DGA Season 1 Aftermath: Chihiro

New Aftermath OVA, starring Chihiro. Enjoy.
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“More tea?”

Chihiro smiles wide, teapot in her hand, as Nariko stares at her for a moment. Chihiro knows that look. She's hesitating to say something, something that might hurt her. She's seen that look in so many people over the years. It's the look that comes right before rejection.

Nariko places her hand over her cup and lets out a sigh. “No... and I think it's time we talked.”

Chihiro places the teapot down on the counter. “Yes... I suppose it is.”

“Chihiro...” Nariko mutters. “Nanami and I love you, and we love you staying with us, but...” Nariko lets out a sigh. “I think it's time you tried talking to Sayeka.”

Chihiro's eyes dart to the ground. She's been avoiding Sayeka, her former friend and room-mate ever since the events of the Endless Night. Sayeka's actions, her misleading them with her visions... it saved the lives of the group, but it also lead to Chihiro's aunt Alice, and her close friend Ryoji being trapped within the Darkworld. Two of the most important people in Chihiro's life... gone, just like that. “I see... Nariko, I don't believe I'm ready for that now.”

“That's okay,” Nariko replies. “I know you're still upset with her over what happened... but it's been a few weeks now, and I think it's time you tried to patch things up. I mean... the two of you were friends. Do you really want to leave her alone in the dark now?”

Chihiro sighs. “No... I don't, but... I can't forgive her just yet. I try to, but I can't help myself. I'm still just so angry... I can't promise I can try to talk to her without wanting to rip her pretty head off...”

As Chihiro clenches her fist, Nariko stands up from the lounge's couch. “Okay... but I know first hand how bad it is to stay angry, Chihiro. Take your time, but promise me you'll at least try to talk things out with Sayeka before Summer's over.”

Chihiro smiles and gives a small salute with a wink. “Of course, my dear Nariko! You have my word! And if you don't want me staying in your room any longer-”

“Don't get me wrong,” Nariko interrupts, “I'm fine with us sharing a bed. Having you around is worth the back-ache in the morning... most of the time.”

“A back-ache?” Chihiro gasps. “Heavens, that won't do at all! With a bad back, you could end up with a terrible posture, and I couldn't live with myself if I caused such a pretty young girl such as yourself to live with a hideous hump. No, I know exactly where I should go! The lovely Miss Akemi has a free bed in her room. If I move in with her, it would be much easier on you!”

“Did Akemi invite you to move in with her?” Nariko asks.

“Well... no, but I doubt she'd mind!” Chihiro explains.

“Yeah, but you can't just invite yourself like that,” Nariko sighs. “I mean, I get it. You're inviting yourself because you know Akemi isn't going to reject you and-”

“Excuse me?” Chihiro cuts in. “What do you mean by that?”

Nariko shakes her head. “Come on, Chihiro. Everyone knows you have more than a little bit of a problem when it comes to people telling you no.”

“Oh, pish-posh!” Chihiro chuckles. “I do not!”

“Chihiro, your hand started shaking when I turned down an offer for more tea,” Nariko replies. “Yes you do. You can't handle rejection.”

Chihiro folds her arms. “That's a load of nonsense! I can handle rejection just fine!”

Nariko shrugs. “Whatever you say... you don't have to move in with Akemi, you know.”

“It's more convenient for all of us if I do,” Chihiro replies. “And besides, it frees up your bed to be shared with someone else. Perhaps a certain young Hiro...”

Chihiro winks as Nariko blushes. “Oh, stop!” Nariko exclaims. “Do you want me to tease you about all the boys you could be sharing your bed with? Like...”

Nariko pauses, unsure of who to say. “Hmm, I was going to drop Ryoji... I know you two had a lot of flirting going on, but he's with Saki now. Then there's Akio, you and he had a brief thing going on... but he's in a relationship. Then with all the crushes going around... huh, I can't think of anyone.”

