can't keep thinking like this! I must clear my mind... then, only then will I-
"You seemed to feel a bit uneasy. Are you sure that-"
"Ayumi..."
She widened her eyes, hearing him call her name. As Katsuragi turned his head from his PFP, she threw her fist at his face. He fell on the floor, groaning in agony. She quickly turned away from him, hiding her blush.
"Y... you called me my first name again..."
Keima slowly lifted himself up, reforming his god-like face.
"Do... do you like me?"
Ayumi widened her eyes again. She turned her back on him, feeling her body trembling in fear.
"W-why would you say something as stupid as that?"
Keima sighed. Somehow, this is starting to get a lot more obvious...
"Well... it's just that..."
He slowly lifted himself from the ground, gazing upon Ayumi.
"You seemed to be somewhat getting closer to me. Do your friends know that you're here with me?"
Ayumi slowly tilted her head downwards, gazing upon the ground. He... he's right... I didn't even tell Chihiro-san about this... what should I do? A calm mature voice whispered inside her head, soothing her trembling body. I see that he had confronted you... I don't think you'll be able to keep your secrets for much longer... Ayumi sighed, feeling her heart thumping. Perhaps it's the right time to tell him how you truly feel... Ayumi closed her eyes, feeling her heart slowing down. Y... you're right. I can't keep this bottled up for much longer... She slowly lifted herself from the ground and turned around.
"Katsuragi-kun. Maybe it's about time you should know..."
Keima widened his eyes, watching Ayumi stand near him. His heart thumped, feeling his cheeks blushing. Hang on... wha... what are you doing? Reality, you made another trap, did you? I did not ask for this! Ayumi slowly opened her eyes, gazing upon his face.
"Katsuragi... I-"
"There you are Ayumi! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
Ayumi widened her eyes, hearing a familiar voice. She slowly turned around, gazing upon Hana and Chihiro standing afar.
"Chi... Chihiro?"
Chihiro blinked at her friend standing near Keima.
"Wha... what are you doing with Otamegane?"
Ayumi hesitated, feeling her body lifeless like a statue. She then closed her eyes and scratched her head, chuckling nervously.
"Umm... I... I was..."
She kicked Keima in the crotch, making him groan in agony. Keima slowly rolled around the ground, making Hana cover her mouth in shock. Ayumi strolled towards Chihiro, opening her eyes.
"Just cleaning up some trash here..."
Chihiro and Ayumi strolled away from Hana, talking amongst each other. Hana strolled towards Keima, holding him up from the ground.
"Keima! Are you alright there?"
Snapping out of his pain, he reformed his god-like eyes.
"There's another missile heading towards me... and this one might be going a lot faster than the others..."
Keima and Hana strolled through the rows of houses, gazing upon a white coated house. Hana gazed upon Keima's calm face, crossing her lips.
"Well if this Ayumi girl's planning to win your heart, what should we do then?"
Keima sighed, standing near the door.
"Well the truth is... I haven't exactly figured out a plan yet. Maybe I'll just avoid further contact with her for now."
He pushed the doorbell before folding his arms. The door swung open, reveal Ryou wearing his pink apron. Keima and Hana blinked at him, making Ryou blink back.
"What? What are you looking at?"
Ryou slowly lowered his head, gazing upon his apron. He widened his eyes, pulling the apron off him. He scratched his head and chuckled nervously, hiding the apron behind his back.
"Umm... well... My mother forced me to wear it."
He moved his hands around his hair, grinning at his visitors.
"What can I do for you, my capturing god?"
Keima pulled his arms away from each other.
"How's the progress going with the candidate?"
Ryou moved his hands away from his face.
"Oh... No need to worry about it! There are smooth progresses being made! You shouldn't have to worry."
Keima and Hana turned their heads facing each other. (Keima) Now that I think about it, I have a funny feeling that you may be right… (Hana) Why are you looking at me like we have telepathy? They slowly turned away from each other, gazing upon Ryou's overconfident face.
"Then how about we take a look at your current progress tomorrow?"
