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About this blog:
I usually write about the manga that I'm currently reading. At times, I write about the anime I watched. Since it is hard to share and talk my thoughts about a certain manga series when people don't know about it, I tend to summarize them from Chinese scanlations so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. I'm partly doing this to improve my Chinese. ^^ Feel free to point out my mistakes. ^^ Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things.

Layout Credits:
Shinigami Hime no Saikon pic is scanned by hysteriabobo in Billwang. Quote is Author Unknown. Edited in Photoshop CS2. The background is from GRSites. Fujoshi Kanojo's Yuiko is from Tuku.cc Pleinair by Takehito Harada is from JumpC. Gin and Pleinair edited and animated in Photoshop. Moyashimon germ and Rabi gif are taken from ikunlun forum. Onion is from BW forum. VBR's Ageha is scanned by Amyangel19910323. SB! gif from lynncomic in baidu and Yoru Cafe chibis are from Petit official page. Emoticons from Emotasia. Updates pic is from Stardust★Wink from baidu.

Final Fantasy 13

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Past Dreams:
2011

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from Sky-fire, 17kk, 89890 and BW Forum.

Most of the Quotes are from
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To God Be the Glory! \(^^)/

What's On This Page~~
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Chitose Etc 26-27 Hadashi de Bara wo Fume 44 Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru 23 Kaichou wa Maid-sama! 60 Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu 84	Ojousama wa Oyomesama 78 Reimei no Arcana 26 Skip Beat! 175 Vampire Knight 71 Free Talk: Trip to Singapore

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 26]
Saturday, April 30, 2011

A ship is sailing in the seas. Caesar bends near to Nakaba who looks ill by the ship’s side and asks if she is alright. Seasick Nakaba gloomily tells him that a so-called ship actually rocks/sway around quite violently and the wide, vast sea is really amazing. Carrying a tray of water, Loki apologizes for making her wait. He brought some water for her to drink. Nakaba thanks Loki. Loki tells her that he also cooked some medicine that will help prevent seasickness. As Nakaba is about to drink, Loki smiles and tells her that he did his best in trying to remove the bitter taste of the medicine. Nakaba looks at him and remembers Loki admitting to her that he has a secret which he cannot tell anyone. Nakaba thinks that everyone has their own secrets, and she doesn’t want to probe into it but she wants to know about it. She thinks that it is necessary for her to know about it. “I want to know as to what made you so fearful--.. so.. I want to see it.” Sitting on her bed, Nakaba grips the blanket and uses her Arcana. She ‘sees’ younger King Guran saying that clan will bring about a calamity so kill them all. Nakaba tensely thinks that no, this isn’t right, this isn’t what she wants to see. She ‘sees’ the soldiers destroying the village and killing everyone in sight. Then, while young Loki tries to protect Nakaba from the slaughter, a soldier appears before them. Then, Stasha shielded them but ended up being slashed. Blood splattered on young Nakaba’s face. End Dream. Nakaba instinctively wipes her face then she is surprised by what she did. She sadly thinks that it is that again when she obviously wanted to know about the thing regarding Loki. She has tried using her Arcana so many times since their sea voyage but all of it are the past which she doesn’t want to see. Holding her head, she decides to go out and have some fresh air. Then, she sees Loki at the deck of the ship, looking up the starry night sky. Loki notices someone is there so he turns and sees Nakaba. He asks her what’s up. Nakaba says that she cannot sleep. To her surprise, Loki puts his cape around Nakaba and says that she doesn’t look quite well. He tells her that even if they are going southward and it is getting warmer, but the night sea breeze is still very cold. “There will be more exhausting days to come so please, you should definitely take care of yourself.” Nakaba snuggles to him and says, yes. “Thank you, Loki..” At the corner, Caesar is frowning while crossing his arms. He looks displeased over this.

The next day, Nakaba is puzzled as to why Caesar has covered her with his cloak. Nakaba tells him that it’s quite hot. The sun is shining brightly up the sky. With crossed arms, pouty Caesar tells her that it is because of the sea breeze and he doesn’t want her white skin to get a tan. Covering her eyes from the sun, Nakaba thinks that Caesar is worried about her and perhaps it is because lately, her body isn’t feeling well. Loki tells them that they will be reaching the port of Inhaca [伊尼卡; invented name] soon. Nakaba looks out the ship and sees the port. After they have landed and walking in the streets, Belenus tells them that Lithvanel is an inland country so it is necessary that they have to pass by Inhaca. Even if this is an unofficial visit but they cannot just take the liberty of visiting so they[/he] already sent news about it and Prince Ahkil said that he will dispatch someone to meet with them. Then, someone calls out, “It has been a long time.” The couple [and others] turns around and is surprised that it is Ahkil with a couple of attendants. Belanus says that he didn’t expect him to personally come. Ahkil says that they came as a group to his country so if he wasn’t the one who’ll welcome them, then who will. Nakaba tells Ahkil that she is happy to see him again. Ahkil quietly observes[/looks at] her then tells them that he will guide them to his palace in Lithvanel. At a huge Arabian-style palace, a servant welcomes Ahkil back and asks who the people with him are. Ahkil tells the servant not to mind it for they are his guests. Inside, Ahkil leads them to his palace. While entertaining them with some food and drinks, Ahkil says that he already know about their aim of Senan wanting to establish diplomatic ties with his country as the reason why they travelled a long distance to their place this time around. Ahkil tells them that before meeting with the king, he would want them to meet someone else first. Nakaba asks who they are going to see. Ahkil tells her that it is his brother who is a good guy even if he is a bit weird. Nakaba wonders what kind of person Ahkil’s brother is since she already thinks that Ahkil is weird. She repeats about meeting his brother. Ahkil says that is right but because of their long voyage, they should be tired so he’ll introduce his brother to them tomorrow. “So, Rest well first for tonight..”

In her bedroom, Nakaba is facing her bed and worriedly thinks of Loki. She looks tense when she remembers him telling her not to probe into it. Suddenly, she feels dizzy. She bends over as she tries to stable herself on the bed. Just then, Loki enters the room and apologizes for disturbing her. He is about to ask her if she is already resting when he sees her kneeling on the bed. Loki rushes to her and frantically puts her on the bed. He asks her what happened and is she alright. Nakaba says that she is alright and she just got dizzy while standing. Loki looks serious then asks her, “Princess Nakaba, have you.. been probing into my ‘secret’? Using the Arcana of Time..” Nakaba looks surprised. She sits up and calls out his name. Judging from her reaction, Loki realizes that Nakaba did. Nakaba thinks that it is because she felt uneasy. Loki looks really flustered and somewhat sad as he mutters that he obviously told her that he does not wish her to probe into it. Seeing his reaction, Nakaba felt bad about it. She thinks that she is really awful since she made composed [/coolheaded] Loki to lose control [his emotions] and hide things [from her]. She felt that it is because she ‘can see’ it that she easily thought of going to pry into it. “I’m really very awful.” Just when Nakaba is about to apologize to him, Loki holds her shoulders and tells her, “That power.. can help you, Princess Nakaba but at the same time, it can impair [/weaken] your life.” This surprises Nakaba. Loki continues to tell her that such a strong power is a kind of burden to the body. “So.. please, somewhat exercise control in using that kind of power.” Nakaba looks tense upon hearing that.

The next day, a long haired guy greets Nakaba as Senan princess but corrects himself by saying that she’s Belquat’s [crown] princess. The guy introduces himself as Azhar. To the trio’s disbelief, Azhar starts praising Nakaba by saying that her red hair is brighter in color than a ruby that it is like a blazing flame. “In regards to the royal clan’s position, I should assume that you definitely experienced a lot of hardships. But because of those hardships wherein you felt quite desperate at times, it has in a way made you have such a gorgeous appearance.. Besides, those beryl-like eye pupils of yours look very strong that they are also very beautiful. *sparkles* I cannot suppress the desire to bring you into a harem.” Ahkil reminds his brother that it will be morning soon. Azhar says that he is right. He stands up and tells them that he’ll leave the rest to Ahkil. After Azhar leaves, Ahkil tells speechless Nakaba that is his older brother. He says that they do not look the same because they do not have the same mother but they were brought up by one mother. Among his brothers, he is closest to Azhar whom he wants to be the next one in line for the throne. Caesar asks him what the issue is all about. Ahkil tells them that there are seven princes in their kingdom and the oldest one is the one who will become the next king. Azhar is the second prince even though he is born on the same day as the first prince. That is because the first prince’s mother wants her son to become king so upon learning that Azhar’s mother is about to give birth, she quickly had a caesarian operation to give birth to the first prince. Ahkil sighs and says that if the first prince is an outstanding person then he won’t be this unsatisfied and everyone thought that way, too. So, the king gave them a condition that lately, there is a group of robbers causing trouble in the country. The prince who catches those robbers will inherit the throne. Those robbers ‘appears and vanishes unpredictably’ that until now, they weren’t able to find the robbers’ headquarters to capture them.

Ahkil tells them that as a condition to promote diplomatic ties between his country and Senan, he wants them to help his brother Azhar in capturing those robbers. Ahkil explains to them that the first prince is a person who wants to curry favors [/social climber] so he absolutely does not want to make an enemy with Belquat, hence he will not establish ties with Senan. “Other than helping my brother prince, there is no other way that you guys can do it. Furthermore.. I want to talk with Princess Nakaba alone.” Caesar protests about that. Ahkil assures them that he won’t do anything strange and if they are worried, Loki can stay behind. Nakaba and Loki look at each other. Holding Nakaba’s shoulders, Caesar tells her that if something happens, she should call for him. Nakaba says okay. Caesar looks thoughtful while standing outside the closed door. Nakaba asks what he wants to talk about. Ahkil tells her that in order to know the robbers’ whereabouts, he would want her to use her Aracana of Time. Loki looks serious at Ahkil. Loki protests when Nakaba says okay. Nakaba assures him that it is okay and this kind of power can be used during ‘this kind of times’. Loki relents and says that it is as she wishes. Ahkil says that he’ll leave it up to her. At night, in some courtyard, Nakaba looks up the starry night and wonders if she can use the Arcana smoothly. She looks at her hand then the color of her pupils start to turn red. Someone calls out, “Hey-- what are you doing here?” Nakaba turns around to see Caesar. She quickly turns around to cover her eyes and says that it is nothing. This irritates Caesar that he grabs her hands and says, “That’s impossible for you are obviously trembling.” This surprises Nakaba as she notices that her hands are shaking on its own. She mutters that it is true. Holding Nakaba’s face to him, Caesar exclaims that there is definitely something up. “..Are you not feeling well? Did something happen between you and that dog? Or is it something that Ahkil said? You can have a secret, but if there is something that makes you uneasy, you should definitely tell me!” As Caesar comforts her, Nakaba thinks, “..Then, Caesar, I’m very afraid.”

So, it is confirmed that using the Arcana of time is bad for the health. It reminds me of some Jump series when they say that using that really strong power can shorten one’s life. Since this is an author who can kill off a character, I begin to wonder if Nakaba will survive this series and if she does, will there be a price for using the Arcana because I’m sure she cannot help but use it a lot more times given their high aspirations. It makes me wonder if Nakaba’s father died from overusing the Arcana if he does have it, too. I wonder if the Arcana is a type of power which one shouldn’t deliberately use. As in, it should be let, to activate on its own. Will that also be a burden on her health? It seems that if it activates on its own, the ‘visions’ are more powerful and will not just center on Stasha’s death scene. Aside from taxing on the body, I think it is mentally taxing to keep on seeing one’s mother’s murder multiple times. Hm..we now have harem royalty intrigues and it seems that Azhar’s weirdness is he is a playboy. =P Hm..are there no Ajin-s in their country? The first prince’s mother is really desperate and well, she did got what she wanted. It seems that Loki and Nakaba’s relationship will continue to be strained because of Loki’s secret. It took him time to warn Nakaba about the dangers of using the Arcana. I guess he didn’t thought it is necessary since Nakaba seems to hate using it before and didn’t thought that Nakaba will not respect his wishes and would keep on using the Arcana during the voyage. I wonder how long their journey is for Nakaba to keep on using it and it started to affect her health. Maybe, Loki just wants her to stop prying into his secret. It seems that Emilia has been pushed back in the background along with the others. I think she can be of help if she walks around the place to get hints about the robbers or talk with animals like before. Oh well, the Arcana of Time is easier to use than that. ^^; I guess the author wants to focus on the important characters to keep the plot moving without unnecessary scenes of the other cast. Anyway, I wonder if Caesar will know about Nakaba’s Arcana soon. I think that it isn’t really necessary to keep it a secret from him. Hehe, on a side note, he’s cute when he’s jealous. =P

Word of the day:
We must allow God to work amid our pre-sent trials and in the little victories, the future significance of which we can only imagine. Yet we can be sure that if the Holy Spirit has His way with us, the Lord of heaven and earth has also prepared for us a throne. ~ A.B. Simpson

Stardust★Wink [Chapter 29] Teaser
Friday, April 29, 2011

This is based on what I see in the scans and understand from some the kanji words since I cannot read Japanese. Some reactions in BW don’t quite jive with what I thought so I put this disclaimer here. ^^; Anna is thinking of two scenarios on what happened before during junior high wherein she is about to confess when Mari arrived and when she is going to Hinata, he went to Mari. Anna finally turns around to see the teacher she hated the most. Mari happily talks with her with familiarity and talked something about school regarding Hinata? Could it be that Mari visited his school? This surprises Anna. Hinata is just looking away all throughout then he looks surprised when Mari is about to touch him. Fortunately, Mashiro stops her from doing that and probably tells Anna that she has to go back home. Anna seems to be freaking out over leaving Hinata and Mari alone but she has no choice. Just before she leaves, she is surprised when Hinata suddenly grabs her arm. Hinata seems to look somewhat tense as he held her arm tightly. In the end, he says something and Anna has to go. Anna probably bids him goodbye and Hinata sadly smiles and waves her goodbye with the panda doll. After they left, Mari happily calls Hinata who looks sad-thoughtful. Then, there is a long talk between Mashiro and Anna while they are eating dinner. It seems to be about Mari. Anna is somewhat bothered by how Hinata looked afterwards when Mari almost touched him. It is hard to describe but it is like Hinata looked uneasy in a way. Mashiro seems to tell Anna about helping Hinata and hinted on Mari teaching some ‘love lessons’ to Hinata. Anna totally freaks out over that. Anna seems to be jumping into conclusion over something but Mashiro seems to bring her back into reality. Anna starts crying over something and Mashiro comforts her. He said something about opening the key to Hinata’s heart. It seems that Hinata is still entangled with Mari. Mashiro seems to urge Anna to fight on and win..against that teacher.