“Oh dear,” Chihiro laughs. “I suppose in the game of romance, I'm being left behind!”

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“Oh, who could that be?” Chihiro giggles, as a knock on Akemi's door wakes her in the early hours of the morning, it still being dark outside as she looks out the window. “Could it be that Miss Ibushi has found herself with a visit from a late-night paramour! The scandal of it all!”

Chihiro watches as Akemi makes her way to her door. The absent minded girl hasn't even bothered to put some clothes on, instead electing to answer the door in her plain white underwear. Certainly lends credence to Chihiro's late-night paramour theory.

Chihiro is surprised when Akemi opens the door to reveal Raiden standing on the other end. Interesting... very interesting, indeed. Chihiro never expected someone like Akemi to be involved with someone like... that.

Raiden catches one look at Akemi in her night-wear, before immediately turning his head away, refusing to look her in the eyes out of embarrassment. “Hey Raiden, what's up?” Akemi smiles.

Raiden struggles to speak. “I... dropped my locket when I was here earlier, and I thought that you might...”

Akemi beams wide as she grabs a silver locket from the dressing table and hands it over to Raiden. Raiden makes an effort not to look at he as he accepts it. “Now, what do we say when we're thankful?”

Raiden pulls the door shut, as Chihiro hears his footsteps rushing down the hall back to his room. “That's right!” Akemi exclaims. “We say 'Thank you'!”

“Why, Akemi Ibushi!” Chihiro gasps. “I never thought you would be involved with a man so... dangerous. How completely unlike you!”

Akemi chuckles. “Yep! Raiden might seem like a scary guy, but he's just sad a lot of the time! He might have done some bad things, but I'm helping him make up for them! He's a good friend!”

“Just a friend, you say?” Chihiro smirks. Ridiculous, she would have had to be blind to not see the tension, the spark between two young souls who's loins were burning for each-other! Chihiro knows what she sees when she sees it! “Are you certain you wouldn't prefer it to be something... more?”

Akemi places a finger to her chin. “Well... he could always become my BEST friend, but that position's taken by-”

“Heavens, no!” Chihiro chuckles. “I mean, are you sure you wouldn't want to be his... girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend?” Akemi pauses. “Why?”

“Well, poor sad Raiden's issues began with a woman, did they not?” Chihiro explains. “Surely he would be happier if he had a new girlfriend in his life!”

Akemi lets out a low hum. “I see... well, I'm kinda in love with Ryoji at the moment, but if you think it'll make Raiden happy, then I'm going to become-”

“Hmm, hold that thought...” Chihiro interrupts. In love with Ryoji? Well, that won't do at all. He's a taken man... by Saki, not the Darkworld. On top of that, it's no use having the little girl become romantically entangled with the class' resident brooding soul out of mere pity.

Akemi begins grasping at the air, and clasps her hands over her head. “Akemi, sweetie... what are you doing?” Chihiro asks.

“I'm holding my thought!” Akemi exclaims. “That was close, too! It almost got away from me!”

“I see...” Chihiro raises an eyebrow. “Well, my point is that you shouldn't worry yourself with romancing Raiden. I think I should be the one to take on the project to procure our poor prince the perfect paramour!”

“That's a lot of P's...” Akemi mumbles, before beginning a little jig. “Oh, now I have to use the bathroom!”

Chihiro chuckles. “Oh Akemi, at first I was unsure about moving in with you, but you truly are a delight! Even though we have little in common!”

“I wouldn't say that!” Akemi laughs. “I mean, we both... uhh... hmm... oh, I know! We were both rejected by Ryoji!”

Chihiro's eye twitches. “I was never... rejected by Ryoji. Don't be silly, we merely flirted for a while until he found someone he truly cared for there. There was no... rejection.”

“Oh, Chihiro, you shouldn't grit your teeth like that!” Akemi exclaims, calling it to Chihiro's attention. “That can be very bad for your teeth and... and... OH, I CAN'T HOLD IT IN ANYMORE!”

