Chapter 16
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Monday rolled in, and Arata stood in front of his mirror, working on his look to gather additional points. Today was a declared war day by Attori even though she did not say it out loud. Styling his hair with a textured combed back gave him five max-raised Charm points, a level-hundred item (hairstyle) to breach the maximum stat point. He was also wearing a black shirt with a skull design for extra five Strength, getting his stat to High. On his wrist rested a copper-colored designer spring watch, giving him extra five points to get his Intelligence to High as well. With all his stats set to High, there should be differences to be made when the Challenge starts. Arata stared at the mirror nervously, hoping for things to go well.
As a matter of fact, he was more shaken today than a test day. This man knew he could flunk a test, and it would be normal. He was not an achiever at any point before. Right now, someone could get hurt if he failed. For some reasons, he knew he could help it, unlike back in the real world. Well, what real world? This had become his only world now.
The king walked out of the door and saw Keiko waiting for him outside. He then jogged to her and opened the gates so he could get out. He smiled at her as he closed the gates behind him. Arata looked at her again, noticing the differences. He stroked at her waved long hair, despite her having short hair last Saturday. "Is this is a wig?"
"How rude." She only giggled. "It's called extensions. Do you like it? My new look?" Keiko twirled around, almost as uncaring as Attori does, before clapping her hands once. "It looks good on me, doesn't it?"
"Yes, you look really beautiful." Arata studied her more, getting weirded out by her sudden boldness in changing.
For some reasons, it appeared more like she was trying to imitate Attori with the hair length and the skirt-fluttering actions. She was also wearing make-up, something that she never did before. Her conservative side was starting to melt before the king's eyes, and the man could only piece small things together. Then again, he knew she sent a break-up message to Attori that night.
"I'm happy you like it. Let's go to school together?" Keiko took a hold of his arm and smiled widely at him. Her eyes had appeared bigger because of her eyeliners, and her lips looked shinier because of the gloss she had never used before.
"Okay." The king agreed nonetheless.
The two walked and talked all the way to the bus stop until they reached the school building. Like normal, the girls from school waved at Arata to greet him, but Keiko tugged on his arm as if stopping him from doing so. She pulled on the man to drag him to the classroom. They had to separate because of their seats, but Keiko went to ask the girl sitting next to him to trade seats with her. However, she was refused since the girl wanted a close look at him as well.
"Oho, what's happening here?" The infamous blue-haired mad bitch walked in the classroom, catching Keiko arguing with the seatmate. She then pouted in curiosity as the childhood friend turned to her. Attori then grinned in satisfaction. "Wakaba, that's a good improvement!"
"Aren't you threatened a little?" Keiko kept her grin with her brows furrowing a little.
"Nope." Attori shook her head, making her blue ponytails sway behind her. She then just flashed a big grin at her. "Well, at least you learned to 'look' like one of us." A strange glint came from her gaze. "So keep on doing so, okay?" The mad girl then reached out to wave at Yukari who just came in, but she was still talking to Keiko. "Yukari is an exemption. She's naturally beautiful even without trying."
"Are you saying I'm ugly?" Keiko gasped in offense, as if she did not see that coming from a furious rival.
Attori glared at her while wearing her somewhat delusional smile. "We both are." She just left after seconds of staring into the seething eyes of the childhood friend.
Keiko balled her fists in anger, but she decided not to let it loose. She only took her real seat and stopped convincing the other girl to give it to her. Arata forgot to react at all, uncomfortably amused by the events happening before him. He sat down on his seat, receiving a disapproving look from Yukari. He gave her a curious look, but she just shook her head and sighed.
Lunch time came, and Attori decided that it was her turn to eat lunch with Arata. Then again, Keiko stood up as well and got to him faster. Yukari could only pout in discomfort, as she, too, had made something for the man. Needless to say, the other boys in the room just wanted to to get out so they wouldn't see how lucky Arata was.
"I made you lunch again, Arata. I figured you'd want to have braised beef strips today." The childhood friend started promoting her boxed lunch, hoping to intimidate the other two. She opened the lunch and showed off the beauty of her monochromatic yet soothing arrangement. "I hope you like it!"
"Thanks!" The king received the lunch, but he did not eat since he noticed Attori walking to him.