They ride back the car and Anna seems to be depressed. She looks up the window and sees the moon. This seems to perk Anna up. After some more talk with Mashiro, Anna takes a picture of the moon and sends it to Hinata. Anna seems sad about not knowing much about Hinata. Finally, Anna is back home. While talking a bit more with Mashiro, Anna quickly hides behind the car because Sou is passing by. Sou and Mashiro talk a bit and Sou parting words is about Hinata being alone. This seems to make Anna wonder what Sou meant by that. Back at Hinata’s place, Hinata looks sad as he looks out the window and sees the moon that is partly covered by the clouds. He is holding his cellphone down. That’s it. I’ll wait for the Chinese scanlation before making any comments but honestly, I think something happened between Hinata and Mari. By the way, this series now has a vomic which will be available at shueisha. Vomic is seiyuu/voice actors reading the manga. Chapter 1 will be out on May 13th. Chapter 2 on May 20th. Chapter 3 on May 27th. Chapter 4 will be out on June 3rd. Mariya Ise will play as Anna, Shinnosuke Tachibana as Sou and Daisuke Namikawa as Hinata. Hm..they chose a popular actor for Hinata. Scans by amyangel19910323 for BW and 盧魚魚 for baidu.

Skip Beat [Chapter 175]
Friday, April 29, 2011

This is based on mangastream’s scanlation. It starts with a brief introduction about the movie regarding BJ who is like Jack the Ripper who just won’t stay dead even after being killed. The story of the movie seems to start on 2031 when the killing starts again and I think his target is Japan this time around. Back to the story, some actresses are complaining about Cain being late. Then, Murasame, male actor, is introduced. They talk for a while, pretty much bad mouthing Cain for being late, as a foreigner, and he doesn’t seem to be famous since Murasame researched on him and didn’t find anything on Cain. Soon, they meet up with the director who looks blue from being scared. And soon, the other cast also look with a shade of blue upon meeting with Cain. =P Amusingly, Murasame thinks that if Cain isn’t acting, he must be the real thing. =P Then, during the meeting, Setsuka translates everything that was talked about to Cain. Everyone is anxious about working with a guy who doesn’t understand Japanese even if BJ doesn’t really talk in the film. Murasame wonders how Cain is going to communicate with the others. And, soon, I think Murasame doesn’t need to worry about Cain ‘communicating’ with them because he can bring out whatever reaction he wants others to have. As if there is a need of a demonstration for it, Murasame is giving Setsuka some ‘I’m interested in you’ looks but he stops when he sees Cain glaring at him. Soon, during lunch, everyone mostly the female cast is talking about their impressions about Cain. [I cannot help wonder if they will all be BJ’s victims in the movie. ^^;] It seems that Murasame is lost in thought after that glare. He has a cute way of calling ‘fried food’ as ‘Murasame core’ and ‘drinks’ as ‘Murasame blood’. =P

Quote of the day:
A danger foreseen is half avoided. ~ Proverb.

Vampire Knight [Chapter 71]
Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Title: New Night Class. It seems that we now have a representative for the humans and that will be Yori who turns out to be the daughter of a congressman/legislator who approved of the re-opening of the night class because of the benefits it will bring about but of course, the hunters are to make sure that the chaos that happened before won’t happen again. Kaien, together with Zero, assured him that they will strictly deal with any troublemakers. At the academy, Touga re-introduces the night class. A fangirl is really thrilled that Hanabusa is coming back. Yori feels a bit weird that only a few of them knew what really happened before – the true nature of the night class. Yuuki addresses everyone by thanking the vampires who came and she asks them to treat her as someone who will help them with the miscellaneous stuff. This made Hanabusa reprimand her for that because she should say like ‘she is a model for them’ or ‘someone whom they can discuss things’. Hehe, he calls her stupid pureblood and is frustrated how Yuuki is ruining the dignity of the purebloods. =P Yuuki ignores him and asks everyone that they get along together. A male vampire comments that getting along isn’t really why he came there for he thought a pureblood is going to cause trouble. That guy’s sister tells Yuuki that she isn’t the same with his younger brother for she knows the current situation of attacking humans at random cannot continue. Yuuki tells them that she would want to talk with each of them and she thanks them for coming. Yuuki expresses her wish that one day it will be like this even without this agreement. She tells everyone that in this agreement, they are not to do anything against humans. Anyone who breaks this agreement, she will deal with them [courtesy of] the vampire hunter who is standing outside the door. That is of course, Zero. After the meeting has been adjourned, Hanabusa heads out of the room and casts a glare at Zero. When Yuuki comes out of the door, probably the last one to come out, Yuuki just tells quiet Zero that she knows what he is thinking -> that this is a useless school game, but then, their opinions were always different ever since before. Then, Maria arrives, lugging around her luggage. She apologizes for being late since she has always been hesitating but in the end, she wants to be friends. Zero takes his leave. Maria comments that if Zero is still part of the discipline [/guardian] group. Yuuki says that it isn’t that simple for he is also a hunter who can also conveniently hunt them down and.. Flashback: Yuuki protested to her father about Zero watching over the night class. Kaien told her that it cannot be helped because they lack personnel and why is she objecting. Yuuki wasn’t able to tell him. It is because of the memories from that little girl before, Zero’s level E.. even if he said that it isn’t important but.. She remembered him wanting her blood. She quickly dismissed it as something from the past. She just told Kaien that it isn’t because Zero isn’t competent but more on, she is worried. End flashback.

At night, Yuuki seemed to be bothered about remembering the past with Zero which she supposedly already parted with. Then, Yori wants to visit Yuuki at her dorm but Zero stops her. Yori just wants to see her old friend but Zero insists on wanting to guarantee [/confirm] everyone’s safety even if they are going to school together so communication between them isn’t allowed. In bed, Yuuki apologizes to Yori and if only everyone’s safety is guaranteed. She then sits up and becomes a bit thirsty. She then sees a box on her table. Probably blood tablets. Soon, the night class is greeting each other as Yuuki in white uniform also greets them a good morning and she’ll be under their care. Then, there is a scene of [kingly] Kaname sitting on a chair. A woman calls out to a bloodied vampire[?] guy as master. [I don’t know if this vampire has been introduced before because I don’t remember any of the new ones especially since I believe that the rest will probably end up killed/dead anyway. =P] The bloodied vampire asks Kaname, why, [when] a member of the Kuran family should be the one who would really want to avoid a pureblood war for the king’s bloodline. With a blood stained face, Kaname says that it is okay whatever goes. “Anyway, ‘ALREADY DOESN’T EXIST’. The reason to not care and just ignore you guys is already gone..” In class, while Yuuki is studying with the others, Hanabusa remembers Yuuki asking him for some time for she needs more comrades. She would finish the things that she needs to do then she’ll chase after that guy. Back to present, a teacher seems to tell Yuuki that it is hard for him to say this but from the current situation, she doesn’t have the level to go to his class. Yuuki gloomily apologizes. While walking at the hallway, Hanabusa complains about changing tutors [/he’ll be a tutor again]. Yuuki notices something outside the window and sees Zero and Kaito talking. She asks them what happened but they told her it is nothing. Yuuki says that she has already heard them then she walks away. Yuuki tries to call some students but it seems that they snub her. [Edit: According to Cotton, the chinese scan is missing a page. When Yuuki calls them, she explains what is going on and several volunteer to go and then leave. Then, Rima makes her comment. So, they didn’t snub her.] Rima comments that she knew early on that Yuuki totally doesn’t have any charisma of a leader. Yuuki just sheepishly smile. Kaito sighs and Zero seems to be looking at the window where Yuuki was a while ago. At some building, probably the hunters’ headquarters, Sara pleads for them to open the door. Someone opens the door and she thanks them. On her knees, she pleads to that hunter guy to help her for Kaname apparently wants to kill her. She will be saved if it is them and Yuuki. She pleads for the tense looking hunter guy to bring her to Yuuki, to where she is, at the night class. At the last part, Yuuki is walking in the streets. She sees Zero then she runs off. Kaito tells Zero that they should go and something about being uncomfortable about lending their strength to vampires. [<- I’m not too sure on that last one. ^^;] Zero didn’t react that Kaito asks what it is. Zero says that it is nothing before he starts walking away. “..Nothing at all”

And so, while everyone else are playing a ‘let’s go to school together’ game and making the ‘real’ hunter president to be a ‘bodyguard’, the king and the queen are making their respective moves. I wonder if Sara will make the same dumb mistake as Shizuka on trying to lay her hand on Yuuki. Hopefully, Sara plays her ‘I’m a victim/prey’ card well else, she’ll quickly just end up as dust. If the hunters and Yuuki will ‘protect’ Sara from Kaname, that will be an interesting situation and Kaname will be the ‘antagonist’ if he does something to Sara as if he isn’t already right now. ^^; I’m doing some guesswork on why Kaname suddenly going on a killing spree. From what he said, it seems that he has given up hope or patience on the ‘bad guys’. Is it because Yuuki was attacked by that pureblood before? Is it because of what Sara is doing? Hm..if he keeps this up, I think he is doing the hunters a favor especially since they lack manpower to keep vampires in check though I’m still pondering on the common denominator of the vampires he plans to kill since Hanabusa’s papa isn’t a pureblood. It seems that Kaname is heading towards a tragic path but I seriously doubt the author will kill him off because of his fans. Hm..is Touga the school headmaster since Kaien is working at the hunter’s place? Zero has become extremely quiet lately = no reaction. It seems that he has become too passive who just does whatever he is ordered to do and just stand there, alone or with someone. I’m not too sure if it is okay for Yuuki to depend on hunters to ensure the agreement will be obeyed. Obviously, she is no Kaname that even ordinary vampires think lightly of her. They must have heard that she is the ‘bag throwing’ pureblood so they don’t really fear/look up to her. =P [<- not right since they didn't snub her. ^^;] Actually, it will be interesting how they will act if the factor of gossip comes into play in this series like someone seeing Yuuki too close with Zero, etc. Yuuki isn’t really the type who can hurt anyone except for Rido, iirc. I guess Yuuki is going for timid type of leader wherein ‘let’s all be friends’ approach in hopes to get along with others. It is kind of naive and will probably work only for ‘nice’ vampires. Anyway, it is obvious that Yuuki and Zero still have something between them even if they still continue to ignore it. Hehe..for how long..until either one is hurt or showing symptoms of level E? Will we have a blood sucking scene soon? I think it will be really interesting if we have a love triangle between these two and Yori. Anyway, the ties between these three can ensure harmony of the three races in this series in the future if Zero’s level E is cured, Yuuki becomes a great leader and Yori becomes president. =P Kaname? Hehe..he’ll probably just retire quietly and go travelling with his friends. Maybe Kaien would go with him. =P Scans by 玖玖爱枢汉化

Quote of the day:
For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. ~ African Proverb

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 60]
Monday, April 25, 2011

Ninja Hinata is running off as the three samurai idiots try to chase after him. Obviously, [city] samurai-s are not match for the fast and nimble [province] ninja who taunts them. =P Then, their game of tag surprises Misaki and friends, who were clad in ordinary Japanese kimono. Hinata invites Misaki to join them. He calls her Misaki-her highness. The three samurai-s try to protest. While Hinata is holding her hand, Misaki also tries to protest for it is hard to run in her outfit. Then a feudal lord starts reciting some poetry: ‘At Yoshino Mountain, the footsteps on the new snow makes me think the person who had to go without me, the person I miss so much’ [Source: Artconnected; this includes the story.] Usui comments that girl to sing such a song, she must have been thinking of Yoshitsune. [<- Yoshitsune is Minamoto no Yoshitsune who was a general of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura period. He is probably the most popular warrior of his era. (Source: wiki)] “Is that right, Misaki-my lady?” As girls are going gaga, it turns out to be Usui in a feudal lord outfit with black hair wig. Misaki mutters about everyone aren’t in the same era as if they have become some other person. [<- something like everyone is engrossed in cosplaying and she isn’t that into it]. Hinata isn’t too happy to be ‘defeated’ by Usui. This is the first day of Seika High’s school trip. Let’s rewind things a bit. Flashback: The students had just arrived in Kyoto. The guys are complaining as to how long they are going to hang around before they can start moving around the place. They complained that it is tiring to move in a group because they have to do the roll call. Then, Misaki got furious when she heard a couple of guys complaining what’s with the thick handout given to them and they should just throw it in the trash can. Hehe, obviously in the end, it wasn’t thrown away. Then, some girls are taking pictures of each other but they are actually secretly taking Usui’s picture who is sitting behind them. Maria whispered to reactionless Usui as to how many stolen pictures they would have gotten of him. Misaki told Sakura that they are going to leave their luggage first at the hotel and, they have free time until it is night. Sakura is excited over this. Misaki suggested that they go out in a group since their itinerary is the same for the day. Sakura and Shizuko agree with her idea. To Misaki’s surprise, even Hinata and the three idiots also wanted to go with her. To Misaki’s nervous-shock, Usui and Maria also wanted to go with her. And so, on the first day of the trip, they went to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura [/Kyoto Studio Park and Toei Movie Land which is a film set and theme park in one. Go here for more info about the place.] There, Misaki is surprised to see Yukimura because he is supposed to go to some train ride itinerary. Yukimura told her that their group member also wanted to go there and he is also excited about this place. Inside, Sakura wanted to go to a store where they can cosplay. Misaki looked hesitant as she asked if they are really going to do it. End flashback.