Akemi sprints towards the bathroom, as Chihiro sits by the ladder of her bunk, arching her fingers, as if she were hatching the perfect scheme. It seems she's found the perfect way to spend her time, a true challenge of her abilities. And after all, perhaps setting Raiden up with one of the class beauties can bring him back to his happier self, and have the added benefit of making Akemi jealous, realising the spark Chihiro saw in them for herself.

“Don't you worry, Akemi...” Chihiro giggles to herself in a whispering tone. “Just leave Raiden to me. He still has hope yet...”

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“You are positively hopeless!”

Raiden looks up from his book, likely upset that what he believed to be some much wanted quiet time in the lounge has been interrupted by a frustrated Chihiro. “What the hell are you talking about?” he asks.

“You! I have been running up and down the corridors for the last three days trying to find a young lady interested in putting a smile on your face, and I've found nothing!”

“That's your problem,” an uninterested Raiden mutters. “I never asked anything of you. Besides, you honestly expected anyone to want me? After what I've done? I tried to kill Ryoji. Hard to forgive attempted murder.”

“Ryoji himself forgave you!” Chihiro explains, “And as such, Akemi forgave you. I forgave you-”

“-And yet you can't forgive your own room-mate?” Raiden interrupts, giving Chihiro pause. “Don't worry, I won't hold that against you. I have my own hatred of Sayeka.”

“W-well that may be,” Chihiro mutters, “But my point is that I have not been able to find a single woman who would want you!”

“Thanks for the information,” Raiden yawns.

“First I asked Nariko, and she said she only dates nice people,” Chihiro explains, “I asked Hoshi, but all she gave me were a series of scared squeaks and whines! Then I asked Nanami-”

“Oh, and what did she say?” Raiden replies, feigning interest.

“Well, when I asked her if she wanted to take on a new romantic paramour, she answered with 'Para-More? More like Para-No thank you, I've had enough'! Then she gave an awkward giggle and ran off...”

“Such a shame,” Raiden remarks.

“I'll appreciate less sarcasm, sir!” Chihiro wags her finger in Raiden's finger with a pout. “I've been doing this all for your benefit, and yet not a single girl wants anything to do with you! I even asked the girls in Class 1 who have no idea who you are, and they still turned down the offer!”

“My benefit?” Raiden mutters. “You're doing this for my benefit? Don't make me laugh.”

“You're capable of laughter?” Chihiro asked, before she comes to a realisation. There is one girl who would be willing to throw herself on the grenade that is Raiden... and that girl was Chihiro herself. “You know... I fear I've been going about this the wrong way,” Chihiro gives a devilish grin as she takes a few steps closer to Raiden. “I've been running myself ragged, trying to find a lovely young bachelorette, when in truth there was a lovely young bachelorette standing here the whole time!”

Chihiro takes another step closer to Raiden, and moves her hand to teasingly play with his hair. As she does, Raiden slaps her hand away. “Don't touch me.”

Chihiro gasps in shock, surprised that he would turn down her approached. “But Raiden, I-”

“I get what you're doing. You want to make yourself feel useful,” Raiden explains. “Before you occupied yourself with taking care of your crazed monster of an aunt, and now that she's gone, you need a new pet project to keep yourself from feeling like a bunch of dead weight.”

“What?” Chihiro gasps. “T-that's not tru-”

“You hate being reminded of how pointless you are,” Raiden adds. “How you bring nothing to the table. I already have a woman in my life, Chihiro. Her name is Maya, and she'll always be with me. Even if she wasn't, I would never want to involve myself with someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” Chihiro asks. “Whatever could you me-”

“You're ugly,” Raiden replies. “Not just outside, but inside as well. You're obnoxious and greedy, always trying to insert yourself where you don't belong. You think your teasing and your made-up stories make you well-liked, but they don't. You constantly crave for people to accept you, and to like you... but the truth is you're nothing but a nuisance to them.”