Ryou blinked at Keima and Hana, scratching his head.
"Ummm… how would you guys do that exactly?"
Keima's glasses shined from the sunlight, making him form a cheery grin.
"Why that's easy! If you have been dealing with that girl, I'll be hiding from a location and will be watching that candidate make some attempts!"
Yutuka stood behind Ryou, smiling at his visitors.
"It will be a marvellous idea then! We won't disappoint you tomorrow then!"
Yutuka slowly closed the door, making Hana hum to herself. Seems like they're a bit suspicious to me… I don't trust them…
Yutuka gazed upon the window, watching Keima and Hana stroll away from his house. Ryou gazed upon his brother, munching on a potato chip.
"Don't you think closing the door like that will make them suspicious of us?"
Yutuka groaned, shaking his head.
"If you haven't realised, we are carrying out their will as we speak. There won't be any doubts inside them once they'll see how well this progress. But the only thing I'm worried about is you stuffing up!"
He turned his head around, glaring at Ryou.
"You must not let me down this time! I cannot let one mistake from you cause them to think we had betrayed them!"
Ryou groaned, laying his body on the couch.
"You always nag at me, wanting me to make no mistakes! I have a life to balance you know! I have five other girls waiting for me, I also have to capture Kanon-chan's heart, and I also have TV shows to catch up with! Don't you think you should lighten the load for me and help me do other stuff?"
Yutuka folded his arms.
"If you mean watch the tv shows for you, that won't be a problem at all!"
Ryou glared at him, waving his fists around.
"Stop making jokes like that! My life's just as important as yours!"
Yutuka closed his eyes and sighed.
"Then why aren't you at Sakura's house now if you have important tasks to fulfil?"
Ryou widened his eyes, gritting his teeth in fear. He got off the couch, running away from him.
"SAKKKKKUUUUURRRRAAAA!"
Amika strolled through the streets, whistling to a tune. Her hand grasped firmly on her bag of processed food, swinging it around. Going to Chihiro's house is a bit exciting! Especially when she volunteered to be my latest test subject... She closed her eyes, picturing herself holding a chainsaw out. Chihiro squirmed loudly, wiggling her entangled body around. It'll be so much fun for my after-school projects! I can't wait to try my creations on her... Suddenly, Amika widened her eyes. Wait! I forgot to get drinks! She turned around, storming to the opposite direction. She rushed past many pedestrians, making them gaze upon her.
She entered a convenience store, panting inside. The shopkeeper leaned his head forward, gazing upon Amika.
"Did you forget your possessions here?"
Amika slowly shook her head.
"I... I forgot... some drinks..."
Amika turned her head, watching the shopkeeper point at the direction.
"It's right up the back. Choose what you want from the fridge."
Amika strolled from the shopkeeper, standing near the fridge. She leaned forward, gazing upon the selection of bottles and cans. Hmm... what's her favourite drink...? Ummm... I remember her saying her favourite drink... If only I can- Suddenly Amika widened her eyes, noticing a figure appearing in the glass reflection. She turned around, watching a hooded figure holding out an egg on her hands. The egg collided on Amika's uniform, exploding into pieces. She lowered her head, gazing upon her uniform being covered in egg juice. The shopkeeper yelled at the figure, storming from the counter.
Avoiding trouble, the figure ran away from Amika, leaving the store. He stood near Amika, sighing at her.
"I don't know why that idiot did that, but I better get you cleaned up there..."
Amika's body trembled, feeling fear crawling through her skirt. Wh... why did I deserve this?
Chihiro sighed, strumming her guitar. Where is she? She promised me that she'll be home by now... She rested her body on her bed, gazing upon the ceiling. I'm starting to get more bored now... I've always been like this every day, huh? She lifted her remote near her, pointing it at the TV. She pushed a button on it, making the TV screen reveal a picture of two people inside a living room. They cower in fear, gazing upon a dark room. Chihiro groaned again, pushing another different button on her remote. I forgot about today... they always show shitty kids show... She turned the TV off as she placed her remote back on her bed.