And back to the present.. Misaki is shock that even Maria has gone into cosplay as a geisha [, I think]. Suddenly, a huge horde of fanboys are rushing towards Maria. Misaki freaks out that the troublesome guys had gathered together. She shouts for them not to do any strange stuff. As Maria is shouting for Misaki, a guy from section 2 gives Misaki a thumbs up and tells her not to worry for section 2 class is also here. Misaki isn’t too confident on what section 2 class can do but since they are in the same group as Usui and Usui is here, it ought to be okay. She looks at the side to see Usui surrounded by his fangirls, asking to let them take his picture with them. Misaki’s female friends whisper to her that Usui is quite popular and the girls are getting courageous regarding Usui in this trip. They ask her if she is worried. Misaki says no, but rather, the more she looks at him, the more she finds it a bit queer. Sparkling Usui asks what she just said, cute Misaki-my lady. He is happy that she isn’t wearing a guy’s outfit and it suits cute Misaki-my lady to be dressed up as a village girl. Misaki didn’t reply that Usui asks if he said something strange. Misaki snubs him and tells her friends that they will go and see that other place. Her friends are shock as they try to tell Misaki to at least say something to what Usui said. Misaki tells them that it is okay for Usui is definitely just teasing her. They tell her that Usui shouldn’t be lying and could it be that she’s unhappy. Misaki tells them that the more she is flustered, the more it makes Usui happy [/have fun] so she is going to thoroughly snub him. While her friends try to dissuade her from doing that, Usui is already walking beside her. With a smile plastered on his face, Usui tells Misaki that she’s so cruel. Misaki tells him not to get close to her, weird Yoshitsune-sama. Usui asks if he’s that weird that she doesn’t want to be close to him. Misaki says that he’s weird and annoying. Usui asks why and in what aspect. And so, the two are walking away and fussing about this topic with sparkling Usui having a teasing look while irritated Misaki tries to leave him behind. The ones who were left behind are Misaki’s friends and Usui’s fangirls. The fangirls are disappointed that they weren’t able to get a picture of Usui. They wonder if they are causing him trouble for Usui is hard to predict for he doesn’t say much though being in that place, strangely makes them do things [that they normally do not do]. As they walk away, Misaki’s female friends quietly observe all this and comment that it seems that those girls thought that Usui ran away from picture-taking by troubling Misaki and they unexpectedly weren’t aware of it. From behind them, Hinata knits his eyebrows and looks a bit flustered.

Elsewhere, Misaki angrily asks Usui up to where he plans to follow her. Smiling Usui tells her, anywhere. Usui notices that Misaki is staring at him again that he asks what it is. Misaki says that it is nothing, just because he is wearing black hair that he is more.. Misaki stops herself and tells him that it is nothing, just forget it. Usui seems to look surprised and unhappy as he asks if he looked similar with his brother. Misaki looks tense and apologizes to him. They were interrupted by Hinata who asks Misaki that they go and see a swordplay wherein there is a guy there who is teaching/showing how to use the sword in a cool way. Misaki tries to tell Hinata who is holding her hand to wait for Usui.. But, Usui tells her to go for it isn’t easy [frequent] when they go on this kind of trip. He tells her that it might also give her some ideas/skill for her work’s activities. As Hinata pulls reluctant Misaki away, Usui seriously holds his hat and mutters, “..Missing..huh..” [<- I think he meant about the poetry earlier. ] While walking in between the buildings, Misaki tells Hinata that she is going steady with Usui. Hinata says is that so. To Misaki’s surprise, Hinata blurts out that he should fight harder for ‘after going steady, it still feels that nothing is different’ and she might think, ‘perhaps, it is much better to be with Hinata’. He will definitely make her feel that way. Misaki looks tense and surprise by this reaction. Gesturing to Misaki, Hinata declares that from today on, he will closely stick with her and be involved with her until she has that kind of consciousness. Just when Misaki is about to say something, Hinata tells her that if everyone knows that the two of you are going steady, then, he will exert all effort to make himself to give up. It might be a bit lonely doing that but he won’t give up. Misaki nervously thinks that things turned out that way. When they reach the place, Sakura calls out to Misaki and says that regrettably, she didn’t come earlier to see the swordplay. Misaki says is that so. She is thinking if she can do this, even if not wanting to give up is Hinata’s business. She wonders if Hinata will really give up if she tells everyone about it. She shouldn’t hide it and just tell everyone in school..then she thinks that it is impossible because as the kaichou, she has to keep it a secret especially since they are currently on a school trip. She doesn’t want them to think that she’s a bit frivolous, as a demon kaichou, she should be strict in handling the guys.

Then, Misaki overhears some girls gossiping about asking a handsome male worker for his email address and could this be the start of love. Misaki is shock that even Shizuko finds it interesting to have a ‘romantic encounter during the trip’ with some guys from other schools. Misaki follows the others to a building* for sightseeing. [*Ikedaya; an inn where an armed encounter between the shishi which included masterless samurai (ronin) formally employed by the Chōshū and Tosa clans (hans), and the Shinsengumi, the Bakufu's special police force in Kyoto on July 8, 1864. Source: wiki.] On the second floor, Misaki overhears a girl crying over being rejected after a confession as her two friends try to comfort her. Misaki is shock to learn that the girl had just confessed to Usui. The girl says that she wants to take a picture with Usui but she impulsively confessed. Misaki feels sad/troubled about this as she grips her kimono. She is surprised when Sakura asks if she is alright because this is about Usui. Misaki just angrily exclaims that Usui made a girl cry so she is going to talk with him on paying attention on how he would say it. Sakura is speechless as Shizuko tells Misaki that does not seem right. When Shizuko tries to tell Misaki if she felt uneasy about it, they hear some shouting. Sakura looks out the window to see Kuuga and his band doing a PV [Promotional video]. Sakura screams for Kuuga which made him look at their direction. Soon, Sakura quickly heads out to where he is. Then, while Misaki is still confused over what just happened, she heads out the building and overhears some people commenting if someone is doing a movie. It turns out to be Tora on a horse and royal robes, complete with an entourage. Tora comments that it turns out to be rude commoners are them/her and they do have courage to stand there in front of His Majesty. While the guys are wondering where they had seen him before, Tora introduces himself to them again and says that he only went to visit his hometown and came to this place which is incidentally nearby. He comments that he thinks that it isn’t bad to take a stroll a bit. Misaki sweatdrops that he calls this a ‘stroll’. Just as he leaves, Tora says that there are a lot of nice places in Kyoto and she/they should go enjoy it. Misaki sweatdrops upon overhearing some girls are commenting how handsome that guy looked as well as some guys in his entourage. Then, she sees a girl crying at the side. She asks the girl if she is alright but when the girl faces her, it turns out to be Yukimura in female clothes. Yukimura cries that he said that he doesn’t want to since he wants to be a Shinsengumi but he lost in a finger-guessing [/morra] game. Misaki tries to comfort him but then, it suits him. To Yukimura’s surprise, some guys exclaim that they had found Yukimura and start chasing after him. Misaki shouts for them not to dirty the dress.

Later on, Misaki got separated from the other girls. She looks at a map while trying to figure out where she is. Suddenly someone grabs her and pulls her to the side of the alley. It is Usui who comments that it is such a coincidence that she is in this place. Usui has already removed the wig. Misaki asks him what he is doing in this place. Usui says that he just want to be alone for a bit since he finds it tiring that girls kept on asking to have a picture with him. Misaki says is that so. After a pause, she asks him what he told that girl, the one who confessed to him. Usui tells her that he rejected the girl by saying, ‘I’m not interested in you so I’m sorry’. After a pause, Misaki exclaims that there should be some other way in doing that because the way he said it, it seems quite cold. Usui sighs and says how about this. He smiles and says, “I cannot because I’m currently going steady with Ayuzawa.” Misaki shouts that won’t do either. Usui teases Misaki by saying that he’ll go with that and he should go to that girl right now. This made Misaki exclaim that she just said no, and what if someone hears them. This made Usui asks her why she would want to hide their relationship to this extent. This somewhat surprises Misaki. Usui asks is it because at school, she is thinking of her position as kaichou, and is that really the only reason for it. “Or could it be BECAUSE IT IS ME, so you’re hiding it?” This surprises Misaki since Usui is thinking that there is some other reason to it. Usui apologizes and says that he isn’t rebuking her wish and before, he had thoroughly kept Misaki’s concealed the stuff regarding her. [<- she is working at a maid cafe?] He asks if she is still vigilant over his family issues. Misaki protests that isn’t right and it isn’t because of that, as to why she doesn’t want it to be known. Just when she is about to say something, Usui tells her to wait. Usui has pulled her to the side as some students pass by. While Usui is semi-hugging her, flustered and tense Misaki tells him that in the end, she cannot tell the others about this. Perhaps just like what everyone in Maid Latte or Sakura and others said, it is because she has this kind of friendship/social relationship with them. [<- not too sure on this but it seems like she doesn’t want the others to know the other side of her personality as to what her relationship really is like with others.] While Usui looks surprised, Misaki exclaims that she will always be the ‘demon kaichou’. She then curses for she is becoming more shy/embarrassed about this. She blames Usui for making her more unlike herself and she has already decided not to let the others know about this. Usui says is that so. He apologizes for putting her in this situation and promises not to think like that again. He already knows that she wants to hide it ‘because she is the kaichou’. “To remove your ‘demon kaichou’ mask, really makes you shy? ..so, it is only towards me that you can remove that mask, right? Actually, I do not want other guys to see you in such a cute state.” He corners Misaki to the wall. Misaki tells him to wait for right now.. Usui tells her that it is quite baffling, these contradicting feelings exist of not wanting to restrain in show off his true girlfriend. Flustered Misaki tells him that is why right now isn’t the time to do this for a group of strange people might come out. When Usui is telling her to do a sneak attack [<- ah, do the lovey-dovey secretly?], they hear some running steps and someone is shouting for Usui. I think it is Hinata wanting to challenge Usui to a sword duel. Usui is shock and dismayed over the interruption. Soon, there are a lot of people calling out like Yukimura running away and Maria looking for Misaki. And so, the four day and three night trip’s chaos has finally started to unfold.

Hehe..it will be a long trip for the couple. Just like any vacation trip, it will be exciting and tiring but still, no matter what memories will be formed, whether good or bad. =P For Yukimura, it doesn’t seem to be good though especially how they tease him. ^^; Hinata’s declaration is kind of sad in a way of not giving up until their relationship is finally revealed in public but then, for Usui, I think he will just be a pest who keeps on interrupting and trying to take Misaki’s time from him. Well, it is Hinata’s last hurrah though I hope that he can move on soon because if he keeps this up, he’ll just end up into an annoying character to the point of becoming like the three idiots, in a way. Hm..I think he knows the inevitable but he is just in denial. Actually, I think the author will plan on making the other characters to keep on annoying/interrupting Usui until the end of the trip for the climax lovey-dovey. =P So, gambatte to him. It seems that the topic about his family is still a bit of a sensitive topic for both of them. Regarding Kuuga and Tora, I wonder if they have a bigger role in this arc or they are just cameo appearances to celebrate the 60th chapter. Hm..I also wonder if it is only at the end, when they are going to graduate, the other students will know that Misaki actually works at a maid cafe and Usui is her boyfriend. If the others know about it, I think it will indeed be a bit difficult for Misaki to control the guys. Still, it does feel kind of sad that Misaki doesn’t seem to be enjoying her last year of high school – being a bit too restrictive and hiding her true self rather than going all out..I guess that what makes Misaki, Misaki and she is the kaichou, after all. ^^; Lastly, I think it would be more fun to use that ‘next chapter picture’ of the guys playing a pillow fight as a colored spread than the ‘running off’ picture of the cast. The pillow fight looks cute. =P According to babelfish, the next chapter is about the second day of the trip wherein Usui and everyone else are in love mode, what is Misaki to do. [<- 修学旅行2日目!! 碓氷も皆もラブ2モード!? この非日常、美咲、 どうする!?] Scans by 皇族咖啡厅汉化组.

Quote of the day:
Enjoy yourself. These are the good old days you're going to miss in the years ahead. ~ Author Unknown.

