(The story starts off at the girls' school at night. Lights circle around it as if an event's going on. Inside, people, students, and staff are all gathered in the auditorium, where the principal is on stage)
Principal: (Speaking into a microphone) Hello, and welcome everyone to Komedy Korner. Where you can stay for a good laugh and entertainment from your kids. Originally, we wanted to bring our school mascot to amp up the laughter a bit, but unfortunately, he called in sick. But, the person we're performing on the stage today will certainly make you laugh more than he does. Put your hands together, and give it up for...HANAMICHI RAN!
(The curtain drawback, revealing a nervous Ran holding a microphone. The crowd cheers as Ran takes a couple of baby steps forward. Yui, Kokone, and Amane are sitting at a table near the front, wanting to hear Ran's performance)
Yui: Knock em' outta the park, Ran!
Ran: (Nervous) Uhhh...h-hey, everybody. So, what's the deal with salt shakers? I mean, you fill them up every night when a shop closes, and I mean, where does it all go? How does that stuff happen, y'know?
(No one laughs at the joke. Everyone just stares in silence. Ran feels a bit discouraged, but tries to keep going)
Ran: And what about tomatoes, huh? I mean, are they a fruit, are they a vegetable? Come on, which one of them is it? [Chuckles weakly]
(Everyone's silent once again. Some people look uninterested and some fell asleep.)
Random Person: Oh, brother, this girl stinks!
Male Student: Hey, hey, funny girl! I got a joke for ya! What's stupid, boring, and puts people to sleep?!
Ran: Uhhh...studying?
Male Student: No! It's you and your act!
(With that, everyone laughs Ran and the joke, making her feel more humiliated than before)
Ran: Well, d-did you all ever notice how-
(Before she even gets a chance to tell her joke, everyone stops laughing and starts booing, and staying stuff like she needs to get off the stage. Ran starts to go into panic mode as she looks around for something, or anything, to help her in this situation, but doesn't seem to have any luck. But, eventually, she spots Amane sitting at the table with Yui and Kokone, and this somewhat gives her an idea.)
Ran: Did you ever notice how...big Kasai Amane's head is?
(The crowd's previous jeering was then quickly replaced with some chuckling.)
Amane: (Surprised) Huh?
Ran: I mean, you can practically land a plane on that thing, y'know?
(The crowd's chuckles then turn into full-blown laughing.)
Ran: And what's with all that hair? I guess lice need a home too, huh?
(The laughter grows louder as the crowd becomes more entertained by Ran's jokes. Amane, on the other hand, doesn't find them all amusing)
Ran: Oh, and did I mention how smelly she is? But hey, you'd stink too if you weren't such a school council workaholic like she is. Hey, that reminds me, why does it take more than one Amane to change a light bulb?
Yui: Why?!
Ran: Because the first one's too stupid to amount to anything it does!
(And the crowd goes wild! Laughter and cheers fill the auditorium, and everyone's previous thought of Ran was now gone. Even Yui starts laughing. Amane looks embarrassed for the most part, but tries her best to hide it. After taking a couple bows, Ran walks behind the curtain where the principal is waiting for her)
Principal: Congratulations, Hanamichi-san. Your performance tonight really knocked everyone out.
Ran: Well, what can I say? Some people think I'm a comedy genius, after all.
Principal: Speaking of which, I was wondering, how would you like to be featured on the next show?
Ran: There's a next show?
Principal: We were thinking of keeping Komedy Korner around for a little while, and with your jokes, we'll be able to keep the students and staff entertained for as long as we can. What do you say?
Ran: (Feeling Excited) What do I say? What do I say?! I say, count me in! In fact, put me in all the remaining shows, 'cause I'll be the one to carry the name of Komedy Korner!
Principal: (Smiles) Glad to hear it, Hanamichi-san. Now, go on home and get some rest.
(The principal walks off, leaving Ran alone behind the stage. With nothing to do, she starts to head off, but a certain someone walks in the back and calls to her)
Amane: Ran, can I speak to you for a moment?
Ran: Oh, Amanen! [She happily walks up to her friend] What'cha need to speak about? Lemme guess, it's about my amazing performance, isn't it?
