Notices:
A. FAQ about the Blog
1. If you're going to post any of the content here on other sites, please credit and it would be nice to put a link back to this site.
2. Do not hotlink the images!!
3. I won't upload the pictures if the photobucket album 'exploded' because of exceeding bandwidth. Just wait for a month or until it is reset by photobucket.
4. Scans are in the title links below, just click the title of the series. If it isn't there, then it isn't uploaded in public sites yet. Those that are not in public sites are usually found in BW Forum = membership required.
5. This is an old blog so no tags nor feeds. Just use the search engines provided below and hopefully, you'll find the past summary you are looking for. ^^
6. Teasers are from Jap raws, not meant to be accurate because I can't read Japanese.
B. Tagboard: Rules for Ban
1. Do not use 'Kat' as your username on the tagboard else I'll think you did it with malicious intent.
2. Do not flood the tagboard with the same post.
3. Do not spam especially advertisements.
* Do not type one/short sentences per line because it is like spamming. Just fill up the line in the tagboard before pressing enter.

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. Feel free to point out my mistakes. ^^ Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things.

Layout Credits:
Stardust★Wink pic is scanned by karen870509 for baidu. The quote's author is 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. The Sleeping Beauty picture is from Shocomi's 2010 calendar scanned by Amyangel19910323 for BW and background by heyjude0301 of photobucket.

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Past Dreams:
2010

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

Image hosting by Photobucket, Imageshack, and Xtupload.

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

Most of the Quotes are from
Quote Garden, ThinkExist & Our Daily Bread

To God Be the Glory!

Free Talk: Coming Soon~~
Friday, August 6, 2010

Edit: Bebexiu has found a translator to do Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu so I'll be dropping it again if this is confirmed. I do not know yet which chapter they will start.

Faster than a Kiss side story will be up this month ^^ It’s about Kazuma having an amnesia and Fumino tries to make him remember her. The scene above is pretty funny =P

Here are some teasers from various series. After Akuma to Love Song, I plan to do Hadashi de Bara wo Fume unless of course, the scanlation group suddenly beats me to it ^^; Chitose is super cute and no wonder those guys cannot resist her ^^ Most series are pretty good this month even the ones that are not shown above. Jealousy, rejection and reconciliation seem to be the theme. ^^; Scans by xiuxiu and wdsjznl for BW, Mercury for baidu, AMH汉化制作 and 動漫花園S組論壇.

Skip Beat! [Chapter 161] Teaser
Thursday, August 5, 2010

I finally found a teaser summary on Skip Beat! 161 by MioAVANT in baidu. It starts with Ren in bed thinking over things. He then stands up to drink soup. He then notices that he isn’t wearing his watch. He is totally shock then he remembers he left it in the clothes hamper. He then recalled Kyouko’s calm reaction when they saw each other in the bathroom. He thinks that in Kyouko’s subconscious mind, he isn’t seen as a ‘guy’. He feels very defeated. After bathing, Kyouko is agonizing as to what to wear although fundamentally, she only needs to wear pants below. She wonders what kind of top would suit Setsuka’s style but she feels that since Ren is wearing his private accessory (watch) then, she ought to also have something that is Kyouko style. That is to cover the pants. I don’t get this part about wearing something black and sexy suspenders. [Edit: It turns out that she just wants to know what to wear underneath and is embarrassed to go out in her panties. She ends up deciding to wear her pants.] It turns out that it doesn’t matter since Ren is hiding inside the blanket. ^^;; Upon Wanting to learning Ren’s work schedule the next day, Kyouko calls up Yashiro then she realizes that he doesn’t know that she’s acting as Cain’s younger sister. Kyouko then goes to do some chores. Ren peeks out from his blanket and look at his watch that is on the table. The next day, together with messy hair (from sleep) Cain, they climb aboard a camper car. Lory is already inside. Jelly is also there to change them back to their usual look. Ren feels that for him to forget his watch is signifies something that isn’t good. [= bad omen, I guess] He then tells Lory that he doesn’t need a protective charm (= Kyouko) by his side. As usual, just wait for details and clarifications when the scanlation is out ^^ Ah, raws are out in baidu, too by chinglan1987.^^ Next chapter will be out around Aug 20th.

To Akuma to Love Song readers, there’s only one chapter for this month ^^; I really think that Chinese readers aren’t fond of this series because all the other series are quite updated except this one ^^;; The Japanese is already around chapter 76. Since I plan to archive on Monday, I’ll put up all 8 [61-68] chapters next week instead of just 4 chapters this week.

Quote of the day:
The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. ~ Ben Stein

The One [Chapter 68]
Thursday, August 5, 2010

The twins’ father holds up Eros face and says that from now on, he will be Angus Lanson Gustav. In some room, Angus is tied up on a chair as he keeps kicking the door for someone to let him out. Berry, Taylor’s wife asks Taylor as to how he could hide that it from her about Eros doing that dangerous thing. Taylor just looks sad and says that Eros guaranteed to him that he’ll come back safely. Teary-eyed, Berry exclaims that the twins’ father isn’t an ordinary man so how could he just be at ease like that. Angus starts to cry in frustration as he is very worried over his twin. Back at Sweden, some guy, I think the butler, tells the father that it has been three days and Eros hasn’t eaten. The father tells the butler to force Eros to eat. They can do anything to him as long as they don’t hurt his face. He wants Eros to be in top condition since it is Madame Mode’s birthday next month. The butler exclaims that Eros isn’t the type to easily cooperate with them and he fears that Eros might forced to do something rash just like what Angus did before. The father quickly remembers about Angus’ attempted suicide by slashing his wrist. In some room, Eros wakes up in bed. He looks around and wonders if this is where Angus spent six years of his life. He thinks that six years isn’t long but it is enough to twist one’s wisdom[?/head]. He vows to himself that as long as he lives, he won’t let Angus return to this place. The scene changes to Berry feeding some soup to Angus. She asks if he has calmed down. She tells him that she knows that right now he feels that this is intolerable but then, he needs to keep his energy up for Eros wouldn’t want to see him like that. Angus asks her to untie him and he won’t try to escape. He also says that Eros won’t lie to him and since Eros promised them that he will come back peacefully, he’ll [Angus] believe that, too. He plans to just wait there for Eros to come back. Lele is walking in the streets when she trips. ^^; Her phone rings and she answers it. It is Leo. Leo asks how she has been doing. Lele says that she’s doing really good for it has been three days and she hasn’t thought of ‘that guy’ and it must be hard for Leo to work with him [Eros] everyday. Leo sighs and says that since she counted [how many days], it is obvious that she hasn’t forgotten. Leo claims to be luckier than her because it has already been more than a week and he hasn’t seen ‘that guy’. This surprises Lele. Leo says that it could be that Eros has been doing that bum thing but what is strange is Angus has also disappeared. An Bai, Angus manager, is so worried that it seems as if she is an ant on a hot pan. The two of them went to LA to shoot a commercial then they also lost contact with those two. Leo says that it really makes one worried. From Lele’s expression, she is also worried.

In some bedroom, Eros is tied up in bed. His father with two goons..I mean the butler and a glasses doctor-type of guy. The butler is carrying a tray of medicine, syringes, a spoon and a cup of vitamin C [? – that’s what’s written/it is like an ice cream container]. His father tells Eros that he heard that Eros doesn’t really want to cooperate and well, he really doesn’t want to do this but he doesn’t have much time to waste on Eros. Angus looks aghast when the glasses guy prepares the syringe. His father tells him that this is the result of Eros volunteering to become Angus’ substitute so do not blame him [for this]. At the ranch, Angus is trying to ride a horse with little luck. Taylor helps him up and asks if he is alright. Angus curses that it dares to throw him down. Taylor says that it is inevitable because that horse is famous for having a bad temper. He also says that other than Eros, no one can get close to it and it seems to be able to distinguish the twins from each other. Angus looks thoughtful about this as he says that actually, it isn’t hard to distinguish the two of them. Being separated for six years has created differences between them. They still see each other as someone very important but he knows that there are some things that are different. It isn’t that transparent between them just like before since Eros has a side that he doesn’t understand. That made him [Angus] feel lonelier than he was in Sweden. To Taylor’s surprise, Angus says that he thinks that it is Taylor who caused Eros to change because he gave Eros another family and made him a ‘family member’. He hates Taylor because the past of their mother and him [Angus] isn’t Eros’ only thing. Angus starts crying over this. Taylor comforts him and asks if he can call Angus, ‘Long’. Angus is surprised when Taylor tells him that no one can monopolize/dominate a person forever. [Hehe, Lele ought to thank Taylor for this =P] He tells Angus that if he wants to be closer to Eros, he should walk out from the past and become stronger otherwise Eros will always maintain that distance and that is because Eros wants to protect him. Angus asks if that means that there is really something that Eros is hiding from him. He holds Taylor’s shoulder and asks him what happened to Eros during the six years they were separated. Taylor doesn’t want to replace Eros in telling him and he can only tell Angus to become strong. Angus is surprised when Taylor holds his shoulders and tells him to forget everything that Angus father has done to him and resume anew his own life.

Angus slaps away Taylor’s hand and exclaims if he has gone crazy for how could he forget that man who is currently messing around with Eros’ life. How could Taylor just lean on ‘trusting’ Eros and be indifferent that Eros is taken away by someone. Doesn’t he know how dangerous it is? Taylor says that he knows, of course, he knows but if he doesn’t help Eros, Eros will find someone else who would. It is only Taylor whom Eros can be at ease with because he is the only one whom Eros trust. In order for Eros not to have any worries, Taylor agreed to Eros’ plan. Angus asks if it is because of that trust, he let Eros sacrifice himself. To Angus’ surprise, Taylor looks away and sadly says no, Eros will be alright. “I know that he will suffer and even be beaten black and blue but..he’ll definitely be able to stand up once again and return to his original self. This is my ‘trust’ in him.” An Bai is reading the newspaper about a Swedish princess marrying. She then spots ‘Angus’ in the picture. She goes to Leo to show the news. She is relieved that she finally has news on Angus and now, he is back in Sweden. She is really shock for he disappeared without news but thankfully, he is alright. Leo says that if Angus wants to return, he ought to at least inform it to An Bai. He calls Angus irresponsible for just leaving his work and making them worried. He thinks/narration says that since Angus has re-surfaced, what about Eros. It seems that this isn’t something simple because the twins disappeared together. Where could Eros be right now? An Bai tells Leo that Angus is originally such a headstrong [do as he pleases] guy so forget about that, as long as he is alright. Leo then says that there is also news about the twins’ father. The father has announced that he will be a candidate for the parliament member at the end of the year and has formally advancing in political circles. Then, there is a scene of Ulysses reading the news. [Ah, I think that’s him.] Ulysses doesn’t look pleased over it. Meanwhile, Lele reads the news on the internet. She quickly calls up Leo and asks if he has seen the news. Leo says that he did and he was about to call her. Lele says that it is strange. Leo asks what. In the photo, it is identified that it is Angus together with Madame Mode. [Ugh..] To Leo’s surprise, aghast, Lele informs him that the one in the picture isn’t Angus, it’s Eros.

That’s a good one, Lele. So, ah..how are we going to rescue Eros? I don’t think being drugged enough can get him to be in a party without making a scandal. Their father shouldn’t be stupid enough to do that else he’ll say goodbye to his political plans. I’m somewhat curious what they did to him for him to obey his father. Did he decide to buy some time instead for an opportunity to get away or something? I also wonder if Madame Mode won’t notice that the one with her is a different guy. They can make Eros wear colored contact lens to hide the identity but what about the bullet scar? But then, I wonder if she even cares as long as he’s a ‘look-a-like’ whom she can ‘play around’. ^^; I’m thinking that being in politics might make their father more vulnerable to scandals, etc especially if he isn’t careful. There is a higher chance of being disgraced and hopefully persecuted since he will become a public figure. I wonder why they can’t just get Angus to tell media about his story and somehow save his brother? Won’t the police investigate? I guess that is hard if their father is really a very, very powerful and influential man. I think if Angus sees that picture of his twin with Madame Mode, it might make his stomach turn and puke. That can indeed make Angus desperate to save his brother that he might accept Ulysses’ proposal. Hopefully, Taylor’s advice got into his head for him to be strong and hopefully, with Taylor, Angus might not do anything rash that he’ll regret later on..as in make things worse. Well, what happened might help Angus to be more independent and strong so that Eros indeed can confide to him what had happened to him those six years. Eros has always ‘spoiled’ Angus and thought of him to be very fragile that he doesn’t want to give Angus any undue stress. Hehe, I wonder if later on, the twins will just get Taylor to be their ‘father’ instead of that jerk. I really now feel that we deviated from the story about Lele being a model. Lele appeared in this chapter but no mention about the modeling. ^^; Maybe Lele can get herself invited to some party to meet with Eros again. Well, I think because of that picture, Lele can put two and two together to realize why Eros did that thing to her as in something is up especially since what Eros did is out of character. I hope she will be an asset and not a liability because it will indeed be problematic if they know who she is in Eros’ life. I wonder what will happen next..will everyone who knows Eros help him out? How? Then, ah, continue with Lele being a model and getting together with Eros? ^^; Next chapter on Sept 5. Scans by whitesunnie for BW.

Word of the day:
Though troubles assail, and dangers affright, though friends should all fail, and foes all unite, yet one thing secures us, whatever betide: the Scripture assures us, “The Lord will provide. ~ Newton from Our Daily Bread

Hyakunen Renbo [Chapter 5]
Tuesday, August 3, 2010

[Okay, after this is Akuma to Love Song so that might take a bit of time. We are expecting Skip Beat! and The One this week ^^ Hm..actually, manga dump is starting but it seems xiuxiu is extremely busy and her camera broke ^^; She said that at most that she will upload on the weekend so I’m still on schedule ^^ unless someone else uploads the rest ^^;; In the meantime, I recommend for you to check out this series called Pika★Ichi by Yoko Maki and Aki Mochida serialized in AriA. <- can be understood just through pictures. It will be scanlated in English by omari’s sister. The story is about two lonely idealistic nerds [boy and girl] who are extremely the same as in excel in academic, etc but they are always ignored at school. They are extremely fond of a certain yakuza-type movie. Note: They don’t know each other. One day, they witness a bullying but became accidental victims. He got hit by a ball and she got slammed by the door. ^^;; They are bothered by what happened and inspired by the movie that the next day, they gathered their courage and saved the bullied. It turns out that everyone knows about this and those who have low grades are bullied. Then, the day after that, two unknown and dangerous-looking couple arrives at school. I think it’s the nerds who had a makeover but then, what are they planning and do they now know the existence of each other? It looks promising and it seems that teacher is going to be their ‘guide’ in changing the school. Scans by 豆芽豆芽 for BW and 神月汉化组. Hehe, I will observe baka manga if this ‘into’ will make it there =P Futsumashi na Yome desu ga is already copied ^^; Anyway, for HR 5, special thanks to yuu_Chan for the raws and BW’s seiryou for translating this into Chinese.]

Narration: “A so-called witch is someone who belongs to a clan who are experts in medicinal herbs, have a longer expectancy than humans and possess black hair.” There is a scene of Eva saying, “You’re such a troublesome human, do you want me to curse you? Or better yet, how about I simply just eat you?” Narration: “The truth is one cannot curse nor eat people but witches are detested by people so I, for a hundred years, have always been putting up a tough appearance in order to protect myself.” Eva wakes up from someone calling her name. She looks up to see Louis watching her while sitting on a chair beside the bed. Louis says, “Good morning, want to go out on a date?” Narration: “This is Fernest’s country that has broken the tradition wherein the first son will inherit the country. The fifth prince is the one who became king. This guy is Louis who is the current king.” Wearing a hooded cape, Eva asks Louise who is also in disguise [wearing glasses and suit], “Eh, where are we going, Louis?” Louis tells her that that they are going to the harbor. “Today, there is a merchant ship from the south that is coming into the port and because it’s the first time it came to the country, I want to go check it out.” Eva realizes that it is an inspection as well as a date. Eva tells Louis that even if she didn’t say it but won’t it be better for Louis not to wear a disguise. She says that the others would have happily greeted him upon knowing that he is the king and then, she can just disguise as a boy like an attendant or something. Louis disagrees because Eva is his lover, this is a private inspection and he wants to hold her hands. Eva blushes over this as she thinks that this is how Louis spoils and put importance to her. “It makes me wish that I can also protect you..” At the harbor, there has been some ruckus. A ship crewmember [wearing Chinese outfit] is harassing a guy that he hasn’t paid him yet. Yes, the basic fee is paid but there are also additional expenses. Louis approaches the crewmember and asks what happened. The crewmember says that this customer didn’t pay enough and said that he’ll perform music instead of paying. The customer says that the crewmember is such a troublesome man for if he doesn’t want that then, he only needs to go back to his main residence where he has money. The crewmember doesn’t believe the customer for he thinks that is just an alibi to slip away. Louis looks surprised for he recognizes the customer’s voice. Louis apologizes and goes away for a moment. The crewmember threatens to take the customer’s violin in exchange for the payment. The customer looks displeased as he quickly takes the violin case and tells the crewmember not to touch it for he is such a narrow-minded man who causes trouble and doesn’t know the value of music. This made the crewmember angry that he wants to punch the customer. Fortunately, Louis comes back in a nick of time as he shouts, ‘no to violence’. He apologizes to the crewmember and gives him the money he wants. The crewmember is then forced to accept the money and back away.

Somewhere else, Louis introduces the ‘customer’ to Eva as Rey, his third brother who is currently studying overseas. Louis angrily tells his brother that he said it a lot of times for him to send word if he is coming back. Rey says that he doesn’t like extravagant welcomes and he hates such a troublesome thing. Louis tells him to at least bring along someone who’ll protect him. Rey says that he has one en route home [but that guy is currently missing]. Eva just nervous looks at Rey. She thinks that even if he isn’t the same with Gilbert and Edgar, he is still a strange guy. Rey starts saying stuff about arts have neither country nor a definite shape. Paintings are the same as well as music have their own values. Holding his violin case, he tells Louis that he doesn’t understand this, not one bit. Eva says that what Rey said is wrong because not all people are the same so how people think of things aren’t the same. Scowling, Rey asks, “Wha--” then he starts gritting his teeth. Eva is tense for the mood has suddenly turned bad. Louis tries to introduce Eva to Rey but Rey interrupts that he already knows. “She is that witch who took care of you, right?” Louis says, “Ya. Later on..I would marry her one day..” To Eva’s surprise, Rey says, “There’s nothing bad about it. I don’t object.” Eva begins to entertain the idea that she can get along with this guy. Eva happily asks him that if he can, would he let her listen to his violin playing. To Eva and Louis’s shock, Rey tartly replies, “Why must I play for you? It seems that you are mistaken about something. *pushes up glasses* What I meant was even if Louis married a demon, I still won’t object. In other words, no matter who the other party is, I don’t care nor am I interested. I’m going down to the city’s music class to show my face, I’ll leave the rest to you.” Louis nervously glances at Eva’s angry expression as she thinks, “Wha..wha..his character is really awful! In the end, he’s nasty fellow!!” At the greenhouse, Eva is still furious over what happen as she harvest some leaves. Louis then happily greets her and says that it seems that she is there. Eva asks what it is. Louis says that it is regarding his brother Rey, he surmised that Eva would still be angry. With a pop vein, Eva tells him to forget about it. To her surprise, Louis claims that Eva and Rey are actually quite similar. He explains that they are very strong inside yet outside, they have this hard feeling. “Although he treats others very strictly but essentially, he is a nice person. If it is possible for you not to hate him, I’ll be very happy--” Frowning Eva looks at tense Louis. He wonders if it is cannot be. Eva then smiles and says that she won’t, she won’t hate Rey.

Eva thinks that she isn’t really angry but rather, it is only because she feels sad that the person Louis likes won’t give his blessing [for the marriage] and also angry at herself for being useless. Wearing her hood, Eva thinks, “I will use an adult way of thoroughly treating him. My heart should be wide. My heart should be wide.” She then hears someone playing the violin. She hides behind the bushes to see Rey playing for some kids. It seems that he is a teacher. After playing, Rey sighs and tells Eva to come out from hiding since eavesdropping is a very bad hobby. Eva mutters that she wasn’t careful. After coming out, Eva comments that he plays that violin for the kids to listen. Rey says yes for he wants them to familiarize themselves with the music and listening to a splendid music is the best way to do it, and also aside from his violin, there is no other choice. [= being arrogant about music, I guess.] Eva darkly thinks that it’s irritating as to why would Louis say that she is the same with Rey. Rey somewhat smiles and says that he and the violin had got in contact together with all sorts of music from other countries and he has never met something other than that violin that makes such a beautiful sound. Eva is surprised to see such an expression on Rey. She is surprised again when Rey asks why she came. “I’ve already acknowledge your marriage with Louis so there shouldn’t be any other problems.” Eva replies, “...Even if you acknowledged it, if you don’t give us your blessing then there is no meaning to it.” Rey looks surprised then bored as he tells Eva that she is such an incomprehensible woman. Rey is surprised when Eva asks him if he can actually perform in front of someone who doesn’t care for him. “Can you play happily? The reason why you do not want to give us your blessing is generally because I’m a witch, right? But Louis really likes you..” She thinks, “Not cared about by someone one likes, isn’t that such a sad thing..” Looking determined, Eva shouts, “In short! I will do my best in order to get your blessing [for our marriage]!” She leaves while Rey looks thoughtful. And so, Eva does all sorts of things as she tried to do her best. At the music room, Eva seems to try to move some things around that she laments over not having enough physical strength. She is surprised when Louis puts a sandwich in her mouth. Louis laments over Eva’s habit to concentrate on one thing and forget all the other things. It seems that Eva hasn’t eaten yet. Louis says that he won’t ask her about it but does it have something to do with his brother, Rey. Eva happily exclaims that in order to get a favorable impression, she needs to seriously do her best. Louis worriedly says that there is nothing wrong about doing one’s best but then, she shouldn’t be too reckless. This made Eva blush as she thinks that to be thought by someone and for her to do her best for him, in all the past hundred years, she never thought that she had such a happy life. She touches his face and says, “..thank you, but I’m alright.” Later on, Rey discovers that all the musical instruments were polished. “Such a strange woman..” Narration: “Because of this, I hope to be able to gain the blessing from that important person.”