She placed her hands on her head, covering her eyes. I wish I know what's going on with me... I can't let something like this affect the Mai High Fest... Images of Keima flashed inside her head, making her grit her teeth. Dammit! Just as I forgot about that shitty guy for a while... Chihiro sighed, feeling goose bumps all over her body. I give up... I can't shake him off for longer... I might be going crazy from being near him too much... An image of Keima standing near her appeared inside her mind. He might be irritating... but maybe there's more to him than I first thought... Keima's cheek slowly grew red, making her cheeks redden.
"He is a bit cute sometimes, that Katsuragi guy..."
Amika stood inside Chihiro's room, blinking at her.
"Wait... what?"
Chihiro tilted her head, facing Amika. She widened her eyes, feeling her face redden.
"H-h-how long have you been here for?"
Chihiro's eyes caught glimpse of Amika's uniform.
"And what's the go with your uniform? Have you been trying to make some cake?"
Amika continued blinking at Chihiro. She sighed, placing her bag on Chihiro's desk.
"There was someone who might be harassing me..."
Chihiro lifted herself up, strolling towards Amika.
"There is? Do you know who it is?"
Amika closed her eyes, picturing the hooded figure inside her head. Perhaps it could the same person responsible for the threat letter... I'm not too sure yet though...
"I... I didn't get a chance to see his face..."
Chihiro gritted her teeth, clenching her fists.
"I bet it's one of those guys who wanted to perform shitty rock music! I'm gonna go up to them and get revenge on those dumb boys if-"
"I don't think it's one of those boys..."
Chihiro lowered her fists, blinking at Amika.
"You... you think so?"
Amika nodded her head.
"They'll probably focus on pathetically attempting to wow the crowds than to try and intimidate us..."
She turned away from Chihiro, folding her arms.
"Besides, it might be on a more personal matter..."
Chihiro placed her hands on Amika's shoulders, crossing her lips in concern.
"Is there something that you're not telling me? I'm getting a bit worried about you..."
Amika paused momentarily. She turned her head around, forming a fake smile on her face.
"Never mind about that. We got some experiments to perform!"
Ayumi sighed, placing her arms behind her back. I'm not sure if it was a good idea to confess so soon... She strolled alongside Miyako through the streets, walking past houses. I... I'm not sure if being with Katsuragi is such a good idea... I mean, I wonder what people will think of me if I somehow go out with him? She imagined herself standing near Keima, noticing groups of people huddling away from her. They whispered amongst each other, prevent Ayumi from overhearing them. Well I don't mind about those people to be quite honest... but... Ayumi widened her eyes, watching Chihiro and Amika backing themselves from Ayumi.
"We are so not catching your contagious disease!"
"I can't believe you! Why would you go so low for him? Would he even care about you anyway?"
Ayumi closed her eyes, feeling her cheeks slightly blushing. Amongst those voices in my head, there's somehow a voice that sounds a lot different yet a lot more dominant than others... Do I always follow that voice?
"Ayumi-chan..."
Ayumi opened her eyes, turning her head to Miyako. Miyako blinked at Ayumi, studying her face.
"Are you alright there? You seemed to be spacing out quite more often..."
Ayumi smiled at Miyako, letting her eyes glimmer.
"Oh... I was just thinking about last night..."
Miyako followed Ayumi's actions, holding her hand out.
"Maybe you're thinking more about that Otamegane, right?"
Ayumi stood still, halting Miyako from advancing further into the streets. She widened her eyes, making her heart thump faster.
"E... Eh?"
Ayumi's body trembled in fear.
"Wh... why did you bring this up again?"
Miyako blinked at Ayumi. Shrugging off the confusion, she closed her eyes.
"Umm... I kinda have a confession to make actually..."
Ayumi blinked at Miyako, feeling her heart thumping slower.
"Y... you do?"
Miyako lifted her head up, gazing upon the clear blue skies. She closed her eyes, placing her hands near her heart.