Amane: Ac-actually, Ran, I-I wasn't gonna say your performance was really...amazing.
Ran: (Confused) What's that supposed to mean?
Amane: It's just that...the jokes you told out there were-
Ran: So good, you're trying to pass it off as if it wasn't funny. (Chuckles) Man, Amanen, I know you so well.
Amane: No, Ran. I was gonna say that the jokes you told were...hurtful.
Ran: Hurtful? How?
Amane: You practically insulted me out there. About how my head's big, how my hair's full of lice, how I smell bad, how I'm too stupid to amount to anything I do?
Ran: Oooooooooooooh...Don't worry what I said out there, Amanen. I was just jokin'. Besides, everyone at school knows how smart you are.
Amane: But-
Ran: No buts, Amanen. Just because I said some things that seemed hurtful, doesn't mean I genuinely meant it. I was just sayin' it to get the crowd wild. You're still the same smart, beautiful Amanen everyone knows and loves, so don't let a couple jokes get you knocked down.
Amane: (Starts feeling better) You know what? You're right, Ran. I guess I was being a bit sensitive. No hard feelings, right?
Ran: No hard feelings.
(The two share a brief hug before they leave the school. In the morning, after school, Amane's shopping for her parents at the local supermarket while reading a list of things she needs to get.)
Amane: Okay, deodorant. [Picks up two deodorant products] Huh, let's see. Roll-on or stick?
(A student from the girls' school walk by with his brother)
Student: (Whispering to his brother) I think she should buy both.
Student's Brother: And maybe some shampoo while she's at it.
(The two laugh as they walk off, leaving Amane confused. Another student from the girls' school walks up to Amane, looking as if he's holding back laughter)
Student: U-uh, excuse me, Student Council President Kasai?
Amane: Yes, Amari-kun, how can I help?
Amari: D-Do you know where the [Makes a funny face] DUUUHHHH is?
Amane: (Confused) The what?
Amari: Y'know, the [Makes more funny faces] DUUUH DEEE DAAA DUMB DUUH!
Amane: I'm...sorry, but I can't understand what you're saying.
Amari: (Laughs) Man, how stupid do you have to be to not understand your own language?
(Amari runs off laughing while Amane looks in annoyance. She chooses to ignore him and continue on with her shopping, when she suddenly runs into a little kid.)
Amane: Hello, there. Are you lost?
(Before the child could answer, a girl from her school quickly grabbed her and pulled her away from Amane.)
Student: Now, Asumi, I don't want you to stand close to that girl. You'll catch her stupid.
Asumi: Yes, onee-chan.
(The two walk off while the student holds her sister by hand. Perplexed and annoyed, Amane ignores what happened and tries to continue shopping, but stops when she sees a bunch of kids gathered around a T.V monitor. She leaves her cart unattended and walks behind the kids to see what could be so interesting to them, them not noticing her. On the T.V, the words 'KOMEDY KORNER" show in yellow, big, bold letters. It then cuts to the principal speaking into a microphone.)
Principal: Hello, everyone, and welcome back Komedy Korner! Normally. we'd start off with a bit of speech, but some people in the room aren't particularly interested to hear stuff like that, so we'll start off with the entertainment. Everyone puts your hands together for Hanamichi Ran!
(Unlike last time, Ran runs out from the curtain with nothing but excitement instead of nervousness. She has her microphone ready and is full-on prepared to make people laugh now. On top of that, the crowd start cheering and whistling. For some odd reason, she has one of her hands behind her back, but I won't ruin the surprise)
Ran: (Shouting in excitement) HANYA! Hey, hey, everybody! Ran-Ran's back, and ready to bring you more laughs than last time!
Yui: Are you gonna tell more Amane jokes?!
Ran: Even better, 'cause I got a special guest I want all of ya to meet! Oh, I think she's already here!
(Ran then pulls out the hand she was hiding behind her back, revealing an Amane hand puppet, which has a big head, cross-eyed pupils, buck teeth, a puppet tongue hanging out, and some fake mini-bugs in her hair)
Ran: (As the puppet, speaking in a derpy voice) Durrr, hey everybody! (Normal Voice) Everyone, meet Stupi-manen. Real likeable, huh?
Crowd: NOOOOOOO!