From behind, Attori showed him a boxed lunch, but she did not open it. "Prepare to pig up, young master! After that, you're going to enjoy this one~!" She remained behind him, letting her chest brush against his head.
"But he's already full. You should just eat that yourself." Keiko answered, glaring in dissatisfaction.
"Ah, no? I have mine so he needed to deal with this one, too." Attori smiled at the glaring girl. She then giggled. "Besides, he already ate with you last week. It's my turn to feed him with love!"
Keiko then swiped the boxed lunch off of Attori's easy grip, making the box fly to the wall past the seats Upon impact, the box broke open and spilled the contents on the floor. Arata's gaze lingered at the bright yellow and orange fruits that should have been inside his mouth. Yukari spared no effort and got up, holding Keiko away from Attori.
"Dude, what's wrong with you?" Yukari dragged Keiko away from Attori's reach, but the childhood friend was stubborn enough to just move away by inches. "You don't have to do that."
"Don't talk to me, Ginmachi. You're supposed to protect Arata from girls like her as much as I do." Keiko swatted the other's hand. "Now she had poisoned him-"
"You're the one acting mad here!" Yukari yelled at her face and began to argue with the other girl.
Arata, who was still on his seat, could not move. He felt like he was planted on the wooden chair, and could not even help Attori as she walked to fetch the broken box and some of the contents. It was as if it was a game cutscene wherein he could not interrupt with the actions of the date-ables. He could hear Yukari and Keiko arguing, while the mad girl was cleaning the mess. The other students were just frozen in their seats as well, while there were others who had inched towards the door.
Keiko had only turned away from Yukari, refusing to hear more of her side. Her gaze landed on the blue-haired girl who was picking up the trash. She was still mad, and her anger made her tremble. Her fury was being ignored by the delusional one, making her look like the one who had issues. Keiko saw a chopstick near her feet, one that would have come with the boxed lunch. She picked it up, alarming Yukari a little.
The king felt that the supposed stop wore off, and he immediately got up from his seat. He was supposed to go help Attori when a dreaded chime came to his head.
[A Challenge is about to start between Childhood Sweetie Wakaba Keiko and Mad Bitch Attei Attori! You currently have HP at 190, Dodge Rate at 33%, and Subdue Rate at 20%.]
[Challenge items had been previously activated! You currently have HP at 190, Dodge Rate at 35%, and Subdue Rate at 23%.]
Arata maneuvered around his seat, keeping his eyes at Keiko who walked towards Attori with her chopstick at hand. The mad girl felt her approaching and decided to put down the food and got up, back turned against the other date-able. The blue-haired girl then turned around and smiled at the approaching brunet.
Keiko reached out and held the chopstick towards her, holding it with a fist. "You dropped this."
"Oh, thanks." Attori obliged to take with her left hand.
As soon as she reached out her left hand, Keiko grabbed her wrist and motioned to stab her arm with the chopstick. However, as if knowing so, Attori dropped a green blade from her sleeve to her right hand and motioned to strike against Keiko's face. The king knew something was happening, and had been having awake nightmares about it. He managed to grab Attori's right hand in time, his knuckle the one hitting Keiko instead of the blade itself. The man did not make a sound, but the date-ables gasped into the action. Arata was lucky he was using the shoes that reduce time spent in stat-raising activities, boosting his movement speed. It was good he listened to Devin about the items.
Then again, grave pain scorched his right hand that was holding the green blade. His body almost froze and fell to the ground, but he was able to endure the hit. Yukari took Keiko away as well as that chopstick from her. Attori continued to make a panicking noise as blood dripped from her boyfriend's hand.
[You received Attori's Jello Slash! 200 damage points had been dealt to your HP! You blocked 15 points! You only have 5 HP left!]
[You blocked Attei Attori's counterattack! Wakaba Keiko only received 5 damage points!]
[The attacking date-able Wakaba Keiko retreated! The defending date-able Attei Attori was safe! You have succeeded the Challenge! Score rank: SSS! One shot control! You have been awarded with 5000 Experience points!]
"Oh, no! Arata!" Attori held the hand holding her blade. She opened the palm with force and took the knife off of his palm. She then dropped it on her lap as she fished for her handkerchief. She wrapped the cloth around his wound to keep it from bleeding. The mad girl then brought the knife to her mouth and bit the blade broken, causing her gums to bleed a little. She had the bloodied end sitting inside her warm mouth as she was treating the man.