Ojousama wa Oyomesama [Chapter 78]
Sunday, April 24, 2011

[Free Talk: Fufufu..Kaichou wa Maid-sama! 60 is out in Chinese at BW. ^-^ I think it would be out in public sites later on. In the chapter, they went to Toei Kyoto Studio Park for cosplay. =P It is more on ‘keeping the relationship secret’ = why it has to be a secret (Is it because her boyfriend is him?) and it seems that Hinata is going to give up on Misaki if it is no longer a secret. At the last part, when they are going to do a lovey-dovey, the others are looking for them. ^^; Gambatte~ Usui. And, I thought it was a tense moment earlier when Misaki comments that Usui looks like his brother when he is in black hair. Tora and Kuuga had cameo appearances here. Scan by 皇族咖啡厅汉化组. By the way, happy Easter Sunday ^_^]

This angers Yuuga that he shouts, “What nonsense are you talking about! Sooner or later, one day, I’m going to get back at you guys!” Kyousuke hangs up the phone and mutters that it’s Yuuga’s deathbed [/final] struggle. Looking at Mioko who has just entered the room, Kyousuke says, “Doing that is fundamentally meaningless, right?” Mioko just looks at him with blank/lifeless eyes. Kyousuke adds, “For him to do that, he is just going to sink deeper into trouble... *calling someone* Hello, yes, sorry to trouble you.” Still with blank eyes, Mioko continues to look at Kyousuke. Meanwhile, Yuuga curses as he remembers Kyousuke telling him that Ritsuki’s target is him. Flustered and frustrated, Yuuga mutters what kind of joke is this. Yuuga continues to randomly run around the place until soon, it is night. While breathing hard, Yuuga finds himself at the place where they were attacked this morning. Yuuga remembers Towako being kidnapped. He shouts, “Hey! The guys this morning, are you here!? Bring me to where Nigami is!” Everything is quiet. Yuuga thinks that they should be here. “Since I’m their target, then Nigami’s underlings should definitely be spying on me. They should be hiding around here because they ought to anticipate that I will go back here to look for clues on Towako.” Somewhat flustered, Yuuga asks, “Are you guys here? If I’m your target, then come and get me! I’m the one who provoked Nigami into anger, right!? I will let you guys capture me, so.. *clenches fist* let Towako go [and return her]..” Then, there is some movement behind the bushes. Surprised Yuuga turns around to see a shadow figure behind him.

Back at the apartment, Towako suddenly looks surprised. She realizes that she had fallen asleep. She looks out the window and notices that it is already night. She wonders what time it is and where Nigami Ritsuki is. Towako notices that her ropes had loosened up and like this, she can escape. She remembers Ritsuki’s threat about something happening to her family but then if she stays there as a hostage.. Towako walks around and notices an open door. She wonders if she can get out of the place through that room. She peeks in to see sleeping Ritsuki, tossing and turning on his bed. Seeing Ritsuki breathing hard and perspiring, Towako thinks that it seems Ritsuki isn’t feeling well and could it be that he has a fever. Towako wonders if it is because he has been wearing thin clothes that he caught a cold. “Ah.. wait a minute, this is what he deserves! Right now, this is a good opportunity to run away and escape--..” Ritsuki coughs. Towako looks tense then she knits her eyebrows. She tells herself not to be kind [/soft-hearted] for Ritsuku who obviously did a lot of cruel things. Towako overhears Ritsuki calling out in his sleep, “Is anyone there..” Towako thinks that he must be dreaming about the time when he is all alone and there is no one [/no name] whom he can call on to. Towako looks flustered and sorry for Ritsuki. She nervously thinks, “If..I only take care of him for a while, it’s okay, right? If something happens to him later on, I will feel uneasy.. After taking care of him, it’s also not too late for me to once again go and run away! Yup. I’ll only take care of him in a little while! *pulling up the blanket on sleeping Ritsuki* Furthermore, I should look for a cellphone!” At the Yachiougi mansion, Kyousuke is sleeping beside Mioko who is wide-awake. She turns to look at Kyousuke then stands up from her futon. With blank eyes and tears forming in her eyes, she puts her hands around sleeping Kyousuke’s neck.

Hm..I wonder if Ritsuki cannot rape Towako is because he actually likes her or he cannot do something that was done to his mother. Well, whatever it is, he gave Towako an opportunity to escape. Of course, it is a different question if Towako can actually escape or not. Her naturally ‘being nice’ characteristic might work against her here but then, it will also be nice to try to win the bad guy’s heart through kindness. This is Towako’s main charm, after all. Hehe, I wonder how Yuuga will react if Ritsuki starts wooing Towako =P Of course, Mioko isn’t going for that since she probably tries to kill Kyousuke. I don’t know if she’ll succeed though because a girl trying to strangle guy, because for me, it has a high chance of failing, especially if it’s a girl like Mioko and if Kyousuke fights back. It is indeed sad to see what Mioko has become. Somehow, I don’t think the author is going to let her hands be stained with blood. As for Yuuga, he must be at his wits’ end to ask Kyousuke where Ritsuki is. I guess he is thinking that there’s no harm in asking. I wonder who found him. Somehow, I’m still anticipating that Setsuna will come and help in some way here. Well, it could be Tsubaki. Scans by 17kkmh.com

Word of the day:
Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me, help me to see them as You do above; Give me the wisdom and strength to take action, so I may show them Your wonderful love. ~ K. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 44]
Saturday, April 23, 2011

[Free Talk: It seems that Faster than a Kiss' new chapter in 17kkmh is the chapter 42 which I've already summarized. ^^; They posted up a double. ^^;; The next one I'll do is Ojousama wa Oyomesama.]

The next day, Soichiroh is back to his original self as he wakes up the kids by pulling up their futon. Still sleepy, they ask if it is time to study. Flipping a notebook, Soichiroh says that today, he is going to teach them arithmetic. He notices that the notebook is already used up. He asks Sumi for a new one but she apologizes that they don’t have any notebooks anymore. Soichiroh just looks on quietly as the kids promptly falls asleep. Soichiroh shouts to the sleepy kids to go out the house. Outside the house, Soichiroh asks the kids that if three acorns are added to four acorns, how many are there altogether. The kids then try to count how many acorns there are on the ground. A couple of kids [probably siblings] ask what they are doing. Atari asks them if they also want to go to class with them. They say, okay. Soichiroh is surprised that the kids he’s teaching had increased. Sumi happily looks at them and goes to the house. While thinking that Soichiroh is good in teaching, she notices her brother lying on the floor, reading something. She asks him if he isn’t going to work. Eisuke tells her that today, he is on a night shift. Just when Sumi is about to reprimand him, a man comes in and says that he has something for her. Holding a rose bouquet, the man tells her that it is from Nozomu. Upon seeing the roses, Sumi’s eyes darken then she starts screaming. This made Soichiroh hurriedly go in the house. He sees Sumi on the floor freaking out over the roses. Eisuke tries to ask her what happened. The children also come in and also ask what happened. Tomi sees the roses and says that they are beautiful. She touches them but got pricked by a rose. Sumi is surprised when Tomi exclaims in pain. Sumi shouts for Tomi not to touch it. She quickly grabs the roses and heads outside. As Soichiroh tries to call her, Sumi throws the roses into the river. Soichiroh calls out as to what’s up with her but to his surprise, Sumi promptly faints.

In the house, the kids worriedly looks at sleeping Sumi. Soichiroh calls Eisuke if he can some with him for a moment. Outside the house, Soichiroh asks him why Sumi hates roses that much for it isn’t normal to faint just upon seeing roses. Eisuke remembers sleeping Sumi then finally confides to Soichiroh that Sumi, when she is still a baby, has been abandoned by her parents at a rose garden. Flashback: Young Eisuke found her crying and took her home. He brought her up as his younger sister. End flashback. Soichiroh is surprised that Sumi is an abandoned baby. Eisuke asks Soichiroh to please don’t ever tell this to Sumi for she still didn’t know anything about it. Somewhat flustered Soichiroh says okay. Later on, Atari asks Sumi, who is folding up the futon, if it is okay for her not to lie down in bed. Sumi says yes. She apologizes to them for worrying them. Then, the landlady calls out to her and says that there is something urgent she has to tell her. Inside the house, Sumi apologizes for not being able to collect enough money for the rent yet. The landlady says that she didn’t come here for that today. She looks sad then tells Sumi that she is going to sell this land so they have to move out of this place within the month. Sumi is surprised to hear this that she says that they will be put in a difficult situation if that happens. The landlady says that it isn’t only her house, for Ashida Products would want to acquire this whole region [of land] so she also has no other recourse. Sumi’s eyes widen in surprise. She remembers that Nozomu now owns Ashida Products. The landlady says that this land is passed on to her by her family’s ancestors and she isn’t really inclined to sell it.. To the landlady and children’s surprise, Sumi quickly stands up and runs out of the house.

At the company, a glasses guy tells Nozomu that regarding the purchase of that land, he had finished negotiating with the local resident. Nozomu says, good job. Then, they hear a ruckus of someone shouting that she cannot get in there. Nozomu’s eyes widen when he hears a girl shouting to move away. Nozomu quickly dashes out to the door to find [his darling] Sumi being forcibly dragged out by two men while she is shouting that she has to see Nozomu. Nozomu happily calls out to Sumi. Sumi just angrily looks back at him. In the president’s office, Nozomu apologizes for the rudeness of the company’s guys. Just when Nozomu is asking her if she got the roses that were sent by his messenger, Sumi prostrates down to him and begs him to not to purchase that land because aside from that place, they have nowhere else to go. Nozomu seriously looks at her then smiles. He says okay. Sumi is glad to hear that until Nozomu adds that there is an exchange. “Please become my wife.” Sumi looks in shock as she asks, “..wife?” Nozomu holds Sumi’s hand and bend to her. He asks her to break up with Soichiroh and marry him. Sumi quickly backs away and pulls her hand from him. She shouts that she cannot do that and he’s really despicable. She stops midway when she sees Nozomu looking dark and serious with his perfectly combed hair a bit messy. He looks at her and says, “Even if I’m despicable, it doesn’t matter.. as long as I can make you mine..” [Hm..I think one of his hands is on her and Sumi looks visibly frightened.]

Okay, Sumi charged in there by herself with hopes to just convince Nozomu to stop buying the land. I guess she is pretty naive but then, maybe she thinks that it is okay since it is a company – a public place, not his house. Somehow I think someone will interrupt them. By the way, I prefer Nozomu’s hair bangs a bit down than all combed back. =P It seems that Soichiroh will become a teacher as his new career later on. I wonder if the author is somewhat saying that ‘wealth’ can be not of material kind but in terms of ‘education’ for the future generation. Even if that is so, in reality, people still money. I wonder why the landlady is ‘forced’ to sell the land. Does she need money badly? Well, maybe her other tenants, if there are other tenants, are like Sumi who cannot pay the rent on time, I guess it is better to just sell the land and invest it into something else. Lastly, we got another glimpse of the past and I’m wondering if Eisuke used to be rich or something that he can afford to bring up a baby at his age. Since she is left there, I guess something bad did happened to the mother. Hm..I think Nozomu likes roses because of his mother so won’t he finally be turned off by Sumi if she tells him she hates them? =P By the way, I’m not sure if there will be a chapter next month because if I remember correctly, this series wasn’t published when the earthquake happened before. Scans by 17kkmh.com

Quote of the day:
No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. ~ Henry Ward Beecher.

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 44] Teaser
Friday, April 22, 2011

Yay~~ new chapters are all out suddenly but unfortunately, it is only now that I’ve seen it and I was checking it a while ago. ^^; Well, hopefully, I can get something up tomorrow ^-^ Hehe, and I still haven’t finished even one chapter of Ookami-heika no Hanayome. Anyway, I’ll summarize Hadashi de Bara wo Fume 44 first since it is really easy =P Let’s see, they learn Nozomu now owns Soichiroh’s company, Soichiroh got new students =P, Sumi freaks out over Nozomu’s roses so Soichiroh learns from Eisuke that he only ‘picked up’ Sumi from a rose garden where she is abandoned, Sumi learns that they will be evicted since the land will be sold to you know who, and in the end, Nozomu will not buy the land if Sumi becomes his wife. I'm not sure what I'll do next yet since I have not seen the other series yet as of now but the other series are: Ojousama wa Oyomesama 78, Reimei no Arcana 26, Faster than a kiss 43 [<- old chapter] and Akuma to Love Song wherein I now have three pending chapters.

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapter 84]
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

[Free Talk: For those who read the teaser, there are some teeny-tiny minor mistakes. Sorry about that..^^; It was rush. Anyway, I managed to finish this tonight so yay ^^v While waiting for any other new ‘easy’ chapters of other series, I’ll be doing Ookami-heika no Hanayome. Three chapters are out as of this writing. I plan to update that series this time around.]

Tsubaki quickly heads to her room and closes the door. She thinks that having this cellphone and yet, she cannot get Kyouta’s calls or texts [sms], it will only make her think and misses Kyouta even more. She looks at her bracelet and remembers her own confident answer to Sakura that it is alright for she and Kyouta had decided on this. Holding her bracelet, Tsubaki bends down on the floor and thinks that was a lie. “It is as Sakura said, I’m a failure as a girlfriend. But still, Tsubaki-kun told me that he’ll wait for me. *teary-eyed* Really want.. really want.. to quickly return to his side.” Later on, probably on a no school day, Tsubaki is walking at the street while carrying two three heavy paperbags. With blank eyes, Tsubaki thinks that she still hasn’t found her goal after today’s public lecture [/class] and she barely managed to go to all three schools. “These [school] materials are quite heavy.. But, today, a student from a school said..” A girl told Tsubaki that during third year high school, only a few had prudently decided on what their goal is. “I also acted before thinking when I was taking my undergraduate studies. It isn’t too late even if one uses up one’s four years of college to slowly think about it.” Tsubaki thinks that perhaps it is like that and she should just focus on getting into a good university. “Then, at the university, I’ll slowly look for my own path to follow. Then, I would need 4 to 5 years before being able to get back to Tsubaki-kun’s side. If I put up with work.. I still shouldn’t do it like this for this time around, I’m holding on to the consciousness of separating from Tsubaki-kun. *looking determined* So, no matter what, I should not.. should not give up.. Okay! Next weekend, I’m going to listen to even more public lectures..!!” She suddenly grabs one of the paper bags up and to her surprise, the handle broke. The papers spill into the road and a car passes over it. Tsubaki is horrified then, she can only look down in dismay.