Raiden stands up and makes his way to the corridor. “Leave me alone, Chihiro. I don't have the time to tolerate a waste of space like you.”

Chihiro stares wide-eyed and silent as Raiden exists the room. As she hears the door to his door-room creak open and slam shut, she is only able to whisper a meek answer. “A... a simple 'no' would have been fine...”

Oh, who was she kidding? A simple 'no' would have crushed her, too.

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Chihiro was dreading this. Not for classes starting up again, as they were due to. In fact, Chihiro was actually a little excited to return to the usual school routine. The summer had been a nice hot one, and Chihiro had plenty of fun spending time with Nariko, Nanami and Akemi too. She even spent a week visiting her family back at her mansion. Her one regret is she never got a proper chance to go to the beach.

No, what she was dreading was much more simple than that. Chihiro needed a textbook for the return to class... a textbook she left in her old dormroom... a dormroom occupied by a girl she handily avoided the whole summer. Nariko offered to pick it up on her behalf, but Chihiro made the choice to brave the journey on her own, and come face to face with Sayeka for the first time in months.

This was going to be painful.

Chihiro creaks the door open and slides into the dark room, before flicking on the light switch. She notices Sayeka sitting in a chair, her hands placed firmly on her lap, as Chihiro immediately makes her way towards the drawer, beginning to search for her textbook.

“Who's there?” Sayeka calls out. “Chihiro... is that you?”

“Don't mind me,” Chihiro mutters. “I just dropped by in order to pick up a book. I'll be out of your hair in just a moment.”

Chihiro pulls the drawer open and rummages through it before finding the thick blue textbook. She pulls it out in a hurry and makes her way to the door. As she places her finger back on the light switch, Sayeka calls out once more. “Chihiro, wait... please. I wish to speak with you.”

“W-well, I don't wish to speak with you!” Chihiro fires back. “I don't have time for people who would lie to their friends and deceive them like you did!”

“Chihiro... I'm sorry,” Sayeka replies, a look of pain creeping onto her face. “I still believe that I ultimately did the right thing, but... I'm sorry. It pains me that I did something to hurt you. You mean a lot to me, Chihiro. I miss you.”

Chihiro sighs, as she turns around to face her room-mate. “I... I don't miss you. I'm still angry!”

“And you have every right to be,” Sayeka replies. “But please... understand that I wanted to tell you, but if I did, I wouldn't have been sure how the future could change. I couldn't take that risk, no matter how much I wanted to.”

“You really wanted to?” Chihiro asks.

“Of course,” Sayeka explains. “Chihiro, I know how much both Alice and Ryoji mean to you. How could I not want to tell you. But I couldn't. My powers forced me to deceive my best friend.”

“Sayeka...” Chihiro mutters.

“It's okay,” Sayeka replies. “I've come to a realisation in the time I've spent alone. It's better that I distance myself from everyone. My powers only complicate relationships to the point where they are impossible... I should focus on my visions. Friendship... is just something I can't have anymore.”

“Sayeka, don't say that!” Chihiro gasps. “You're starting to sound depressed! You don't want to sound like Raiden, do you? You're a young sociable woman, and no matter how much your powers interfere, it doesn't mean you should be denied such a basic right as companionship!”

“Is that why you've avoided me all this time?” Sayeka asks, her word cutting Chihiro like a knife. “Is that why there isn't a single person in our class who wants anything to do with me. I've accepted my life as a pariah, Chihiro. I've grown accustomed to loneliness, and it's better for all of us if I stayed as far away as possible. I can't have love or companionship, nor do I deserve them. Nor do I deserve your sympathy. There's no point in you going back on your true feelings out of some misplaced guilt.”