Ran: Yeah, I get'cha. I wouldn't like anybody as stupid and disgusting as her. So, what can I do for you, Stupi-manen? (As Stupi-manen) Well, you start by giving me phone book, 'cause I feeling hungry for cake. Also, make sure it's top of with that cream you use for shaving and stuff. (Normal Voice) Sorry, Stupi-manen. I'd love to give you all that stuff, but I don't think your small brain would be able to take in something like that. But, don't worry. I got something way better: A pie!
(Ran pulls out a pie and smashes it into the puppet's face. Everyone in the auditorium starts laughing and cheering, except for Kokone, who feels bad)
Kokone: (Talking quietly to Yui) Yui, is it just me, or is Ran taking these jokes a bit too far?
Yui: Well, when you think about it, it is kinda mean...BUT IT'S JUST SO GOOD, I CAN'T HELP BUT TO LAUGH!
(Back at the supermarket, Amane stares at the screen with pure shock and horror. The kids continued their laughter until one of them turned around and noticed Amane)
Boy #1: Hey, everyone, look! It's Stupi-manen!
(The kids boo at her and start insulting her)
Boy #2: You're an idiot!
Girl #1: No-one likes you, Stupi-manen.
Girl #2: You're stupid, Stupi-manen.
Amane: Look, kids, I don't know what nonsense that girl's filling your head with, but I'm not who she says I am. I'm actually-
(Amane was abruptly cut off with one of the kids throwing a pie at her face, just like Ran did to Stupi-manen in the show. The kids laughs at her while Amane wipes some of the pie of her face.)
Amane: [To the boy that threw the pie] Young man, what is the matter with-
(Like last time, Amane was cut off by another pie thrown in her face by another kid. Before she could do anything, more things were thrown at her by the kids, from plastic jars, to apples, to boxes, to shampoo bottles, just anything they could get their hands on. This was too much for her to take, so she ends up running out of the store, the kids still laughing at her. Later at night, Ran is backstage, humming a tune as she prepares to tell more of her Amane jokes. She picks up a handheld mirror, and checks herself out, but briefly sees Amane standing behind her, with her arms crossed, and an upset look on her face. This makes the circled-braided girl scream and drop her mirror. She looks behind her and sees her friend like she was in the mirror)
Ran: (Relieved) Oh, Amanen, it's just you. Jeez, don't scare me like that.
Amane: (Serious) Ran, we need to that have serious talk about the jokes you've been telling.
Ran: Come on, don't you remember what we agreed on last time? No hard feelings.
Amane: Ran, this is serious. Ever since you've been telling those jokes, people have been treating me different.
Ran: What do you mean?
(Just then, Ena peaks behind stage)
Ena: Hanamichi-san, you're up in a few. [Notices Amane, walks up to her, and talks slowly] Hel-lo...Student Council President Kasai-san. Me Nagase Ena. Do you un-der-stand? [Amane annoyedly glares at her. Ena scoffs] Stupid. [She walks off]
Amane: [To Ran] See what I mean?
Ran: Oh, that's Nagase-san. You know she's just foolin' around. Besides, it's not like any of the jokes are actually causing harm.
Amane: (Upset) Actually, they are. In fact, earlier, I was attacked in public because of you!
Ran: (Concerned) You got attacked?! How?!
Amane: (Upset) I'll tell you how. A group of kids threw stuff at me, because they saw your show at the supermarket, where you portrayed me as a brain-dead, loud-mouthed puppet!
Ran: (Oblivious and proud) So you saw my after-school performance, huh? Y'know, you should really give me credit for bringing on the heat even more than last time. Especially with-
Amane: (Angry) RAN!
Ran: (Snapping back to her senses) O-Oh, sorry, Amanen. Jeez, I'm sorry for what happened to ya, but hey; don't blame the joke teller for tellin' the joke. Blame the people for taking it so seriously.
Amane: (Sighs and calms down) Look, Ran. I-I know you mean well when you tell those jokes, but, please, I'm asking as a friend if you can please lay off them. You can tell some of your other jokes.
Ran: (Nervous) Other jokes. [She briefly imagines her "what the deal with x" jokes from her first show] Y-Yeah, you're totally right, Amanen. I promise from here on out, I'll lay off the Amane jokes.