She is surprised when she hears something screeching [/car honking]. She looks up to see a guy with a hat stopping traffic and picking up her papers on the street. Holding the messed up papers to Tsubaki, the man says that they have met again. “From that time, I’ve always haven’t been able to forget about you.. *smiles* Finally, I’ve found you.” Tsubaki looks at him and remembers him as the cheating businessman who wants her to become his model. Looking away and trembling, Tsubaki tries to get the papers from him. She thanks him for picking them up. The man tells her not to be so much on guard against him and he won’t force her to become his model. Tsubaki is somewhat relieved that she asks, “Really..” The man says, “Ya, because your hair right now isn’t that beautiful.” Tsubaki looks surprised. While glancing at frightened Tsubaki from left and right, the man says, “This isn’t the hair that made me unconsciously touch it. What ruthless thing did you do to that beautiful hair before?” Tsubaki exclaims what he is saying for her hair is her one and only confidence.. She stops when she touches her hair and felt that it is very coarse. She thinks, “How many days has it been when I have used up the hair conditioner? Every morning, I blow dry my hair but then, I only always blow dry my messy bed hair and..” Tsubaki tells the man that lately, she has some trouble worries that she didn’t pay attention to her hair during this time. Thinking of Kyouta, she adds that the girl who takes care of her looks isn’t here right now either. [<-ah, probably means that there is no need to pretty herself since Kyouta isn’t around to see it anyway.] He kindly smiles and tells her, “Then.. after you didn’t properly take care of your hair, did you make any progress with your main problem [/proper business]?” Tsubaki is about to says, “About that..” when she stops and thinks, “Actually, it didn’t progress at all..” The man quickly turns around and exclaims, “Oh no.. I should more or less return back to the store.” Tsubaki thinks, “I’ve been running around so many public lectures.. and all day long, I’m constantly on the move..” Holding a pen, the man turns to her and says, “Ah, that’s right! This.. you dropped this before.” Not reacting to the man, Tsubaki thinks, “Abandoning the thing that I like to do and also losing the one and only thing that I’m confident about.” The man waves her pen in front of Tsubaki and says, “Hey..” He is surprised when a tear falls on the pen. Tsubaki is already crying bitterly as she thinks, “Even if it is like this, I still didn’t succeed in any single thing. I’m already.. at a complete loss...” Blurb: “Seeing Tsubaki cry, what will the man’s course of action? Until that time, what will Kyouta do? Please anticipate the next chapter!”

Let me guess, the guy works or probably owns that beauty parlor that Tsubaki saw in the last chapter. They did meet each other for the first time around that area. A girl has lost her self-confidence and is crying over something..what does a guy who is probably a hair stylist would do? Why, my guess is the poor girl needs a makeover on her hair to make her confident again. Becoming his model and to be heaped with praises on her would work, too. =P Actually, if he does own/works in that beauty parlor and Tsubaki sees him work, I think Tsubaki’s dream of becoming a hairstylist will be reinforced. She’ll probably think, ya, this is what I want to do. So how about going to some university and get some degree then work part time at a beauty parlor/be a model? Then, when she graduates, her mother hopefully won’t pester her on what job she would want to take and she can do whatever she wants to do with her life. ^^ The deal is only getting in a good university, right? Well, upon seeing Tsubaki’s reaction, I hope her mother would think long and hard as to why Tsubaki acted that way and how she is contributing to Tsubaki’s pressures/stress in life. Unlike Sakura, Tsubaki won’t be merely be happy and ‘problem solve’ because of the return of the cellphone. Hehe, her mother needs her to have the cellphone more than Tsubaki needs it right now. =P The last blurb makes me wonder if Kyouta is going to appear in the next chapter. Scans by [新漫漢化組制作.

Quote of the day:
Never forget that it is the spirit with which you endow your work that makes it useful or futile. ~ Adelaide Hasse

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapter 84] Teaser
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

It is out and hopefully, I can get the full summary up tonight since I have to go out this afternoon. I'll reply to tags when I get back. This is just a short 17 page chapter with two parts. [Edit: There are some minor mistakes here. Sorry ^^;;] In brief, her mother is relieved that Tsubaki can control her feelings and think about her future. She wants to give Tsubaki back her cellphone but Tsubaki refused it for she fears that when she gets Kyouta’s message, she would want to be with him even more. In the streets, Tsubaki is discouraged for she still cannot find what she wanted to do. She fears what if it takes her years to figure it out then she and Kyouta would have drifted apart by then. She breaks that thought and tries to be determined. Then, her paper bag which holds a lot of papers broke. The papers are then run over by a car. ^^; Suddenly, she hears a screech. Why, it’s suspicious fashionable guy who stopped traffic and picked up her papers. He gives the papers back to her and says that they meet again. He tells her that he couldn’t forget about her and he finally found her. Thinking he is suspicious, Tsubaki turns away while thanking him. He tells her not to have that reaction and he won’t force her to become his model. When Tsubaki is about to be relieved about that, he tells her that it is because her hair right now isn’t that beautiful like the first time he saw it. Tsubaki tries to protest that she is confident about her hair but she stops when she felt her hair and it is very coarse. Tsubaki says that it is because she has problems lately. The guy comments how she could make progress if she didn’t take care of her hair. Tsubaki is about to protest when she realized what he said is true. The guy says that he is about to be late at his store and tries to return the pen back to Tsubaki. He notices that she is already crying. She is crying over doing all sorts of things that she lost something that she loves to do and something she is confident on. Later..I'm late already. ^^;

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru [Chapter 23]
Monday, April 18, 2011

[Chapter 23 is based on Chinese’s numbering of the chapter because the Japanese is different since at times a chapter is only part two of the previous chapter]. Riko turned down Aki’s request to be her producer because she made a promise with Shinya. Aki is gloomy over it. Then, Aki gets irritated that Riko blushes after he told her that her father thought that Shinya is her boyfriend. Riko lets him hear the song/music that Shinya composed for her. Aki praises the song for it is specially made for Riko to bring out her good points but.. It’s ordinary in Soichiro’s opinion. Shinya explained why he did it that way but Soichiro bluntly tells him that in doing that way, the difference would be more evident - the huge difference between the talented and the ones with no talent. Shinya’s song seems to ‘curry favor/trying to win people’ that ‘his skill is quite rich, you guys like this song, right?’ and perhaps there are people who would buy his music because they are cute but then, does Shinya want to become a performing artist who is raised like a dog by the masses. [<- not sure if it meant that Shinya would end up just catering to what the people want or just be a generic-type of artist] Meanwhile Riko waits for Aki as to what is he about to say after that ‘but..’ is. Instead, Aki offers to write a song for Riko. Riko says that is too willful but she refuses. Elsewhere, Mari is practicing some ballet. Her manager arrives and gives her some drink. She asks Mari if she heard about the new ‘kids’ in their company and if she has seen them. Mari says girl, and she heard that it is Aki’s friend. Manager looks somewhat surprised as Mari is silent and bends her straw. She practices again. The manager offers to ask more about it but Mari said that there is no need. In some other place, a glasses girl is typing on her computer and checks her make-up. She answers the phone and says that it is Hearst recose [her company]. After being told that she has a meeting with Soichiro, Osahama [/Nagahama: 長浜; based on the kanji] told the other party to let them in. Riko and friends are really excited to be there. Riko liked a new cd there and Soichiroh tossed it to her and gave it to her. Riko exclaims that’s stealing. Osahama greets them and introduces herself as the one responsible for directing[?].

At the meeting room, Shinya asks Osahama about her credentials. She narrates to him that she used to do business with some company then she moved to producing. Shinya bluntly asks if that means that this is her first time to produce and she is at the lowest ‘in charge’ position. Riko looks tense and Soichiro just glances at Shinya. Osahama just smiles and says that she knows that she is not that reliable but she will do her utmost best. Shinya tells her that he doesn’t want her best but a more superior person-in-charge. This made Osahama asks if that means he doesn’t have confidence about his own work. Elsewhere, Aki and Shun are playing a car racing video game. Aki tells Shun that he is always there when he doesn’t have work and it won’t be long that there might be some gossip about them. Shun tells him that playing with girls is a scandal and so is playing with guys. A bit flustered, Shun asks Aki what does he want him to do, go to Mari’s house. Aki just sighs. Shun asks if he knew that Shinya and others went to Hearst recose today. Aki asks Shun instead if he heard of Shinya’s music. Shun tells him that it has nothing to do with him. Aki asks how could it not matter to him when it is something created by a CP member. Shun teases Aki that he is unhappy. Aki tries to deny it but Shun tells him that is what he meant/thought. Shun tells Aki that if he is bothered by it then he should write the music and Soichiro will surely be happy about it. Shun comments that Aki always get easily carried away by Soichiro. Aki tells him that he has been refused by Riko to be her producer and also in making music for her. Aki asks if it is normal to refuse and shouldn’t she hesitate a bit. Shun asks that for him, isn’t this very good. Aki says that Riko is Shun’s fan. To Aki’s aghast, Shun teases him that Aki got discouraged because of this. Shun asks isn’t this what he wanted and doesn’t he hate music being a media [<- not sure if it is music media = gossip, or making music to please people] and not wanting to mix work and private life so Riko depends on Aki for love while Shinya is for music. Back at the company, Soichiro claps his hands and breaks the ‘stand off’. He tells everyone that they are here to talk about the debut in two months’ time. Riko and friends are totally shock over this. Shinya mutters that the song isn’t finished yet. Osahama says that they make up a name first. Shinya wants a crap-type of band name. To his surprise, Osahama says that it is the same name as an Earth Federation ocean patrol ship. They comment that she is an alien and it seems like something in Gundam.

Riko tells them that they already have a name. She coughs. Everyone poses and exclaims that it is Bubble ☆ styrol. Shinya immediately rejects it. Osahama thinks that it is cute but Shinya says that it is like some comic band. To the surprise of the adults, Souta says that they are a comic band. Shinya says that he’ll pretend he didn’t hear that. Riko tells him that it wasn’t easy to write their song. They wrote the lyrics for Shinya’s music. It is about want to strive hard, solo fight, no one knows my pain, want to pee, and riding cars to the desired stop. Blushing a bit, Shinya calls Riko, mushroom and asks if she is CP’s fan. Riko says that she is, but she cannot sing a depressing song because she is a simple-minded person. This made Soichiro burst out in laughter. Riko and friends exclaims that it is true. Shinya and Osahama just look at Soichiro. Soichiro approves of the lyrics and asks Shinya if he can make his majestic music to suit it. Shinya says that he doesn’t think a sponsor would like the word ‘pee’. Soichiro agrees with him since their sponsor is a beverage company. Soichiroh asks who the main writer of the song is. They say that it is Souta. Soichiroh says that it isn’t bad and he likes it. Souta is thrilled to hear that. Soichiroh turns down their band name and says that it won’t do because of the impression it gives people. He wants something like like a ‘Southern’ type which gives an ‘all-round’ impression type of band name. After a pause, Osahama comments about the name Shinya uses to call Riko, ‘Mushroom’ so how about using ‘Mush’. It gives a ‘down to earth’ type of impression from mushrooms. Soichiro says that they have to put something else behind it else it would seem that Riko is a solo singer. She asks how about ‘Mush & Co.’ like in ‘Tiffany & Co.’. Since Riko and others didn’t know what ‘Co’ is, it is explained to them that it means ‘company’ or ‘friends’. Soichiro approves of this name and thinks that it is kind of cute. Shinya just looks thoughtful. Riko and others say that they want something with kanji and English like, ‘Kegawa [Fur] Marie’, or ‘Kuroneko [Black cat] Chelsea’ type of name. They tell the three to ‘trust the adults’. The three say that they already thought of a photo album name like, ‘direct origin’, ‘regular flight’ or ‘fruit vegetables’. Then, the three sigh on their own names. Meanwhile, while Shun is still playing the video game, Aki is already busy writing a song.

Soichiro’s words really have such impact on the characters in this series and the awful thing about it, he is right about it. From what he told Shinya, Shinya isn’t that confident with his music anymore. Obviously, none of them can be an expert in everything. What he did with Aki about his bass playing, he did it with Shinya regarding composing. Hehe, and Shun has charisma. It seems that musicians here have fragile egos. I’m somewhat confused as to what’s Osahama’s role is. Is it a kind of manager since Shinya is already the producer? Well, Mari is somewhat conscious of Riko so there will be a rivalry there soon. It’s good that Riko turned down Aki but then, I wonder if in the end, they’ll use the music that Aki is making. I’m saying that because I have seen the raws of either chapter 24 or 25 but it is chapter 22 in Japanese, last month’s issue. According to some people in BW, it seems that Soichiro knows something about Riko and Aki and he would want Aki to write the music for Riko’s band to make them famous. Riko’s band had officially debut on this chapter. It is done in their school and they didn’t know about it. I’m not sure if Shinya knew all of this because he is busy doing some interview/photo shoot with media people elsewhere as CP member. More details when the Chinese scanlation is out or you can read it in ankemaybe’s blog if she summarize it ahead of me.

