Baka and Test: Love, misery and hope Part 8
Akihisa couldn't figure out why Minami shouted angrily at him yesterday at the banquet area. For Minami, she is depressing about her friend Himeji confessing to him first.
Aki rather likes Mizuki than me.
Why did she yell at me? Did I do something bad to hurt her feelings?
At the day of the battle of Class A and Class D, the classes who lost or haven't battle (mainly Class F) will be audience for the match and 2nd years are all eager to see the match.
"Say Muttsulini" Aiko said before she and the other Class A students go to the Grounds of the Summoners, "Before I go, will you cheer for me?"
"I guess so..." Muttsulini said absent-mindedly, polishing his camera gently and carefully.
"How about you Yuji?" Shoko asked.
"Maybe..." Yuji muttered.
"What?" she said, bringing out her taser.
"I mean yes, yes I am!" he cried, she made me say it again!
"That's strange" Hideyoshi said, looking around in the crowd, "Where is Yoshii?"
"Probably sulking or something" Yuji replied, "Yesterday was very unusual. Minami shouted at him for no apparent reason and I could only guess that they had a quarrel or Yoshii did something stupid."
At the distance, Himeji heard the conversation of Yuji and Hideyoshi and became worried and concerned on Akihisa's situation.
Oh no she thought I think I stirred up trouble for Akihisa. Minami possibly heard our conversation yesterday and I it's entirely my fault. I shouldn't have told him my secret.
"Welcome sophomore students of Fumizuki Academy" the principal shouted as everyone is getting excited, "I hope everyone had taken their Recovery Exam because Class A and Class D are going to battle!"
As soon as the principal yelled, both classes appeared at the Grounds of the Summoners, confident that they'll either win or lose the match.
"I don't need to roll the roulette because the remaining choices are now shone on the screen right now!" she continued loudly. The screen shows the results: CAPTURE THE FLAG, MATH, FOREST.
"The rules of CAPTURE THE FLAG is simple: the objective is to take the opponents' flag and bring it to the class' home base," The principal explained, "There will be no second chances because of the time limit of sixty minutes and no revives once the avatar is defeated. Be expected the unexpected. If a class wins, they will battle Class F tomorrow!"
"LET THE MATCH BEGIN!" Ironman shouted,
The Grounds start to alter: from the emptiness of the arena came bits of luscious plants first and then trees sprouted in a faster rate. The scene shows a peaceful forest that trees grow very high, the plants cover the landscape and a local stream flows perpetually and quietly. But this peaceful forest will become part of a cruel battle between the class of determination and the class of honour fighting for the ultimate prize: mouth-watering delicacies and appetizing cuisine like anyone can dream of.
"Aiko and Shoko follow me and bring a handful of our classmates so we can take Class D's flag!" Yuko demanded, "Kubo and the rest will guard our flag. Is that clear?"
"Sir Yes sir!" everyone replied obediently.
"Good. Let's head to the battle field!" she said.
Yuko led the attack together with Aiko, Shoko and a handful of Class A students, charging at the front lines of Class D. Genji anticipated the blitz, order his class to reveal their trap: a tripwire and when activated, the ground will swallow them. Unfortunately, they manage to avoid the trap and started a skirmish between them.
"It looks like Hiraga is prepared to face Class A" Yuji said at his seat, "But will he win this battle?"
"How about we observe the clash before your hypothesis is correct." Hideyoshi suggested.
"How are you holding the fort Kubo?" Yuko asked curiously, thinking that there is a battle like this.
"We defeated the regiments easily" Kubo answered, "The flag is safe. Your team are the only ones who can take Class D's flag."
"Aiko, Shoko command the students to distract the front" she instructed, "I'll take the flag when the opportunity rises."
Both of them nodded. Shoko commands their classmates into battle while Aiko leads them into the conflict. Yuko, on the other hand, stealthily moves quickly, eliminating Class D students one by one. As she defeats two more students, Yuko arrives where the flag resides.
"There it is" she said, hiding her excitement, "Once I acquire the flag, we will be victorious."
"I don't think so" someone said in the shadows.
"Who's there?" Yuko demanded.
The person emerged from the shadows, revealing Genji with a serious look on his face. "Class D will win this match!" he said in determination.
She smirked. "You think so?" Yuko questioned him.
Strangely, Genji took something from his pocket, revealing a bright red stone the size of a fist. "Remember what the principal said earlier" he told her, "She mentioned that there are surprises in this match."
The stone began to glow in Genji's hand, his avatar growing stronger than Yuko. "It seems I acquired this so called EXTREME" he said.
"What?" Yuko cried in disbelief, Hiraga has me in total disadvantage. I can't lose right now.