Keiko remained frozen, tears flowing out of the corners of her eyes. She had no idea Attori would even dare stab her in the face, and her rashness had led Arata to get hurt. She would want to help, but the broken blade was still on Attori's lap. Yukari dashed to them and helped out with her hanky as well, trying to stop the wound from bleeding.
Instead of crying in pain, the king only laughed out as he patted Attori's head with his trembling left hand. "I'm glad you're okay." He brought his gaze towards Keiko. "Keiko, are you alright? Did it hurt?"
"Did it hurt!? Can you look at yourself for once!?" Yukari growled at him again, grabbing his chin and making him look at them, particularly at the hand they were trying to patch. "We need to go to the infirmary. Either one of you go with us!" She glared at both girls who were responsible.
"I'm just going to eat the evidence first." Attori broke the rest of the knife with her fingers and placed them inside her mouth like candy. She then got up and provided support for the king to get up since he was feeling dizzy from sudden blood loss. "Hang in there, Arata."
"I'm okay!" The king beamed at them, most importantly to Keiko.
The rest of the day was spent with Arata staying in the infirmary. He was snacking on the chocolate bars he packed inside his bag, game items that restore HP. It was still usable after a Challenge mode since it heals both HP and Stamina at the same time. Ruby swung by earlier, as well as Cora to check up on him. For a moment, he had a short talk with all the date-ables found in school aside from Keiko and Tohru.
Soon, the bell had rang, and Yukari growled as she did not want to leave Arata. Then again, no one will write down notes for him if she did not go. Even with a heavy heart, she left with the other two as she chatted with them as to what happened.
"Does it hurt?" Attori remained by his side, though, and continued to stroke at his bandaged hand. "Sorry, it wasn't meant for you."
"I feel guilty for causing it nonetheless." Arata chuckled. Then he patted the mad girl's head as she started glaring at the wound as if it was someone else. "I'm okay, Attori. I'm glad I was the one hurt rather than any of you. I know Keiko had done something really bad, but I wish you'd forgive her." He sighed his supposed hiss in pain. "She's just... taking it out on you. I want to apologize in her stead."
"Taking it out on me, huh." The mad girl hummed as she tilted her head to the side as if unconvinced. Then again she smiled at him. "Well, she should own up her mistake, and let me in her secret. If someone needs dispatching-"
"No. I'll stop you right there." Arata patted her head. Then, he remembered something, a line from the notifications that flew by while he was bleeding. "The green blade. What was it?"
Attori only smiled at him before quivering in embarrassment. "It's Jello!" She laughed out with a smile of someone who did not stab a person's hand. "I made some days ago. I thought I could be facing danger soon so I made a Jello knife!"
"And it's edible?"
"Yep." Her eyes had a scary glint all of a sudden. "And tastes way better with your blood on it..."
And so his dreaded day came to pass. How he wished this was the worst kind of Challenge there was.
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Monday rolled in, and Arata stood in front of his mirror, working on his look to gather additional points. Today was a declared war day by Attori even though she did not say it out loud. Styling his hair with a textured combed back gave him five max-raised Charm points, a level-hundred item (hairstyle) to breach the maximum stat point. He was also wearing a black shirt with a skull design for extra five Strength, getting his stat to High. On his wrist rested a copper-colored designer spring watch, giving him extra five points to get his Intelligence to High as well. With all his stats set to High, there should be differences to be made when the Challenge starts. Arata stared at the mirror nervously, hoping for things to go well.
As a matter of fact, he was more shaken today than a test day. This man knew he could flunk a test, and it would be normal. He was not an achiever at any point before. Right now, someone could get hurt if he failed. For some reasons, he knew he could help it, unlike back in the real world. Well, what real world? This had become his only world now.
The king walked out of the door and saw Keiko waiting for him outside. He then jogged to her and opened the gates so he could get out. He smiled at her as he closed the gates behind him. Arata looked at her again, noticing the differences. He stroked at her waved long hair, despite her having short hair last Saturday. "Is this is a wig?"
"How rude." She only giggled. "It's called extensions. Do you like it? My new look?" Keiko twirled around, almost as uncaring as Attori does, before clapping her hands once. "It looks good on me, doesn't it?"
