
The figure represents an empty cube with a circular opening at the top. The diameter of the opening is half the length of the diagonal $\mathrm{AB}$. The outer surface area of the cube (in square centimetres) is:
(A) $6 a^{2}-\frac{\pi a^{2}}{4}$
(B) $\quad 6 a^{2}-2 \pi a^{2}$
(C) $6 a^{2}-\frac{\pi a^{2}}{8}$
(D) $6 a^{2}-\frac{\pi a^{2}}{2}$