At the streets, the crewmember is walking with his buddy. He curses and laments for he thought he was able to swindle some money from that young master. His buddy then tells him to look at something. They look from the fence and sees Rey teaching some kids how to play the violin. The crewmember realizes that it is indeed that guy. The two then starts smiling evilly at each other. Later on, Louis with his men tells Eva that they are going on a patrol so she should go to his brother’s place first. Eva says okay. She decides to buy something while on her way. While happily walking, some guys, who were running fast, bump into her. While Eva wonders what happened, she sees Rey huffing while running. “Wa..wait..,” he lamely calls. Eva asks him what happened, did he just run 100 meters. Rey didn’t reply since he actually just run 5 meters [and he’s already very tired.] Rey tells her that his violin has been stolen by that ship crewmember who wanted to extort money from him earlier. Looking determined, Eva pats his shoulder and says, “Okay, understood! Leave the rest to me!” Rey is surprised when Eva runs off. He tries to call her back to no avail. He ends up running again. At the forest mountain path, the crewmember curses that it is hard to walk there. Eva appears suddenly and pinches his arm. With that, she sits on top of him. “..Sorry, but for me, this forest is pretty much like my own backyard. Wanting to run away here, you’re 100 years too early. So, please give that violin back.” The crewmember smiles. Eva then realizes that there is someone else with him. The buddy pins Eva down on the ground. The crewmember says that it is too bad but a girl is no match for a guy and now the situation is reverse. Eva laments over her carelessness. The crewmember stands up and takes the violin. He complains about having to waste a lot of energy for it. Eva shouts for him not to touch it. The crewmember says that it isn’t hers and why does she have to do her best in protecting it. While thinking that Rey really treasures that violin, Eva shouts, “..because that is Rey’s important thing! I absolutely won’t give it to you!” Louis then says, “Eva, stay that way and don’t move.” Louis promptly kicks the man on top of Eva away. The crewmember tries to help his buddy but Rey has already twisted his arm to prevent him from moving. Rey says that he really had a lot of guts to dare steal his stuff. Just then, some soldiers call out “Your Majesty Louis, Your Majesty Rey! Are these two the thieves?” The crewmember mutters that Louis is that country’s king. With a dark mood, Louis smiles and says, “..after all the trouble in establishing diplomatic relations with your country, so let’s patch up this problem, shall we? How about not showing me your despicable faces ever again?” The crewmember screams in terror as he shouts that he is really, really sorry.

Eva sits up and is relieved that everything is okay. Louis goes to Eva. Eva happily exclaims, “Louis! Rey! The violin is fine-” Louis holds her face and angrily shouts, “Idiot!” Scowling, Eva exclaims, “..wha..what do you mean by idiot! Idiot!” Louis shouts, “It’s because you are an idiot so I’m calling you an idiot!” While Eva is saying that she had properly protected the violin, Louis has already hugged her tight and says, “—thank goodness, it’s really good that you are alright.” Looking surprised, Eva asks, “..Lou..is..were..you worried about me?” Louis replies, “Do you need to ask..chasing after the culprit alone, honestly, that’s too reckless..” Eva thinks, “-protecting one’s eternity [/being responsible for one’s life] can only be done by oneself, I never did thought that there’s anyone who’ll be worried about me.” Teary-eyed, Eva apologizes to Louis. Louis smiles and kisses her on the forehead. Eva thinks, “Sorry--for making you worried about me and also, thank you, Louis.” At the harbor, Rey bids them goodbye since he is leaving. Louis asks if he is really going to leave. Rey says yes for originally, he didn’t have any plans in returning to the country. Louis sadly says if that is so, then that is truly regrettable. Rey says, “Next time..when you hold the ceremony [wedding?], just call me again. When the time comes, I’ll play my violin for the two of you.” Eva is overjoyed to hear this. She then asks why he returned here this time around. Rey says, “Didn’t I say it before? I only came to see the face of my cute younger brother. Since the bride is someone whom Louis himself has chosen then there’s definitely no problem at all. Then, I bid you guys adieu.” Eva is shock over this while Louis is showing a cutie-cutie face as he waved goodbye to his brother. After the ship left, Eva gloomily wonders out loud as for what is all her hard work is for. Louis replies, “So, didn’t I told you that he is essentially a good person?” Eva blushes as she looks at Louis. She thinks that she shouldn’t be careless with Louis who has a cute face of a big grey wolf. Eva asks, “..you obviously knew, yet you kept quiet about it, right?” Louis smiles and says, “Because you are really doing your best that you are so cute.” Eva is thoroughly embarrassed as she tries to hit Louis since he knew about it all along. Then, Rey’s servant calls out to Louis to ask where Rey is right now. Puzzled, Louis says that Rey has already in the ship. The servant is in shock-aghast, “?!”

And so, we meet another brother. Hm..we now have two doting brothers who approves of Eva. I wonder if the finale would be to get Gilbert’s approval and of course, the marriage. I think it is a pleasant surprise that the marriage is mentioned again. Hope that it will be a grand one ^^ Well, I guess the next chapter would be about the second brother meeting Eva and Eva trying to win him. I think that Eva and Rey are indeed somewhat the same. Hehe, they are cautious with new people, have a soft heart and can be intensely engrossed with their hobby. Eva might not admit it but the way Rey talks about violin is pretty much how she talks about her herbal plants =P

Quote of the day:
We can secure other people's approval, if we do right and try hard; but our own is worth a hundred of it, and no way has been found out of securing that. ~ Mark Twain

Free Talk: Weekly Shonen Jump Series' Reaction
Monday, August 2, 2010

So, in Bleach [c. 414], Aizen got betrayed by one of his own. Somehow, that is being alluded earlier on but then, I’m wondering Gin’s intentions. Is he with the others or is he doing this for his own interest? As the saying for our local politicians and showbiz stars, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. Does it apply to Gin? Then, I forgot until I’ve read over the possibility that it is all an illusion by Aizen. Well, it will be very funny if Gin really got to kill Aizen. Well, if Aizen is really fatally injured, all that training by Ichigo will be futile. =P Actually, I’m still wondering if this series is ending or something since Aizen has been the ultimate big boss..so when will we get the backstory of Isshin? A new arc..everything all over again with Aizen as the big boss? And finally, in Naruto [c. 504], we know what happened before. I don’t quite buy what his father said about wanting to sacrifice both since he isn’t enough as compared to Naruto being with the mother. One parent is better than none. I guess they were betting on the others to raise up Naruto well. Thankfully, he did else, they’ll pretty much regret over their sacrifice. They will have a problem if he grew up like Sasuke. I think it would be interesting if Sasuke’s parents are the ones who informed Madara about the pregnancy site. Iirc, Sasuke’s mother knew. It would be like showing how Naruto isn’t that vengeful over it like wanting to kill Sasuke over it in contrast to Sasuke who wanted to kill those who aren’t directly involved in it. It gives Naruto a somewhat higher standing like a bigger man than Sasuke. =P Oh ya, if Sasuke’s parents did betray..maybe that is the revenge why the clan is wiped out.

I feel something is missing in the fights in PSYREN [c. 129]..like I don’t really care or something. Is it because things are happening so fast then fighting again and again? I cannot quite pinpoint it. Anyway, I wasn’t able to guess that the other guy turned out to be Oboro. ^^; Ah..these days, I’m only browsing through Gintama so that I’ll fully enjoy the anime when I watched it. =P Does anyone here read Nurarihyon no Mago? Just wondering if I should keep on watching the anime and it will be good later on like say..Reborn. That series somewhat reminds me of DNangel and the only incentive to watch the anime is the lead’s seiyuu or when he transforms..I like katanas ^^;;

Mishounen Produce [Chapters 5-12] Part 1 of 2
Saturday, July 31, 2010

[Yehey! Finally finished this and thank God, the internet is working again ^^ Thanks again to anu, yuka74, choco, kiku and fan for the name Masaki. I find this character interesting so I got to get the name right. =P For the rest of the new names, they are invented based on the kanji because I don’t have the raws. Masaki’s name is from yuu_Chan’s recent raws for this series. ^^ That guy is basically, the ‘drive’ to get this series finished so I would like to apologize for any seemingly bias for Masaki. ^^; I also got some chapters a bit too detailed like the Tale of Genji stuff ^^;; Scans by 離境漢化組

Chapter 5: Kako looks very pleased over Kosei’s photo shoot for Jumon. Kazuma looks at one of Kosei’s pictures and says that he will use that for the Jumon magazine special edition. He happily says that he didn’t made a mistake over Kosei for the reactions [from Kosei] is becoming better and better. Kako tells him that it is all thanks to Kazuma’s work in making Kosei’s charm more evident. Kazuma happily hugs Kako and says that she is right. He says that she usually sticks around Kosei that he wonders who she is for she is like Kosei’s guardian. Kosei tells Kazuma that Kako is the one in charge of him. Kosei smiles at Kako and Kako gives him a thumbs up for a good job. Kazuma then tells Kosei about a really glamorous program of this generation’s good looking guys. “It is a Halloween party ♥ Kosei boy, do you want to go? The shooting will be two days after ♥” While thinking that Kosei is gaining momentum as a model, Kako happily says that he will. As they go out of the studio, Kako comments about Kazuma doing a photo shoot with some other people and if this keeps up, he will be Japan’s number 1 guy. She turns around in shock to see Kosei reverting to his country look with messy hair as he holds his frog while hanging upside down on the tree. Kosei happily tells her that the frog has also come there and it is really taking things leisurely. Aghast Kako promptly gives him her killer slap. While looking around, she shouts what the heck he is doing when they are still at the shooting place and what if someone sees him like a country boy. Kosei jumps down the tree and says that it is because he cannot resist climbing up a tree upon seeing one or grabbing a frog upon seeing one. [Insert the usual narration wherein they are childhood friends and being a country boy is Kosei’s original nature. She ‘produced’ him while they are at Seikan high school and he won the top prize at a bishounen contest.] Two days later, Kako reminds Kosei not to show that country side of his for they have to be careful and they will be transfer to Horiokoshi Academy soon. She says that school has a lot of showbiz personalities and if he isn’t careful, it might be discovered [that he’s a country boy] and in an instant, it will spread throughout the showbiz world. She sighs and says how Kosei could easily help her in deciding a huge thing like for her to go to that school even if she will be in the ordinary section. Kosei tells her that she obviously wanted to go with him else she’s going to cry. Kako denies it.

Just as they are about to go in Studio Gio, Kosei asks if she has changed her mind now about going to the same school as he does. After being caught in surprise, Kako mutters no. She then says that it cannot be help because she is in charge of him for who knows what he’ll do if she isn’t beside him. Kosei just smiles over this. Kako is all pumped up about the battleground now is this photo shoot and Kosei should be prepared for their goal to be known in the showbiz world. She then bumps into a guy, who is with his buddy. She quickly apologizes while thinking that these two look cool. While Kosei is walking behind Kako, the guy, whom she bumped, looks at Kako from top to bottom and asks who she is. His buddy says that she doesn’t look like a staff member so could she be a fan and what could she be doing there since this place is strictly forbidden for outsiders. Kako nervously says that they are mistaken. She takes out her wallet to get her id. Just when Kosei is about to tell them who Kako is, someone takes Kako’s id and put it around her neck. He tells her that if she is a staff member, this is how one should wear one’s id. Kosei looks surprise when one of the guys calls out, “Tomoe-sempai!” Kako turns around to see a gorgeous black/blue haired guy. Tomoe greets her. He smiles and comments that Kosei is really good looking and cool. “I’ll be in your care today.” He also greets the other two guys. After Tomoe left, Kako informs Kosei that guy is really famous. He is Tomoe Masaki who has the looks and acting talent that he is television dramas and movies. Magazines will be sold out if he is on the cover. He is chosen as the most charming guy at age 13. Those other two guys are also somewhat famous. The somewhat curly guy is Saito Toyoda while the one with the cap whom she bumped with is Kimura Shota. She mutters if they all belong in the same school since the two guys called Masaki sempai and it would be hard to get the spotlight against that kind of person. Kosei is just glancing at Kako. He is surprised when Kako says that they won’t lose. She takes out an animal print prince’s costume = huge hat and cape. Kosei asks what that is for. Kako tells him that today’s shoot is Halloween so it is all about cosplaying outfits that one chooses. Kako then narrates that she got the idea from her favorite manga, Lawrence and the Rose. Then, Toyoda in mummy outfit and Shota in wizard outfit arrive and ask if Kosei is cosplaying as a prince. They tell him that he has to change again because Masaki is the ‘prince’. Kako says what if Kosei is a knight. Shota says that the knight and prince is the same. Kako protests about the difference between the two but Toyoda takes a costume and tosses it to her for Kosei to wear that instead. Kako couldn’t believe that Kosei would have to change his outfit.

Soon, at the set, Kako is amazed at how cool Masaki looks in his prince outfit. She overhears some people that this shooting is specially prepared for Masaki and the condition for him to be in this shoot is for him to be the prince else he won’t be there. Kako thinks that Kosei won’t lose to Masaki. When she hears that Kosei is called on the set, she turns around and freaks out over Kosei’s witch costume because his face and body are almost covered that he couldn’t attract people. Kosei pats her head and says sorry that he cannot wear the outfit that she worked hard to make. He assures her that it is alright but Kako thinks that isn’t the issue here. While Kako is looking from the set above, she gestures for Kosei to move forward while the four guys are taking their photo shoot. Kosei then notices that the two other guys are pulling him back. They tell him that they are always been looked after by Masaki and being in the same company, he will always get them to work with him so they won’t be happy if Kosei is more eye-catching than Masaki. Masaki then poses with his sword that somewhat surprises both Kako and Kosei. Later on, Kako looks at the pictures and thinks that it is mostly of Masaki and he is really amazing. Kosei passes by her while taking off his outfit. Kosei curses. This made Kako apologize to her for not finding a costume suitable for him. Kosei asks what she is referring to. Kako says that if they are in their old school, that thing won’t be obstructed and Kosei wouldn’t have unexpectedly lose. Kosei doesn’t like what she said but Kako didn’t see his expression. Kako tries to rationalize that it is because Masaki has experience and soon, Kosei will also.. She is surprised when Kosei suddenly corners her to the wall. “What did you just say now? Is it the face? Accent? Voice? Body? How can I lose to that guy. *Kako looks shock* How utterly boring [/nonsense].” He then leaves. While Kako reflects over what she said, she overhears Shota and Toyoda saying that newbie Kosei is reckless for he plans to stand in front of Masaki that they cannot help but stop him. They say that Kosei is reckless for thinking that he can prevail against Masaki even if Kosei looks cool too but then, Kosei ought to face reality. Kako realizes that what she told Kosei is exactly the same what those two are saying. Flashback: When she is a kid, she is bored being in the province. While reading a book on a tree, she muttered that it is so boring but to her surprise, Kosei suddenly dropped maple leaves on her. Kosei told her that it shouldn’t be boring because she has him by her side. End flashback. Kako realizes that it is so obvious that she is the one who knows of Kosei’s charm.

While Kosei is somewhat sulking at the side of the set, Kako calls out to him. Kosei tells her that he is really angry right now. Kako has decided that she ought to be the one who’ll let the others know about Kosei’s charm. Kosei is surprised to see Kako with a pair of scissors as she cuts the prince outfit she made for Kosei. She tells him that they should go now. The photo shoot is starting again. While the staff members are doing last minute touches, Masaki apologizes to Kosei regarding what those two did that made Kosei change his outfit when he obvious looked cool in them. When the shooting starts, Kosei tells him not to mind it. He surprises everyone by removing his witch outfit to reveal a sexy animal-inspired outfit made by Kako from the outfit earlier. Kosei says that while they are not obvious of it, he likes to spring surprise attacks. “..sempai, them, kouhai have no upbringing what so ever, right. If you want to obstruct me, I will eat you.” Masaki just looks somewhat surprised at Kosei. Above the set, Kako is really happy over this. She gives Kosei a thumbs up and thinks, “That’s my childhood friend.” Then, the two other guys meet up with Kako. They tell her that they already advised them yet Kosei is taking the spotlight. Kako says that if the previous outfit wasn’t redone then it wouldn’t have become like that. They ask her if Kosei plans to advance in showbiz. Kako says yes because she is.. Suddenly, Kosei is right behind her and says, “This person is in charge of me so please do not bully me [typo? Shouldn’t it be her?].” Kako goes into shock when Kosei carries her and falls backwards from the railing. They are caught by a bag thing decoration below. Kako thinks that honestly she doesn’t care how about hard it is to fight for the attention of others but she knows that Kosei can surpass those others. With her glasses partially off, Kako apologizes to Kosei and says that Kosei is still truly amazing. Kako giggles and says if this is good. She wonders if that kind of thinking is because she is playing favorites with her childhood friend. Kosei puts her glasses back on and says that if her eyes look at some other guy again, he will become mischievous [with her]. Masaki looks at them and smiles. He mutters, “person in charge huh..” In front of the gate of Horiokoshi Academy, Kako says that it is the melting pot of showbiz personalities. Kosei just yawns. Kako tells him not to lose heart upon entering the gate. She then gets a comb and sprayer to tame down Kosei’s bed hair that is standing up. Kosei tells her that is enough, they should go in the performing artist school. With thought of wanting to see Kosei’s possibilities in an unpredictable showbiz world, the door of the school opens and Kosei sneezes. Someone is standing at the gate and says, “Ah, already here. Welcome to Horiokoshi Academy, Yagami Kosei.” They are surprised to see Masaki.

Chapter 6: Kosei smiles and greets, “So you are this academy’s sempai, Tomoe..sempai.” Masaki smiles and says, “Thanks for the last time, Yagami Kosei.” Masaki turns to Kako and says, “You, too.” This surprises Kako. Taking out his cellphone, Masaki asks Kako, “Get your cellphone out and let’s exchange email addresses.” This surprises both Kako and Kosei. While Kako is telling Masaki that she doesn’t have a cellphone, Kosei holds Masaki’s shoulder and asks, “After knowing her address, then what?” Masaki smiles and says, “What about you. If you heard my answer, what do you plan to do?” Unfortunately, the dog fight is interrupted by some girls from the building who are shouting about how could that girl from ordinary section be talking with Masaki. After the two guys went to performing arts section, Kako introduces herself to class but she notices that everyone is emitting dark vibes on her. She thinks that it cannot be helped because they are jealous since 18 year old Masaki is a famous actor. Then three girls greet her and claim to want to be friends with her. They say that they want to let her know of a rule because if she is caught, it can be quite troublesome. Kako naively thinks that maybe she was wrong but the dark vibes earlier and it is nice to have female friends because she doesn’t have any while in the province <- no girls there. Kako happily greets them back and asks them as to where the performing arts’s section classrooms are since no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t find it. The three girls start to emit dark vibes as one of the girls scratch the table with her fingernails. They ask clueless Kako if she really want to see an actor/actress but they understand her since they also have the same kind of feeling. They tell her that it is useless even if she find that place because there is a rule wherein the performing arts section and the ordinary section students are forbidden to have any contact with each other. It turns out that the sections are separated from each other and Kako mistakenly entered the gate for the performing arts section. If one wants to see the various personalities from the performing arts section, it is through a ‘special corridor’ that they pass by.

From the window, Kako looks at the corridor of the other building as some students rave about the actors and actresses who pass by. [I’m having VK school arc deja vu ^^;] She laments out loud about not seeing Kosei. A glasses nerdy guy sitting on the window beside her says that if Kosei dresses up as a country boy then they won’t be discovered. Kako says that it is useless if she cannot find him. She looks at the side and to her shock, it is Kosei whom she is talking with. While Kako is going into a panic, Kosei tells her that he has been looking for her and he knew about that school rule so he plans to just use that disguise to go to her building and see her whenever he wants. He asks her what he thinks of this plan. When some girls are passing by, Kako instinctively pushes Kosei from the window to hide him and fortunately, they are in the first floor else Kosei would have fallen and hurt himself. Kako goes to Kosei who fell on the bushes and apologizes to him. Uneasy, Kako says that it would be best for him not to come. Kosei tells her not to over think things for honestly, she wanted to see him. To his surprise, Kako insists that he shouldn’t come. Kako starts to lecture him about why that rule is in placed = ordinary stalkers can report on every movement of the showbiz personality like in blogs, etc. Kako tells him that they should only hide his being a ‘country boy’ so that they won’t be in danger. “Kosei! While within this academy, we shouldn’t see each other!!” Kosei asks, “Is that what you really want?” A bit shaken, Kako says that it is okay in their school before but in this school, it is a bit more sensitive. Kosei removes his elastic band on the hair and asks, “Are you punishing me?” Kako is puzzled. He touches her face then pulls her to him. “So that’s how it is, from today on during half of our second high school year, we would always not see each other, right? Do you want us to become strangers..” Kako exclaims, “Don’t..don’t say it like that..Kosei!?” Removing his jumpsuit to reveal his uniform underneath, Kosei says, “Can you not casually call my name? Miss Stranger. I am after all, a performing artist.” That causes Kako to compare her situation with her manga and she shouldn’t complain for she is the one who brought it up.

At the library, Kako is looking at a magazine and reads about the other talents of young performing artists. She then becomes excited over a huge advertisement picture of Kosei and she wanted to show it to him. She is interrupted when some people are exclaiming that artists are passing that corridor. Kako looks up from the window and sees Kosei passing by. She says out loud that they can still see each other at work and others won’t mind even if he is an artist since she is a staff member. “We..from the start, why did we enter the showbiz world--?” Someone replies, “I also want to hear that answer.” She turns around to see Masaki standing behind her. She exclaims why he is there. Masaki says that the library is used by both sections. Kako nervously try to say goodbye to him because of various reasons and the main one is that dark vibes emitted by the other girls. Before she can go, Masaki says out loud, “—Yagami, too. Always looking depressed gloomy. He’s generally not suited to stay at the performing arts section. *Kako looks surprised* It is because this place is special that someone like him [Kosei] would easily be restless--” Masaki is surprised when Kako suddenly clings on to him and exclaims if he is talking about Kosei. “What do you mean by that? Wh..why?” Masaki says that it could also be because Kosei himself doesn’t want to blend in. Meanwhile Kosei is passing by the corridor, he looks down and sees Kako with Masaki. Back at the library, Masaki says that just by looking at Kosei, one would feel uneasy. With a serious look, Masaki asks, “Can you guys really continue to stay in this place? ..compared to that, isn’t there a place where the two of you can get by and be happier?” This stuns Kako. Masaki looks at his watch and says that it is already time for work so ‘see you tomorrow and let’s chat again’. Kako realizes that she is the originator of this entire plan.