"Yes, you look really beautiful." Arata studied her more, getting weirded out by her sudden boldness in changing.
For some reasons, it appeared more like she was trying to imitate Attori with the hair length and the skirt-fluttering actions. She was also wearing make-up, something that she never did before. Her conservative side was starting to melt before the king's eyes, and the man could only piece small things together. Then again, he knew she sent a break-up message to Attori that night.
"I'm happy you like it. Let's go to school together?" Keiko took a hold of his arm and smiled widely at him. Her eyes had appeared bigger because of her eyeliners, and her lips looked shinier because of the gloss she had never used before.
"Okay." The king agreed nonetheless.
The two walked and talked all the way to the bus stop until they reached the school building. Like normal, the girls from school waved at Arata to greet him, but Keiko tugged on his arm as if stopping him from doing so. She pulled on the man to drag him to the classroom. They had to separate because of their seats, but Keiko went to ask the girl sitting next to him to trade seats with her. However, she was refused since the girl wanted a close look at him as well.
"Oho, what's happening here?" The infamous blue-haired mad bitch walked in the classroom, catching Keiko arguing with the seatmate. She then pouted in curiosity as the childhood friend turned to her. Attori then grinned in satisfaction. "Wakaba, that's a good improvement!"
"Aren't you threatened a little?" Keiko kept her grin with her brows furrowing a little.
"Nope." Attori shook her head, making her blue ponytails sway behind her. She then just flashed a big grin at her. "Well, at least you learned to 'look' like one of us." A strange glint came from her gaze. "So keep on doing so, okay?" The mad girl then reached out to wave at Yukari who just came in, but she was still talking to Keiko. "Yukari is an exemption. She's naturally beautiful even without trying."
"Are you saying I'm ugly?" Keiko gasped in offense, as if she did not see that coming from a furious rival.
Attori glared at her while wearing her somewhat delusional smile. "We both are." She just left after seconds of staring into the seething eyes of the childhood friend.
Keiko balled her fists in anger, but she decided not to let it loose. She only took her real seat and stopped convincing the other girl to give it to her. Arata forgot to react at all, uncomfortably amused by the events happening before him. He sat down on his seat, receiving a disapproving look from Yukari. He gave her a curious look, but she just shook her head and sighed.
Lunch time came, and Attori decided that it was her turn to eat lunch with Arata. Then again, Keiko stood up as well and got to him faster. Yukari could only pout in discomfort, as she, too, had made something for the man. Needless to say, the other boys in the room just wanted to to get out so they wouldn't see how lucky Arata was.
"I made you lunch again, Arata. I figured you'd want to have braised beef strips today." The childhood friend started promoting her boxed lunch, hoping to intimidate the other two. She opened the lunch and showed off the beauty of her monochromatic yet soothing arrangement. "I hope you like it!"
"Thanks!" The king received the lunch, but he did not eat since he noticed Attori walking to him.
From behind, Attori showed him a boxed lunch, but she did not open it. "Prepare to pig up, young master! After that, you're going to enjoy this one~!" She remained behind him, letting her chest brush against his head.
"But he's already full. You should just eat that yourself." Keiko answered, glaring in dissatisfaction.
"Ah, no? I have mine so he needed to deal with this one, too." Attori smiled at the glaring girl. She then giggled. "Besides, he already ate with you last week. It's my turn to feed him with love!"
Keiko then swiped the boxed lunch off of Attori's easy grip, making the box fly to the wall past the seats Upon impact, the box broke open and spilled the contents on the floor. Arata's gaze lingered at the bright yellow and orange fruits that should have been inside his mouth. Yukari spared no effort and got up, holding Keiko away from Attori.
"Dude, what's wrong with you?" Yukari dragged Keiko away from Attori's reach, but the childhood friend was stubborn enough to just move away by inches. "You don't have to do that."
"Don't talk to me, Ginmachi. You're supposed to protect Arata from girls like her as much as I do." Keiko swatted the other's hand. "Now she had poisoned him-"
"You're the one acting mad here!" Yukari yelled at her face and began to argue with the other girl.
Arata, who was still on his seat, could not move. He felt like he was planted on the wooden chair, and could not even help Attori as she walked to fetch the broken box and some of the contents. It was as if it was a game cutscene wherein he could not interrupt with the actions of the date-ables. He could hear Yukari and Keiko arguing, while the mad girl was cleaning the mess. The other students were just frozen in their seats as well, while there were others who had inched towards the door.