Amane: (Puts her hand on Ran's shoulder) Thanks, Ran. I knew you'd understand.
(Amane leaves and goes back to her seat, leaving Ran in a state of panic. She doesn't know how she's gonna keep up the entertainment without her Amane jokes, but she knows she has to do if for Amane. Outside, everyone's chanting Ran's name. The chanting would die down as the principal voices come on the speaker to announce the joke master herself)
Principal: (Over Speaker) Everyone put your hands together for HANAMICHI RAN!
(The curtain draw back, revealing Ran, except she is now nervous like she was in her first show. Although, if you couldn't tell the jokes that made you a hit, you would feel the same as she is. She takes a couple steps forward while everyone cheers for her.)
Yui: Go get 'em, Ran!
Ran: (Nervous) Uuuuh...so, have you ever heard of the australian construction worker who went broke? Well, I guess you can say he was...down under.
(The crowd looks at confused at Ran's joke.)
Random Student: What did she say?
Ran: (Awkward) Oh, sorry. I guess ya probably never heard of that before. But, hey! What's with...the air, huh? [Waves her free hand up and down] I mean, this stuff's everywhere, right?
Random Female Student: Tell the one with Kasai-san and the lightbulb!
Ran: (Worried) Ummmm...[Takes out a banana] Hey, what's the deal with this thing, huh? I mean, it's all...bananery and...yellow. I mean, look this thing.. Huh? Huh?
Random Male Student: Where's Stupi-manen?!
(With that, the crowd starts chanting for both Stupi-manen and the Amane jokes. At this point, Ran was back into panic mode. She was sweating and lightly shaking nervousness while her mind races like crazy)
Ran: (In her mind) Damnit, Ran, think! What's more important to you right now? [She looks at Amane] Your friends? [She then looks at her microphone] Or your career?
(Even with the ultimatum, Ran has no idea what to do. On one hand, she doesn't want to disappoint the audience, but on the other hand, she doesn't want her friendship with Amane to change in any way. All of this is almost too much for the circle-braided girl to handle. So, she ultimately decides to drop her mic and calmly walks backstage. Everyone gasps in surprise, including Yui, Kokone, and Amane. But, just when we all thought it was the end of Ran Hanamichi, the girl jumps back out into the stage with Stupi-manen)
Ran: (Derpy Voice while talking as Stupi-manen) Hey, everybody!
(The crows cheers and laughs upon the return of Stupi-manen.)
Ran: (As Stupi-manen) So, why does it take more than one Amane to change a lightbulb?!
Crowd: (Except Kokone and Amane) Because the first one's too stupid to amount to anything it does!
(The crowd laughs loud as our joke-teller laughs as well)
Ran: (Normal Voice) My people! But, seriously, folks. I would've never got to where I am today without the dummy herself, [Points to Amane] Kasai Amane!
(The crowd starts laughing at Amane, the latter feeling angry at Ran)
Ran: (Notices Amane's expression) Aw, don't be a downer, Amanen. We're not laughing at you, we're laughing with you! Ya get it?
Amane: (Deadpan and Angry) Sure, Ran. I completely understand.
Ran: I knew you'd come around sooner or later. [To the crowd] So, with that out of the way, please give a warm welcome to Amanen, will ya? But, make sure to clap slow. We gotta make sure everything runs like her brain. AM! I! RIGHT, PEOPLE?!!
(And the crowd goes wild once again! Laughter and cheers were filling the room more than last time as some people chanted Ran's name. The circle-braided joke-teller felt proud of herself for telling her jokes, but was too caught in the attention and love to notice how upset and hurt Amane was. Instead of going up to her and apologizing, she danced her way back stage and celebrated to herself)
Ran: Ha-Ha! Ran-Ran's back, baby!
(As Ran is walking outside, she starts to do a well-earned dance on the way back home. While dancing, a female student holding a piece of paper came behind Ran and tapped her on the shoulder. Ran looks behind her and sees the student)
Female Student: E-Excuse me, Hanamic-
Ran: Wait, don't tell me: You're a fan, right? Don't worry, I do give autographs, but Ran-Ran's gonna make sure to get one for ya Monday.