At the hallway, Masaki sees Kosei, who is breathing hard from running, in front of him. Masaki smiles and says, “That girl is really cute. Just mentioning you, she’ll be really excited [giving it all out]. What kind of relationship does the two of you have?” After taking a deep breath, Kosei replies, “..Sempai, for you to say that, are you trying to provoke me?” Unfazed, Masaki answers, “Only with that girl, you are quite stubborn [/persistent]. Afterwards..can you win against me?” Kosei looks at him. Back at the library, Kako gets her things since the noon break will be over soon. She somewhat misses Kosei being beside her while she is planning things for him. Kako freaks out when the three girls appear and asks Kako if she just broke the rule and of all people, it is Masaki. They corner her by the window and in fright, Kako drops her scrapbook. One of the girls looks at the book and exclaims that it is all about Kosei and is she a fan of his. They start to badmouth Kosei being a newcomer and how could he be equal with Masaki at the Jumon website. She admits liking Kosei at first but then, what’s so good about him. This made Kako angry as she realizes her goal. Pointing to them, Kako shouts, “Wait a minute! Kosei he..Kosei he is..!!” The window behind her opens and Kosei says, “is only an insignificant newbie. Sorry, misses.” To the girls’ amazement, Kosei does a hand stand on the window sill and goes in front of Kako. He then touches the face of one of the girls and says that for them, he is that kind of existence so how about if he will also be serious a bit. “What do you think?” The girl faints as she is caught by her friends. They retreat while try to brainwash each other regarding Kosei by looking at Matsuki’s picture. ^^; Kosei tells Kako that it is better for them to obey the rule in that school else Kako would be censured. “So, I will be extremely careful before deciding to come over in order for me to dominate the showbiz world and starting fighting. *Turns around and smiles at pleasantly surprised Kako* If there’s a will, there’s a way. *Holding his glasses* I will be using this to see you. Can I, my producer?” Blushing, Kako takes the glasses and puts it on Kosei. She exclaims, “This is what I’ve expected!” She thinks, “My goal is to make the childhood friend whom I’m proud of to be acknowledged by the whole world-- Together, we will definitely be alright, no matter what happens” Meanwhile, at a room in the performing arts section, a young-looking guy asks glasses guy if he thinks that the new transfer student is too proud. The glasses guy doesn’t seem to have any idea what he is talking about. A girl says who cares for anyway, that guy doesn’t have any market value. Wearing an unfastened kimono on top of her uniform, Aigawa Shinobu says [the girl; freshman] that compared to that kind of thing, how about looking at her clothes. Sakurazaki Raichi [young looking guy; freshman] points at Shinbou and exclaims what she meant by that kind of thing. Holding a script, Han Akira [glasses guy; third year] tells the two to be quiet for unlike her, they have to prepare for the audition of the role and tomorrow is the deadline. Shinobu says that seriously, the roles have already been decided. “Right, Tomoe--” Looking at a paper of the list of the decided cast for a special drama, Masaki says that tomorrow is the audition and who knows what will happen then.

Chapter 7: Later that day, Kazuma calls Kako and Kako happily says that they will accept that television drama work. The drama is based on the classic Heian novel, Tale of Genji. Kako and Kosei arrive at Kyoto where the shooting will be done. As they walk in, Kako is really excited because this isn’t just an ordinary drama for it is Tale of Genji. It is divided into parts and the part where Kosei will be in is at the front part, ‘Genji’s eve /night before’. [The official English translation is ‘Evening Faces’ or ‘Twilight Beauty’. That is chapter 4 of the novel.] The actor would have to be around the age of Hikaru Genji and this has been edited for ten years to become a two hour drama special. Kako is an extreme fan of Tale of Genji and even if it is set thousand years ago, she is still pumped up over it. [It seems that Kako just likes ‘classics’ just like her favorite Lawrence and Rose manga.] Kako comments that no matter what generation, it is love stories that captivate girls. Kosei looks at her then leans on her head. Taking the paper that she is holding, Kosei tells her that for her, it is better for her to set her eyes on reality. Kako exclaims why he is pressing on her and he’s heavy. Kosei ignores her and asks what his role is. Kako just shouts that if he kept on doing that [pressing her down], she cannot see. Kosei lets go of her and holds a paper with a picture of Masaki. He asks Kako if it is a role that can compete against this guy. Masaki will be playing the lead role of Hikaru Genji and for them, Masaki is their rival and goal. A happy looking guy calls out to Kosei as Jumon boy and tells him to dress up as they are still selecting the roles for the people. The two gets ready for it is fighting time. At a shooting, some men from court are gossiping. They tell Genji that they heard he is starting to look for a new lover and yesterday, they were excitedly talking about the scandal about him and Lady Rokujo. They heard that this time the other party is from the lower strata [of society] and they are envious of him. Kosei [probably as Genji/side character] laughs and admits that it is true. The happy guy says it’s a cut and ‘good job’. Kosei removes his hat and asks if that is over when it is just around 2 seconds. Kako laughs and says that since that is the situation, they should do the ‘one of them’ method. Kako confesses that she learned of this job from Kazuma just yesterday. They don’t have a script or a role here. It really does seem that they are being bullied since they have to start like that. She thought of this ‘one of them’ method wherein he’ll just show his good looking features in order to blend in with the others even if he has no acting experience. She says that a lot of people use this method and she believes that Kosei has the capability of becoming famous because of that. Kako agrees with her. She calls out the happy-looking [instructor/assistant?] director guy and asks, “Are you having a headache because you lack good looking guys?” Kako shows him all sorts of pictures of Kosei in different outfits. To Kako’s shock, the happy-looking guy decides that Kosei be the vegetable vendor guy. The guy pulls Kosei away and says that they cannot waste a temporary actor.

Kako tries to call him back when she overhears the director that this is Hikaru Genji. The director raves at how brilliant Masaki is and only a few actors can portray this character convincingly. He also raves that if Hikaru Genji exists right now, it is indeed that kind of style and it is because of Masaki that they are filming this story. Masaki laughs and says that the director is flattering him too much. The director says that he isn’t exaggerating for even Hikaru Genji is praised beautifully by other people. Masaki comments that since it is like that, it’s the same with him. Kako looks at Masaki’s Hikaru Genji. Masaki notices her and approaches her. While all the other girls are looking at him, Masaki tells Kako that since she is in the shooting place, that means she is already has the awareness of continuing on being in the world of show business. Kako is surprised and says yes. He asks where Kosei is. She tells him that Kosei is selling vegetables at that side. Masaki smiles and says, “Eh..? Please pass this message for him. To celebrate your television debut, wait a minute and I’ll go to his side where I can buy a pumpkin-type of [stuff].” This puzzles Kako. Masaki then calls out to the director and asks if he has decided on who will play that role. The director says that they did a lot of auditions and he is getting worried. It seems that Masaki told Kako to let the one who is qualified to stand by her side. This made Kako wonder why Masaki is very concerned about Kosei and what he just said pretty much refers to Kosei. Kako decides to think of the current problem and thinks that if Kosei can perform Lawrence well then he’ll definitely be able to do a good role that can get the attention of other people. Kako happily says out loud that if Kosei can perform the role of Hikaru Genji then he’ll definitely be able to fight against Masaki. “If it’s Kosei..” She is surprised when Shinobu asks, “-‘Kosei’?” Kako recognizes Shinobu who has been in television dramas, looking divine even in staff clothes [= ah, coat to protect the costume], super famous bishoujo that she is winner in some contest and has already 5 commercials. While Kako is blushing over how pretty Shinobu is, Shinobu asks her who this Kosei that she and Masaki are talking about. Kako shows Shinobu who Kosei is. To Kako’s shock, Kosei is now being filmed as a farmer. She exclaims why Kosei’s job turned out that way. She mentally thinks that Kosei is pretty much like his naturally being a ‘country boy’. Kako nervously tells Shinobu that Kosei is much more handsome than that and this is just temporary. Shinobu smiles and this made Kako think she is cute. Shinobu proceeds to haughtily say that it is just a ‘commoner’ and he’s awful to the extreme. Kako tells her that she feels that Shinobu is quite rude to say that. She says that there’s nothing bad about planting rice and not anyone can make planting rice look good so even if it is a small role, they can also do it well. Kako exclaims that she won’t let Shinobu get away by saying that ‘awful to the extreme’. Kako is surprised when Shinobu starts laughing. Shinobu says that Kako is the one who’s rude for how can a ‘commoner’ think of winning against the lead actor. She doesn’t notice anything great about Kosei and she won’t even go comparing him to Masaki. Kako exclaims that is impossible for she [Kako] had always believed. Shinobu interrupts her and calls Kako an eyesore. “This is only because you like that guy.” Pointing at Shinobu who is walking away, Kako says, “..no! ..no.. *surprise* Huh?”

Later on, Kosei, who is dressed up as a country flutist, tells Kako that they had finished shooting and he’ll really be shown planting rice in the drama. He happily finds this more interesting than stiff modeling and next time, he would want to play a drifter. He notices that Kako is spacing out. He asks her what happened to her but she claims that she’s fine. While what Shinobu replays in her head, Kako mutters what’s with that girl and anyone who pays attention to Kosei will definitely notice his charisma..it isn’t because she.. Kosei stands beside her and calls out her name. He asks her what happened. With him standing so close, Kako unconsciously backs away and falls down on some empty boxes behind her. Kosei asks what’s with her for she is acting weird. Kako keeps muttering that it isn’t like that, they are childhood friends but she doesn’t look at him with bias and Kosei is really, really handsome..anyone who have thought the same way, too and it isn’t just her so.. Kosei holds her hair with his flute then removes her glasses with it. He tells her to calm down. While walking behind the set, Masaki and the director are talking about a certain role being undecided as to who’ll play it because the director doesn’t want to compromise. They then pass by Kosei who is playing his flute for Kako. Kako is looking up and Masaki sees her. After playing, Kosei tells her, “..see, no matter what happens, it is enough for you to only pay attention to me.” Kako blushes and smiles as she calls his name. Kosei then says that the flute, that is made from a tree in the mountains, sounds good. They are surprised when the director points to Kosei’s direction and asks, “-ah, the one at the side, what’s your name?” Kako backs away and picks up her glasses. Kosei/Kako says, “Yagami Kosei.” Flustered Kako appears behind Kosei and asks, “Director- are you having a headache because you lack good looking guys?” Masaki looks surprised upon seeing her <- that pretty girl without glasses is actually Kako. Kako thinks that other people will definitely notice Kosei’s charisma and it isn’t just her and it isn’t because she’s in love with him.

Mishounen Produce [Chapters 5-12] Part 2 of 2
Saturday, July 31, 2010

Chapter 8: At the side of the building, Kosei corners Kako and says, “Do you still, really haven’t notice my feelings? Certainly, you think of me..” Kako tells him to wait then slams the script of his face. Kako shouts that he isn’t passionate enough and this is a role that he shouldn’t lose. Kosei says that she is quite enthusiastic today. The director has chosen Kosei to play Tō no Chūjō. [= Genji’s friend and love rival] Raichi appears and starts ranting as to why Kosei got chosen when he wasn’t for the audition. After some explanation on Raichi as to who he is [check volume 1; third chapter], Akira tells Raichi to break it up else he embarrasses himself. Akira says that it is already proven that Kosei is quite remarkable compared to them and if he is only ‘just looks but really worthless’, he would have been easily overwhelmed by Masaki. Followed by Shinobu, Masaki asks Akira if he is praising him and if so, thank you but he shouldn’t threaten Kosei too much since Kosei is doing the role of his really important rival. Shinobu says, “..how arrogant.” Expecting that reaction and determined to make Kosei recognized by everyone, Kako asks if that is the first thing she’ll have to say. Kosei greets Masaki and says the casual greeting of learning a lot from him. To everyone’s surprise, Masaki holds on to Kako’s shoulder and says, “I’ll be under your care-- Miss Producer.” This quickly made Kosei push Kako aside from Masaki. Clueless Kako is asking why Kosei did that when she remembers Shinobu implying her bias because she likes Kosei. So, while Kako pushes away Kosei’s hand, she tells Kosei to do his best. Kosei says okay and they should start the shooting. The part they are doing is based on chapter 4 of the novel wherein Genji [the womanizer =P ] who on one side likes a certain noble woman with Tō no Chūjō, while on the other side, he started to have a relationship with a meek lady named Yugao who resides in a commoner’s house but this is all from Genji’s unfulfilled love for his stepmother, Lady Fujitsubo. Shinobu plays Yugao. Scene 1: Yugao comments that Genji has finally arrived and since he is a notable person, he ought to have a lot of lovers. Genji says then how about he doesn’t come back afterwards. Meek Yugao backtracks and says that even if it is like that, she is fully satisfied and this short time being together is already a miracle. Genji goes to her and tenderly holds her while saying that she really is such a woman who makes one want to give her affection. End scene. Kako thinks that Masaki’s Genji is really Genji and it made the female staff members swoon. The next scene is ‘Rain Judgment’ wherein Genji and Tō no Chūjō talk about their observations about women. They start the fake rain and Kako is sure that with his charm, Kosei won’t lose.

Scene 2: It’s raining and musing Genji is sitting by the porch. Tō no Chūjō asks if it is caused by lovesickness. Dripping wet from the rain, Tō no Chūjō says that is really unlikely, [and Genji is a] good man. With a wink, Tō no Chūjō says it should rather be [that Genji is] a bad person. End scene. While the other girls are swooning over this, Kako is happy over this since Kosei didn’t lose to Masaki. The director quickly calls a cut and shouts that Kosei doesn’t know what he is doing for this is Tale of Genji so he couldn’t outshine the lead. Kako realizes that this director is the type who doesn’t want his actor/actress doing something contrary to what he likes. Everyone is surprised when Masaki asks if it looked as if he has already defeated and if that isn’t good. Masaki comments that during a mutual fight, even if it’s a rival, Genji is destined to win. Directed at Kosei, Masaki says that it is more interesting for him to let them experience more of his [Kosei] ability. Someone asks what Masaki is thinking. Masaki says that Yugao used to have a relationship with Tō no Chūjō and so the three of them have a love triangle so how about adding a tryst scene of Tō no Chūjō and Yugao. To everyone’s shock, Masaki suggests that Tō no Chūjō and Genji compete with a kissing scene. Addressing Kako, Masaki asks, “How about it, Miss Producer? Should we add that scene..I feel that for him, it is really an excellent opportunity.” Kosei looks at Kako and to his surprise, Kako happily agrees to Masaki’s suggestion. Outside the buildings, Kosei is toweling himself dry. Kako is nervously telling him that the reason why she agreed because it is a great opportunity. Kosei asks why she agreed to it and not bothering asking his permission about it. Kako is clueless why Kosei is angry. She begins to explain that it is because of Lawrence and Rose manga volume 90. While Kosei silently holding a leaf from a tree, Kako begins to say about how gaga she is over a certain scene in the manga and a kissing scene can give someone a deep impression so Kosei should do it. She has to say that it is nothing for it is merely touching of the lips. This made Kosei pull the leaves and crumple it. He tells her that her knowledge is only based on the manga so she shouldn’t be arrogant. Kako protests and starts to blah-blah about her manga. Kosei decides to let it be what she says. Kako is surprised when Kosei asks about the two of them practice it and after all, it is for him to win against Masaki. Wondering why she has to do this, Kako nervously sits in front of Kosei. Kosei tells her to close her eyes. Kako looks nervous when Kosei takes off her glasses. While Kako keeps on thinking that this is only practice, Kosei says that it is just a touch for a second and he’ll break away. Touching her chin, Kosei asks, “Right? My producer--” Just when Kosei is about to kiss her, he looks at her to see her blushing and cringing away from him with her eyes closed. This surprises Kosei and he looks tense. He stands up and tells her that he has no experience in this whatsoever that the two of them cannot do this. Kosei quickly leaves surprised Kako.

Inside the building, Shinobu tells Masaki that it is quite a surprise for him to make a new scene for someone else but then, she admits that it is unquestionable that the substitute temporary actor did well. Shinobu looks really happy over a couple of female staff wondering if Shinobu and Masaki are a couple. Shinobu leans on Masaki and asks if he isn’t jealous and if he is, maybe she shouldn’t act with Kosei because Masaki didn’t say a word to her [about it?]. Masaki stands up and asks her why she is asking that of him [to do it?] when he was the one who made the suggestion. Angered by his rebuff, Shinobu asks why he care so much for that guy for she thinks that there is no one whom Masaki would be interested in. “Tomoe always stands alone at the peak. Everyone always praises you alone. There is no one who can chase after you...” Looking up the cherry blossoms, Masaki says that he [Kosei?] is the same with Hikaru Genji since they are evenly matched, a more dazzling existence. This further infuriates Shinobu that she doesn’t want to do that kissing scene. Masaki just leaves Shinobu and walks out. He spots Kako without glasses sitting on the ground. He approaches her and asks why she is alone in that place and they have started filming so is it okay for her to be there. While mentioning about her glasses [cannot find them?], Kako nervously tells him that it is alright and the practice didn’t go well but she thinks that everything will turn out well in the actual shoot. Kako thinks that Kosei doesn’t want to practice with her. ^^; Masaki tells her that it also won’t go smoothly in the actual shoot. Kako didn’t hear what he said so Masaki says it is nothing. While picking up Kako’s glasses on the ground and sitting down on a rock, Masaki says that he thinks the two of them [K&K] are very serious but the way they do things are this and that [various] like for example pretending to kiss. Kako stands up and agrees with him. She exclaims that if that is so, it can still be finished even without the actual kissing and even if she doesn’t know why Kosei is unhappy, Kosei would also approve of it. [Basically, they can just do a pretend kiss instead of a real kiss] Kako is somewhat relieved by that until Masaki who wears Kako’s glasses says, “But, if it is like that, it would be hard to shoot a good scene. No matter what you do, it will lack the sense of reality and that nervous feeling. If the two actors can breathe the same words then that is a different matter. ..It is the same as the current Yugao who has become very nervous. If it’s like that..there’s a possibility that it won’t go smoothly.” Kako nervously says that if became like that, the Tō no Chūjō’s flattery as Kosei chase after Masaki... Removing the glasses, Masaki seriously tells her that the director won’t approve of it so that rain scene and Tō no Chūjō’s flattery will be re-shoot. “Are you prepared for that to be done, person in charge..” Kako looks tense as she thinks of Kosei.

Back inside, a hair stylist is fixing Kosei’s hair. Kosei asks Raichi what’s up since Raichi is looking at him. Raichi rants on about Kosei looking gloomy when he got an extra scene so does Kosei want him[Riachi] as his sempai to teach him of a way to be more cheerful. Not in the mood, Kosei snubs him. Raichi starts to annoy him further by implying that this scene isn’t significant for Kosei and he is such a country bumpkin and even more so while being with that glasses girl of his. “Ah ha, that would be a good scene! Rustic-looking glasses girl with a shiny guy..?!” Kosei snaps as he grabs Raichi’s head and angrily says, “Do you want me to give it to you? Do you really like to act..idiot twerp!” Akira immediately intervenes by separating the two. He asks them if that is how a professional would act. Akira says that Kosei is also partly responsible. Kosei says that is right since he accepted it from the start. Akira says that he is wrong but rather being responsible in doing the scene for the satisfaction and the expectation of others. This surprises Kosei as he remembers Kako. He looks somewhat depressed as he says that he really wanted to satisfy but making her show that kind of expression made [her/him?] lose [her/his?] frankness and confidence. Akira asks what he is talking about. At the side near the curtains, Masaki is holding his fan while asking, “Want to quit? Yagami ..then, it’s really such a waste. When she obviously only call herself as a female servant substitute.” Everyone including Kosei is puzzled. Masaki uses his fan to pull up the curtain to reveal Kako without glasses wearing a Heian costume. Kosei goes, “Ka..” while the others ask, “..who?” The director asks Masaki about this. Masaki says that it is because Shinobu cannot act in this scene so he has to hastily prepare this. They would just be careful and not film the face by pulling back the lens during shooting. Fired up, Kako starts telling everyone to leave that kissing scene to her, because since she is young, she knows every situation, concentration, and method about kissing (courtesy of her manga). Raichi and others are surprise as they ask, “..what?” Still tense, Kosei asks what she is thinking. Masaki looks at him and asks, “Yagami, if you don’t want to act, is it okay for me to do it?” Masaki then pulls Kako to him to kiss surprised Kako. Kosei immediately takes Kako from Masaki who tells Kosei, “—let me see it. You said that you are going to defeat me” The cameraman then shouts that the shooting of Tō no Chūjō and Yugao’s past starts now.

Still holding on to Kako, Kosei asks Kako if Masaki incited her to do this. Kako whispers back that she asked Masaki to do this in order for him to win. Kosei says that he never thought of doing this just so that he’ll win. He is surprised to see Kako’s longing look as she says that it is alright for she knows that he doesn’t want to kiss her. She then tells him that this is just a fake kiss, he shouldn’t move and she’ll guide him for after all, she passionately reads shoujo manga for ten years. The others wonder why they aren’t moving. Kako says that she will make Kosei win because after all, she wanted Kosei to be recognized by everyone. “From the time we were born, we always been together. It’s very good that our breathing match so it’s absolutely possible.” Kosei pulls her away and tries to protest but Kako touches his mouth to keep him quiet. She tells him that it is okay even if it is a fake kiss. Teary eyed Kako says, “For the girls in the whole country, even if, even if your partner, is only me [this kind of person; degrading herself]. *Kosei looks surprised* It is fine even if it is fake, make me..have a dream.” While Kako is thinking of making her want to desire for this thing called love honestly and purely, Kosei finally pulls the curtain and gives her a kiss. This surprises Kako that she holds her lips with her hands. Kosei tells her, “If it’s not a girl one deeply loves, a guy cannot honestly kiss and hug this way.” Kosei make her lean backwards again before kissing her once again. Kako wonders if having such a dream is an advantage of shoujo manga. And soon, in school, Tale of Genji has been the talk of the town. Girls are amazed with the guy who played Tō no Chūjō as well as Masaki. Some of them became Kosei’s fans. Shinobu and Raichi are sour-graping while Akira tells them to be just honest in their lives. In the office, Kazuma is raving over the ratings which peaked during Tō no Chūjō’s scene. He turns around to face someone and says that from the start of the filming, he [Kazuma] is quite surprised when he [someone Kazuma’s talking to] suddenly say that it’s okay for Kosei to be in a supporting role. That suggestion made Kazuma get Kosei in the drama. “..Could it be that this is your aim?” The other guy turns out to be Masaki who says, “It’s quite rare for someone to give it one’s all to oppose me. *smiles* I’ve eagerly anticipated a rival, whom I can play with, to come out.” Back to school, Kosei tries to be lovey-dovey Kako but unfortunately, things reverted back because Kako thinks that Kosei is just being professional in kissing someone he hates ^^; Kosei just drops the topic and thinks that there is no need to be anxious for they will always be together throughout their lives. Blushing and tense Kako tries to convince herself that Kosei is just being professional and she still has her job as producer to give the whole country’s girls a dream.