Keiko had only turned away from Yukari, refusing to hear more of her side. Her gaze landed on the blue-haired girl who was picking up the trash. She was still mad, and her anger made her tremble. Her fury was being ignored by the delusional one, making her look like the one who had issues. Keiko saw a chopstick near her feet, one that would have come with the boxed lunch. She picked it up, alarming Yukari a little.
The king felt that the supposed stop wore off, and he immediately got up from his seat. He was supposed to go help Attori when a dreaded chime came to his head.
[A Challenge is about to start between Childhood Sweetie Wakaba Keiko and Mad Bitch Attei Attori! You currently have HP at 190, Dodge Rate at 33%, and Subdue Rate at 20%.]
[Challenge items had been previously activated! You currently have HP at 190, Dodge Rate at 35%, and Subdue Rate at 23%.]
Arata maneuvered around his seat, keeping his eyes at Keiko who walked towards Attori with her chopstick at hand. The mad girl felt her approaching and decided to put down the food and got up, back turned against the other date-able. The blue-haired girl then turned around and smiled at the approaching brunet.
Keiko reached out and held the chopstick towards her, holding it with a fist. "You dropped this."
"Oh, thanks." Attori obliged to take with her left hand.
As soon as she reached out her left hand, Keiko grabbed her wrist and motioned to stab her arm with the chopstick. However, as if knowing so, Attori dropped a green blade from her sleeve to her right hand and motioned to strike against Keiko's face. The king knew something was happening, and had been having awake nightmares about it. He managed to grab Attori's right hand in time, his knuckle the one hitting Keiko instead of the blade itself. The man did not make a sound, but the date-ables gasped into the action. Arata was lucky he was using the shoes that reduce time spent in stat-raising activities, boosting his movement speed. It was good he listened to Devin about the items.
Then again, grave pain scorched his right hand that was holding the green blade. His body almost froze and fell to the ground, but he was able to endure the hit. Yukari took Keiko away as well as that chopstick from her. Attori continued to make a panicking noise as blood dripped from her boyfriend's hand.
[You received Attori's Jello Slash! 200 damage points had been dealt to your HP! You blocked 15 points! You only have 5 HP left!]
[You blocked Attei Attori's counterattack! Wakaba Keiko only received 5 damage points!]
[The attacking date-able Wakaba Keiko retreated! The defending date-able Attei Attori was safe! You have succeeded the Challenge! Score rank: SSS! One shot control! You have been awarded with 5000 Experience points!]
"Oh, no! Arata!" Attori held the hand holding her blade. She opened the palm with force and took the knife off of his palm. She then dropped it on her lap as she fished for her handkerchief. She wrapped the cloth around his wound to keep it from bleeding. The mad girl then brought the knife to her mouth and bit the blade broken, causing her gums to bleed a little. She had the bloodied end sitting inside her warm mouth as she was treating the man.
Keiko remained frozen, tears flowing out of the corners of her eyes. She had no idea Attori would even dare stab her in the face, and her rashness had led Arata to get hurt. She would want to help, but the broken blade was still on Attori's lap. Yukari dashed to them and helped out with her hanky as well, trying to stop the wound from bleeding.
Instead of crying in pain, the king only laughed out as he patted Attori's head with his trembling left hand. "I'm glad you're okay." He brought his gaze towards Keiko. "Keiko, are you alright? Did it hurt?"
"Did it hurt!? Can you look at yourself for once!?" Yukari growled at him again, grabbing his chin and making him look at them, particularly at the hand they were trying to patch. "We need to go to the infirmary. Either one of you go with us!" She glared at both girls who were responsible.
"I'm just going to eat the evidence first." Attori broke the rest of the knife with her fingers and placed them inside her mouth like candy. She then got up and provided support for the king to get up since he was feeling dizzy from sudden blood loss. "Hang in there, Arata."
"I'm okay!" The king beamed at them, most importantly to Keiko.
The rest of the day was spent with Arata staying in the infirmary. He was snacking on the chocolate bars he packed inside his bag, game items that restore HP. It was still usable after a Challenge mode since it heals both HP and Stamina at the same time. Ruby swung by earlier, as well as Cora to check up on him. For a moment, he had a short talk with all the date-ables found in school aside from Keiko and Tohru.