Word of the day:
Criticism can consume our lives to the point of emotional paralysis, or we can set our hearts to serve God faithfully undeterred by that criticism and put our God on display. When we do that, we won’t need to answer our critics with words—our lives will say all that is needed. ~ Our Daily Bread

Free Talk: Trip to Singapore
Monday, April 18, 2011

This is actually my second trip to Singapore but then, the first one was years before. The place where the merlion stood, which I think is the Esplanade, is still under construction then. Things have progressed a lot since then. We were suppose to go here last Christmas but it was too already fully booked then. Then, it is suppose to be during Easter break but my brother made a mistake on the dates so it is a week earlier. ^^; We are going to ride on Jetstar which is cheap = a bit tight seating and no food + beverage. They do sell food, which are quite expensive like a small bottle of water costs SG$3. Then, we booked early at Ibis Bencoolen hotel so it is cheaper and of course, a lot cheaper since we took the ‘no refund’ one and no paid breakfast. By the time we are about to go, I checked the weather and it is thunderstorms. Uh-oh, since the places I planned to go are outdoors but I just hope for the best that it won’t be raining too hard or if it did, it will be just a short one. Did I say that this is a vacation? It is more like a ‘exercise for the year’ kind of trip from all that walking ^^;

Day 1: We arrived at the airport on time since the counter has just opened at around 8am. My brother and his kids had to wait a bit more though since they arrived early and the counter was closed then. We finished the check-in and immigration with one hour to spare. My mother had recently discovered that one can stay at a semi-exclusive lounge if one has a certain type of credit card. We actually lack one card but thankfully, they allowed me to get in anyway. =P Hence, we stayed there to eat something and that is where I checked the tagboard. Then, it is time to board the plane. After a few hours, we are in Singapore. ^^ Since we are all five in the group, we have to take a maxi-taxi to the hotel instead of an ordinary taxi. The cost is S$50. It is just a short trip like 10 minutes. Finally, we are at the hotel. After checking in, we dumped our stuff and went to eat a late lunch at Bugis Street where there is a type of food court. We ate some Japanese food that comes with drinks. I choose a plain ramen and calamansi [/calamondin] juice which turns out to be from a can, not fresh. ^^; I forcibly drank it even if it somewhat irritates the throat..because it’s expensive. Then, we walked around a bit and head to the bus station to go to Marina Bay Sands hotel. Hm..we paid S$1 for all bus trips. I do wonder if we are paying for it right since the hotel staff told us that all buses cost that much. At the hotel, we pass through one of the towers, there are three in all. We are skipping the skypark because my companions aren’t into paying money just to get on top of a building to see the view. So, Singapore Flyer is also out of the question but then, when we passed by it, it isn’t moving anyway. I think it is closed because they are putting in a train tunnel to it..well, from what I have seen on the covered ‘under construction’ wall. We crossed the street via underground to where the shops and casino are. The shops are mostly luxurious brands wherein we just window shopped. Then, when we finally found the art-science museum, it rained really hard.

Since it is just a bit of walk, we braved the rain and head in. The only exhibit available then is the ship wrecked one. Genghis Khan has already ended the day earlier and the Van Gogh one has not yet opened. They gave us half the price off which is good since the place isn’t really what I expected it to be. I was kind of expecting that there will be a lot of other stuff to see aside from the main exhibit. It turns out that that is all there was. ^^; The place is divided into three parts. The first one is the Ship Wrecked exhibit which is mostly about traveling ships and their antique merchandise. The second one is the Genghis Khan one which is already closed. Then, the third one is the soon to open Van Gogh. I’m not sure if it is good that it is closed since my companions didn’t even know who the guy is. ^^;; so we did save some money. Then, there is a couple of rooms there talking about the inspiration for arts or more precisely, the architecture of the building which is like a lotus/palm hand that collects rain. I’m not sure if it goes down to that dome-funnel thing below which pours down the water to that ‘body of water’ in the hotel. That ‘river’ thing copies the Venetian Hotel in Macao wherein one can ride a sampan-themed boat. Oh ya, at the museum, you can also a postcard type picture using the ‘pictures of their theme’ and sent it via email. Then, we were supposed to go to Esplanade but since it is raining, they asked me what one can see there and seem to be far away. I told them the Merlion statue and restaurants. They wanted to skip it so I said we go to Suntec City next. We rode the bus there. Around this time, the rain has already stopped. I took some pictures of the Fountain of Wealth, which is the largest fountain in the world..ah, I’m not sure if it is still is but it was in 1998. There is a ‘ritual’ to do there so that one can become wealthy/lucky. Since I don’t remember it, according to wiki, anyone who walk around the central base of the fountain three times and touching the water at all times, would gain some good luck of their own. None of us wanted to do it though I do want to..just for the fun of it but then, maybe if someone did do it, the people there would be probably laughing at the person for believing such a superstition. ^^; There are people just watching it or taking pictures of it. During the early afternoon, when we passed by it, the water isn’t flowing out of it so I don’t know if it only ‘works’ at night or after the rain.

We ate at Pepper Steak [rice + meat/fish on hot plate] since the kids are hungry, only for my brother to learn that there is Crystal Jade restaurant at the other side. They want to try out the xiao long bao [pork dumpling with soup inside] if it tastes better here. There are a lot of variations to the ‘Crystal Jade’ restaurant here from the expensive looking to the somewhat cheaper looking. I wonder if it is the same owner. When we are in another country, we aren’t that into experimenting with new kinds of food. We walked a bit, trying to find the main shopping mall. The first building, I forgot which, only has two floors of stores. Then, we went to another building which has a bigger selection of stores. We cannot find anymore afterwards that my mother wants to call it a day. My brother who is into shopping asks me if that is all there is to it. ^^; Since we don’t know exactly how to go back to the hotel on bus, and a guy told us that there is no bus to Bugis Street which I mistakenly said for we should actually go near Bras Basah..if it via mrt. The two places are more or less, 3-4 blocks away from each other and our hotel is around the middle of that. We head to the arrow which shows where to go to the mrt. Walk and walk..we saw a direction towards Esplanade but we are going back already so I snubbed it and kept on walking. Before long, we found ourselves at a station, city hall. Opps, I think we just passed a station into another station since after looking at the mrt map, we should have gone into the Esplanade station. ^^;; Oh well, since we are tired, we just bought the ticket via the machine and head back. When we are riding the elevator up, it is then I realized how deep we are underground because of the high elevator ride up. The card is refundable at S$1.

From the Bras Basah station, I found the Singapore Art Museum. It is then I realized that I could have gone to the wrong museum. ^^; With me as the ‘navigator’, we walked at the Waterloo Street which is a bit dark that I’m starting to wonder if I’m leading the tired group the right way. I’m also hoping that the Bencoolen street which is parallel to this one isn’t where the hotel is located but the other block. Then, I saw the hotel’s logo from one of the tall buildings. I sighed in relief that I was heading the right way. Finally, we are back at the hotel. The staff in this hotel is quite nice and accommodating. They even printed out a map from the internet on how to get our next destination tomorrow so that we won’t be lost again. The internet here is specifically for the guest of a certain room. The username is the room number and the password is the surname of the guest. To save bandwidth, if you don’t use the net for about 5 minutes or less, I think, they automatically log you out. On the day we checked out, at around 12, they have already cut the internet use under our room so I wasn’t able to use it during that time. Ah, modern technology. This is an ‘environmental-friendly’ hotel so the freebies are limited and well, maybe because it is cheaper than others. There are no toothbrushes, toothpaste, slippers, etc. They only provide a shower cap, soap and I think sanitary bag. There is a body/hair shower gel in the shower room. No bathtub. The bed is quite narrow and it is probably small for bigger people. My brother plan to squeeze together two of them in one bed but it is impossible so they merged the two single beds together and slept horizontally. =P After washing and dressing up, we slept well..because we were very tired from all that walking. By the way, there are a lot of those black birds which seem to eat leftovers. I think they are crows. [Edit: Thanks to z who said that they are mynahs.]

Day 2: My niece has a 9am doctor appointment today at Singapore General Hospital so we woke up early. For breakfast, we ate the slices of cake that my mother brought for ‘snack’ and some packs of milk that my brother bought. The bus stop is right outside of the hotel. On the way there, we got off the wrong stop because when we saw New Bridge Center, we got off but it turns out that it is suppose to be New Bridge Terminal. Actually, my niece didn’t read that it is suppose to be 19 bus stops after. So, we asked around how to get to the hospital. We asked a kind lady who is eating breakfast at a restaurant who told us that we should go farther ahead on the same bus. We asked around a bit again just to make sure then the lady told us that she’ll accompany us since she is going there anyway. We rode back the bus and headed up to the last stop. We walked uphill with the kind lady leading us where to go. Then, she pointed us the rest of the way and she parted with us as she head into the cancer center. I wonder if she is some sort of nurse there because of her uniform. Anyway, we managed to find the building, Block 7, and got listed. We are on time. The place is quite orderly wherein there is a board there which shows when patient no. something can get into consultation room no. something. My niece has a spine inborn deformity + scoliosis. The doctors here are itching to operate on her that the nurse called to tell my brother that they have already set the day for the operation. We believe that it is God’s will that my brother coincidentally talked with someone about it and told about a friend who got herself operated here by Dr. Tan Seang Beng. The girl even posted about it in youtube. And, we are going to Singapore so we made an appointment before we went. I planned to go to Chinatown while waiting but it turned out to be far away, in contrast to how it looked at the map. ^^; While waiting, I and nephew decided to check out the hospital museum. It is free. I did get lost since I missed a turn but I found a ‘guide’ with a pin, I think it said, ‘need help?’. She pointed it to us but didn’t mention that the museum will open at 10am.

Soon, after some more waiting and doodling, it is almost 10am when the doctor is now in after going rounds. I guess doctors here aren’t that strict with time. I didn’t go in with them since the room is a bit small. I decided to go with my nephew to the museum again. My nephew is just interested in seeing a scalpel. ^^; I wasn’t able to take pictures inside since the receptionist said that pictures aren’t allowed..or so I’ve heard. The place is mostly about how the hospital started and some stuff that used to be used then, at the hospital. They also included some receipts and other things that aren’t necessarily medical in nature. There is also a board with thank you cards on them. I didn’t see any scalpels though but then, maybe it is forbidden since it can be used as a weapon. ^^; On the second floor, there are larger contraptions like the dentist chair, x-ray machine and I forgot what else. ^^; From what I’ve read there, I get the impression that the hospital did a lot of ‘breakthroughs’ in the field of medicine. Medicine has indeed progressed a lot from the crude ways before on how to treat people. What I find interesting is posting of the Hippocratic Oath and also some Nurse Pledge that I think all doctors and nurses who graduate/work there are made to write on their own hand the oath on a piece of paper. It is like a promise and has more impact than just saying it. I wonder if they kept all those papers. Actually, I wonder if other schools/hospitals do this, too.

After we head back and a bit more waiting, the appointment is over and around S$100 is being paid as consultation fee. The verdict is not to operate it yet since her bones are already hard so the progression is already minimal. The operation cannot correct the posture anymore, I think but more on relieving the future pain. If the screws and metal are put in, she won’t be as flexible nor can do a lot of things that she is currently doing like swimming. So, the doctor told her just to enjoy her life and get it operated when it is painful. Who knows, by that time, maybe there is a new technology on doing the procedure. And after that, we rode the shuttle bus out of the hospital which is pretty huge, after all they have 7+ buildings around the place. We rode another bus to Singapore Botanical Garden. At the gate, we lather ourselves with lots of sunblock lotion before heading in. It is quite huge. The first stop is a lake with around 4 swans and a huge swans statue. Then, there is a ginger family garden with small waterfalls. This part isn’t that big. Then, we are at the orchids part which is the main attraction of the place and there is an entrance fee of S$5. Only I and the kids went in. It turns out to be quite big. There are lots of orchids here and I find the arches with orchids as a creative way to decorate orchids. It is around 12 noon here so we are really perspiring. There is suppose to be some carnivorous plants here but the Cool House where they are located is spraying mist all over that part so we cannot see it well. Unfortunately, there is no Raffesia flower. =P We pretty much covered everything except for the bromeliad part because we have to go back to where we came from to get to that place. We are getting hungry so we head out the exit. Since our shirts are wet and we didn’t bring our extra shirts, we bought some shirts there even if it is expensive. Hehe, better than getting sick, right? After that, we walked some more at some valley with a few plants and there is a theater there for performances. We skipped the rain forest part. We ended up at the visitor center were we ate a late lunch. I just ordered fried rice. Then, we walked to Evolution Garden which chronicles the evolution of plants. Hm..I was kind of hoping for really strange plants but it is just common like from moss to ferns to palm-like trees. I think this would be better appreciated by people who have not or have rarely seen tropical plants. Then, we head back to the visitor center to ride a taxi to the zoo.

Unfortunately, around this time, it started to rain really hard. My mother wanted to call off the zoo since it is an outdoor place and it is raining. Hence, after some waiting for the taxi that let us ride even if there are five of us, we head to Orchard Road since the others want to shop. We planned to go to Night Safari which is located near the zoo, which is far away from where we are, later on. The taxi driver told us that if we are going to the zoo, we have to go there in the morning else it is just a waste of money to go there late in the afternoon. So, in Orchard Road, which is a street filled with shopping malls, the taxi driver dropped us at the back of Ion Orchard. This one is nice and clean with branded stores. The ‘waterfall’ there is made of huge sequences disc that flip. The toilet is nice sleek black. Then, we went down the underpass where the MRT is also in to Tangs. We walked a bit then head to Lucky Plaza since it is raining hard. This mall is a bit old and what amuses me is that it has a lot of Filipino stores based on the products sold, the famous Filipino names they used to name their stores, and some local banks. Then, we went to Takashimaya S.C. This one is quite big which is probably the biggest one we gone into. I’m not sure if this is what the taxi driver mentioned because I wasn’t really listening and my brother forgot what he said. ^^; It turns out that the Kinokuniya is located here and it is huge because there are both English, Chinese and Japanese books here. For comparison, here are the prices for manga. For English translated manga, it is around S$8.9. It is around S$6.5 in Chinese. For Japanese, it is around S$10.7. I didn’t buy anything. There is an art supplies store here which is arranged in a very familiar setting..I think I have gone to a store similar to this here in our country. Then, there are also some art schools here. We ate at Crystal Jade Xiao Long Bao here. This is like the Chinese restaurant at the Hong Kong airport. You’ll pay for the peanuts and wet tissues they put on the table so tell them you don’t want it and they’ll deduct it. We didn’t use the tissue but the peanuts..we paid for it since at that time, we weren’t sure if it is for free or not. The unlimited water costs $S.30 The food is okay – noodles and their xiao long bao dumpling – one for each of us. Then, after some more walking, my mother wanted to call it a day so we skipped the Night Safari. We head back to the Orchard MRT station and head back to the hotel. This time, I went on the other street, Bencoolen for a change of view. We went to 7-11 convenient store to buy some water since we already drank all of the water that my brother bought from our country. It is a quite heavy carrying those water back to the hotel. It turns out that there is the same convenient store at the side of our hotel. ^^; Around this time, I’m starting to feel my aching legs from all that walking.