Chapter 9: In her apartment, Kako wakes up from the alarm of her clock. She goes into surprise upon seeing Kosei in his school uniform, lying beside her and greeting her a good morning. *Slap* After a brief flashback scene of the time when the two are curious about convenient stores <- childhood friend narration, blushing Kako exclaims why he is there. With a slap mark on his face, Kosei just comments that her hand still hits its mark. Kosei asks why she is so angry when he specially came to visit her. Kako pulls open the curtains and shows Kosei that her place is crawling with paparazzi. To Kako’s shock, Kosei admits that he is followed when he left the performing arts section’s dorm but he loses them by climbing up the tree. Kako explains this is the reason why the performing arts section has their own dorm in order to minimize the intrusion of the paparazzi and to protect the student celebrities. Kako lectures Kosei that they have to hide their ‘country/provincial’ nature and Kosei cannot just easily go outside. Kako laments about what if the paparazzi starts writing about Kosei spending the night with his lover. Kosei then asks her, “..lover? You mean me and you?” Kako promptly falls down on the floor from the bed. Kosei asks what’s with her. Blushing Kako says that it is nothing. Kosei looks a bit worried since Kako is conscious if she is too near him but he quickly goes into cheerful mode and opens the door that they ought to cheerfully go to school. Kako freaks out since she just lectured him. While pushing him back in, she notices that there are a lot of boxes at her next door neighbor. Thinking that Kako has a new neighbor, someone they knew comes out of the door with a ‘gift’ for neighbors. In Kako’s classroom, the girls go crazy over the new transfer student, Minase Roy. Later on, Kako asks Roy why he moved. Roy says that there are many questions he wanted to ask her and it is so much fun just watching the two of them [K&K], so how can he just let them be. While Kako nervously wonder what Roy just implied, Kosei in nerd get-up says that Roy is really cute to chase after them but he finds it strange that Roy is Kako’s neighbor. Roy just tells Kosei that there is a rule for people from the performance arts wherein they cannot go there. Kosei just says that no matter what, he wanted to see him [Roy] and there’s definitely something strange for him to stay in the same place as Kako’s. Roy claims that it is a coincidence and asks what’s with that get up of Kosei when he is already an artist/actor and he would even do that scene – that kissing scene. Kako immediately blushes and says that it is late so they should go home. Roy asks why she is blushing. Kako ignores him as she keeps on talking about the many things that she has to do. Kosei just looks at her as Kako thinks that she cannot calm down upon thinking of that when it is obviously just kiss at work. Kako bids Kosei goodbye and tells him to just go to his dorm and not carelessly go out. He ought to restrain himself when he sees a frog, too. Roy says that he is also going home.

Kosei is surprised when Kako says that she and Roy go home together. Roy then asks about a convenient store nearby. Kako exclaims if Roy is joking with her since there is no such thing as a 24 hour convenient store. Kosei finally can no longer let things be as he kicks Roy away and says that they should check this legendary convenient store and surely, it will be fun. “I’m going, too!” K&K go to see Masaki and Akira in the library to ask them how to evade the paparazzi. Masaki tells them that it has to be a thorough disguise. Kako is all ready to take notes on how to do it but it seems that her sempai-s are just fooling around with them or Masaki has a weird side because he suggests pretending to be from a different era like the sengoku era or pretend to be Shinsengumi and if it is about the present age, how about different occupations like military personnel, police or doctor. It turns out that Masaki is implying for them to cosplay. In the end, Kosei decided to cosplay as a punk but the paparazzi immediately recognized him. Kosei decides to take Kako with him while running away from the paparazzi. The paparazzi chase after the two thinking that Kako is Kosei’s girlfriend. Kako starts to blush since they are holding hands. She quickly tells him to let go because if they are like that, it will be a scandal and it will affect his image. Kosei ignores her but he sees a paparazzi in front so he quickly pulls her to the corner. He asks isn’t this good for the one in the scandal is him and isn’t she satisfied with that. [= meaning it is him and not some other guy in the news with her] Blushing at how handsome her childhood friend is, Kako tries to say that isn’t the problem. Finally, the paparazzi catch up with them and ask Kosei if that girl is his girlfriend. Kako doesn’t want him to be caught up in a scandal and she is after all responsible that he got in that position [being a celebrity, I assume]. They ask if she is really just a producer. Kako asks them if they actually think that an idol from Horiokoshi Academy would go for an old fashion girl like her. They think that it is true. Then, they caught news of some other celebrity dating by the seaside. The fickle paparazzi quickly left. Kosei says that it seems they won’t get into a love scandal. Blushing Kako just says that she won’t let those guys do that. She thinks that no matter what she is feeling, she cannot keep calm nor know what it actually means. The next day, while going out of her apartment, Kako decides to lecture Kosei again to be careful. At the hallway, she meets with Roy who tells her that they have a new neighbor. Of course, that is none other but Kosei in nerd outfit. =P

Chapter 10: Kako has prepared the outfit and the food for the celebration tomorrow..it has been around 10 years already. Kosei is very happy to be invited to eat dinner but his happiness is short-lived because apparently, Roy is also invited. While the two guys argue, Kako thinks that they are getting along with each other. When Kako is washing dishes, Kosei tells her not to casually invite other guys in her house. Kako says that he is also a guy. Kosei leans on her back and says that he minds since he isn’t the same as that guy. Blushing a bit and putting soap on Kosei’s nose, Kako tells him that he is too idle so why don’t he wash the dishes. Kako did this because lately, she has been uneasy when Kosei is too close to her. She goes out to the living room and invites Roy to dinner with them tomorrow and it is a special day. While playing with the frog, Roy accepts the invitation. Kako happily says that it is the first time that there will be someone other than her and Kosei celebrating. Roy asks what’s with tomorrow that she is really happy about. Kosei comes out from the kitchen and tells Kako that he was told by Kazuma that he has work tomorrow. It is an outdoor shoot and the site is quite far so it might take the whole day. Kako is shock to learn that it will take the whole day. Kosei says that he’ll take a leave from school but it seems that Kako cannot do that so he’ll go alone. Kako just puts on her happy face and tells him that it is okay for it is good to have a photo shoot outdoors..do your best. In class, Kako is spacing out that Roy has to shout in her ears as to what’s special about today. Fired up, Kako tells him that it is the anniversary of the first day when Kosei acted as Lawrence..it is Lawrence and Rose day. To her shock, Roy sighs and says that it is a boring day. Kako explains how that day is brought about. Flashback: Young K&K are playing around by swinging on a vine and jumping down to the leaf-covered ground. Kosei asked why she is always holding that manga. Kako sadly asked if he is going to laugh at her about it being about a gaudy guy named Lawrence. Kako said that it is okay if others won’t understand. Kosei offered to hold the manga for her so that she can jump again and not get it dirty. Kosei looked at the manga. Kako swing and fell down but instead of leaves, there are white flowers. Then, Kosei narrated some lines from the manga. Kako is excited that he is Lawrence. Kosei said that he is just acting it out. So, from that day on, they celebrated that day wherein she’ll bake a cake and Kosei will pretend to be Lawrence with matching outfit that Kako made. End flashback. Looking at the album, Kako says that is how they celebrate Lawrence and Rose day. Putting on a smile, Kako tells him that it is suspended for today since as a producer, she didn’t anticipate that Kosei might have work on that day so she apologizes to Roy for inviting him yet it cannot be held.

At home, Kako kept on unconsciously preparing things what she usually does on that day. She ended up designing a corner with curtains and a vase of roses. She made lots of food. Looking at the album, she is conflicted about waiting for Kosei to come and have him for herself to celebrate the day or for the other girls to be happy over his work. The door bell rings. She happily opens it but to her disappointment, it is just Roy. She asks him what it is. Roy says that he has seen the frog with a letter nearby. He tells them to get a cellphone already. Kako is sad when she learns from Kosei’s letter that the shooting is taking too long and he fears that he might pass the night there. Kako says that it is amazing for it is the first time Kosei will pass the night elsewhere. Kako pretends to be okay and just invites Roy for dinner since she made a lot of food. Trying to cheer her up, Roy puts on the Lawrence costume and says that she did say that he looked like Lawrence before at school. He says that since he is now Lawrence, shouldn’t it be Lawrence and Rose day now. Kako thanks him but she says that it isn’t the same. She thinks that today is the day when Kosei played that with her and how Kosei expanded her world. Kako tells Roy that this isn’t something that she’ll be happy just because someone pretends to be Lawrence because if it isn’t Kosei, it won’t do. She thinks that after all, today is the day of thanking Kosei, for being by her side. Kako is surprised when suddenly someone throws flowers at her. It is Kosei who takes the costume from Roy. He tells Kako that those flowers are from the photo shoot and it is his gift for her. “Does it match your taste?” <- line he used the first time he pretended to be Lawrence. Kako says that she thought he has forgotten. Kosei asks how he can forget when it is the day of the year when her smile is most brilliant. Kosei is surprised when Kako hugs him and says that he’s back. Kako then asks if he is hungry for she has made a lot of food. To Kosei’s irritation, Roy tells Kako that he wants a huge serving. Kosei pushes Roy away and says that he wants a special huge serving for all of that is supposed to be his. Thus, Kako has become aware that Kosei gradually not just exist for her alone and she finds this painful.

Chapter 11: In school, Kako had just met with Kosei and Kosei is going back to his section. After Kosei transformed from nerd to good looking student, Kako hides by some bushes to see him off when she notices a girl with freckles and hair bangs on her face is facing Kosei. The girl is wearing a different school uniform. The freckled girl says that she has been looking for Kosei and he is handsomer than in the magazine. She asks to shake his hand. Kosei glances at Kako who is hiding and it seems that she gives it a nod since she thinks that the girl is Kosei’s fan. When Kosei reaches out his hand for the hand shake, the freckled girl quickly handcuffs him. Kosei asks what bad deed he has done. She then shows him a picture of the scene when he kissed Kako in the drama. At the building above, Masaki is walking together with Akira in the hallway above when he spots Kosei down below being handcuff by a girl. Masaki quickly looks out the window and urges Akira to look, too because it seems interesting. Back below, freckled girl asks Kosei who that girl is. Kosei tells her to just look at the credits as to who played Yugao. To K&K’s surprise, freckled girl exclaims that it isn’t the same girl because that girl’s hand’s skin, hair and body shape isn’t the same with the actress who played Yugao. Crumpling the picture, the freckled girl shouts that the one he kissed is this girl. Akira says that it seems that freckled girl is looking for the one whom Kosei kissed at the scene and the truth is, he didn’t see that girl anymore. He asks Masaki if he brought that girl and who she is. Masaki just smiles and muses about only he and Kosei knows the identity of that girl. The freckled girl tells Kosei that she knows that it is work but no matter what, she has to see this girl. Freckled girl gets a bit rough that she pulls the handcuffs chain and it somewhat hit Kosei’s face. Kako is about to go out but Kosei motions for her to stop. Kosei tells the freckled girl that he cannot tell her who that girl is nor let her come out in front of her [freckled girl] no matter what she does. The crazy fan kept on insisting about it that Kako decides to use some inspiration from her manga. She gives Kosei tips on how to deal with the crazy fan – 2 parts prince-ly and 8 parts sexy. Kosei smiles and mutters, “—understood, my producer--” Kosei pulls the freckled girl to him and asks if she is jealous over the kiss. Kosei flirts with the freckled girl that she has become weak on her knees.

The freckled girl won’t give up that to everyone’s surprise, she takes a book/album to hit Kosei but, Kako without glasses comes out and blocks her. Kako tells the girl not to come near Kosei again for the showbiz world is all about selling dreams and even if it is something that made freckled girl happy, it isn’t something that she can just go into. Kako says that the one whom she is looking for is her so if she has any problems, freckled girl should just take it with her as Kosei’s producer. Kosei is surprised that Kako came out and the freckled girl is surprised that she is a producer so no wonder she couldn’t find her. Pictures are flying from the freckled girl’s book. Kako takes some and is surprised that they are filled with female idols. To K&K’s shock, that freckled girl turns out to be not interested in guys, she is interested in cute girls. She holds Kako’s hand and asks for her name, interests, picture and remembrance like an autograph. Kako nervously asks if she isn’t Kosei’s fan. The girl says that guys are eyesores who play around with pure girls like kissing then claiming it is work. Kosei whispers to Kako that he felt that freckled girl is dangerous so Kako shouldn’t go near her. Kako is surprised when the freckled girl starts saying that Kako is her ideal and unlike her, she’s not cute. Kako borrows Kosei’s elastic band and helps the freckled girl become cute by pulling up her bangs into a pony tail. Kako happily tells her that she can also be cute like that. Just then, the security guards finally catch the freckled girl. It turns out that Akira has called for them. He tells Masaki that is enough watching, they should leave. As the freckled girl leaves with the guards, she thanks Kako. Kako is happy that unlike before, the freckled girl gives a different impression. Kosei says that Kako only really understands other people. Using the chain of the handcuffs, Kosei pulls her to him. Kako asks why he is angry. Kosei angrily says, “..absolutely do not become my scapegoat again. Would Lawrence be happy if Princess Anna protects him?” This surprises Kako as she says that she thinks that if it is Lawrence, he would want to protect himself. Kosei leans toward blushing Kako and says, “That’s right.” Kosei gives Kako her glasses back. Kako thinks that even so, she doesn’t think that she suits to be Princess Anna. From the window, Masaki stands up straight and says, “So that’s how it is.” Akira who is walking away asks Masaki what it is, it’s already over so they ought to go already. Masaki laughs and says he knows. Looking one last glance at K&K, Masaki says, “..actually, those kind of girls aren’t few. ..it’s someone’s secret princess and that what’s makes her a bit more beautiful. Not letting anyone know of her true appearance, do you wanted her to be tied up only to your side? Such a headstrong wish. [If it is so, she’s] very pitiful..Yagami Kosei.”

Chapter 12:Some other day after school dismissal, Kako gets ready to meet up with Kosei who has a photo shoot at Jumon. In the building, girls are looking awed as Masaki walks through the corridor. He goes to the window in Kako’s classroom. With a smile, Masaki says, “Kahara-chan, there’s something I want to talk with you.” At some secluded place in school, Kako is exclaiming why Masaki is in her section that he caused a ruckus in class. Masaki laughs and says that if he didn’t do that, he cannot get to her. While Kako is wondering why Masaki is looking for her, Masaki shows her an envelope and says that it is something regarding Kosei. “It’s because a photographer I know has seen Yagami in the streets..it seems that he has taken pictures of some very awful pictures. I’m also quite surprised that since I never thought that guy has that kind of side to him. If his fans see it, it will definitely ruin their illusion of him. About this thing, do you know about it?” Kako immediately think of Kosei’s ‘country boy’ side. Kako nervously denies it by saying that she doesn’t know what Masaki is saying. Still smiling, Masaki pulls a bit of the contents from the envelope and says, “Really? Then, I’ll just give these back to that photographer.” Kako immediately tries to take the envelope but Masaki is faster than her that he pulls it away. Masaki looks at nervous Kako since her body moved on its own. He then tells her that for her to aggressively do that, then there’s truth to it. Masaki asks if she wants to know what’s inside the envelope. “I don’t have any malicious intent. I only wanted to give this to you. Do not misunderstand but *holds Kako’s face* if you want this thing, there is a condition in exchange.” Kako closes her eyes but nothing happens. She opens them to see Masaki holding her hair and says, “Have a date with me.” Kako is puzzled and wonders what this is all about. At some place in the school, nerd look Kosei asks Kako what took her so long. Kosei notices something different from somewhat blushing Kako who tells him that there is just some urgent thing she attended to. Kako is wondering if Masaki is joking around about the date since he left right after saying that and says that he’ll contact her again. Kosei holds her hair and asks why it is all down. Kako wonders what Kosei would think if she told him about it. She suddenly screams in fright when something is vibrating in her skirt pocket. It is a cellphone. She wonders about it since she doesn’t have one. She reads the message on the phone. She thinks that she doesn’t know what’s inside the envelope but it is definite that Masaki is plotting something. Kosei is puzzled when Kako shouts for him to go home on his own. Kako then runs off. The message on the cellphone is, “After class, at the Central Station near the west ticket gate.”

At that place, Kako holds out the cellphone to Masaki who is waiting for her. Masaki is sitting by the bench and carrying the envelope. She asks if he was the one who sent that message. “I’m giving this back to you. When did you put this thing..” Masaki just says, “Eh? It’s obviously a date yet you are still wearing your uniform.” Masaki has changed to casual clothes with sunglasses. Kako protests that this isn’t a date and she doesn’t recognize it as one. Masaki ignores her and keeps on walking. Kako continues to shout that she only wants to confirm the contents of the envelope and return the cellphone. Masaki tells Kako to keep the cellphone since she doesn’t have one and it is already been paid for. “Anyway, even if you don’t want it, I’ll give it to you.” Kako then overhears some girls talking if that guy over there is Tomoe Masaki since it looks like him but then that is impossible for how could he be with that old fashioned looking girl. Kako is shock by that then thinks that she already knows that but.. Kako tensely tells Masaki that like this, does he plan to give her trouble because he sees her and Kosei as enemies. Masaki didn’t reply. The scene changes to someone trying to take Kako’s uniform off. Kako shouts what that person is doing. Masaki says, “Didn’t I say it already? Just do as I told you and let me see.” Kako shouts, “So I’ve said..To..Tomoe-sempai, who are these people--” It turns out that Kako is being forcibly dressed up by some saleslady in the dressing room. Masaki is sitting outside. He tells her that he has a good model-designer relationship with this shop. Masaki tells the salesladies to thoroughly give Kako nice clothes, hairstyle, make-up and accessories. [= makeover] Addressing Kako, Masaki says, “..let me say, before you said that I look at Kosei as an enemy. Actually, I’m concerned about that guy. According to my awareness of this showbiz world, if he seriously practice, he’ll definitely be able to chase [after me] to the point of possibly becoming my competing rival.” While thinking over what Masaki just said, prettied-up Kako pulls over the curtains and quickly grabs the envelope beside Masaki. Kako says that can also mean that Masaki wanted to give Kosei extra pressure and thus he’ll be strangled at the cradle [early demise]. “That is your plan, right?! You are too narrow-minded, Tomoe-sempai! I was wrong about you!! In short! *Masaki just looks at her* I’m taking this envelope so that you won’t be able to threaten Kosei..*puzzled*..these are..just white sheets of paper?” Masaki smiles and says, “Ah-ah, I have been exposed. Sorry, sorry, from the very start, there were no photographs at all. This is just a lie in order to date you. If I didn’t do this, you won’t come.” Kako asks why he did such a thing. Masaki says, “Didn’t I just said it--? --I want to date you.” While walking home, Kosei notices that there is something vibrating in this bag. He opens his bag to see a cellphone in it. He wonders who could have put it in his bag. He looks at the message to see a picture of Masaki taking a picture of himself and Kako together using his [Masaki] cellphone.

At a crepe store near the park, Masaki buys Kako a strawberry-cream crepe for Kako. Removing his sunglasses, Masaki asks her what’s with that expression. Kako looks aghast and tense as she thanks him for the crepe. She tells him that she doesn’t know what kind of expression she ought to have. While they are walking, Kako continues, “Because just look. Every part of the streets, I can see sempai’s posters. That kind of person would suddenly come and date me? Dating me who doesn’t look good at all, it is but natural to feel odd about it.” Masaki takes a bite from her crepe and asks, “Could it be that you have this bad habit of belittling yourself? Such a waste.” Kako is nervous that she drops the crepe. She thinks that it is good that Kosei came from the province hasn’t been exposed but the mood has turned strange. Kako tells him that it can be a bad habit because since from the start, other people would always call her naive, ‘not pretty’ and ‘childish’. Masaki says, “..that is quite cruel (of that person)” This puzzles and surprises Kako because Kosei called her naive before. Her chest aches as she thinks that she is already used to this but hearing it lately, it causes her pain. Masaki removes her glasses and says, “Instead of him, let me tell you. You are truly charming.” Masaki looks at Kako then smiles. Kako thinks that the sun is going to set soon by the seaside park, in front of her is the guy whom everyone desired and in his low voice, he is saying such sweet words to her. Touching her face and holding her hair, Masaki says, “It seems that is not enough to make you believe me, right? It is alright, you’ll soon lose abandon reason.” Kako pushes him away and apologizes. With a partial smile, Kako says, “Because I’ve always look at Kosei by my side, so no matter what kind of good looking guy is in front of me, he won’t move me.” This surprises Masaki. [Hehe, ego took a beating =P]

Turning to leave, Kako bids Masaki goodbye and she’ll just pay him for the clothes later on. Masaki’s expression isn’t shown as he says, “For me to do it to that degree, most girls would have totally submitted. ..do you like that much? *holding surprised Kako’s hand* Do you like Yagami that much? *Kako blushes* That would still really makes one to have no choice but be angry.” They were suddenly being seperated apart by a sweaty and breathing hard Kosei who seems to have hastily wore his uniform since the necktie isn’t done well. Kako calls out to Kosei and asks why he is there. Holding a cellphone, Kosei says that should be his question. Masaki sees the cellphone that Kosei is holding then he smiles. To K&K’s surprise, Masaki says, “I’m really happy over the date today, Kahara-chan. I’ll be happier if we weren’t disturbed.” Kako protest that it isn’t a date. Masaki whispers to her, “We also have a secret between us.” Kako blushes really red as she realizes that it is about liking Kosei. Kosei still hasn’t move and he is obviously containing himself. As Masaki is about to leave, he says, “Then, I’ll send you a message again..next time, it will be a place where no one will disturb us.” Kako is tense about Masaki knowing about her feelings in her heart which she hasn’t totally worked out yet. She is startled when Kosei asks what this secret is all about. Kako says that it has nothing to do with Kosei. She fears about the secret being known by Kosei. She glances at Kosei who is looking at her. Kosei pushes her near a lamp post and starts going for her neck. Kako can only shout his name before Kosei breaks away with the ribbon with flower from her neck in his teeth. Looking at flustered Kako, Kosei angrily says, “..what kind of joke is this..do not wear this kind of thing..*throws away the ribbon* It is fine if you only have to always keep that naive part.” [= Ah..referring that he would prefer her to be clueless? Or look innocent?] Kako thinks, “That’s right..no matter how I look at him, for Kosei, I’m nothing more than a childhood friend so this kind of feeling should remain as a secret. This thing about liking Kosei.”