Then she remembered something two days ago. Class E and Class F used EXTREMEs before and used them in battle. Himeji once explained to Shoko once that if it were to be used in combat, the stat of an avatar increases dramatically. But, like a double edge sword, it can also decrease in a faster rate, cause glitches to the avatar, anything that can harm or cause trouble to their own avatar.
Hopefully that Hiraga's avatar will have those bad effectsYuko thought.
Genji's avatar starts to attack her, his sword attempts to slash her but Yuko's avatar manage to avoid. Since his stat is stronger even equal to Shoko's, Genji would probably win. But to his dismay, his avatar suddenly avoids his command in finishing Yuko's avatar.
"What?" he cried, "Mine has a glitch?"
With a perfect opportunity, Yuko's avatar swiftly pierced hid avatar before it disappears. She took the flag proudly.
"It looks like Class A won" Yuko proclaimed proudly.
The FOREST starts to disappear slowly before a crowd of sophomores are cheering at them.
"Class A wins the match!" Ironman announced.
But Yuko noticed that Genji was humiliated. "I failed to defend the flag as the leader of Class D" he muttered.
She crouches down, patting him in the back. "Don't worry Hiraga" Yuko said reassuringly, "The point is, your class did their best in defending your flag. We had a hard time penetrating your defences and your traps."
Genji stood up, sighing. "Oh well" he said, "All's fair on war right?"
He and Yuko shook hands, making the crowd more impressed that Ironman doesn't need to let them announce remedial class harshly.
"I could have sworn that he copied my line before" Yuji commented, "which reminds me, where the hell is Yoshii?"
"He's at the lake" Muttsulini reported, "And he's not alone."
Meanwhile...
Akihisa tried to find Minami and he finally found her at the lake, staring quietly at the calm waters in the sunset. She noticed Akihisa's arrival but her look was slightly angry.
"Why did you yell at me at the banquet area last night?" Akihisa asked, "Did I do something wrong to hurt your feelings?"
Tears ran from Minami's eyes. "You've hurt my feelings alright" she replied angrily, "In fact you broke my heart when you confessed your love to Mizuki."
She broke into tears. Akihisa urged himself to comfort her but she is still angry at him.
"Minami" he said, "I did not mean to hurt your feelings. If you really hate me, I'll go away."
Akihisa was about to leave when Minami called. "Aki wait" she said.
He turned around. "What is it?" Akihisa asked.
"I want to tell you something" Minami replied sadly, "I... should apologize for eavesdropping on you and Mizuki. I don't have the right to listen to your conversation."
"It's alright Minami."
She turned around to the lake. "I guess you like Mizuki?" Minami said.
Akihisa sighed. "Yeah I guess that's true" he replied, "But..."
"But?" she said, puzzled, Is Aki blushing?
True enough, Akihisa is blushing. "I... have a confession to make..." he requested.
"What is it?" Minami asked.
"I love Himeji but" he replied quietly, "I love you more Minami. The reason why is because your beautiful, kind, and completely determined."
She was stunned and suddenly, Minami spoke in German hysterically.
This took Akihisa by surprised. "Minami?" he said trying to snap her out.
What should I do? Akihisa thought.
As he approaches her, he accidentally trips on a rock and both of them fell to the ground, Akihisa lying on Minami's chest. They both moved away, blushing.
"Aki" she said shyly, "To tell you the truth, I love you too. You became my first friend when I arrived at Japan, struggling with its language. At first, you're a total idiot, mocking my name. But in truth, you've tried your best to communicate me except you spoke in French and it was touching. As time progressed, my feelings for you had developed and I fell in love with you..."
Akihisa blushed. "The why did you beat me up?" he ask with no malice.
"I did not mean to beat you up" Minami continued, "I did so to hide my true feelings for you so nobody won't noticed."
There was silence. The day became night and the stars are shining brightly in the sky. Crickets chirp harmoniously and the waves of the lake flowed peacefully.
"I guess we are a couple then" Akihisa said quietly, helping Minami up.
"I suppose" she said, "Look at the stars Aki. Aren't they beautiful?"
Akihisa looked up and smiled. But before he could speak, Minami kissed him passionately and when he felt the kissed, he kissed her back.
"I... love you Aki" Minami whispered.
"Me too, Minami" Akihisa whispered back, hugging her.
The night was beautiful. Minami finally admits her feelings to Akihisa and Class A wins. The tale will reach its climax. Will Class F win? Find out at the next Baka and Test: Love, misery and hope!
*Guys, if you don't mind again, I'm going on hiatus mode since I'm going on a one week stay at my relatives' house. I promise that I'll continue writing until its finish. Reviews and comments are welcome.