"I think I might like him."
Ayumi dropped her jaws in bewilderment.
"Y-YOU DO? But why?"
Miyako lowered her head and shrugged.
"I don't know really... but he's kinda mysterious to me to tell you the truth... Maybe... maybe there's more to him than I thought..."
Ayumi leaned her head forward.
"But... what will the others think?"
Miyako turned her head, gazing upon Ayumi's pertrified face.
"The truth is... I'm a bit of a nerd, having to cram all of the study notes inside my head. I'm not really that popular anyway..."
Ayumi placed her hands on Miyako's shoulders, shaking her violently.
"But what about other people? You did realise that you might get ostracised by the whole school, and so they'll avoid you entirely, right?"
Miyako's head spun around, making her collapse on the ground. Ayumi blinked at Miyako shaking her head, recovering from her dizzy state. Miyako chuckled nervously, placing her hands on her shoulders.
"I don't think it's that bad..."
Miyako lifted herself from the ground, strolling away from Ayumi.
"Besides, I won't actually confess to him... not yet at least..."
Ayumi sighed, feeling butterflies inside her stomach. Maybe Miyako-chan's right... Katsuragi-kun might be more than just an 'Otamegane'...
Keima rested on the couch, gazing upon the ceiling. Today contained some unexpected events... though I guess I should've at least seen it coming... An image of Ayumi appeared inside her mind. Now that I think about it... she was getting a bit nicer... Keima shook his head. No... Maybe it's still too soon to say... besides, I might be over-reacting... Ayumi closed her eyes, advancing towards him. But that event... it almost flowed towards her confession... I can't just let it slip past me. Maybe I should setting up more counters before she tries anymore tricks on me... just in case she will pursue me...
Images of other girls appeared inside his mind. Hopefully, there won't be any others trying to go after me... I already got enough on my hands... He opened his eyes, lifting himself from the couch. Well at least I might be getting rid of two girls that are on me at the moment... Keima's mind clicked, reminding him of another girl. Oh yes, I also need to consider Hana. She might try to attack me when there aren't any girls left to get me... I guess I could secretly find potential candidates for her... Keima lifted a notepad from the desk, scribbling on the page. I'll plan ahead for this. Time is still not on my side...
"Keima honey! Ayukawa-san and Tenri-chan's here!"
Keima placed his notepad inside his pocket, turning his head around. He widened his eyes in fear.
"What the? Why are they here?"
Mari entered the room, placing her hands together.
"Tenri-chan has invited you to stay at her house. Wouldn't that be wonderful, getting together more often?"
Keima blinked at Mari, making his eyes twitch.
"Y... you're kidding, right? I have to sleep over there tonight?"
Mari threw a kitchen spoon at his head, knocking him off the couch. Mari gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, making Tenri and her mother blink at each other.
"Of course you do! You need to get out more instead of playing your games 24/7!"
Keima and Tenri sat on the couch, facing the TV. Tenri's cheeks reddened, feeling her heart thumping. I... I'm starting to think this is a bad idea... I... I don't know what I shoul do next... A flashback appeared insdie her mind, bring herself back inside her room. She gazed upon the doppelganger, watching it fold its arms and sigh at her.
"This is taking too long Tenri... You must initiate more events right now."
Tenri turned away from the doppelganger, gazing through the window. She watched Keima entering his house.
"But... what should I do? He's always at his house..."
Tenri retreated to her bed, resting her body on it.
"And besides... I can't just waltz in there all the time..."
The doppelganger closed its eyes and shook its head. It strolled towards Tenri, placing its hand on her head.
"Listen... now's the good time to be doing something right now. I suggest we invite you beloved to your house. Get him to stay over for the night..."
Tenri widened her eyes, huddling herself against the bed.
"Wait... you want me to have a sleepover... with him?"
It blinked at her, scratching its head.
"Why do you always sound like everything's a bad idea? This is a perfect opportunity! Plus, you'll be able to get closer to him in an instant. You must get used to him in this manner! It's the only way!"