Chihiro pauses. It's true, she was so mad with Sayeka before. She positively hated her and refused to interact with her... she can't change that after seeing the sadness in Sayeka. She can't turn back on it just like that... but it doesn't help the burning feeling in her stomach.

“I shouldn't hold you,” Sayeka adds. “Classes are starting up again soon, I'm sure you're very busy. Don't just stand here pitying me. You have a life to live.”

Chihiro looks at the door, then back at Sayeka. “No...” she mutters.

“I'm sorry?” Sayeka asks.

“I said no!” Chihiro crosses her arms. “You have no right to tell me what to do!”

Sayeka pauses, her eyes still closed, as she lets out a small giggle. “Oh Chihiro... obstinate as ever. You're right, I can't make you leave what is your own room. You've always been welcome to return.”

“Well, perhaps I will!” Chihiro exclaims, “Perhaps that will show you for trying to live on your own! Yes, I think I'll move back in starting tomorrow!”

Sayeka gives a polite smile. “Chihiro, you don't have to do that. You especially don't have to pretend that you're doing this out of anger... I would appreciate if you told me how you really feel. I don't want to presume anything... but it would be nice to hear that you forgive me.”

“I...” Chihiro begins, pausing briefly as her hand becomes to shake. “I... Oh, Sayeka... why did you have to be my best friend?”

Chihiro rushes Sayeka and hunker down, wrapping her arms around her and holding her tight. “C-Chihiro...” Sayeka mutters.

“I forgive you, you fool!” Chihiro exclaims, squeezing Sayeka tight. “I don't ever want to hear you say such ghastly things again! You deserve to be happy, and I am so sorry for abandoning you!”

“You didn't abandon-”

“Of course I did!” Chihiro cries. “Seeing you like this... alone in the dark... is this what you did all summer? I can't believe I allowed this, it simply won't do! I was so caught up in anger that I never considered how your actions affected you! Sayeka... you're my friend. I love you. I'm sorry.”

Sayeka pulls the clinging Chihiro away, before she has the life squeezed from her. “Thank you, Chihiro... that means a lot to me. I love you too.”

The two embrace once more, holding the other tightly before eventually Chihiro breaks it up. “Oh, I forgot! I need to meet with Nariko in five minutes!” she exclaims, before looking back at Sayeka. “Care to join me? We can make it a menage a trois!”

Sayeka's smile fades. “No... sorry Chihiro, but I'm not ready to face others just yet.”

“Oh...” Chihiro mutters. “I see... well, perhaps some other time?”

“Perhaps...” Sayeka replies. “I can't promise you... but perhaps.”

Chihiro sighs, before turning to the door.

“Oh, and you are moving back in, correct?” Sayeka asks as Chihiro begins to leave.

Chihiro smiles back. “Of course!”

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“More tea?”

Chihiro smiles wide, teapot in her hand, in the presence of distinguished company. Saki Kobashi has taken time out of her constant investigations in order to have a quick chat with Chihiro. “Yes please,” Saki nods, holding out her cup. “You make really good tea, Chihiro!”

“Thank you!” Chihiro exclaims. “It means so much, coming from you! I must say Saki, I was shocked that you agreed to meet like this.”

“Well, Ken and Nanami insisted that I take some time to relax,” Saki explains as Chihiro fills up her cup. “And I realised we haven't spoken in a long... well, ever. I don't think we've ever properly spoken.”

“And it's such a shame,” Chihiro replies in a cheerful tone. “I always wanted to learn more about our head of class, especially now that you're the woman who stole the heart of Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent! Your seduction techniques must be on another level!”

Saki blushes. “S-seduction techniques?!” she cries. “I-it's not like that! I-I was just being myself! I'm not lewd!”

Chihiro giggles. “Well, it seems you're just as susceptible to teasing as your other half!”

“Yeah...” Saki mumbles, taking a sip of her tea. “You know, I was always jealous when you would do that.”

“Do what?” Chihiro asks.