If you read all of that which is 20+ pages, thank you very much ^^ So, I really think that it is all because of Masaki that the story is progressing. I kind of think that Masaki is like Bleach’s Gin. I kept on thinking if he is a good guy or not. Does he like Kako or not? I tend to think not because he doesn’t seem to be that aggressive in wooing her. He only started that date idea when he learned that Kosei is hiding her true appearance from others. He even sent a picture to Kosei. He does seem to be helping yet playing around with those two. Anyway, I think it is amazing that Kosei didn’t do anything hasty and so far, he has been able to somehow control himself. Actually, from the way he is acting, it does seem like he is some jealous boyfriend. Would he be more possessive when they become a couple? Oh well, for Kosei to act like that, Kako still thinks that he doesn’t have romantic feelings for her. ^^; Isn’t he extraordinarily too possessive for a childhood friend? How dense can she be? It is amazing how patient Kosei is with her..the things one can do for love. Well, I think that Kosei ought to develop muscles from all that running whenever he knows that Kako and Masaki are together. That is good for photo shoots =P Lastly, just go to Anekmaybe’s blog for chapter 13 summary and yuu_Chan’s blog for chapter 14 raws regarding what Masaki did next. =P

Word of the day:
God will make a way where there seems to be no way; He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. ~ Moen from Our Daily Bread

Free Talk: Decision and Plans
Thursday, July 29, 2010

I’m sorry for those who are waiting for my Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru summaries because I’ve decided to drop that series. Anekmaybe’s summaries for that series has been quite thorough and updated so ah..why bother. ^^; I tentatively plan to replace that with Pin to Kona. Arc 1 and 2 are already out in Chinese. Well, I’m still waiting for the last chapter of Arc 2. =P Chapter 1 is out in English scanlation. I have seen the first chapter of Arc 3 and it is still really good. I estimated that Chinese scans for Arc 3 to come out in September so by August, I should have written brief summaries of arc 1 and 2. Well, that’s the plan..of course, I’ll finish the other pending summaries first, don’t worry. ^^ Anekmaybe has also started doing Mishounen Produce and her chapter 13 is also quite thorough so again..why bother. ^^;; I will finish the chapters from 5 to 12 only. That is what I’m currently doing and I hope to finish it by this week. Since Anekmaybe’s Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta summaries isn’t that complete, I’ll retain it for now. As for Papillon, ya, I finished reading it all (check out link at the side) and probably August, I’ll write a brief summary for it. Brief because it is basically about Hayato’s closure with his ex-girlfriend’s death and moving on with Ageha. So the last meaning of ‘butterfly’ is like the superstition or belief that it is a ‘soul of the dead’. So, the TENTATIVE plan is finish Mishounen Produce this week. Next week, Hyakunen Renbo, Akuma to Love Song and teasers for series that will be up by next week. ^^ After that, I estimated that it is manga dump all over again. ^^

Just read VK 63, I think it would be more amusing if it isn’t Yuuki who is in place of Kaname in the flashback because I want to see how Kaname would look like if he is the one pushed down from the horse in page 19 =P I’m amused though that my joke is right..that woman is the hunters’ ancestor. Also, I hope that Zero won’t begrudge Hanabusa about not mourning that woman’s sacrifice. Hello? It is to kill vampires so why should Hanabusa be happy about it if it is to kill his race even if well, those vampires are bad. So, I think that Kaname cannot be killed by any vampire hunter weapons since it is essentially made from that woman. Lastly, I think Kaname has a trauma from losing someone older than him that he decides to love someone way younger than him. ^^; And, one last joke, you know how to start a war right now in this arc? Zero trips and accidentally pulls the trigger at Hanabusa. =P

PS. There is no Faster than A Kiss chapter this month. It went on a two month break in Japan so we'll have to wait for two months before the Chinese scans is out. That will be like September. I do not know if they will do the side story. Will know about that by next month.

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 17]
Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Nakaba is surprised when Emilia asks her if she has an Arcana. Tense Nakaba tries to deny it but Emilia tells her that Nakaba’s pupils turned red before when normally, it is green. “In this situation, I can only consider that it is because of an Arcana. Hey, do you have that kind of power?” Nakaba continues to deny it by saying that she doesn’t know and Emilia should just go to sleep. Closing her eyes and gesturing to her chest, Emilia says, “-Hey, Nakaba, the heart cannot lie. Faltering..fretful..fear..isn’t that what you are feeling right now?” Nakaba looks a bit puzzled and calls out Emilia’s name. Emilia just smiles and says that she is just casually saying that. She made Nakaba lie down in the bed again and tells her to sleep. To Nakaba’s surprise, Emilia goes in the bed with her and says that they go to sleep together. In the bed, Emilia says that it feels warm and it seems that she has a ‘younger sister’. After a pause, Nakaba asks how old Emilia is. Emilia says that she’s 17 years old. Sixteen year old Nakaba is shock for she thought Emilia is just 14 years old. The next day, Nakaba wakes up and Emilia is still sleeping. She goes out of the house to find Loki standing in front. She greets Loki a good morning. Loki greets her back and asks why she didn’t sleep some more. Nakaba says that she doesn’t want to sleep some more for she wanted to see this village. Looking at kids playing and the a couple getting firewood, Nakaba says that it is amazing for there are only Ajins in the village and this is originally how the situation is. “Naturally welcoming the morning..playing around, working..for one’s family..or perhaps living for oneself, there’s no need to serve other people..” Loki slightly smiles and agrees with her. He tells her that this village is his dream [/ideal village]. Nakaba then calls out to him and asks if he would want his freedom too. Loki says that he only wants to be by her side. Touched by what he said, Nakaba says that it is the same with her. Loki smiles and says, ya. They were interrupted when Caesar grunts and sighs out loud. He angrily asks what they are doing alone by themselves so early in the morning. While Loki exhales/sighs, Caesar takes Nakaba’s hand and says that they are going. Nakaba asks where. Caesar says that they are going to see the village head because they don’t have much time. Nakaba remembers the current situation they are in.

The rabbit village head asks them what it is. Together with the others, Caesar pleads to talk with them about the possibility of escaping. Leo firmly says that they won’t lose to humans nor will they run away. Caesar says that since it is useless [to keep on asking them nicely], they’ll tell them the truth. Caesar looks at Belenus who comes in front. Belenus tells them that this time around, the troops are sent not to take in and govern this village. Gadei asks what he meant. Belenus tells them that the goal of sending the troops is to test out the new weapon. Caesar says that it is see if these weapons can kill Ajin-s. “It is a trial whether it can win against the strength of the Ajin-s. They didn’t come to negotiate, and there will definitely be sacrifices..” While the village head thinks about this, someone comes in and tells them the bad news that the kids at the forest had seen Belquat’s troops and they are fast approaching the village. Nakaba thinks that they don’t have enough time. Cain arrives at the village entrance with his men. He wonders out loud if this is an Ajin village. The solider asks what they should do. Cain says that they should first give the letter to a representative of the village. “In the letter, it is clearly stated--, ‘You are to offer this village’s land and people to the country of Belquat as an acknowledgement of being under its sovereignty.’ ..But, that is just for formalities, the Ajin-s will definitely resist at all costs. Until then, we can publicly declare war...” He goes backs to his troops and tells them to surround the village so that the villagers cannot escape. Soon, village head gets the letter and he wonders what they should do. Hot-headed Leo exclaims that of course, they are going to fight. The village head is hesitant. Belenus walks in front and tells them that he has a suggestion. Belenus offers to take them as hostages. He says that with just the second prince Caesar and his wife Nakaba as hostages, they [Cain and others] cannot easily deploy the troops. Belenus explains that they originally went to the other [temporary] imperial palace for a private matter. The villagers are to go out to the Belquat soldiers to observe what they are doing while holding Caesar and the others hostage. “In this way, you can ask for the village’s right to autonomy..” Caesar looks at Nakaba who seems to agree with the plan. Leo exclaims in distrust as to why they would do that and there must be some ulterior motive. Looking a bit puzzled-surprise, Nakaba tells him that they wanted to stop this endless war and they want to help the Ajin-s. “Is this so strange?” Leo says that it is because they are humans who despise Ajin-s. Nakaba asks him if he hates humans that much. Leo shouts that of course he hates them because humans are traitors. Nakaba replies, “..really. I also hate royalty.” This surprises Leo. Nakaba continues to say, “But..I like Caesar, and also treasures Loki, an Ajin...” Leo exclaims isn’t she a royalty herself. Nakaba somewhat smiles at him and asks that he originally didn’t notice her to be one. This surprises Leo and thinks that this red-haired princess is strange. Someone [Leo?] hesitantly says that he doesn’t want the villagers to be killed so could they lend them their strength.

Outside the villager’s house, Cain with some troops faces the village head and Leo. Cain says that he wants to know the answer to their letter but then, where is the representative. Cain and the troops look around. This made the village head burst out in laughter and comments that the brothers are both slow-witted. Puzzled-looking Cain wonders out loud what is with this rabbit and what did he just say. The door opens and Cain notices Caesar and the others tied up as lead out by Gadei. In a hard tone, Caesar apologizes to his brother. Nakaba is looking down because she feels uneasy. Cain asks what this is about. Caesar says that they were taken from the temporary imperial palace. Cain asks how did they [villagers] know that they are coming. The village head laughs and says that ordinary people cannot imagine [how they can know]. “You ought to know..this isn’t an ‘ordinary’ Ajin village. *Leo uses his power to make the flame from a candle surround Caesar and the others* There are plenty of all sorts of powers here.” Cain comments that it is a different [power]. The village head says that he has two conditions: 1. Withdraw the troops and 2. Give their village autonomy. Gadei tells them that if they refuse, the prince and the others will lose their lives. Somewhat tense Cain looks at Nakaba. He then says that he will take their requests into consideration but he also has a request and that is to give him the red-haired princess. The village head asks why. Cain tells them that she is a bride from the country of Senan so if she dies, it might incite war against Senan. “If you need a hostage, a prince is enough.” Caesar wants to object but Belenus dissuades him because if he protests, Cain will be suspicious. He tries to assure Caesar that even if they are separated, Cain and others won’t lay a hand on Nakaba. The village head then tells Cain that he’ll give the girls [Nakaba & Emilia] and kid [Lito] to them. Before Nakaba walks towards Cain, Caesar calls out to her. When she turns around, Caesar kisses her. She kisses him back. Caesar tells her to take care. Nakaba says, ya. When Nakaba and the others are at Cain’s side, Cain tells the village head that he cannot decide on the autonomy and they should wait for 5 days to know of the king’s decision on this. “For the time being, please allow us to wait in the forest.” Cain and the others start to walk away. Nakaba turns around to give Caesar one last look. Caesar can only curse and asks if things can be fixed this way. Belenus says that he never thought that Cain will withdraw the troops this way and they ought to talk about some other countermeasure.

In a tent, Nakaba looks at Cain who drinks from a cup. She then timidly asks about Emilia and Leo. Cain smiles and tells her not to worry for they are resting in some other tent. Nakaba is puzzled as she feels that Cain isn’t showing any feeling of animosity. Cain says that he had always wanted to chat with her, a red haired princess. Nakaba thinks, “..that’s right, this person is also royalty yet he doesn’t have black hair, but rather, he is a ‘blond’ prince.” Cain asks Nakaba if she likes the color of her hair. Nakaba says yes, at least for now. Cain smiles and says, “..really, me, too.” Cain tells her that he has inherited it from his mother who died from an illness. She is originally an ordinary commoner. Nakaba says that it seems that she inherited hers from her father. Cain says that her red hair is beautiful. “I do not hate His Majesty nor do I hate my mother, even if it is like that, I still feel a bit frustrated.” Nakaba is staring off then suddenly she feels something. She quickly stands up and excuses herself that she feels unwell. Cain asks if it is because of the trip and that inconvenient thing [kidnap] that has made her tired. Cain tells her to rest and he hopes to talk with her again. Nakaba says okay. She quickly heads to her tent and closes the door tightly with her hands. She thinks that it is here, the Aracana of Time..*eyes turn red* “What could it want to show me?” Flashback: A woman brought out a messy-looking strawberry cake and asked young Cain if he wanted to eat the cake that she baked. Young Cain happily said yes. The woman happily watched Cain devour the cake. She giggled and told him not to eat it hastily for no one is going to steal it from him. Cain told his mother that there is cream on her face. His mother said that is true. She took the cream off her face and ate it. She then said that there is also cream on his face so she’ll tidy him up. She took the cream of his face and ate it. When Cain’s mother stood up, Cain called out to her that there is cream at the end of her long hair. She exclaimed how wasteful it is. [She probably ate it, too.] Cain wonders if that is what wasteful meant. Cain’s mother wondered out loud as to what those ministers would say regarding a crown princess who’ll suddenly made her own snack but then, she doesn’t care for it is enough for her to be loved by His Majesty and Cain. Then, there is a scene changes to young Cain eavesdropping over a conversation between two ministers. One of them complained about how hard it is to serve a commoner crown princess and she really has no class. The other one said that she still gave birth to Cain, a heir to the throne though it is unfortunate that Cain had that kind of hair color. They said that Cain is lucky because His Majesty has no other male heirs and the only one who has the right to succeed His Majesty is Cain. They laughed as they ought to suck up to Cain first to get into his good side. Irritated but still hiding, Cain mutters, “..Mother..I..will definitely become a great king. I won’t let anyone look down on my mother..!” Then, young Cain looked ahead at a casket. Cain prostrated down and tearfully asked why his mother passed away so early. He is then interrupted by people shouting over the good news that side chamber [concubine] crown princess Lucina has given birth to a male heir. “It seems to be a black-haired boy.” Teary-eyed Cain look thoughtful and last narration: “A black haired prince.”

I guess the author is going for everyone is basically good but because of circumstances, they turn out evil or seemingly bad. It seems that what happened with Caesar is going to happen with Cain – seem to be bad/evil but is actually nice at heart. It really makes me want to blame the parents ^^; Well, it seems that Cain has a reason too why he would want to be king and from the looks of it, thanks to his mother, he can also turn out to be a fine king. He also knows what it is like to be looked down by others because of his hair color though he knew what it felt to be loved. I guess Cain has what Caesar doesn’t have – loving parents. I’m guessing that Guran loved Cain’s mother that he is still maintains Cain as the rightful heir even if he isn’t black haired. I think this is the reason why Louise is still with Cain because she wants to be queen and she obviously doesn’t love Cain. It is Caesar whom she loves. Of course, that and sibling rivalry cause the conflict between the brothers. I think Cain cannot react adversely to what his father or stepmother wants because he knew of his own sensitive position wherein people are always watching and ready to catch him make a mistake to take away his title. He also doesn’t want to further taint his mother’s reputation. Indeed, whatever he does will reflect on his mother rather than on his father because of the color of his hair. Aside from the reason he gave, I think Cain singled Nakaba out because her position reminded him of his mother’s situation and they do have something in common. I wonder how this knowledge of Cain would once again change Nakaba’s attitude towards royalty. She is right earlier for one cannot generalize hating a group of people. It is thanks to her Arcana, she can understand people more and why they acted that way. About the hostage exchange for autonomy, I fear that the answer might be to sacrifice Caesar and others because I think the king still favors Cain, the son of the woman he really loved. I’m wondering though if Guran became cold-hearted ever since his beloved wife died. Could the reason of killing the clan that has the Aracana of Time because they predicted of Cain’s mother’s demise and Guran just vented their anger on them? Or, maybe Lucina had influenced him. Speaking of Arcana, is Emilia’s power also an Arcana? It seems that rather than read people’s minds, she reads people’s feelings. Is it the same for animals? Maybe it is communication with animals but for people, she senses their feelings then she guess why that person is feeling that way. She had to be really intuitive to do that – putting things together based on how people’s feelings. Hehe, I think Belenus really spoiled Emilia that she is acting younger than her age =P I’m not too happy with Loki’s declaration of always being with Nakaba. Does he plan to become a ‘third wheel’ for life? In love triangles-whatever, I prefer if the ‘rival’ will just move on with his/her life. I think it is painful enough to always see the couple together and be reminded that the one beside that person isn’t you. I think he has better things to do for his race than babysitting Nakaba forever. Hm..I wonder if this is somewhat similar to Guran and his two wives. I don’t know if Caesar’s mother did loved Guran or she only wanted the ‘throne’ through Caesar which could be because she wanted to ‘win against’ Cain’s mother. Hehe, royal intrigues =P Anyway, regarding the sibling rivalry, I think Nakaba can also become a mediator between these two brothers so that they would go for a common goal. On a side note, that kiss between Caesar and Nakaba is nice ^^ Scans by Haruko_122 for baidu

Quote of the day:
The frightening thing about heredity and environment is that parents provide both. ~ Author Unknown

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 81] Teaser
Monday, July 26, 2010

Edit: Sorry, apparently, there is more = 50+ pages for this chapter ^^; The Chinese scans are only up to 21 pages so ah, consider this as a teaser for now? ^^;;;

“Separated for almost three years, Tamaki met with his mother for only five minutes.” Tamaki and Haruki looks at the airplane that flies above. Haruhi says that they only met for five minutes but Tamaki is hopefully that from today on, he and his mother will meet again. Then, they talk about how Nekozawa delayed Tamaki’s mother from leaving by telling her not to leave yet else a curse will happen. Then, Reiko asks the help of Tamaki’s father to play along by pretending to have a severe stomach ache. Tamaki then tells Haruhi that he properly talked with his father just like what Haruhi said. He regrets not doing that earlier. He then apologizes to Haruhi. Haruhi says that it is nothing and no matter when, she’ll lend her hand to him and no matter how many times, she’ll hold his hand. Tamaki is surprised by what she is saying. Haruhi smiles and says, “..Tamaki sempai, I like you Tamaki sempai.” She thinks to her mother if she is watching that ever since entering Ouran High, for the first time, she knows what ‘love’ is. Tamaki looks surprised as another airplane flies by. To Haruhi’s shock, Tamaki says that he didn’t hear her, so what did she just say. Crying and blushing, Haruhi gets ready to leave and says that she is just saying things. Tamaki chases after her and holds her arm. “Did you just say that you like me? Liking me as in..” Haruhi turns around and exclaims that he already heard it. She is surprised when Tamaki goes into shock. He blushes then walks backwards before falling on the floor. To Haruhi’s anger, the first thing out of Tamaki’s mouth is “Hikaru!! Hikaru~~!! Ha..Haruhi says..she says that she likes me ah~~!!” Haruhi angrily shouts that she just confessed so could he please not shout someone else’s name with all his might. Tamaki goes into shock again since Haruhi just said ‘confess’. He feels like his soul is going out of his body as he lies on the ground blushing. =P

Haruhi says that is enough and they should go back since the others might be worried. While Haruhi is walking away, Tamaki shouts, “I..I also like you!! I also..always been..” Haruhi looks aghast and asks if he is talking about himself. This puzzles Tamaki. Haruhi exclaims that he meant about Tamaki ‘liking himself’ kind of like. The two start to argue about this as Tamaki exclaims that Haruhi is cruel to insinuate that in this kind of situation and saying that to someone she likes. Tamaki freaks out when Haruhi exclaims that she didn’t say ‘like’ but ‘might like’. Haruhi shouts that it is because Tamaki is an idiot. She starts saying about Tamaki’s tendencies to ruin the mood during ‘key moments’, giving her problem because she couldn’t believe that she has fallen for his stupid face, and usually, he is useless. After all those ‘bull’s eye’ on Tamaki, Haruhi says, “So..So I’m not sure..whether it is like or not, in a while I’m also not sure..” Tamaki holds her face and kisses her. Tamaki asks, “..this way, you can be sure right? Do you..hate it..? Not knowing whether you like me or not, just now..that..if..you don’t hate it..” Blushing Haruhi says, “No..I don’t..hate it.” The other club members meet up with each other. Honey asks where the two are. The twins say that they are still in the airport. Honey nervously asks if Tamaki met with his mother. Kyoya says that if Tamaki didn’t, after they gave their all-out effort, he’ll beat up Tamaki half-dead. Hikaru looks out the window and has probably seen the two. He looks really sad as he says that Haruhi has definitely confessed. He is crying as Kaoru tells him that it is because Hikaru really did his best that he managed to convey it to Haruhi. The others then try to cheer him up. Honey offers him a hug and Kyoya offers him his handkerchief with fee charge =P Hikaru gets embarrassed by it. At the mansion, Tamaki’s father meets with his mother. She says that she thought he went back with Tamaki’s mother to France. Tamaki’s father says that he only accompanied her to the airport. Grandmother asks if the mother and son met. Father says they did and it is thanks to her. Grandmother then muses about Tamaki finding really good friends and she finds Haruhi very interesting. Father then says that they should have a proper talk not as chairman or president but as family. Three days after, grandma is appointed as Suoh company’s consultant. And, two days after..

Nice ^^ It is touching and funny which is essentially what this series is all about. I guess now that the family problems are more or less resolved, the last arc might be about the future and some funny lovey-dovey between the lead couple. =P Scans by 翼想天開

Quote of the day:
Life is a journey, and love is what makes that journey worthwhile. ~ Author Unknown.

La Corda D'Oro [Chapter 68]
Sunday, July 25, 2010

[Ah, I might not be doing Kaichou wa Maid-sama! teasers anymore since crazysugoi is doing full summaries of that using the raws. In the meantime, I’ll be doing this series instead as long as I understand what’s happening in the chapter. I’ve started reading only from the last three chapters so don’t ask about what happened in the past because I have no clue ^^;;]

Ryoutarou brought Kahoko home and tells her to properly rest. After Kahoko goes in, Ryoutarou is clearly bothered. Inside, Kahoko is depressed as she feels that Len is so near yet so far. Looking flustered with a pained expression, Len just walks back home. The next day, Kahoko sees Ryoutarou waiting for her outside her house. He says that he thought she will be late after what happened last night. He comments that he was right and her eyes are all red. He assumes that she wasn’t able to sleep. He takes her bag and after much protest from Kahoko that she can carry it, they go to the auditorium. As they go there, Ryoutarou tells her to be a bit more cheerful for she always put her best during practice. Unfortunately, Kahoko’s thought are filled with Len and the fact that he’s already leaving. Kahoko wasn’t able to concentrate during practice that the pianist tells her to rest a while to collect her feelings together. She sits outside the building and feels that all her hard work is put to waste. She wonders why Len is leaving on that day. Then, all the other guys arrive to give her some morale support. She notices that Azuma kept on staring at her. Azuma then fixes her hair beautifully by pulling them up. The guys say that it suits her while Keiichi says that as long as the hair style doesn’t hinder the playing then it’s good. They all then left to go to their seats. Then, Kahoko is about to become depressed again when she remembers that Len promised her that he’ll go see her performance. She remembered him asking if she will keep on playing the violin and she replied that she will for she won’t lose to Len. She also remembered that Len told her that he has been paying attention to her even if she is a novice then because her playing is different. He would want to know who her playing has changed since then. She seems to think that this is the reason why he hasn’t told her.