It lifted its hands off Tenri, strolling towards the window.
"Okay... You don't have to confess to him at his house at least. Maybe it is a bit soon right now... after all, you haven't talked to him much... even after the summer holidays..."
Tenri lifted her head up, gazing upon the doppelganger.
"I... I appreciate what you're doing for me but... I think this is good enough as it is."
Its eyes squinted at Tenri.
"Are you sure this is really what you want? Your heart is telling me a different story though..."
Tenri closed her eyes, shedding a tear.
"I... I admit it. I wanted more than what I got... but he... maybe he seemed to be impossible to reach... I can tell..."
The doppelganger strolled towards Tenri, placing its hands on her head.
"Trust me on this one... I'll make sure Keima will submit to you... I shall make your dreams come true... let me help you..."
Tenri widened her eyes, watching its body slowly disappear. She slowly lifted herself from her bed, walking out of her room. She strolled through the house, finding her mother in the kitchen. She placed her hands near the door, calling out to her mother.
"Umm... can I talk to you for a moment?"
Tenri snapped out of her daydream, returning to the living room. She slowly turned her head, gazing upon Keima. His glasses glimmered from the room light, emphasising his god-like eyes. Tenri's cheeks blushed slightly, feeling the chills around her body. I wonder... is he enjoying the movie right now... or maybe he feels like he always gets forced around... Tenri formed a small grin on her face, noticing the PFP on his hands. Hehe... I didn't see his gaming machine there... Well he is Keima-kun after all... Tenri sighed, feeling her heart thumping quicker. He kinda looks cute like this though... Maybe I should spend all night like this...
Keima turned his head around, blinking at Tenri.
"Is there somthing wrong there?"
Tenri turned her head away from Keima, chuckling nervously.
"Oh, umm... It might be nothing..."
Keima blinked at Tenri, feeling a strange aura emitting around her. He shrugged, facing the TV. Tenri took a deep breath, summoning all of her courage.
"Say... Are you enjoying this movie I brought to your house?"
Keima sighed.
"I personally prefer my PFP anyway..."
Tenri nodded her head.
"Maybe we can just turn the TV off and go up to my room... I kinda like it the way it is..."
Keima's hands froze, making his eyes open widely. Tenri lifted her hands up, cowering in fear. D... Did I do something wrong? Maybe he thinks that I might be trying to get closer to him... Tenri covered her face in shame. What happens if he finds out I like him? Will he say no to me? Wh... What have I done? Keima's eyes watered, gazing upon Yotsuba.
"Oh Yokkyun... I can't believe I've missed you for so long!"
Tenri slowly moved her hands from her face, blinking at Keima. Oh... so... did he pay attention to me at all? Keima wiped the tear off his face, reforming his god-like face.
"Sorry. Did you say anything just now?"
Tenri formed a smirk on her face, giggling nervously.
"I was wondering if you want to go up to my room instead..."
Kanon sat near the piano, gazing upon the notes and words printed on the paper. She moved her pen around, humming to a tune. Since Mai High's coming up, I'm gonna find a way to get Keima-kun back. She formed a frown on her face, placing her hands on the keys. Maybe with the power of music, I might send my message to him that way. It's a bit pointless to contact Keima-kun normally... She moved her fingers around the piano, filling the room with melancholic tunes. I need to set things right! I will apologize and ask him for his love this way! Her manager opened the door, gazing upon Kanon.
"It's time for you to leave now. That should be enough for today."
Kanon turned her head around, smiling at the manager.
"I'll be out in a minute."
The manager sighed.
"We have a very tight schedule at the moment. You have a series of events to attend to this week, and they won't wait for you!"
The manger closed the door in front of her, leaving Kanon alone. Kanon turned her head to the piano, playing the melody and singing. Keima-kun, I'll come back for you! And I swear I won't let you go again! I won't abandon you anymore! I'll be back for you!
Author's Note: The plot thickens as there are (perhaps) more girls trying to go after Keima. I hope you enjoy this chapter and this series