Day 3: We wake up late than what we hoped to. We just ate breakfast at Burger King. Then, we rode the bus to Vivo City [mall] where the bus to Sentosa Resort is located. The bus stop for this is also in front of our hotel. From there, the bus to Sentosa is also there. The fee is S$2 which is the cost of the round trip for Sentosa and probably the entrance. We were dropped off at Resorts World. We climb up the escalator for Universal Studios. The line isn’t that long. Outside, there are people encouraging people to do some dance and they’ll give a gift. I teased my nephew that they will give free tickets. My nephew went and asked what the gift is. It turned out to be just a luggage tag. Clever guy..he asked before doing some silly dance. =P The place is small that if you go around once in that place, you’ve finished it. What took time are the rides because of the long lines which average around an hour. Around here, I’m beginning to wonder why there are so many people because it is a weekday yet there are a lot of families and teens here. At the Hollywood area, they only had pictures taken with the ‘characters’. There are also some pink waitresses singing and dancing there. The Sci-Fi area is only that Battle Galactica roller coaster. It has red and blue line. One of it is scarier since there is no platform to rest the feet. Oh ya, there is also that kiddie ride that is like a twirling cup ride but sci-fi theme. At the Mummy/Egypt area, my niece rode on the mummy ride which she claimed to be not that scary when mummies suddenly drop and the ride isn’t that fast. Hehe, my nephew chickened out midway. =P Then, we rode a kiddie-type ride of jeep through a supposedly treasure hunt type for the mummy/Egpyt world. Then, at the Lost World, they rode the Jurassic Park rapids adventure wherein they’ll drop you at the end in water so most people coming out of there is wet. I and my mother rode the kiddie Dino ride to pass the time since it is an hour wait. One has to press a button to make it go up while doing the ‘merry-go-round’. The problem is if I let go of it, the ‘dino’ drops suddenly that I ended up pressing it all throughout the ride and we were pretty high up and my mother is a bit scared of heights. ^^; I guess she didn’t look down. After that, I want to try the canopy ride but my brother wants me to wait for his kids to ride with them. My brother is also scared of rides like that. I’m actually scared too but that ride seems a bit ‘tame’ than roller coasters. My brother bought some stuff here and a small cat battery-operated fan for me. =P Also, in that dinosaur fountain thing, there are some kids who are taking a bath/playing around there in their swimsuits.

Hm..it seems to be a bit cloudy now. My mother says that it will rain soon. We went to get a hotdog then it started pouring really hard. The rain drops are really huge and it is quite longer now than the earlier days. I overheard some guys playfully shouting ‘refund’ =P It seems that some people still rode the open air canopy ride even if it is raining hard since we can sense the trembling of the pillar. We are underneath it. On that day, Universal Studio earned a lot of money from people who bought raincoats. We joined with my brother at the food court which is packed with people and I hope their floor isn’t real wood. Waterworld is closed that day and my mother doesn’t want to walk around in the rain so we have to skip the rest of the park..well, only two parts are left, the Shrek one and the Madagascar one. On our way out, the covered walk is filled with people. Some are already leaving and they’ll probably come back later on when the rain somewhat stops. I even saw some people walking barefoot, probably because their shoes are wet. I managed to convince the others to go to the other part of the island to an aquarium called Underwater World. We rode a train to that place then a bus. Everything is free so no problem. =P While heading in, a young man approaches us and offers to give us discounted tickets of around S$2 each because a few of his tour groups doesn’t want to go in. It is for two kids and two adults. We are a bit hesitant because it might be a scam. When he said that we have to buy another ticket and we were hesitating, he just sold us another cheaper adult ticket, too from his group price tickets. My niece is already considered an adult but he said that we can pass her off as a kid. He even told us of things we have to do inside and not to go out if we are not finished for there is no re-entry in that place. He walked us to the gate in case my niece is questioned. So, we managed to save some money here. ^^ Also, he informed us that there are a lot of people now because it is a holiday in Thailand, their New Year. That explains why there are many people here right now. The first part is touching the fishes. I touched a shark’s skin which is like sandpaper and a stingray which is quite soft. There is also a puffer fish but I don’t want to be pricked..well, maybe if it a different kind of puffer fish. There is an area of stingrays wherein one can feed them with a price, of course. A kid bought some and fed it. The rays are slashing about. Then, there are some more touching fishes. I think those is a parrot fish which doesn’t bite. Hehe, I actually have three of those fishes and mine are quite aggressive and they do bite. The ones here are just lazing around and bigger.

Then, there are some crabs, jellyfishes, octopus, and some hunchback Arapaimas. Then, there are the saltwater fishes. Their clownfish is black colored. Then, there is the tunnel thing with lots of huge fishes like sharks and rays. Halfway the tunnel, there is a note, great white shark but it is blank. It is only after going through it again when my brother said that it is 3D. So, I step back and indeed see the 3D. I wonder if a lot of people missed that. It seems that one can dive in the aquarium for a fee since there is a woman and child waving at a driver and saying, ‘papa’. After this part, it is a pink dolphin show. The ‘stadium’ is packed. It is quite short of just jumping, passing around a ball, and an audience participation part. My nephew isn’t satisfied with it. Then, as we head out, there is a turtle underground viewing area there. There is also a peacock family roaming around the place. I wonder if they will send those birds to Jurong Bird Park later on. =P Then, we rode the bus back to Resorts World. It is already around 7pm. I plan to at least ride that canopy ride but Universal Studios is already closed. The Crane Dance [free night show] is also cancelled. So, we decide to go back to Vivo City to shop. We walked around then head upstairs to eat at Food Republic which is a Chinese designed food court. I ate orange chicken rice and some dimsum. The orange-mango juice tasted interesting. After this, we walked around a bit but the stores are already closing. We plan to ride the bus back but there are a lot of people there so we decided to ride the mrt again. The trains aren’t that full during the times we rode it and maybe because it is already past rush hour. Then, we head back to the hotel on Waterloo Street again but at the other side. Hehe, when we reached the block, I suddenly panicked since I got lost. It turns out that I have to go to the other side diagonally. ^^; Anyway, we packed some of our things and slept.

Day 4: We wake up pretty late. My brother and nephew are ‘knock out’ that they woke up late. We, girls, head out for breakfast at Kopitiam. I ate some meat buns, rice noodle rolls and some congee. After that, I have an hour to go to the Singapore art museum. I head there alone since my mother and niece are going to walk around the place. They later told me that they found a nearby mall there. As the guy gave me my paid S$10 ticket for the museum, he told me that this includes the building at the other side and National Museum of Singapore. I realized that I have indeed gone in the wrong museum before and I should have spent a whole/half day going to all these places instead. It seems that it is some sort of promo or ‘festival’ called Singapore Biennale that one can go to a lot of places at one price, I think or is it one price for both museums. There is also a free audio guide but I cannot take my time here. On Friday night, I recall reading that the entrance is free. So, I went to the special exhibit which is mostly about art that depicts the oppression of people by the rich, etc. Some are pretty interesting like photographs of riots then there is this rich guy in pink doing random stuff like shopping. There are also some hanged cardboard people beneath some rice husks to depict oppression of the farmers. There is also a small cabinet of books which uses mirror to show as if it is an endless line of books if you look down. There are also some amusing pictures because it has our country’s infamous Marcos couple in an island with a giraffe. I wonder what it meant. There is also Libya’s Gaddafi and some other guy I don’t recognize. There is also angel wings made of plastic slippers/flip-flops. Then, there is the black and white photography of ordinary people but there is a ‘flash of the camera’ on their faces. I think I have seen this in our local mall. Since I’m in a rush, I only glance a bit on what it said then take pictures of the art then head to the next one. By the way, there are young ‘guards’ in every section of this place. I feel kind of uneasy about it but I guess they had some bad experience of people ruining/touching the artwork. I was kind of paranoid that I feel that they are following me because I’m the only idiot who is taking pictures even if the art work isn’t exactly ‘pretty’. Of course, flash photography is not allowed. There is a time when I ran out of batteries so I have changed it in a ‘video room’ which is showing a woman singing some song for some corpses. It is really creepy especially since I’m alone so I try not to look at the video. Then suddenly, one of the ‘guards’ is rushing to where I am. I think he must have thought I’m doing something ‘bad’ in there since the other person whom I am with have already passed through. ^^; There is another video room but I don’t have time to sit and watch all of the films. I only see some people in a park made to brush their teeth in public. ^^; Then, I went to a gallery with some nice watercolor paintings of Singapore river and other works. These are what I’m expecting here -- some paintings that I can somehow copy for practice but it is more on objects and photography. It is more on ‘conversation pieces’ but it is quite creative in a way on how they depict things through art.

Then, to another area which has ‘models’ to depict things. There is the marionette type of band then someone is drumming as if they are all going to march. I was already going out when the female ‘guard’ told me that there is something more at the back. There are male mannequins lying in air with colorful lace covered on them. It supposed to depict the blurring line between what is male and female. Then, there is a huge picture of a woman with different stages of metamorphosis of butterfly. Outside that area is a cubicle of ‘black and white’ of an ordinary work office but there are signs of ‘violence’ like cut rose and knives around the place yet the place is neat and orderly. The title is ‘He’s satisfied from Monday to Friday and on Sundays he loves to cry.’ I guess it is about being bored and stressed at work but still, after a brief weekend, one continues the cycle. Then, there is a Chinese soup spoon collection depicting a woman who ‘snubs’ her child until in the end, the child is now grown up and she lived most of her life ‘alone’. I’m starting to feel some deja vu here since I felt that I have seen some of the art works here before. I had skipped the learning center and head back to the hotel since we agreed to meet back at 12 noon. I passed by a gallery of Japanese contemporary arts at an art school at Bencoolen. Thankfully, I didn’t wait for it to open at 11am or head back here earlier, since it is still closed. We got the maxi-cab here for $S45 from the hotel. It has to be called in half an hour in advance. We head to the airport and it is around 1pm already, I think. It turns out that we are way early because the check-in counter opens at two hours before the flight. Our flight is 455pm. So, I’m stuck at the airport when I could have used that time to finish the museum tour. Oh well..it is because we thought that there are a lot of places to go around there at the airport but we are in terminal 1, the ‘nice things’ are in terminal 2 and 3. This terminal seems to be under renovation and it is estimated to finish around 2012.

I asked for the free wifi internet password there which was given after one shows one’s passport. From the paper, it is available only for around 6 hours. We also get a tax refund for spending a minimum of S$100 in a single purchase. It is a bag for my sister-in-law as ‘souvenir gift’. After some waiting, the check in is finally open. Here, my mother saw someone’s luggage is overweight. He ended up giving away some of his things to the other passenger instead of paying extra. We head in for our late lunch. I went for something filling so I ate chicken burger and fries in Texas Chicken. We bought a bottle of water to bring in the airplane. After some more walking around, we are at our gate. It turns out that their x-ray machine is located in this area. I saw them throwing out the water so I hastily drank the water we bought. I think they don’t allow it so that you’ll have to buy their beverages onboard. Since I have around 10 more minutes, I used their internet to check on Chitose,Etc here. =P Then, it is boarding time. It turns out that they close the gate before the people can board the plane. The plane took off a bit late then there is more turbulence this time around than before. The kids ended up buying some food and water since it is already past dinner time. I ate a bit of their leftovers but then, I’m still quite full. We played cards the rest of the flight. The plane also arrived late since it has to circle around for a bit because our airport is small and some other planes are landing. Finally, we are back in the country. There aren’t much people so we passed through the immigration quick then we got our luggage. Sister-in-law and driver came to fetch us. And, that’s the trip to Singapore. Overall, I think it is an okay trip but really tiring. I’m still recovering from my aching legs. ^^; I’m not sure my brother would want to go here again soon since he is more interested in shopping. From where we went, he wasn’t satisfied though I wonder if I missed out any other mall. My cousin who frequently goes here said that they go shopping only in Vivo mall and we went there. But then, one thing is shopping but then, there is also about the prices since we have to multiply everything by 34 to know how much it really cost in our currency. For me, I think the place is okay since there are a lot of art stuff and nature. Hehe, the stuff a grandma likes. ^^; The architecture in this place is really nice and interesting, too. So, if I ever get a chance to go back here, I know where I’ll go - museums, the skipped places in Sentosa and Singapore zoo. And if it predicted that there are random thunderstorms, I’ll pack a raincoat and not just an umbrella. =P

Quote of the day:
After a day's walk, everything has twice its usual value. ~ George Macauley Trevelyan

Free Talk: Skip Beat! [Chapter 174] Reaction
Sunday, April 17, 2011

Skip Beat! 174 is already out in English by mechgouki. Hehe, who would have thought that Lory is inside that statue? =P I guess he is really their cupid as he help resolve their ‘fear of love’ issues. I think he plans to lower their guard slowly and blur the ‘flirting’ with ‘acting as the Heel siblings’. Since Ren has to wear a wig, I wonder if underneath that is blond hair or Ren’s real hair color but then, the last page seems to be still black so maybe it is brown instead? I’m hoping for blond just to see Kyouko’s reaction. =P From what he mentioned at the end, I think Ren plan to ‘defeat his demons/past issues’ to be with Kyouko. I have been waiting for ages on this when BJ was first mentioned. ^^; It seems that Kyouko is still oblivious about her own beauty. I wonder if that is because of how ‘low’ Shou looked at her before. She is attributing it all to the necklace. Anyway, it’s nice to see how far Kyouko has gone to really love acting – to become someone else when it is all just her way of revenge on Shou. This chapter seems to be just preparation for the fun part and hopefully, it comes soon. ^^ Scans by Yi and 舜二小姐 for baidu. Next chapter will be on May 2nd.