Female Student: Actually, Student Council President Kasai-san told me to give you this.
(The girl hands Ran piece of paper and then walks off, leaving her confused. She then reads the letter which reads "Dear, Ran. You know, after giving it some thought, I guess you were right. Those jokes were funny. How about you stop by Fruit Parlor KASAI tomorrow so we can celebrate. Love, Amane)
Ran: Welp, you did it, Ran. You got to keep both your and your career!
(In the morning, Ran walked her way to Amane's house like she was supposed to do in the letter. While walking, Ran couldn't help but think why Amane wanted to speak with her so early. It was only 7:30 after all. Normally, Ran would've been curled up in her covers, sleeping 'till late afternoon, but she knew she couldn't let Amane down. She had just arrived at Fruit Parlor KASAI and knocked on the door, waiting for Amane to answer. The door opens and what Ran sees shocked her. Instead of her usual attire, Amane was now dressed as hillbilly. She's wearing overalls and ripped jeans, her hair is a mess, and her teeth are bucktoothed.)
Amane: (Derpy Texas Voice) Well, hoooooooooooow-daaaaaaaaaaaay!
Ran: (Shocked) A-Ama...Amanen..?
Amane: Well, what'cha just standing there for? Come oooooon iin! [She drags Ran into her house before the latter could react.] Ya must be tired from tellin' all them jokes, huh?
Ran: Amanen...a-are you feeling good? Do you need anything?
Amane: Who?! Lil' ol' me! NAH! I'm just bein' mah oh-natural self, see? [Laughs Goofily]
Ran: (Worried) Y-you're starting to scare me..
Amane: (Pats Ran's back hard) Aw, quit yer worryin', will ya'?! I'm as normal as they can ever stupidly be! Now, is there anything ya need? Food? Ice Cream? Dandruff? Just say the word!
Ran: Actually, I kinda ate before I got here, so I'll take a glass of-
Amane: (Interrupting) Oh, wait! I think I know what'cha want. Now, let's see...What does ol' Ranny want?
Ran: All I want is wa-
Amane: No, no, don't tell me. Ah know this one. A wallet?
Ran: Amane-
Amane: A watch?
Ran: (Start to get annoyed) Amane-
Amane: A purdy new dress for the waterboy?
Ran: (Frustrated) YES, WATER! I WANT A GLASS A WATER!
Amane: Ooooooooooooooh. You want water! Well, didn't ya say so, ya silly goose?! I'll be right back with ya water!
(Amane runs outside to the back of Fruit Parlor KASAI to get Ran water. After waiting a few minutes, Ran starts getting tired of waiting, so she goes to try and pour a glass for herself. Not even a second her feet touch the floor, Amane bursts in through the back door with a hose.)
Amane: I'M BACK WITH YA WAAATEEEER!
Ran: Wait, that's a ho- [She's interrupted by the hose entered being pushed in her mouth]
Amane: Yup, I sure am stupid!
(Amane lets out another incredibly weird laugh as she goes outside and turns on the hose. Water pumps through the hose and into Ran, who seems to somehow be expanding a bit.)
Ran: (While still expanding) Amanen! Turn it off!
Amane: What's that?! Ya want more?! [Turns the pipe on maximum] Okey-dokey. More water for Ranny!
(As Amane continues to laugh like an idiot, Ran continues to expand. Her body becomes round like a ball from how much water she has in it and she literally looks like she's about to explode. Fortunately, before she can, she felt the hose turn off. She looked down and sees Amane walking over to her, her face no longer goofy, but normal like it usually is. With one single poke to her stomach, Ran was sent flying all around room while water spews out of her mouth. When she's finished, she falls to the ground, completely exhausted as pants heavily. She's so exhausted, she almost doesn't bother looking to her friend standing over her, taking off a wig, and the buck teeth she had.)
Amane: (Normal Voice) So, I hope this means you learned you lesson.
Ran: A-Amanen...why would ya [Coughs] do this?
Amane: I'm sorry, Ran. I know this seems harsh, but I thought it was the only way to-
Ran: No, Amanen. Don't apologize. [Regaining some of her strength, she stands up and looks at her friend apologetically] This whole plan made me realize all of this is my fault. I know if I never told those stupid jokes, then none of this would've happened to you or me. I'm really, really sorry or everything I put you through, but it's fine if you don't wanna forgive me. [Lowers her head in shame] I deserve it anyways...