Meanwhile, the other guys are talking where Len is. It turns out that only a few knows that Len is leaving that day. Azuma says that Len doesn’t want a lot of people to know about this but Ryoutarou should know about it. One of the guys asks if Kahoko knows. Ryoutarou is saying that she shouldn’t have known but he stops mid-sentence when he remembers that Kahoko is acting strange last night. This made Ryoutarou tell the others to go ahead for he has some place to go. He nervously heads back to where Kahoko is. He really thought that she is nervous over the performance. He seems to remember telling Len what Kahoko would feel if he just leaves without telling her. Ryoutarou can only curse as to why Len picked this kind of time to tell her. He then blames himself since he provoked Len to do that. Kahoko then notices that Ryoutarou is standing there. She asks what happened. Ryoutarou asks if she is alright. Kahoko thanks him. This surprises him. Somewhat happy Kahoko says that she made him worry again but she’ll do her best and she is alright. This made Ryoutarou surprised that Kahoko teases him that he looks strange. Narration: “Tsukimori will come so so..I ought to do my best.” So, everything depends on Len coming or not. He doesn’t come and we will have one sad girl. That will also provide an opening for any other guy to woo and win her heart. Scans by Scans by 鏡花水月 for 琴音翻译组

Word of the day:
As long as you’re running in the right direction—to Jesus—you’ll find the grace and strength you will need. ~ from Our Daily Bread

Futsumashi na Yome desu ga [Chapter 2]
Thursday, July 22, 2010

Charm 2: Let’s Marry Narration: “I, Hirazono Satsuki, picked up a strange girl called Riene from the garbage dump that night. I let her stay at my place. *Riene eats and sleeps* Then, I get mysteriously entangled into things. *Delinquents bullying him* At that time, she came to help me. *Riene uses her magic to strip the delinquents of their clothes =P* My head becomes very heavy and afterwards--” With blank eyes, Satsuki holds Riene’s face and asks, “Do you want to become my bride?” Riene hugs him tight and exclaims, “I want to!” Satsuki thinks, “That’s a fast answer.” The pages on Riene’s bible book are flipping fast. Riene smells something and thinks that it’s Satsuki’s. Then, some magic surrounds them. In Yuries [ユリエス; yuriesu] monastery, four women are playing mahjong. A curly long light haired woman whose face isn’t shown complains that the management of this place exists only in name [useless] and in spite of many years, she/they didn’t detect a single evil spirit. She then asks a black haired glasses woman named Merwe [メルヴェ; meruve] if they can use other methods than mahjong to decide who will do the exorcism. Merwe asks if she wants to do it via roulette or playing cards. While the others continue to play mahjong, the light haired woman exclaims if they can do it without resorting to gambling because after all, they are still in the position of serving god. Merwe asks if she didn’t know that lately, god has also started gambling, sending e/mails, and went out for a chance meeting [date?]. The light haired woman bangs on the table as to what kind of god would let a kid join in their game. The straight black haired woman tells the little girl named Prilla [フリラ;furira] not to cheat. Prilla denies that she is cheating. Merwe smokes her cigarette and says that this matter is more suitable for her [light haired woman] or perhaps, Riene. Black haired woman agrees for she [light haired woman] and Riene have this ‘do odd jobs’ kind of face. The light haired woman protests about that. Prilla then tells the others that Riene has already been fired from the institution so she is no longer there. After a pause, Merwe says that nevertheless, Riene is tenacious like a cockroach so she can live no matter where. Black haired girl says that it seems that Riene is looking for food in the garbage dump. Then, everyone except for light haired woman shows their tiles and says they won. So, the light haired woman lost. Pushing up her glasses, Merwe says that it is decided, she is now appointing her righteous younger sister, Mergui [light haired woman; invented name] to go and search for that evil spirit. “Aside from that there are no more cigarettes, so at your convenience, buy three packs of Marlboro on your way back!” Mergui angrily shouts that this has nothing to do with cigarettes. Before Mergui leaves, Merwe reminds her that it is a marriage deceiving evil spirit.

Back to the couple, Riene turns around to look at the book and asks out loud why there is a spell. Someone exclaims, “Contract complete!!” A wind emits from the book and then, rings appeared on the two’s ring fingers. The bible then says, “Have a happy and smooth married life, you two.” The book closes. Riene nervously wonders why the book is talking. Satsuki hugs her from behind and says that they are now a married couple. Riene is really suspicious because she no longer senses Satsuki’s scent. Riene asks who he is. Blank-looking Satsuki repeats, “Who am I? *kissing her forehead* Of course, I am your most loved ‘Satsuki’.” Riene goes into shock that she let her instinct take over her rationale. She shouts, “I don’t care anymore, it doesn’t matter whatever it is!” She jumps on to Satsuki who lost his balance that he fell and hit his head on the floor = unconscious. Riene ends up calling to him. Dream: “Somewhat long haired young Satsuki is crying over Raicho [雷鳥; invented name base on kanji] who died because of him. [Satsuki does look like a girl ^^;] On the ground is a bleeding wild pig/boar <- Raicho. Young Aki told Satsuki that they should bury Raicho so that it will go to heaven. Satsuki says yes. End dream. Satsuki wakes up and wonders about this Raicho. He finds himself lying on the bed with Riene crying beside him. He asks where he is. Riene says that it is his house. Sitting up, he asks how he came home. Riene says that she carried him home. He comments that she’s quite strong to do that. He is speechless when Riene starts sniffing him. Satsuki pushes her away and tells her not to stick too close to him. Riene happily says that it is great that Satsuki’s smell is back. Satsuki looks away and asks if he said anything strange. Riene asks if he is referring to him wanting her to become his bride. After wearing his glasses, Satsuki quickly denies it by saying that he didn’t say it. Satsuki becomes gloomy that it wasn’t a dream as he remembers hugging Riene. He didn’t know the reason why his head feels really heavy then when he kissed her on the forehead. Shaking, Satsuki thinks that everything turns out alright because after falling, he has regained his senses. He then notices a ring on his finger. He asks what it is. Riene shows him that she also has it. “That, it seems..that we are already a married couple, because of a spell.” Satsuki goes into shock and asks, why. Aghast, Riene says that she doesn’t know. She tells him that from what she knows, marriage spells are high-level spells usually used by evil spirits and demons. “It is hard to do at my level.” Satsuki wants to confirm something important. He asks, ”Does that spell meant that I am cursed?” Riene claps and says, “No wonder you’re Satsuki! That is correct!” Satsuki shouts that he isn’t one bit happy about that.

Riene reads from her book and says, “About this marriage spell, ‘if you do not have a married couple’s night [sex] once every month, then the spirit residing in the ring will eat you.” Satsuki goes into shock again. He angrily pinches Riene’s cheek and shouts, “Hey!” Riene shouts that she isn’t lying and it is all written there. “Look for yourself!” Riene reads, “This is invented by a witch who wanted her true love to become only hers-- ah, Satsuki are you listening?” Satsuki is shaking and aghast. He shouts, “I want a divorce! Immediately!” Riene nervously tells him that she doesn’t know of a method for the divorce. Satsuki shouts that he doesn’t care for she ought to think of a way for them to divorce. “I’m going to take a bath first!” Narration: “What kind of a joke is this! What marriage spell, what every once a month, such an absurd encounter..everything is totally absurd.” In the bathtub, Satsuki couldn’t remove the ring. He thinks that he shouldn’t have picked her up and brought her home. He stands up from the bathtub and thinks that it is also probable that this is all just a trap that Riene has planned since that is what she wanted. While washing up, he dismisses that suspicion. Riene suddenly opens the door and shouts that Satsuki has a call on the phone and it is someone from the bank. The two look surprise for Satsuki is totally naked. Riene immediately takes the chance to see everything. To Satsuki’s shock, she looks down. ^^;; After a lot of expletives, Satsuki puts Riene in a garbage bag and throws her into the dump. He walks away while Riene cries for him. Still shaken from the encounter, Satsuki thinks that is how a male [animal] would look at one’s prey.. “What kind of joke is this, if this continues on, I will be eaten, by that girl! *aghast and nervous* Before I become that girl’s food, I should take countermeasures--” At his house, Aki greets Satsuki and says that it is quite rare for it has been a long time since Satsuki came to his house. Aki asks if Satsuki doesn’t have any work today. Satsuki says that he took a day off because he isn’t feeling well. “About that, I have something to ask your father..” Aki says that it seems to be a troublesome thing. Aki offers Satsuki to eat dinner with him first because Satsuki’s face looks awful. As they walk in, Aki asks him how tall he is now. Satsuki says 176 [cm]. Aki says that Satsuki has surpassed him now. Satsuki thinks that normal kind of talk puts him at ease. “Is it because these past few days have been too weird.. *He’s eating* Speaking of that girl, she still hasn’t eaten dinner...*shakes head* That has nothing to do with me. I shouldn’t be nice nor give her an opportunity. I won’t be tricked because I fundamentally don’t understand that girl. She said that I’m her benefactor. I’m not even sure if that is true or not.”

A red-faced monk, Aki’s father, happily greets Satsuki. He says that Satsuki has become quite healthy and if Satsuki had always been so cute, he would want to make him as Aki’s bride. Satsuki doesn’t find it funny that he seriously says that it is impossible. Aki tells Satsuki not to pay attention to his father’s jokes after he got drunk. Aki’s father asks Satsuki what he came to see him for. Satsuki says that it is something unbelievable. While he explains it to Aki’s father, Satsuki thinks, “Now that I have somewhat calmed down, it is becoming more and more like that spell is casted by that girl. I feel that she only wanted to play me between the palms of her hands. If that *stripping delinquents* and this *ring* didn’t happen [/exist]--” Aki’s father says that he hasn’t heard of a marriage spell. He asks Satsuki if he can see that ring of his. Satsuki shows his hand to him. Aki’s father asks where it is. Satsuki says that it is on his ring finger of his left hand. To Satsuki’s surprise, Aki’s father cannot see it. Aki asks his father if he is really drunk for on Satsuki’s ring finger, there is that shiny silver ring. Aki points it out to his father. Satsuki thinks that Aki can see it. Aki’s father starts laughing and says he knows already, the two of them are trying to fool him. The two boys look at each other for the monk cannot see it. Aki’s father says, “But, a marriage spell is really suspicious. Okay! I’ll think of it as if what you said is true. I’ll give you some advice.” Satsuki thanks him. With a not-so-serious expression, Aki’s father says, “If it’s a cute girl, don’t say doing it only once a month, it’s okay for you to enjoy doing it as many times as you want.” The two boys have a blank look on their faces. Aki tells his father that it is because he is like that, his [Aki’s] mother run away. It hit a bull’s eye that Aki’s father start crying about wanting Aki’s mother to come back. Aki looks speechless as Satsuki looks at his friend. Narration: “In the end, this problem wasn’t resolved.”

The next morning, the door is being banged loudly. Satsuki opens the door to see two gangster-looking men. The light haired guy shouts, “Your father owes us two million so pay it up!” Narration: “The problems just pile up like a mountain--” Pushing up his glasses, Satsuki says that he and his father have already severed their ties so they should try looking in some other place. He also tells them that they are disturbing the neighbors. Grabbing Satsuki’s collar, the man asks him if he thinks he can just avoid and drop this matter off. “You also didn’t answer the phone yesterday, right?” The man punches Satsuki’s stomach and shouts, “The father owes [debt], the son pays! Before you die, we will still come and have a proper ‘chat’ with you!” The dark haired guy tells the other not to hit in places that can be seen. The light haired guy shouts that he knows. Narration: “How come my troubles never end..” As he goes to school, Satsuki holds his stomach in pain and can only curse about his stupid father. Satsuki is surprised when someone is calling out to him. It is Riene who is bouncing around. Satsuki looks at her and thinks that she is still in that garbage bag. Fidgety and blushing, Riene says, “I don’t have any special thing..[I] only want to look at you.” To her shock, Satsuki says, “I won’t want to see you nor be seen by you.” Crying Riene asks, “That..could it be that..you hate me?” Satsuki replies, “Yes, hate, really hate [you]! Please do not show yourself in front of me again!” It is a critical hit for Riene. Satsuki pushes up his glasses up and thinks, “I also do not want to say it in such a cruel way, but, if I didn’t thoroughly reject her, this girl, will still think of me as her benefactor and will continue to be attached [with me] and involving me [in her matters]. I don’t have the capability of looking after her right now.” After shaking and crying, Riene shouts, “But I like you, really like you! But.. *flustered* my love also only causes you annoyance. That marriage spell, I will think of a way.” Satsuki looks surprised as he thinks, “Think of a way..?” Riene bows to him and says, “That, is for the few days that you’ve look after me. Goodbye!” Riene then starts hopping fast away from him. Satsuki’s hand is out-stretched as if to call her back. Narration: “Could it be..this isn’t a trap that she laid--?”

Poor Satsuki..and that spell is indeed a ‘what the heck’ type. I think any normal guy would be happy about it especially since Riene is cute and pretty much throws herself at him but what’s the fun in that =P I think the jokes somewhat work here because Satsuki is too serious and love is really the last thing on his mind, if it is on his mind. ^^; It cannot be helped because aside from trying to survive and educate himself, he has to fend of jealous bullies and loan sharks courtesy of his father. It is really hard to encounter those loan shark kinds of people who’ll beat him up even if they don’t really have proof, for now, that his father did owe them. Well, they would just be more violent if he questions them about it. I don’t think the spell will be on for a long time since Riene’s comrade is already on her way to exorcise that spirit. It would be funny though if they are about to do it in desperation and Mergui came. =P If the exorcists are like that, being easy-go-lucky, I cannot help think that no wonder Riene is not trained properly. Hehe, unless of course, she is the type who cannot be taught because she is fired so that means they have given up on her. ^^;; I wonder though if it is only Aki who can see the ring or it is only Aki’s father who cannot see it. I think Aki will have a bigger role in the story later on. Anyway, I find it amusing that Riene’s outfit is like Red Riding Hood when it turns out that she is the wolf =P It is quite rare to see a lewd girl as a lead character in a shoujo. So far so good, with this series that I’m curious where this all will lead to ^^ Scans by xiuxiu for BW PS. Thanks again to Telefonkabel, Licia, yuka74, choco, Drpassafiume and krystal for the help for the names ^^ Only Aki is in this chapter =P

Word of the day:
Every hill in life is too high if we think we must climb it all at once. But no hill is insurmountable if we take it one step forward at a time—with God’s help. ~ from Our Daily Bread

Free Talk: Exchanging Rings
Wednesday, July 21, 2010

This is in Ojousama wa Oyomesama chapter 60. Towako is partnered with Kaoru in a flower arrangement contest and of course, Yuuga is very jealous. In that contest, Towako has to stay with Kaoru for one whole week as inspiration and partner for the contest. Yuuga is Saho’s partner. Anyway, for the couple to somewhat comfort each other and assure of each other’s love, Towako suggests this idea. After freaking Yuuga out that she removed her ring, she puts her own ring on Yuuga’s little finger. Then, Towako wears his ring on her thumb. “So every time we see the rings, [we] will think of each other. If you remove or lost the ring, I won’t forgive you!” Yuuga smiles and says, “You, too.” Kiss. ^^

I think that is somewhat romantic and interesting way of exchanging rings to remind each other of each other while they are away from each other. Because I’ve been translating about round things meaning possession, I’ve thought that since it is on her thumb and his little finger, it would be like an invisible circle around them which means ‘you belong to me’. Then, I researched a bit on this. Her ring on the thumb means, ‘will power.’ So, that could mean that she won’t let Kaoru tempt her. Then, the ring on his little finger means, ‘confidence in business and personal relationships. It is a symbol of strength and bonding towards others.’ Nice. But then, on the little finger, it can also mean insecurity =P In your culture, does it have a different meaning? I’ve read that in some it means being gay ^^;

Quote of the day:
Distance does not matter if two hearts are loyal to one another. ~ Author Unknown

Free Talk: Plans + Help Again
Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I’m still waiting for some series to be uploaded so I might start with the three other pending series: Mishounen Produce, Akuma to Love Song and Meichan no Shitsuji. I have not yet decided whether to update one series at a time or some chapters from each series. I’ll probably go by the mood to do it. ^^; Basically, not much updates until something is uploaded or I finish something. Anyway, for those people whose eyes are really sharp and can read Japanese, can you tell me the names of the people above? It is for future corrections/reference. Thanks in advance ^^

Edit: Thanks for the help, Telefonkabel, Licia, yuka74, choco, Drpassafiume and krystal ^^

Black Bird [Chapter 45] Teaser
Monday, July 19, 2010

[As usual, this is guesswork so read at your own risk. ^^;] With Kyo and Sagami watching on, Misao asks Ayame if she is alright. Ayame seems to say that it doesn’t hurt anymore because of the medicine. Then, the three leave Ayame. They talk at the hallway about what’s happening in the village and of course, Shou. Hm..marriage is mentioned and as to which one/who is bad. Anyway, they were interrupted by Buzen who tells Kyo that someone wants to talk with him. It turns out to be some timid guy who is way, way away from Kyo that Kyo has to tell him that his too far. The guy seems to be talking about the attack led by Shou yesterday. He seems to mention on how Shou gives drugs [I think referring to the blood of Misao] to the weak and it seems his brother got addicted or something that now he is in pain. The man asks help from Kyo but Kyo and others can only look tense over this. After the man left, they talk about what Shou has been doing with the drugs, the effects of the drugs, etc. In the end, it seems that everyone is glad that Kyo has decided to help. The scene changes to the kids wherein Misao seems to say that playing is over and they are to head back inside. The monk taking care of them seem to thank Misao for all the help. Zenki also help in bringing them back and it seemed that Zenki is handling the kids a bit roughly – carrying them by their obi/belt in kimono. Misao blushes upon seeing Zenki strip topless and there is a marking/tattoo on his left chest. Misao remembered that Kyo has one before when he was cursed. Zenki seems to be showing that tattoo to the monk for treatment or whatever. Misao then sees Houki nearby. She calls out to him and they seem to talk about the kids – brothers. Zenki approaches them and also talks about blood related brothers. Houki’s eyes look cold. Zenki and Misao are surprised when Houki mentions something about everything is fragile. Zenki’s eyes still look cold then he breaks into a smile and say about Kyo problems and he is going ahead. Zenki seems to mention about problems regarding the brothers wherein Sagami is always following Kyo while young Houki follows Sagami.

Just then, Misao seems to have slipped or lose balance when she is going to stand up that Zenki helps her steady herself. From above, jealous Kyo swoops down and kicks Zenki’s chin about being half-naked and being touchy/close with Misao. While Zenki is thumbing away, Kyo is holding his foot about how it hurts. Soon, Kyo and Zenki are in a word war over it. I can only understand Zenki saying about not interested in Misao for she is only like a younger sister. This made Misao look aghast <- no sex appeal? Kyo continues to protest about things being dangerous even with one’s younger sister. The two continues to fight that Misao think that those two are like brothers. Kyo then start to argue about who is the master and Zenki answered back something about choosing [the master?] and Shou. [<- joking/not seriously saying it]. Soon, Misao just leave the two to fight on their own. Afterwards, Kyo had a meeting with everyone as to how to save those people who are in Shou’s place. Kyo suggests about someone going in to keep watch and about that blood stained cloth of Misao. After a few talk, it seems that Kyo is talking the important thing concerning marrying Misao. This made Misao blush. It could be after the fight. Anyway, they talk a bit more and it seems that Houki is protesting something about their idea and something about Kyo’s shield. Then, more arguing from Kyo and Zenki but to Houki’s surprise and frustration, Sagami tell him something regarding what Houki said earlier. Misao seems to think that Sagami is too harsh but the others seem to dismiss it as a brother thing. That night, in the forest, Houki is talking with someone then that person leaves. While Houki is walking away, Kyou swoops down on him and put him in a head grip. It seems that Kyou tries to soften the impact of what Sagami told Houki earlier. Houki somewhat smiles and says that he is alright. They then talk about the past wherein Houki is always home alone while his brother, Sagami is always with Kyo. With somewhat sad expression, Houki continues to say a lot of things regarding brothers. He seems to have mentioned about Kyo holding out his hand to him to take him out of the room. [I think that is taking him as a comrade.] Houki seems to imply that he’ll hold anyone’s hand to take him out of a certain place. Kyou looks at his hand and says how about holding his hand. Houki seems happy to do so but Kyou pulls away over how that make him cringe [as if they are lovers]. Houki just sadly forced? smile as he follows Kyou who walks ahead. I think the narration just said that Houki disappeared after that quiet night.

It has been three days. Buzen has been releasing crows probably to find Houki. Misao looks worried. It seems that Houki didn’t leave any word and the only one who saw him last is Kyo. Kyo and Sagami are always talking with each other. The two were interrupted when Jirou and Tarou mention about Shou’s place and probably the atmosphere had changed..something about a fight. That made Kyo decide to do something today. It seems that the plan is for one person to invade first to know what the situation is. That task falls on to Zenki who flew to Shou’s place. He finds it too quiet and no one is around. He sees a hand by the door, on the floor. He is shock to find that there are some dead people around. With tears fell in their eyes, the dead people’s mouths are foaming and there is blood [<- puke blood] so I assume that they are over drugged/poisoned. Suddenly Zenki finds himself caught in a spell that he falls down on the ground as if something heavy is pushing him down. [ = gravity spell] Then he sees a figure standing in front before he passes out. Then, there is a scene of Kyo and Sagami talking about Houki and probably their hunch on where Houki is..something about his power? It is something about the day when young Kyo and Sagami enter the room where young Houki is reading books. There are two dead crows and blood is all over the place. In a dungeon, Zenki wakes up to find himself chained and half of his [lower] body submerged in water. [<- kind of torture?] Zenki seems to lament over being caught. He then sees a light from the corner. To his surprise, it is Houki who is carrying a candlelight. Houki asks Zenki if he is alright. Zenki seems to be telling Houki to free him first and talk later. Zenki goes into shock upon seeing Shou with a smile coming out from the corner. Zenki starts shouting for Houki to explain things clearly. Shou is smiling and probably tells him that he ought to put two and two together. Shou bends down to Zenki and mentions about an experiment regarding that tattoo of Zenki and it being a seal. Zenki looks really tense. There is a scene of the seal..I think being put on him with the monk and others around. [I’m not sure if this is in the past chapters..if yes, I forgot already ^^;] Zenki looks really tense and anxious when Shou asks what will happen if that seal has been removed. Shou stands up again and not sure what Shou said about ‘two people’..probably he and Houki are going to unseal it.