Chitose, Etc [Chapters 26 - 27]
Saturday, April 16, 2011

At the apartment, Yuka tells Yuki and Saaya that she will be walking Yutaka back [to the station?]. Yutaka thanks the two for entertaining him and bids them goodbye. The two just smile as Yuki says not to be too polite and he can go back there anytime. After Yuka and Yutaka left, the two’s smiles disappear. Saaya says that Misaki already knows [/understands] about them and it is alright even if they break up. This surprises Yuki. She tells him that she cannot use Misaki as an alibi anymore and she ought to grant Yuki his freedom. Yuki asks if it is okay. Saaya says that she doesn’t know for she feels uneasy and afraid just at the thought of breaking up. “Yuki knows everything about me including my bad sides. Even if it is like this, nice Yuki still accepts me. I’m always pampered within your embrace. Maybe, it is like what Yuka have said.. I had become dependent on you. *teary-eyed* Even if I had mutually fallen in love with someone else, I also won’t know if that person will treat me, just like how you did. I don’t have self-confidence on that. It will definitely not go smoothly..” Yuki pats her head and tells her to relax for she is really outstanding, beautiful and charismatic so a lot of guys will like her, and would love her so much more than him. Saaya hugs him and asks if he will always be her best male friend. Yuki assures her that he will or rather, for him, she is a special existence and this won’t change, ever. “Is this good?” Saaya says, ya.

Back at the room at the inn, Chitose is really nervous. Her heart is beating loudly. She blushes in surprise when Shun holds her shoulders and somewhat puts his face on her head. [Not sure if he kissed her or something.] This immediately made Chitose push him away and tells him to wait. She asks isn’t it too early to sleep and shouldn’t they watch some television first. Shun looks at her and says, okay. Blushing Chitose exclaims that’s great, then it is decided, that they watch the television first. While watching the television, beside the futon bed, Shun glances at Chitose who has a blank expression. Chitose is wondering what to do for she is really scared, embarrassed and at her wits’ end. Shun sighs and thinks that Chitose isn’t watch the television at all. Then, he notices something on her chest. Shun calls out to her and asks about that necklace but Chitose doesn’t respond. This made Shun angry that he called out to her, ‘Hey’. This snaps Chitose out of it and exclaims, “Ah, yes!” Shun asks her if that necklace she is wearing is the one he gave her on Christmas and she should take it off while at the onsen. Chitose says that yes, it is the same one. She decided to wear it since this is a rare occasion and she has been wearing it since this morning. Shun asks if that is so. Looking at her necklace, Shun tells her that he just choose it randomly so he doesn’t have any impression on it. Chitose tells him that it seems like a butterfly pendant. Suddenly, they notice how close they are at each other. From touching the pendant with his finger, Shun then puts his whole hand on her chest.

Just when Shun is about to lean and kiss her, Chitose backs away and tells him to wait. As she moved back, Chitose hits her head on the post behind her. Shun sweatdrops as Chitose bends down holding her head in pain. Shun goes to her and asks if she is alright. Chitose quickly backs to the wall and exclaims that she is alright. Holding her hands to her chest [as if to protect it], Chitose nervously says that it seems she is perspiring again so can she go back and take a dip in the onsen again.. Shun is angry that he shouts that enough with her chattering. Rushing towards her, Shun grabs aghast Chitose’s shoulder and carries her ala princess carry. He shouts for her to quit dilly-dallying. Chitose closes her eyes thinking that she will be dumped on the futon but to her surprise, Shun gently puts her down on the futon. She looks at serious Shun then they kiss deeply. Soon, disrobed Chitose is in her underwear. Chitose feels Shun’s hands on her back and he starts to unlock her bra and remove it. Chitose blushes really red. Shun looks at her and is about to kiss her but he is surprised to see Chitose crying while closing her eyes. Somewhat flustered, Shun sighs and puts Chitose’s yukata back on her. This surprises Chitose that she opens her eyes. Chitose calls out to Shun, who is already sitting at the side, away from her. He tells her that in the end, he cannot do it upon seeing her painful expression. Quickly wiping her tears, Chitose apologizes and tells him that she is okay. “Please continue..” Holding up his hand to her, Shun tells her to forget about it, he cannot do it anymore. “Sorry.” Chitose looks at him and tells him that didn’t he said before that even if she doesn’t want to do it, he won’t stop. Shun confirms that he did thought of that before that once they are in that situation, he might not be able to stop himself. “But I never thought, to my own surprise, that I’m quite sensitive.” Chitose apologizes. Shun says that it is okay, and he is also sorry. Holding his throat, Shun asks if there is something to drink there since he is thirsty. Chitose quickly offers to make some tea.

Soon, after the tea is prepared, Shun tells Chitose not to be so gloomy. Chitose says that but still, she is sorry since even if she obviously decided on this, she unconsciously cried. Chitose exclaims that next time, she will go for it again. Expressionless Shun asks her if she wants to test it again, after all, there is no problem with him. Shun looks at eager Chitose who ends up looking thoughtful, then shivering aghast. Chitose apologizes and says that she cannot do it. They were surprised when the phone starts ringing. Shun answers it and says, okay, he’ll go down. Shun blankly tells Chitose that they have visitors. Chitose is equally puzzled who it is for only her brother knows where they are. The two are surprised to see Yuki and Saaya. To their surprise, teary-eyed Saaya quickly calls out to Shun. She rushes to Shun and hugs him. Looking at Chitose while holding on to Shun, Saaya exclaims, “I’m sorry, Chitose! I’ve always pleaded with you irrationally.. I’m really sorry. But, favor, please give Shun back to me..” [-_-#] Chitose goes ‘huh’ while Shun looks a bit tense-surprised. Looking really puzzled as she looks at Yuki and the other two, Chitose asks what about Yuki, and what is doing on. Yuki has a lame ‘shrug’ type of expression. Shun quietly looks at Saaya and he looks a bit flustered. Since some people are looking at them, Shun suggests that they go in the room to talk. Chitose agrees with him. She looks at Yuki and blushes as Yuki smiles at her. In the room, Saaya and Yuki freak out upon seeing the messy futon. Saaya exclaims if they already did it. While Chitose blushes, Shun sweatdrops and says, no, it was unsuccessful. Saaya and Yuki sigh in relief. Then, Yuki grabs Shun and shouts that since he said it was unsuccessful, up to what part did they progressed. This made Chitose exclaim that they didn’t do anything and they shouldn’t talk about that anymore, but rather, they should tell them first what’s going on.

As they all sit at the table, Saaya told them that Misaki already knew about them and understand them. She admits that she ‘woke up’ when Yutaka said not to make the thing with Misaki become a painful memory. “He obviously is a really good friend.. if it is because of him that we are in pain, then won’t that be crueler for him? So, I had finally decided that I’m going to end this kind of current situation. I’ll leave Yuki, and start anew.” Chitose and Shun just look at them. Chitose then asks why they are there. Yuki exclaims that is because.. Flashback: After hugging with Yuki, Saaya told Yuki that they go see Chitose for doesn’t he want to see Chitose earlier then he should go right now. Yuki seemed touched by what Saaya said. Saaya also told him that she will also go with him for she wants to apologize to Chitose up front and Chitose ought to be at home. Later, Tadashi scratched his head and apologized to the two that Chitose isn’t at home. They asked him when Chitose is coming home. Tadashi said that there is no harm in telling them. While thinking that this is quite interesting, Tadashi told them that Chitose is coming home tomorrow for she went together with her boyfriend to the onsen. The two looks shock. Yuki looked somewhat tense over this then he is surprised that Saaya is freaking out and shouting that no, that thing absolutely shouldn’t be. Tadashi is surprised-aghast when Saaya shouted at him as to where that onsen is, and which inn they are staying. At the streets, Saaya shouted for Yuki to hurry for Atami ought to be near by and they have to go before it is too late. Yuki is surprised at how frantic Saaya is. Saaya is frustrated that she cannot contact either Shun or Chitose on her cellphone. Chitose seemed to have forgotten her cellphone and Shun has left his cellphone at the place where one’s belonging are put while one is in the onsen. Yuki naively asked Saaya if the guy she is talking about before of liking yet she gave up on him is Shun. Saaya shouted at him that it is and wasn’t he even conscious of it a little bit for she thought that Yuki would more or less, be a bit suspicious. Yuki sweatdropped and said that he didn’t, not one bit. Saaya angrily shouted at Yuki for being slow-witted. This puzzles Yuki for she is venting on him [/turned traitor; not sure, it is a bit blurry] End flashback.

Yuki tells the two that is what happened and how things ended up like this. Soon, there is an awkward silence. Chitose breaks the ice by happily saying is that so, and, since it isn’t easy for them to just go there, why don’t everyone stay there and tomorrow, they can go sight-seeing. Shun asks her how she is going to resolve the room for the inn is fully booked today. Chitose says that they all stay in the same room and just pay a bit more money. Shun says that it definitely won’t do for they only booked for two. Chitose says it that so then, what should they do. To their surprise, Shun says, “I have it. How about this. I and Saaya will go back. Kaneshiro and Yuki can stay here.” Shun asks Saaya if she is okay with this. Saaya blushes a bit and says, yes. Chitose tries to protest but Shun tells her that the onsen ticket is her brother’s so she should use it. Confused and freaking out, Chitose continues to protest for this way, she would have really wronged [/offended] him. “That.. that, ah! That’s right! Akaishi-kun and Yuki-kun can stay here..” The two guys sweatdrop. Shun shouts, why. Yuki shouts that he doesn’t want to. After dressing up, Shun tells the others that they are going ahead. Yuki calls out to Shun and apologizes for not noticing even a little bit about the thing between him and Saaya. Shun somewhat smiles and says that even if he said those things to him before at the roof, it is inevitable, he’ll give Chitose back to him. Holding Saaya to him, Shun says, “Let’s make it an exchange, I’m getting Saaya back.” Saaya blushes over this. Yuki says okay, and thanks him. Yuki tells Shun to take good care of her. Shun says, same to you. As they leave, Saaya happily bids Yuki and Chitose goodbye. After they left, Chitose is blushing as she thinks that it seems that without thinking or noticing, things turned out like this. Yuki calls out to Chitose who blushes as she looks longingly at him. Yuki then lightly taps her head which puzzles Chitose. Looking away, Yuki exclaims why she would suddenly go on a trip with Shun that it made him worried to death about her. Flustered Chitose exclaims that it is because she doesn’t want to be a hindrance to him and Saaya so she wants to ensure her relationship with Shun as early and as quickly as possible. Yuki says is that so. Touching her face, Yuki apologizes. “But, it is alright already. I only belong to you, Chitose and Chitose, also only belongs to me.” He cups her face with a longing expression towards him. Then, they kiss.

And so, after a lot of hurt feelings, tears, emotional blackmail, etc, they get the person that they wanted. The resolution to all is indeed way too fast. Shun is giving up Chitose too easily. If he is serious, I can only wish him luck with Saaya but then, he might finally get the sex he wanted. I’m hoping that he is somewhat faking it for I did thought that he somewhat liked Chitose. He was surprisingly quite gentle with Chitose since he stopped when he can pretty much get away with it. I’m thinking that maybe he gave up easily for the ‘happiness of everyone to get what everyone really wanted’. If this isn’t ending yet, there might still be a possibility of: after going steady with the ones they want, they would realize that the one they like isn’t really what they want. =P But based on the cover pages, it seems that the author’s preferred couple is Yuki x Chitose. Well, it also seems that the three can easily be moved or do whatever Saaya wants. She doesn’t want to ‘free’ Yuki hence, everyone is doing just that then, now, she doesn’t want him anymore so they are doing what she wanted again. It seems that they are letting her get away with her whims, disregarding their feelings and everything else. I would have want Yuki to at least work hard to get Chitose rather than for him to get her easily on a silver platter. Anyway, I’m not sure where the series’ plot is going to next whether it is going to end or the author forced this resolution because she has something else in mind than dragging things to this point. I’m hoping for the latter and it won’t end this way since I do like Chitose, who is the main reason why I read this series. She deserves better. The couples here remind me of Ultra Maniac. I’ve partly watched the anime before and the cheerful girl ended up with the black haired guy so I’m somewhat hoping that it will happen here. If it won’t, I’m hoping that the author would give some more personality to Yuki since he is ‘just there’ – the good and understanding guy, and nothing else. By the way, the chibi reactions are quite cute. ^^ Scans by 17kkmh.com

Word of the day:
All God’s testings have a purpose— someday you will see the light; All He asks is that you trust Him, walk by faith and not by sight. ~ Zoller from Our Daily Bread