Soon, the bell had rang, and Yukari growled as she did not want to leave Arata. Then again, no one will write down notes for him if she did not go. Even with a heavy heart, she left with the other two as she chatted with them as to what happened.
"Does it hurt?" Attori remained by his side, though, and continued to stroke at his bandaged hand. "Sorry, it wasn't meant for you."
"I feel guilty for causing it nonetheless." Arata chuckled. Then he patted the mad girl's head as she started glaring at the wound as if it was someone else. "I'm okay, Attori. I'm glad I was the one hurt rather than any of you. I know Keiko had done something really bad, but I wish you'd forgive her." He sighed his supposed hiss in pain. "She's just... taking it out on you. I want to apologize in her stead."
"Taking it out on me, huh." The mad girl hummed as she tilted her head to the side as if unconvinced. Then again she smiled at him. "Well, she should own up her mistake, and let me in her secret. If someone needs dispatching-"
"No. I'll stop you right there." Arata patted her head. Then, he remembered something, a line from the notifications that flew by while he was bleeding. "The green blade. What was it?"
Attori only smiled at him before quivering in embarrassment. "It's Jello!" She laughed out with a smile of someone who did not stab a person's hand. "I made some days ago. I thought I could be facing danger soon so I made a Jello knife!"
"And it's edible?"
"Yep." Her eyes had a scary glint all of a sudden. "And tastes way better with your blood on it..."
And so his dreaded day came to pass. How he wished this was the worst kind of Challenge there was.
Monday rolled in, and Arata stood in front of his mirror, working on his look to gather additional points. Today was a declared war day by Attori even though she did not say it out loud. Styling his hair with a textured combed back gave him five max-raised Charm points, a level-hundred item hairstyle to breach the maximum stat point. He was also wearing a black shirt with a skull design for extra five Strength, getting his stat to High. On his wrist rested a copper-colored designer spring watch, giving him extra five points to get his Intelligence to High as well. With all his stats set to High, there should be differences to be made when the Challenge starts. Arata stared at the mirror nervously, hoping for things to go well.As a matter of fact, he was more shaken today than a test day. This man knew he could flunk a test, and it would be normal. He was not an achiever at any point before. Right now, someone could get hurt if he failed. For some reasons, he knew he could help it, unlike back in the real world. Well, what real world? This had become his only world now.The king walked out of the door and saw Keiko waiting for him outside. He then jogged to her and opened the gates so he could get out. He smiled at her as he closed the gates behind him. Arata looked at her again, noticing the differences. He stroked at her waved long hair, despite her having short hair last Saturday. "Is this is a wig?""How rude." She only giggled. "It's called extensions. Do you like it? My new look?" Keiko twirled around, almost as uncaring as Attori does, before clapping her hands once. "It looks good on me, doesn't it?""Yes, you look really beautiful." Arata studied her more, getting weirded out by her sudden boldness in changing.For some reasons, it appeared more like she was trying to imitate Attori with the hair length and the skirt-fluttering actions. She was also wearing make-up, something that she never did before. Her conservative side was starting to melt before the king's eyes, and the man could only piece small things together. Then again, he knew she sent a break-up message to Attori that night."I'm happy you like it. Let's go to school together?" Keiko took a hold of his arm and smiled widely at him. Her eyes had appeared bigger because of her eyeliners, and her lips looked shinier because of the gloss she had never used before."Okay." The king agreed nonetheless.The two walked and talked all the way to the bus stop until they reached the school building. Like normal, the girls from school waved at Arata to greet him, but Keiko tugged on his arm as if stopping him from doing so. She pulled on the man to drag him to the classroom. They had to separate because of their seats, but Keiko went to ask the girl sitting next to him to trade seats with her. However, she was refused since the girl wanted a close look at him as well."Oho, what's happening here?" The infamous blue-haired mad bitch walked in the classroom, catching Keiko arguing with the seatmate. She then pouted in curiosity as the childhood friend turned to her. Attori then grinned in satisfaction. "Wakaba, that's a good improvement!""Aren't you threatened a little?" Keiko kept her grin with her brows furrowing a little."Nope." Attori shook her head, making her blue ponytails sway behind her. She then