“Flirt with Ryoji,” Saki explains. “I mean, at the time I hadn't realised my feelings for him... but I was still jealous of you. You... always had this way with conversation, you were always so charming and sociable and attractive... I could never be like that.”

Chihiro stares wide-eyed at Saki. “Why... what a coincidence! I feel I should spill the beans myself! I've always been a tad jealous of you, Miss Kobashi!”

Saki raises an eyebrow. “You... jealous of me? I don't understand. What could you be jealous of me for?”

Chihiro pauses, before letting out a sigh as she places the teapot down and joins Saki on the couch. “Because... you were you, and nobody else. You were Saki Kobashi, and you clung to your rules and your principles no matter what! You didn't care if anyone liked you or not!”

“And nobody did,” Saki replies. “Chihiro, I ate lunch alone every day. I was incredibly lonely.”

“Yes, but you stayed true to yourself no matter what,” Chihiro explains. “Me? I would do anything, say anything if it meant that I could fit in. I've always been so caught up in trying to have everyone like me... I've always been terrified of rejection. But I feel I've been learning the hard way that you can't please everyone.”

“You were that concerned with people's opinions of you?” Saki asks. “Well... just so you know, I like you. Sure, your past flirting with my boyfriend makes me nervous sometimes, but I think you're a good person.”

“Why, thank you Saki!” Chihiro smiles proudly. “And don't worry, any time I flirt with Ryoji from here on out will strictly be friendly teasing! You have my word, cross my heart!”

Saki hesitates to speak. “That reminds me... you patched things up with Sayeka, didn't you?”

Chihiro nods.

“That must feel good...” Saki mutters, “I should try harder to keep her involved in Class activities. I still feel resentment for what happened, but I understand her reasons, and it's about time she stop seeing herself as a pariah... anyway, I have to ask... has she mentioned anything about Alice and Ryoji lately?”

Chihiro pauses, thinking of her lost friend and aunt. “I'm sorry, she hasn't. I asked her a couple days ago, but she just remained silent. I guess she can't tell me whatever vision she had regarding them.”

“Well, that's... good?” Saki replies. “If she didn't want to tell you, then that must mean it's a positive vision she wants to come true! If it was something horrible, she would warn us to try to prevent it... right?”

Chihiro nods. “Yes... which makes this a little more disconcerting. Saki... Sayeka mentioned yesterday that she had a vision she wishes to confer with you on. The way she spoke of it... it doesn't sound good.”

“I see...” Saki mutters. “Maybe I should try talking to her now.”

“Aww, but you haven't finished your tea!” Chihiro protests.

“But if it's important-”

“It can wait for five minutes, can it not?” Chihiro asks with a grin. “You were told to relax, and relax you shall!”

Saki sighs. “You're right. I can't abandon the conversation like that, no matter how important it is that I speak to Sayeka. That would be very rude of me...”

Chihiro nods. “It's okay, Saki dear... apologies if I'm being a nuisance.”

“Nuisance?” Saki asks, “What gave you that idea?”

Chihiro leans back. “I... w-well, sometimes I can come on a little too strong and-”

“Yeah, you can,” Saki laughs. “But you're not a nuisance Chihiro. That's just you. People like that about you.”

“They do?”

“Of course!” Saki giggles. “You said you envied me being myself, well you shouldn't be ashamed for being yourself either!”

“Oh...” Chihiro mumbles, before grinning. “I suppose you're right!”

How silly of her. A nuisance? What was she thinking? Chihiro realised she was letting certain words burrow too far into her head. It was time to be less worried about such things. Chihiro has her friends, plenty of them. She doesn't need to concern herself with would other people think. The only thing Chihiro should concern herself with is being Chihiro.

“So...” Saki begins, “I'm sure you've been chomping at the bit to tell me all the new gossip.”

Chihiro looks at Saki and smirks. “Of course! Were you aware that Akemi Ibushi has found herself in the company of a late-night lover...”


THE END