I guess the series is focusing on brothers. There are a lot of brothers here..brothers who aren’t getting along and those who are even if they aren't blood-related. I had been thinking as to why Kyo isn’t moving fast enough. He is really taking his time and well, I guess being hasty can be dangerous, too. It makes me think that Kyo has a tendency to act only when problems are already there. He tends to be more reactive. He probably won’t act yet if people aren’t getting hurt and people are pleading him to act. In contrast, Shou seems to be proactive and have laid down his plans beforehand. It does seem that he already know what the other party’s next move. He is indeed a strategist and too bad that he is using it for his own selfish evil motives. Unfortunately, I tend to like intelligent strategists even evil ones and yeah, he looks awesome in that cover for volume 11, I presume. ^^ Shou is really in the criteria of ‘don’t mess with else you’ll be very sorry’. I’m wondering if there is still hope for him to change or the solution for a problem like him is death..probably something else since the author did ‘resurrect’ him. As for Houki, I think his frustration of not being strong enough and jealous over Kyou who is treated more like a brother by his own brother Sagami has made him turn over to Shou’s side. For me, I think what Houki has been looking for is with Shou. I’m not sure if Shou is sincere about it but then, surely, Houki has his own purpose for Shou. Has Houki really betrayed them or is he just spying or is he blackmailed? I guess the future chapters will confirm it though it seems to be the former. What Sagami told Houki is probably the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. I wonder if Houki would not have totally betray them if Kyo did hold his hand. Actually, it would be more interesting if he did betray them..I think Shou needs more allies =P I find it somewhat interesting that Kyou and Sagami are having problems with their brothers. Will it be a ‘brothers vs brothers’ fight later on? Misao seems to be the one who can somehow stop them though since she is somewhat close to all of the brothers. Interestingly, there are already signs with Houki and Shou that something is not right before they turn to the ‘dark side’. Well, loneliness and the need of acceptance can be dangerous for those kind of people might look for it at the ‘other side’. Well, hopefully, Zenki won’t be the first casualty between the fight between the brothers. Lastly, I think the author is thanking the readers for the support all these four years the series is running. Scans by flavia for BW.

Quote of the day:
What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity. ~ Sun Tzu

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 60-61]
Saturday, July 17, 2010

Narration: “That non-stop ringing cellphone... Uno Chikai won’t answer it... Uno Chika is not moving a muscle..” Flustered Hanabi asks, “Yukine..is it her..?” Hanabi can only think ‘why’ while the cellphone continuously rings on. [I’m not sure what Hanabi tries to do but it seems that she is hitting her lips.] Chikai calls out to her and holds her hand for her to stop. Chikai looks surprised upon seeing Hanabi crying. Hanabi thinks that this time she cannot see Chikai because of her tears. Looking away, Hanabi asks, “..why?” While thoughts of the times she is with Chikai from the time he broke up with Yukine to the time she got her kiss from him, Hanabi thinks, “From the time, I heard that Chikai ended that love affair by the river side, and then later on, irrationally, struggling, struggling, struggling until the ‘Yukine’ from his email address disappear. Kiss...” Still crying and looking away, Hanabi says, “..why..is it ‘Yukine’ again..” Chikai let go of her hand as she continues to cry. Chikai just look at her quietly. Hanabi suddenly stands up and shouts, “At least give me an explanation..idiot!” Hanabi rushes out the room as Chikai calls for her to wait. Hanabi shouts back that she won’t. Chikai is surprised when his phone starts ringing again. Chikai looks at the direction where Hanabi left then he answers his phone. “Hello, what is it?” Yukine apologizes and asks if she is disturbing him. “It’s no big deal, it is just that my mother is discharged from the hospital. I’m been calling numerous times yet no one is answering... It made me think that something had happened, sorry...Chikai?” Chikai is now bending down to the ground. Meanwhile, Hanabi is walking Nanpa away at the streets. She thinks, “Idiot Uno Chikai! What does he meant by saying ‘for you, I’m still only a guy’! That’s right, that’s right! Uno Chikai is super real~~~~~~~~’guy’! Kiss. Even if it is a bit disgusting but I still anticipated it, and feeling happy about it, is also for real! But, suddenly, there is ‘Yukine’ again! Ah-that’s right! ‘Yukine’, she’s beautiful so kissing should be no problem at all! From the looks of things, of course, ‘Yukine’ is much better! But what about me? Speaking of ‘Yukine’, [she] is also for real, always getting entangled endlessly...besides, it’s ‘Yukine’s fault..it’s Uno Chikai’s fault..it’s also my fault.” Nanpa thinks that Hanabi isn’t walking fast enough that he turns around to see what is holding her up. He sees Hanabi crying. Hanabi thinks, “If..I can be a bit more outstanding..” A passerby then says that it seems there is only one dog [referring to Cleo] now at the house.

At the Alon store, Hanabi tells Gen that she suffered a crushing defeat in battle. Gen asks if she wasn’t able to overcome it. Holding [imaginary?] mini flags of herself and Chikai, Hanabi says, “Not only that, there’s already a break off in the diplomatic relations. ..perhaps..” [She is thinking of herself and Chikai as two countries.] Gen asks if it is true and is it because of what he suggested. Hanabi says no, it is because of some other thing and she is to blame. “It is all my fault. *Hanabi looks dark* But, I still think that he also has a fault in it. Then, what happens afterwards? How can things end up this way?” Hanabi thinks that since that time, Chikai didn’t contact her during spring break. They were interrupted when Sasa comes in while holding a postcard. After the usual greetings, Sasa says that he is going to use the birthday discount postcard he got. Hanabi smiles and decides to leave the first ‘happy birthday’ greeting up to Atsumi. Looking around, Sasa asks if there is any cushion that isn’t just for girls. Gen suggests that he choose something that won’t be given to him [Sasa] as a gift. “Because Sasa-kun is basically also quite popular.” Sasa says that he isn’t that popular. Gen puts on Sasa’s head a furry cushion and laughingly says that Sasa is also basically modest. Sasa exclaims what he is doing and what’s with that ‘basically’ stuff he’s saying. Gen says that it is because the difference in the degree/level is still very far apart. “Right now, you are just starting, and there are still a lot of happy things that are waiting for you like having a romance with a cute girl..right.” Sasa and Hanabi look surprise. Sasa mutters, “Could it be..that those words..are uttered on the basis of what you know?” Meanwhile, Yukine is leading Chikai to her house. She apologizes for the rude request but she told her mother while she [mother] is still in the hospital that Chikai helped her [Yukine] bring those groceries home. In return, Yukine’s mother told her to invite Chikai to their house for her to thank him. Yukine says that her mother really wanted to see him especially since she thought of Chikai as her own child. At the door, Yukine smiles and says, “I feel that this is like forcing you, but I’m really happy that you were able to come.” Chikai just looks at her. He notices that she is blushing while looking at him. The door opens then closes. Yukine’s mother greets Chikai that it has been a long time. She tells Chikai to quickly come in. She tells Yukine to get the slippers at that side. Yukine asks if this is it [slippers] and did she [mother] specially prepare new ones for Chikai.

Back at the store, Hanabi wonders if Gen knew of Sasa’s feelings. Sasa asked if Gen said those words based on the things he know. Sasa is flustered when Gen smiles and says, “Of course, I know. Do not belittle adults! I am after all someone who had gone through and experienced all that ♥ When I was in love, I have encountered totally happy things!” Hanabi realizes that is what Gen is referring to. A female customer calls out that Hanabi goes to assist her. Just when Hanabi is going, Sasa shouts, “Choosing only happy things, I cannot do it! I’ll be the one who’ll decide as to what to choose! Since the very start, I knew that kind of thing will hurt me!” Hanabi looks surprised at Sasa who looks flustered and angry. Gen unwaveringly just look at Sasa. Sasa quickly runs out of the store. Hanabi wants to chase after him but she has a customer to attend to. Hanabi thinks about what Sasa said that he knew from the start that kind of thing will be painful. At the fastfood store, Atsumi looks surprised when Sasa slightly smiles at her. Sasa orders one beef stew soup. Atsumi says okay and welcomes him to the store. Noticing that Sasa is looking really down, Atsumi says, “...Right now..you look like you are not in the mood to drink some beef soup..Sasa-kun? What happened..?” Later on, Gen is closing his store. Atsumi goes to see him. She asks him what he told Sasa. Gen asks what Sasa said. Atsumi says that Sasa didn’t say anything for he won’t tell her. Atsumi remembers flustered Sasa looking away and said, “That person..he became aware of my feelings.” Flustered Atsumi tells Gen, “It’s just..his eyes are filled with..pain..” Without looking at Atsumi, Gen replies, “...really..it seems..perhaps I should have hurt him a bit more deeper.” Atsumi looks surprise. Gen continues to say, “I really should have hurt him a bit deeper earlier on.”

Narration: “Already knew that I will be hurt..even if I knew, I still chose that. Because this feeling of love kept on growing non-stop. Until now, I still cannot totally resist..” Hanabi puts all her things that remind/given by Chikai to her on the bed. Looking at the things, Hanabi says, “But, apparently, I’m already extremely tired..” Nanpa looks at the things and barks – what are those things. Hanabi mutters that they are Chikai’s items. “..I thought I’m doing my best to struggle, even if I only posses these things, I also feel that I’m quite lucky.” She thinks that she’s always loving that it really hurts, yet Sasa and Atsumi are quite strong and perhaps she [Hanabi] doesn’t possess that. She starts crying again about how love can be so tiring. Nanpa thinks that she’s crying again. He licks her tears as he wonders with him by her side, what he can do for her and what is that only thing that he can do for her. Still crying, Hanabi laughs and says that it is salty. Nanpa then looks at the small wooden dog craft that Chikai made for Hanabi before. Soon, it is night. Chikai apologizes to Yukine’s mother for intruding. [<- being polite]. Yukine’s mother asks him to come over again and she’ll be waiting. Yukine tells her mother not to be like that, saying things to force Chikai to do so. [<- cannot say no] Outside the house, blushing Yukine apologizes and tells Chikai not to mind what her mother said. “..Thank you for today, it feels as if I have returned to the past.” She looks longing for Chikai. “..Chikai, I want to return to the past...but I know that is impossible, because there is Hanabi, so at least, please allow me to like you. Can I?” She reaches out and holds his sleeve. While looking down, Yukine says, “Like when you obviously have me..the same as Hanabi who hasn’t given up on you.” Chikai pulls her hand off him and says, “..Yukine, I already..liked you..” Yukine looks surprised. Nanpa narrates that even if Chikai made Hanabi cry, he couldn’t hate nor detest Chikai for it. Coming out from the bathroom, Hanabi asks her sister where Nanpa is. Minato says that he is either at the second floor or in her room. Looking for Nanpa, Hanabi goes upstairs and hear some growling sound. Nanpa narrates that he cannot say anything nor is he clever because after all, he is only a dog. “For the person whom I like the most, I can only do [this] up to this degree. Please let me carry a bit of Hanabi’s pain..” Hanabi is shock to see Nanpa biting into pieces or he just ate the small wooden dog craft because all is left is just that ‘collar’ of the wooden dog. [Edit: Since everyone in BW is talking about dying..I think Nanpa is choking on that thing. Hanabi is worriedly calling out to him.]

What a nice doggie..hope he doesn’t get sick from eating that. I hope he just used it as a chewing toy. I hope that Hanabi won’t scold him too much for he is doing it for her. This series actually made me want to have a dog ^^;; Well, I think in love or anything else, pain and hardship is always there and when one finally attains it, it feels so much better than ‘easily getting it’. I think what’s happening to Hanabi is good for it can make her re-think if she really wants Chikai. Does he really deserve her? Is he worth fighting for even if she is almost there or probably already there in getting his heart? I think ‘Yukine’ had unnerved Hanabi and made her insecure. It made her feel that she is lacking something. She seems to have forgotten that Yukine doesn’t have something else she’ll be with Chikai. It doesn’t help that Chikai didn’t explain why he won’t answer the phone just because it is Yukine. It does seem like they are hiding something but then, it can be that Chikai unintentionally not want to mess things up further since he and Hanabi are already having a kissing problem. Still..he should have run after her. I’m thinking that this is Chikai’s tendency of not wanting to forcing people or rather not pushing the problematic issue by giving people space. He must be thinking that he ought to let Hanabi cool off and calm down so that he can talk properly with her. I’m not sure if Yukine is deliberately doing it but I think she knows of Chikai’s weakness of unable to say no to an adult especially mothers. Chikai couldn’t say no before to Hanabi’s mother regarding a ‘trial dating’ with Hanabi. Of course, Yukine may intentionally or not used her mother in trying to win Chikai back. Of course, from Chikai’s reactions and expressions, I think he knows what Yukine is planning..he isn’t that stupid. Thankfully, he isn’t the type to go back and forth with unwavering heart. If something is over, it’s over. He pretty much nip on the bud whatever hopes Yukine in getting him back. He obliged once for a visit and I don’t think there will be a second time. Maybe he accepted this so that he can tell that to Yukine. What he is doing is probably what Gen should have done before with Sasa. Okay..it’s really not the same because Sasa has like no chance at all and it is a one-sided crush after all, so it is indeed a bit cruel for Gen to destroy his illusion and it will be Sasa’s birthday soon. I guess Gen wanted him to move on already for there are many more happy things waiting for him rather than for Sasa to waste his time on him. Gen is actually doing a huge favor for Atsumi. Interestingly, there is no half-happy/half-sad Atsumi unlike with Hanabi before. Anyway, I hope that Chikai will fix things with Hanabi since he seems to finish dealing with Yukine. It would be nice if he made the first move. Also, hopefully, Yukine isn’t the vengeful type and she’ll move on already..as in realize that it is really too late especially since she did let him go before. Scans by xiuxiu for BW.

Word of the day:
He knows our burdens and our crosses, those things that hurt, our trials and losses, He cares for every soul that cries, God wipes the tears from weeping eyes. ~ Brandt for Our Daily Bread

Stardust★Wink [Chapter 19]
Friday, July 16, 2010

After 26 hours of no electricity and 60 hours of ‘cannot connect to the internet’ caused by a supposedly weak typhoon, I’m finally back online. Yay! On a side note, for those who can read Japanese, can you tell me how to read the name below? Hopefully, it’s not ‘Makiki’ else, I’ll just use his surname. Thanks in advance ^^ Speaking of names, the new names in this series are based on the kanji. Hopefully, I got it right. ^^ Edit: Thanks to anu, yuka74, choco, kiku and fan for the name ^^ Masaki it is. ^^ I'm finishing a summary..hope to finish today (7/17) and hope the internet would quit acting up by then. ^^;;

Putting on a smile-somewhat embarrassed expression, Anna holds the necklace and says, “I’m really thankful for this birthday gift that you gave me several days ago but then, in my opinion, I truly cannot accept such an awesome necklace. Attaining your thoughts [for the gift] would suffice so please, take this back.” Irritated Sou looks at her and replies, “So, I’ve already told you. If you don’t want it then throw it away.” There is a long pause between the two. They are about to go to school from their apartment. Still plastering a smiling face, Anna angrily says, “I obviously planned of a nice way of dealing with this..*blows top* How can I just simply throw away something that someone has given me just because [you] said to throw it? What the- Then, you tell me what I should do! What should I do to satisfy you? If you want me to wear this necklace, you’ll get angry again!!” Sou angrily shouts back, “I’m not angry because you wore that necklace- That isn’t the problem here. I’m angry at--” While covering her ears, Anna turns around from Sou and shouts, “Ah Ah Ah You don’t have to say it--!!” Sou is really angry at how Anna is acting. Anna thinks, “I haven’t thought of it before. I just accepted what Sou gave me on my birthday because every year, I just took his gift [without no other thoughts about it]. I only happily wear it just like [the other stuff he gave] before because it is such a cute necklace. It is quite new that I want to quickly wear it. I didn’t even think what Sou’s feelings are.” There is a flashback of Sou holding the necklace and telling Anna that since she is wearing the necklace he gave her, it makes him angry when she is getting too friendly with other guys. After a pause, Anna says, “...I’m sorry for returning it when it is rare for you to me a gift..but within this gift..if it exceeds the meaning that I imagined, then I..” She turns around to face Sou but it turns out that Sou has already left. Beni then comes out of the apartment and asks what she is doing, standing all alone there. Anna looks at Beni in aghast when Beni starts saying that Anna is really scary for it seems that she is talking to herself. Anna angrily thinks, “I cannot believe it...he suddenly went on ahead?! Not saying even a word?! I’m obviously still talking to him, that idiot~~~~~*pop vein* This is really unbelievable!!! I really want to break off ties with that kind of person-!!!”

Anna angrily arrives in the classroom. She angrily glares at Sou who is minding his own business. She mentally curses that he arrived first but then, that is inevitable since he left first. Nanoka happily asks Anna what she is angry about so early in the morning. Anna looks surprised and greets Nanoka a good morning. Nanoka continues to say, “Could it be that you quarreled with Nagase Sou whom everyone is talking about? I have heard of it-- Anna's childhood friend is Nagase-kun. Since this morning, it is being talked about that yesterday, the two of you held hands while walking home. Could it be that the two of you are going steady..” Looking down, Anna says, “It is a total misunderstanding. *saying out loud for Sou to hear* Nagase Sou is just my childhood friend. Other than that, there is nothing between us. Much less, how can I be with that guy who has the mentality of a kid. I really have no way of communicating with that guy and to always go to school with him is really tiring. What are you talking about going steady, that’s totally impossible!!” While everyone are gossiping, Sou angrily looks at Anna and thinks, “That girl..” Nanoka looks surprised over this. She then looks really happy as she holds Anna’s hands. She happily says, “As expected, from what I heard, it feels that I can really get along with you ♥” Anna looks surprised as she thanks Nanoka. Anna wonders from what she said that made Nanoka say that. Nanoka tells her that she believes that it isn’t necessary that one would have to always get along with an irritating person just because s/he is a childhood friend. “If that is how it is, one won’t be able to enjoy one’s high school life ♪” Anna somewhat agrees with this. She thinks, “This is after all, a rare high school life. If I will be all agitated over that thing, then it would be like I have wasteful squander it!! I won’t care about that guy who won’t listen to what one is saying. I’ll just let him be!!” Soon, classes start. Bespectacled Sou answers the question correctly on the board. The teacher praises him for it and says that it seems that he really prepared for the lesson. Anna is speechless-irritated while the other girls are saying that they couldn’t answer that question and Sou with glasses look cool. Anna is speechless-surprise when the teacher Sou is really good after he is able to read the book in fluent English. During a basketball PE game, Sou manages to shoot a basket. Anna thinks, “While being in the same class as Sou, for the first time I have this genuine feeling that Sou..Sou..he..he really, can do anything..but I!! don’t mind him anymore!!”

The school bell rings. Anna is walking with Nanoka at the hallway. Anna sadly says that the Classics [literature] subject is next and it will be her turn [to recite] next. Nanoka asks if she still hasn’t interpreted the given assignment. Anna says that she did though she isn’t confident about it. Just then, a couple of their classmates call out to Anna. They ask if they can bother her for a moment since there is something they want to ask her. “You and Nagase-kun weren’t going steady, right?!” Anna looks bored as she thinks that it is that usual question. Anna tells them that they haven’t gone steady and they are only childhood friends. One of their classmates exclaims, “Then, what about before?! Have you two gone steady before?! We heard from the rumors that Nagase-kun’s ex-girlfriend is in our school.” While the two classmates giggling say that there is a possibility that the one mentioned is Anna, Nanoka is quiet-thoughtful. Anna wonders, “Am I Sou’s ex-girlfriend? I did go steady with Sou but we quickly broke up. No, if I mention that here, it will..” The two classmates ask Anna who confessed first, how long did they went steady and why they broke up. Anna sheepishly say that no, it isn’t even something that can called as going steady. The classmates wonder out loud as to who it could be. Anna blushes-surprised when they told her that according to the rumors, it is a super beautiful and cute girl and it is like a ‘smart-beautiful’ type of girl who suits Sou. “Skin so white~ Hair is soft and shiny~ Right, and I heard that her voice is also really cute!! *Anna blushes and mentally denies it* Her legs are long and slender as if she is a model~ No wonder she is Nagase’s ex-girlfriend.” Anna looks speechless-surprise. She wonders if she is like a model. Anna becomes really surprised when the classmate says that what’s really shocking is that in the end, that kind of person is suddenly dumped [by Sou]. Anna sweatdrops and mentally asks if that is how it is and it was Sou who wanted to break up so she should have been dumped. The two classmates start saying that it is really awful to be in the same school as the one who was dumped [by someone] during junior high. “Moreover, there is also this gossip [spreading around]” “Ya, it is really pitiful-” Nanoka tells the two girls that they are like idiots for weren’t they the ones spreading the rumors. “If you feel that person is pitiful then you shouldn’t be doing this kind of thing, right?” Anna and the other classmates are surprised-scared by what Nanoka said. The classmates mutter that she is right and sorry about that. They quickly walk away. Nanoka apologizes to Anna for ruining the mood for she thought that Anna hates that kind of people. Anna just nervously laughs about it and says, no [, she doesn’t] but then, what Nanoka said isn’t wrong either. This brightens up Nanoka that she asks Anna if she has decided on the club she’ll enter. Anna says that she haven’t for she and her friends decided on temporarily joining a seemingly relaxing club <- enthusiasm = zero. Nanoka happily says if that is so then, how about joining a club with her.

Walking at the hallway with Princess and Rui, Anna tells them that she heard that the members of the photography club have all graduated and so now, they are all new members. Every year, the club members are ghost members and the adviser would write ‘No Touch’ outside the door of the photography club. Rui says that it is like a non-existent club. Princess says that it is really great so they should join this photography club. Someone says about not caring about youth having to perspire for they/she doesn’t want to perspire. [= enjoy high school and not do much club activities.] They then mention that Kurumi [Mochiduki’s name] is quite enthusiastic and satisfied with joining the art club. They arrive at the room and Anna overhears Nanoka happily talking. Anna peaks in and says that she’s coming in. Anna looks surprise upon seeing a beautiful long haired girl with Nanoka. Anna wonders who she is for she is really beautiful. Nanoka calls out to Anna if she got her friends with her. Still recovering from her shock upon seeing a beautiful girl, Anna introduces her junior high friends Princess and Rui. Anna asks if that beautiful person beside Nanoka is.. Nanoka happily clings on to the girl’s arm and exclaims, “That’s right!! This is Nanoka’s childhood friend – Aso Ayane. Yup- [she’s] super beautiful and very cute ♥♥” Anna and friends look stupefied as Nanoka kept on raving about Aya not as not only beautiful but also nice, intelligent that she is good at sports and cooking. Aya tells Nanoka not to say that anymore for it is embarrassing her. Aya apologizes to Anna and others that they have seen something funny. Nanoka still clings on to Aya’s arm and happily says that it is all true. Anna says her greeting ‘under your care’. Aya smiles and says that it must be hard for Anna to always be with Nanoka. Pouting, Nanoka says that Aya is cruel for she is implying that she [Nanoka] is childish. Aya says that Nanoka has a tendency to suddenly talk a lot. Anna thinks that no wonder they are childhood friends, they know each other a lot. Just then, a woman enters the room and asks if they are the ones who wanted to join the club. She is really happy that there are quite more members than she anticipated. She then asks if she can get their club application cards. The woman then introduces herself as the photography club’s adviser, Nakasawa Chiaki. “Until last year, the photography club wasn’t able to make any eye-catching activity but this year, I and everyone else will do our best. I’ll be under your care!! *Anna and the others look stunned* Today, we are going to discuss as to what kind of activities we would do!! Ah, everyone is beginners in photography. Okay- it’s alright, it’s alright!!” Rui comments that this isn’t a non-existent club.