(Amane felt bad for Ran. Of course, she knows she could never insult her on purpose, but she also feels relieved Ran finally realize her mistake)
Amane: It's Ok.
Ran: (Shocked) Huh? Y-You're forgiving me?! But...but why?!
Amane: (Sympathetic) Because, I know you, Ran. Despite your constant hyperactivity, you're the sweetest and most caring person in the world, second to Yui, in fact. I know that you were to innocent to know that you were actually hurting me. I know you would never insult me on purpose. I know that because...you're my friend. And at the end of the day, I still care for you no matter what.
(Ran stood there shocked at Amane's words. She honestly didn't expect her to forgive her so quickly despite everything that happened. She tried her best to fight back tears)
Ran: Amanen...t-thank you..[She runs up and hugs her]
Amane: (Returning the hug) You're welcome, Ran..
Ran: But, now, I don't know what to do..
Amane: (Confused) What do you mean?
Ran: (Breaking the hug) About my jokes. Everyone expectin' Ran-Ran to tell the Amane jokes at Komedy Korner later tonight, and I've got nothin' to say except for lame jokes.
Amane: Well, you're right. That is kind of a problem, but, maybe, you should try this.
(Amane whispers something into Ran's ear. Whatever she whispered gave Ran a look that looked like she knows what she's gonna do)
Ran: Oh, wow. I didn't think I could do something like that. But, are ya sure this'll actually work.
Amane: Not one-hundred percent, but I guarantee it'll work.
Ran: Heh. Let's hope. So, I'll catch you at the show.
(With that, Ran turns to the front door and proceds to leave, but not before Amane calls her)
Amane: Ran?
(She turns around and sees Amane smiling sweetly at her)
Amane: Good luck on the show tomorrow.
(The circle-braided girl nods confidently as she leaves Fruit Parlor KASAI. Her next jokes makes not sound as funny as the Amane jokes, but she's feels ready. Tonight, Komedy Korner starts back up again. Ran stands in front of the cheering crowd, mic in hand, feeling a bit nervous, but confident at the same time)
Ran: (Speaking into the microphone) Thank you, everyone. So, I was on my back home, and I just so happen to run into good ol' friend, Amane. [She winks at Amane] And I said, "Hey, why don't you go get a couple of your dumb friends and we'll go change a light bulb?"
(The crowd begins laughing)
Kokone: (Dissapointed) She's at it again, I see..
Amane: Wait for it...
Ran: But, in all seriousness, folks, you wanna who's dumber than Kasai Amane?
Yui: WHO?!
Ran: [Points to herself] Me!
(The crowd is silent, yet confused at what Ran said. They were expecting her make jokes about Amane, not herself.)
Ran: I mean, I'm so dumb, I don't know what two plus two is! But, seriously, what is two plus two?
(The crowd starts chuckling at the insult, making Ran keep doing what she's doing)
Ran: I'm so dumb, some people won't believe me when I say I'm an older sister of two younger siblings!
(The crowd's chuckling turns into laughter. It's clear everyone's having a good time)
Ran: And Fuwa Kokone? Oh, boy, do I have things to say for her! She's so smart, I have to wonder sometimes if she's a robot rather than a real person!
(Instead of taking offense, Kokone started chuckling at the joke. Meanwhile, the crowd is still laughing)
Ran: Now, let me tell you about the students in this school. Boy, are they disgusting! Don't think I don't notice some of you not washing your hands before lunch. Like, how are you gonna touch the food with the same hands you never washed? I mean, really! [Imitates a fish] Soap... soap... what is... soap?
(The crowd's laughter grows just like how it did during the Amane jokes, except this time, there's no malicious intent. Everyone's actually having a good time. Ran and Amane give each and thumbs-up, showing Ran was successfully able to keep your friends and her career. The scene cuts to an outside view of the middle school as Ran prepares to tell another joke)
Ran: And don't even get me started on Nagomi Yui and that voracious appetite of hers.
Yui: Heeeey...
THE END