just flashed a big grin at her. "Well, at least you learned to 'look' like one of us." A strange glint came from her gaze. "So keep on doing so, okay?" The mad girl then reached out to wave at Yukari who just came in, but she was still talking to Keiko. "Yukari is an exemption. She's naturally beautiful even without trying.""Are you saying I'm ugly?" Keiko gasped in offense, as if she did not see that coming from a furious rival.Attori glared at her while wearing her somewhat delusional smile. "We both are." She just left after seconds of staring into the seething eyes of the childhood friend.Keiko balled her fists in anger, but she decided not to let it loose. She only took her real seat and stopped convincing the other girl to give it to her. Arata forgot to react at all, uncomfortably amused by the events happening before him. He sat down on his seat, receiving a disapproving look from Yukari. He gave her a curious look, but she just shook her head and sighed.Lunch time came, and Attori decided that it was her turn to eat lunch with Arata. Then again, Keiko stood up as well and got to him faster. Yukari could only pout in discomfort, as she, too, had made something for the man. Needless to say, the other boys in the room just wanted to to get out so they wouldn't see how lucky Arata was."I made you lunch again, Arata. I figured you'd want to have braised beef strips today." The childhood friend started promoting her boxed lunch, hoping to intimidate the other two. She opened the lunch and showed off the beauty of her monochromatic yet soothing arrangement. "I hope you like it!""Thanks!" The king received the lunch, but he did not eat since he noticed Attori walking to him.From behind, Attori showed him a boxed lunch, but she did not open it. "Prepare to pig up, young master! After that, you're going to enjoy this one~!" She remained behind him, letting her chest brush against his head."But he's already full. You should just eat that yourself." Keiko answered, glaring in dissatisfaction."Ah, no? I have mine so he needed to deal with this one, too." Attori smiled at the glaring girl. She then giggled. "Besides, he already ate with you last week. It's my turn to feed him with love!"Keiko then swiped the boxed lunch off of Attori's easy grip, making the box fly to the wall past the seats Upon impact, the box broke open and spilled the contents on the floor. Arata's gaze lingered at the bright yellow and orange fruits that should have been inside his mouth. Yukari spared no effort and got up, holding Keiko away from Attori."Dude, what's wrong with you?" Yukari dragged Keiko away from Attori's reach, but the childhood friend was stubborn enough to just move away by inches. "You don't have to do that.""Don't talk to me, Ginmachi. You're supposed to protect Arata from girls like her as much as I do." Keiko swatted the other's hand. "Now she had poisoned him-""You're the one acting mad here!" Yukari yelled at her face and began to argue with the other girl.Arata, who was still on his seat, could not move. He felt like he was planted on the wooden chair, and could not even help Attori as she walked to fetch the broken box and some of the contents. It was as if it was a game cutscene wherein he could not interrupt with the actions of the date-ables. He could hear Yukari and Keiko arguing, while the mad girl was cleaning the mess. The other students were just frozen in their seats as well, while there were others who had inched towards the door.Keiko had only turned away from Yukari, refusing to hear more of her side. Her gaze landed on the blue-haired girl who was picking up the trash. She was still mad, and her anger made her tremble. Her fury was being ignored by the delusional one, making her look like the one who had issues. Keiko saw a chopstick near her feet, one that would have come with the boxed lunch. She picked it up, alarming Yukari a little.The king felt that the supposed stop wore off, and he immediately got up from his seat. He was supposed to go help Attori when a dreaded chime came to his head.A Challenge is about to start between Childhood Sweetie Wakaba Keiko and Mad Bitch Attei Attori! You currently have HP at 190, Dodge Rate at 33%, and Subdue Rate at 20%.Challenge items had been previously activated! You currently have HP at 190, Dodge Rate at 35%, and Subdue Rate at 23%.Arata maneuvered around his seat, keeping his eyes at Keiko who walked towards Attori with her chopstick at hand. The mad girl felt her approaching and decided to put down the food and got up, back turned against the other date-able. The blue-haired girl then turned around and smiled at the approaching brunet.Keiko reached out and held the chopstick towards her, holding it with a fist. "You dropped this.""Oh, thanks." Attori obliged to take with her left hand.As soon as she reached out her left hand, Keiko grabbed her wrist and motioned to stab her arm with the chopstick. However, as if knowing so, Attori dropped a green blade from her sleeve to her right hand and motioned to strike against Keiko's face. The king knew something was happening, and had been having awake nightmares about it. He managed to grab Attori's right hand in time, his knuckle the one hitting Keiko instead of the blade itself. The man did not make a sound, but the date-ables gasped into the action. Arata was lucky he was using the shoes that reduce time spent in stat-raising activities, boosting his movement speed. It was good he listened to Devin about the items.Then again, grave pain scorched his right hand that was holding the green blade. His body almost froze and fell to the ground, but he was able to endure the hit. Yukari took Keiko away as well as that chopstick from her. Attori continued to make a panicking noise as blood dripped from her boyfriend's hand.You received Attori's Jello Slash! 200 damage points had been dealt to your HP! You blocked 15 points! You only have 5 HP left!You blocked Attei Attori's counterattack! Wakaba Keiko only received 5 damage points!The attacking date-able Wakaba Keiko retreated! The defending date-able Attei Attori was safe! You have succeeded the Challenge! Score rank: SSS! One shot control! You have been awarded with 5000 Experience points!"Oh, no! Arata!" Attori held the hand holding her blade. She opened the palm with force and took the knife off of his palm. She then dropped it on her lap as she fished for her handkerchief. She wrapped the cloth around his wound to keep it from bleeding. The mad girl then brought the knife to her mouth and bit the blade broken, causing her gums to bleed a little. She had the bloodied end sitting inside her warm mouth as she was treating the man.Keiko remained frozen, tears flowing out of the corners of her eyes. She had no idea Attori would even dare stab her in the face, and her rashness had led Arata to get hurt. She would want to help, but the broken blade was still on Attori's lap. Yukari dashed to them and helped out with her hanky as well, trying to stop the wound from bleeding.Instead of crying in pain, the king only laughed out as he patted Attori's head with his trembling left hand. "I'm glad you're okay." He brought his gaze towards Keiko. "Keiko, are you alright? Did it hurt?""Did it hurt!? Can you look at yourself for once!?" Yukari growled at him again, grabbing his chin and making him look at them, particularly at the hand they were trying to patch. "We need to go to the infirmary. Either one of you go with us!" She glared at both girls who were responsible."I'm just going to eat the evidence first." Attori broke the rest of the knife with her fingers and placed them inside her mouth like candy. She then got up and provided support for the king to get up since he was feeling dizzy from sudden blood loss. "Hang in there, Arata.""I'm okay!" The king beamed at them, most importantly to Keiko.The rest of the day was spent with Arata staying in the infirmary. He was snacking on the chocolate bars he packed inside his bag, game items that restore HP. It was still usable after a Challenge mode since it heals both HP and Stamina at the same time. Ruby swung by earlier, as well as Cora to check up on him. For a moment, he had a short talk with all the date-ables found in school aside from Keiko and Tohru.Soon, the bell had rang, and Yukari growled as she did not want to leave Arata. Then again, no one will write down notes for him if she did not go. Even with a heavy heart, she left with the other two as she chatted with them as to what happened."Does it hurt?" Attori remained by his side, though, and continued to stroke at his bandaged hand. "Sorry, it wasn't meant for you.""I feel guilty for causing it nonetheless." Arata chuckled. Then he patted the mad girl's head as she started glaring at the wound as if it was someone else. "I'm okay, Attori. I'm glad I was the one hurt rather than any of you. I know Keiko had done something really bad, but I wish you'd forgive her." He sighed his supposed hiss in pain. "She's just... taking it out on you. I want to apologize in her stead.""Taking it out on me, huh." The mad girl hummed as she tilted her head to the side as if unconvinced. Then again she smiled at him. "Well, she should own up her mistake, and let me in her secret. If someone needs dispatching-""No. I'll stop you right there." Arata patted her head. Then, he remembered something, a line from the notifications that flew by while he was bleeding. "The green blade. What was it?"Attori only smiled at him before quivering in embarrassment. "It's Jello!" She laughed out with a smile of someone who did not stab a person's hand. "I made some days ago. I thought I could be facing danger soon so I made a Jello knife!""And it's edible?""Yep." Her eyes had a scary glint all of a sudden. "And tastes way better with your blood on it..."And so his dreaded day came to pass. How he wished this was the worst kind of Challenge there was.