In Anna’s room, her mother asks if she is already awake for it is already 7:30. Anna shouts back that she is awake. She gets ready to wear her sweater. While gloomily wearing it, Anna thinks that she has a premonition that club she joined will unexpectedly turn into a tiring club. Then, the necklace that Sou gave her fell on the floor. Anna picks it up and mentally thought that ever since that day, she had actually put it in her PE uniform. “A few days had already passed since that day when I have nothing to do with Sou and just go to school on my own. Before, when we have a quarrel, there is always Hinata who’ll mediate between us. Hinata. Hinata.” Anna gets her cellphone and starts calling Hinata but to her dismay, she only got a busy signal. She tearfully goes out of the apartment while mentally calling Hinata stupid [for talking with someone]. She is surprised to see Sou waiting for her. Sou apologizes regarding what happened a few days earlier. “I only got jealous on my own. Just think of that necklace as birthday gift that your childhood friend gave you. Please accept it. Whether you want to wear it or not, you decide-” Anna says, “About that..” Sou looks at her and asks if she is still angry. Anna blankly says, “..I’m not angry.” Sou then shouts, “So, that’s regarded as we’ve reconciled!! Let’s go to school!!” Anna looks surprise as she wonders if that was an apology. Sou takes his bag and stands up. He then says out loud, “Geez- Hinata just called and got angry with me. He’s saying that we should properly get along with each other.” Anna looks surprised by this, then to Sou’s surprise, Anna starts laughing. Anna goes beside Sou while still laughing. Sou asks what it is. Anna says, “Nothing- I’m just thinking that deep down in his heart, Hinata loves the two of us.” Sou exclaims, “Ha ah? Don’t say such disgusting words.” Anna looks at Sou and happily says, “Sou, thank you for your gift.” Sou looks touched by what she said. Sou tells Anna that he’ll anticipate three times the amount for his birthday. Anna says, “Then- on your birthday, I’ll give you a three layer cake!!” Sou whispers that it is alright as long as it isn’t a hard sponge cake. Anna angrily shouts at him to quit whispering and he should say it out loud. In school, Nanoka looks shock upon seeing Anna and Sou together at the shoe lockers. Anna greets Nanoka. Sou then tells Anna that he’ll go ahead. After Sou left, Nanoka shock-disappointed asks why, for didn’t Anna say that she won’t go to school with Sou again. Anna tells her that they already made up. Nanoka exclaims, “Is that alright? Won’t the same thing definitely happen again?! Weren’t it you who said ‘his mentality is like a kid’s’!!” Anna nervously smiles and says that even if it is like that, but perhaps, one should say that they are like Tweedledum and Tweeldedee [always fighting and friends again/bumbling idiots?]. “Sorry for making you worry!! From today on, we’ll do our best not to quarrel again.” Nanoka looks as if she is going to cry. She whispers, “No..that won’t do..” Anna is puzzled as she asks what did Nanoka said. Looking serious, Nanoka says, “Regarding this important thing, I hope you’ll keep it a secret..regarding the rumor that our classmates were talking about. Nagase-kun’s ex-girlfriend who was talked about is Aya-chan. *Anna goes into shock* She’s beautiful and cute and like a model, right.” Anna blushes in shock as she mentally wonders if that is true and Sou had actually go steady with that beautiful girl. “So, the one they are talking about isn’t me..(disappointed)” Nagase looks somewhat sad, “Afterwards, in reality, Aya-chan, she still likes Nagase-kun. So, I also wanted to help them to go back to how they were once were. But then, it isn’t enough to just depend on my own strength...*happily pleading* So, how about Anna, you help out, too? As a childhood friend ♥” Anna looks surprised and tense.

It is pretty much confirmed that Hinata is the glue between these two. Contrary to his looks, Hinata is indeed the ‘older/mature one’ because those two are really acting like kids. ^^; I wonder how he knew that those two are having a quarrel again. Is it because ever since the first day, there are no news from the two especially since Anna is the type who’ll communicate with him frequently especially if she is in a good mood? It is nice that Hinata is still somewhat relevant to the story. ^^ With Sou as her classmate, it does seem that Anna is seeing the side of Sou that she didn’t notice before. Actually, she now knows why those girls are gaga over him aside from his good looks. Since Anna isn’t like his fangirls, I wonder if this is part of the attraction of Sou for Anna because she isn’t easy to get. Even if he always quarrels with Anna, Anna obviously have a certain charisma about her that made him really fall for her. I’m referring to the look he had when she thanked him again for his birthday gift. For me, it seems that Nanoka has ulterior motives in befriending Anna. It is that or she befriended her when she thought that she isn’t Sou’s ally. It did seem that she ‘changed her plans’ when Anna have reconciled with Sou. Nanoka has a tendency to become really happy whenever there is some problem with Anna concerning Sou. I’m not sure if I believe Nanoka that Aya is Sou’s ex-girlfriend. Since Nanoka and Aya are really close, I think Aya ought to know who Anna is. Aya still acts friendly with Anna. Is she acting or has she really moved on regarding Sou? Maybe Nanoka who really looks up to Aya, has taken up the task of getting revenge at Sou for dumping her beloved childhood friend. Hm..it does seem that she really doesn’t get along with the other Hinata. I hope Anna doesn’t take the bait because for her to help Aya with Sou, that will really make Sou angry especially since Anna knows that the one he likes is her. Well, Anna seems to be in for some peer pressure from Nanoka so I guess it is good that Anna has her old friends in this new club to help her be grounded since it seems that Anna’s high school life will be a bit turbulent soon. Oh ya, since she is in the photography club, I’m hoping that there will still be connection with that regarding Hinata since photography is also ‘art’. =P Scans by karen870509 for all★wink汉化组.

Quote of the day:
It takes two to quarrel, but only one to end it. ~ Spanish Proverb

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapters 59-64]
Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Chapters 59-62: Tsubaki and Sakura are going to school. Their mother reprimands Sakura regarding how she is dressed up in her uniform but Sakura retorts back that it is normal and their school isn’t strict regarding uniforms. Their mother starts comparing her to be like Tsubaki since they are going to the same school. To diffuse the quarrel, Tsubaki just says that they should go to school quick else they will be late. When they are farther away from the house, Tsubaki starts tucking out her blouse and pulling down her hair. Sakura says that up to when Tsubaki plans to please their mother. Tsubaki says that she doesn’t want to give more pressure to their mother. Sakura says that it isn’t fair that she is the only one who is always scolded. Sakura looks at Tsubaki and says that it seems that there is something different about her. Tsubaki asks what it is. Sakura says that she has become cuter and did something good happen. Blushing, Tsubaki denies that something good happen. Sakura exclaims and asks, “Could it be..” Tsubaki’s heart is beating fast as she asks how could Sakura know.. Well, it turns out that Sakura is talking about Tsubaki’s bracelet, if it is Tiara Link [brand name] and that is super expensive. I think Sakura says that she knows because she did part time job before to buy a necklace of the same brand. [Since I practically browsed through the past chapters, I think it is supposed to be around the time when Tsubaki/Sakura tries to act like a ganguro. Anyway,] Sakura asks if it was Kyouta who gave it to her. She says that Kyouta really likes to monopolize. Since Tsubaki is clueless about it, Sakura explains to her that any round objects expresses one’s desire to monopolize the other. An ordinary ring has the same meaning with a wedding ring. So, if it is a necklace, it is like a collar whereas a bracelet, it is like a handcuff. Tsubaki looks at her bracelet and thinks that it could be true since everything she looks at the bracelet, she remembers Kyouta – it’s like she is being monopolized by him. In class, Miho gives Tsubaki a bottle of lip gloss/lipstick. Tsubaki thanks her and says that it is the first time for her to have one. Miho is happy to hear about that since she is choosing whether to buy it or some accessories for Tsubaki. Then, Miho also notices that it seems that Tsubaki has become cuter. At the girls’ toilet, Tsubaki looks at herself in the mirror and wonder what has changed for she feels that she is the same as before. She thinks that even if she is really shock over how much it hurts during the first time but then, what is more shocking is it seems as if the ordinary scenery around her has become brighter. The bell rings and Kyouta calls out to her to greet her a good morning. She thinks that even if she did it with Kyouta, but with just a greeting, her heart beats more. Tsubaki blushes and Kyouta smiles upon seeing her wearing the bracelet he gave her.

After the opening ceremony, Kyouta is bugging Tsubaki, who is studying at the library, by leaning on her. He tells her that it is okay for her to stay and study after school but at least, turn on her cellphone. Tsubaki apologizes. He asks her why she is studying already when today is just the opening ceremony. She says that it is because there will be a proficiency exam soon which will coincide with data [college] recommendation so she cannot just relax. To Tsubaki’s shock, Kyouta tells her that she is now in danger because of the huge mistakes she is making in the review. This made some other students to point out to them that they should be quiet in the library. Tsubaki tells Kyouta that she will study again those parts. Kyouta hugs her from behind and asks her to go to his house where he’ll teach her the solution to those questions. He also says that it is hard there at the library since they cannot make any noise. At Kyouta’s room, Kyouta ends up ‘attacking’ Tsubaki. Tsubaki tells him not to do that when they just went in the room. Kyouta asks why not for she ought to know that this will happen when she came there with him. Tsubaki shouts for him to be a bit more considerate. Kyouta is puzzled. Tsubaki explains that after doing that, it hurts so much that she couldn’t sit so she would want to study first. Kyouta laughs and says that it is unexpectedly that reason. Blushing, Tsubaki tells him that it is a serious reason. He says if that is how it is then.. He kisses her deeply. Tsubaki exclaims if he is listening to her. Kyouta says that he heard her and she’ll know [why] afterwards. After making love again, Tsubaki is sleeping on the bed then she wakes up in a start when Kyouta tells her that it is already 5pm so what about her studies – doesn’t it matter. Tsubaki quickly sits up and exclaims that it does matter for she should go home at 6pm. She then exclaims some stuff that Kyouta asks her if it still hurts that she cannot sit. Embarrassed, Tsubaki says that it doesn’t hurt that much anymore. When he asks if she feels comfortable, Tsubaki promptly gets him out of the room and shouts that she has to dress up. Inside, Tsubaki thinks that she didn’t expect for it to be not the same since she feels as if she is passing out that she doesn’t know who is on top or on the bottom. While sitting on the floor with Kyouta behind her, Tsubaki says that she now has one hour to study and Kyouta should quickly teach her already. She then asks if they can change the sitting position. Kyouta hugs her and says that he wants them to stay in that position. In the end, Tsubaki relents for she feels quite comfortable even if her heart is beating fast like that. She begins to wonder if it is really okay for her to be this happy. That night, it is already 10:15pm, Tsubaki is already sleepy but she has to study since she wasn’t able to finish her review at Kyouta’s house. She is very drowsy that she wonders why she is tired when it is still early. In the end, she falls asleep on her table. So, with that, her happiness become an illusion since the grades are out and her ranking has plummet to 10th place.

Tsubaki is aghast for she is useless because whether things go well with Kyouta or not, she still couldn’t handle love and studies at the same time. She holds out her hand to the listing in the urge to tear it off from the bulletin board. She stops when she hears someone laughing. It is Kyouta who laughs that Tsubaki fell down to 10th place. Haru comments that he is in 3rd place. Flustered Tsubaki tells him as to whose fault it is, who used up most of her time. Kyouta just asks who. Tsubaki thinks that the truth is, the time they spend for each other is the same. [Ah, I think that means that it is fair for he also spend the same time with her.] Kyouta says that he is the one who is a bit unease. Tsubaki looks at the ranking and asks why he would be at uneasy when he is ranked 1st place with perfect score. Kyouta says of course because he is making someone want to tear the paper down. This really irked Tsubaki. Smiling, Kyouta turns to the side and says that grades can easily go up again so next time, he’ll help [her]. He goes into shock when he notices that he is talking to some nerd who asks if that is true. Pointing to Tsubaki who is stomping away, Haru tells Kyouta if he is looking for Tsubaki, she already left. Haru says that Kyouta is so cute to have gotten perfect scores. Embarrassed, Kyouta exclaims for him to shut up. Haru says that something good had happened and it is so special that Kyouta has been quite enthusiastic [with the exam]. Walking away, Tsubaki is in turmoil as to what to do for her to get such grades during this time. She will be in danger of not getting a good recommendation for the school that she wants to enter. She has to think of a way to recover. In the classroom, Miho is telling the class about the sports festival that is coming up after a month. She informs them that they will be White team along with section 7. Tsubaki thinks that it is quite regretful that Kyouta isn’t in the same classroom as her. He is section 4 so he will be with the rival team. Just when, Tsubaki is going to busy herself studying, she hears Miho asking if there is anyone who would want to volunteer to become sports festival’s executive member who will assist on the festival. It has to be one boy and one girl. Suddenly, Tsubaki volunteers herself. Miho is surprised and says that she is already a library and school festival member. Tsubaki thinks that honestly, she thinks that this is just a waste of time and she really doesn’t want to do it but she can depend on this on getting a high recommendation. To everyone’s disbelief, Tsubaki claims that it is alright for she is very happy to be of help to others. Then, Marumo, the adviser, asks if they have decided on who will head the festival. It is of course, Tsubaki and some guy surnamed Murata. Tsubaki goes into shock when Marumo suddenly hits the table with his fist and exclaims that they should defeat the red team. It doesn’t matter if they didn’t win the match but they should definitely defeat PE teacher Tatokoro’s red team at all costs. Tsubaki tries to calm him down but Marumo just gives Tsubaki the list of events and tells her to choose properly as to who will participate in it. Marumo then somewhat blackmails Tsubaki and Murata by saying that they are doing this to get a good evaluation so they ought to consider well as to how to win the sports event. He then laughs and says that they are dismiss after they decided on the events to participate.

After the teacher left, the students start to talk about not wanting Marumo to be their adviser since he is particularly enthusiastic in sports festival when he is suppose to be a teacher on classics [history?]. A female student asks what the beef between him and Tatokoro is. Another student explains that it is because the girl that Marumo likes has been stolen by Tatokoro. A student laments about involving them in that kind of squabble. Murata asks if Tsubaki is also doing this for the recommendation. Tsubaki says that is true and she asks if it is the same with him. Murata says that is why they have to do their best for this else, things will turn ugly. He informs Tsubaki that he heard from last year’s sports members that after they lost, Marumo vented his anger by giving the executive committee members a really bad evaluation. This utterly shocks Tsubaki. After they have assigned as to who will participate in what events, Tsubaki asks if they can stay after school everyday to practice the events before the sports festival. Tsubaki says that she feels that if they do that, it will minimize injuries. Of course, the students disagree with her idea for they aren’t kids anymore nor do they care about that fight between teachers. Miho tells Tsubaki that she will stay after school. Tsubaki starts to become really frustrated for even if she has become Kyouta’s girlfriend, she still cannot resolve things like this. She wonders what she ought to do so that some kind of magic of a miracle will happen. Murata then suggests out loud that whoever does his/her best during the sports festival, he/she can do whatever one pleases to Kyouta for one day. That caught everyone’s attention. Murata says that Tsubaki, Kyouta’s girlfriend has agreed to this. Tsubaki is shock by this. The girls are of course thrilled about it for they can do anything with Kyouta and hope to win him back from Tsubaki. The nerds want to get this opportunity to back at Kyouta. Tsubaki tells Murata not to do that on his own. Murata tells her that she needs that recommendation and this is just a small thing so surely, Kyouta will want to help his girlfriend. Tsubaki is aghast when he says that Tsubaki is in 10th place so if she doesn’t do her best, she won’t get a good recommendation. While Murata is cheering up the others, Tsubaki looks nervous as she touches her bracelet. She thinks that Murata is right since Kyouta is her boyfriend, she ought to depend on him. After remembering what Kyouta said during the time when they first had sex about ‘bond/s’, Tsubaki just tells everyone to change their clothes and go to the field but regarding that thing with Kyouta, she cannot promise it and they can all pretend that they didn’t hear it. With that, everyone, except for Miho, left. Miho says that it seems that without Kyouta, they cannot do it. Tsubaki says yes but she feels that she didn’t do anything wrong. The two girls cheer up as they are going to practice the three-legged race.

At the shoe lockers, Miho is warming up. Kyouta calls out to her and asks if Tsubaki has already gone home because Tsubaki has turned her phone off again. Miho tells him that Tsubaki went to get some strips of cloth for them to practice the three legged race everyday until the sports day. Kyouta laughs about Tsubaki practicing and she is really such a bookworm. Miho reprimands him that isn’t so, because for Tsubaki, this and the recommendation are very important for her. After Miho explained to him about their adviser, Kyouta says that teacher has really gone too far. Kyouta is surprised then happy when Miho also tells him about the plan to use Kyouta as bait to make everyone do their best but Tsubaki refused. Then, Tsubaki arrives and sees Kyouta at the shoe lockers instead of Miho. Kyouta just tells her that Miho went outside to prepare. Tsubaki thinks that it is because she made Miho wait for such a long time. Kyouta calls her stupid for Miho is actually being considerate. Kyouta asks Tsubaki if there is something she ought to tell him. After looking surprised, Tsubaki tells him that she has become a committee for the sports day so until it ends, she won’t be able to go home together with him. Kyouta pulls her to him and asks if there is something else that is troubling her. “Tell me, I’ll help you.” Blushing, Tsubaki asks if it is true. Kyouta takes off her hair elastic from her hair and says that of course, it isn’t free of charge. He asks what she’ll do for him -> doing something in his room that is so embarrassing that she won’t dare tell anyone. Just when Kyouta is about to lean to kiss her, Tsubaki shouts what things he is saying. Grabbing her elastic back, she says that Kyouta is their rival so there is nothing he can do to help and if he wants to help, how about not bothering her until the sports festival ends. She ties her elastic back on her hair and runs out. Kyouta curses and asks what Tsubaki thinks he is. Running out, Tsubaki thinks that she shouldn’t just easily depend on Kyouta. If her grades fall, she just has to do her best and she volunteered to be a sports committee member on her own. She doesn’t want to be spoiled just because he is her boyfriend. She has decided to just depend on herself regarding her own affairs. During the sports day, Tsubaki is picking up trash with her tongs as she tells the others to quit throwing garbage around. To her shock, they don’t listen as someone throws a trash in front of her. While she picks it up, she hears some girls flirting with Kyouta as they happily thank Kyouta for inviting them and they cannot turn him down. Tsubaki is aghast as she mentally thinks that Kyouta should already have a girlfriend who is none other but her. The two girls then notice Tsubaki and ask Kyouta that it is his girlfriend so is this really okay. To Tsubaki’s shock, Kyouta just looks at her then he looks away to say that it is alright. Just then, Miho calls out to Tsubaki and says that they have to gather together for the three-legged race. Miho then sees Kyouta with those girls. She urges Tsubaki to go and shoo them away. Tsubaki says that she couldn’t do it and surely, there is a reason why Kyouta is doing that. Miho exclaims what kind of reason could be behind that lovey-dovey and as the girlfriend, Tsubaki ought to do something. Tsubaki changes the topic and says that she and Miho ought to win that race because she needs to win in this sports event else her recommendation is in danger. She pulls Miho away while thinking that this isn’t the time for her to be distracted by Kyouta. Kyouta just glances at her as they go the opposite direction.

At the field, Tatokoro is venting his anger on a student over why some students who are participating in the events didn’t arrive yet. The student says that they couldn’t find those students. Marumo arrives and asks Tatokoro if his students are goofing off and if they don’t participate, the white team will win. Taking out his cellphone, Tatokoro tells Marumo not to be so full of himself when Marumo wasn’t able to win against him, not even once. Tatokoro shows him a picture of himself and a woman on his cellphone. Tatokoro taunts that Kaoru-sensei is now his wife. The two then challenge each other as to who will lose in the sports festival. Miho sighs at the nonsense that those two teachers are doing for they shouldn’t have involved the students. Miho then notices that Tsubaki isn’t listening. It turns out that contrary to what she say, Tsubaki is really bothered by Kyouta’s flirting with those girls. Because she is very distracted over it, Tsubaki didn’t concentrate on her event with Miho that they ended up falling down. Murata starts blowing his top off as to what Tsubaki has been doing when their recommendation is depending on this. He keeps on berating downcast Tsubaki that red team isn’t competing so they are disqualified yet Tsubaki isn’t doing her best in order for them to win first place. Miho shouts back at Murata to shut up for he didn’t even participate in any events. Miho apologizes to Tsubaki that she cannot accompany her to the clinic because she still has to participate in the 100m dash. Tsubaki says that it isn’t a grave injury so she can go alone. Miho happily tells Tsubaki that she will definitely win that race and she’ll show Tsubaki when she returns. Tsubaki thinks that this hasn’t anything to do with Miho yet she accompanied her and practiced with her after school. She is frustrated and disappointed with herself that everything seems a waste just because she lost her concentration over Kyouta. At the clinic, Tsubaki hears some students playing some game and flirting – kiss as penalty. Tsubaki is aghast over this as she goes to the side to find some medicine. She freezes when she hears Kyouta’s voice. She couldn’t believe it. She goes to the side and pulls away the curtains. She finds Kyouta together with two girls in one bed as one of the girls seems to be closing her eyes for Kyouta to kiss her. At the other bed, a couple of guys are playing cards. Tsubaki is shaking as she tries to calm herself that Kyouta isn’t doing anything bad..he is just playing around since those guys are also there. The girl then tells Tsubaki not to be a hindrance for Kyouta is now going to give her a kiss. Kyouta asks what she is saying for it is only a kiss on the hand. Tsubaki has had enough that she hugs Kyouta and shouts for them not to touch him since she is his girlfriend so she is the only one who can touch him. This surprises Kyouta. Then, from the window, Tatokoro appears and shouts that he has found them. He reprimands the other students for not participating in their events and if they don’t go back quickly, he won’t forgive them. These made the four students scurrying out of the clinic. Tatokoro asks Kyouta if he is the one who made them goof around. Tatokoro shouts why he is doing it with the red team when he should do it with those that have a white band like that girl -> Tsubaki.

Tatokoro runs off to the field as Kyouta says that he shouldn’t have admonished students that way. Tsubaki confirms to Kyouta if Kyouta is actually making the students goof around so that they will be disqualified for not participating so that the white team will win. Kyouta says that it is because they are different, and even if he is her rival, there are still ways for him to help her. Tsubaki remembers her outburst before about not wanting his help since he is a rival. He tells her to sit down while he calls the teacher to attend to her wounds. Before he leaves, Kyouta tells her that she can just sleep throughout the sports festival for he can make the red team lose because of him. Tsubaki realizes that he is flirting with those girls for her sake. She grabs his shirt and tells him that she said that he shouldn’t concern himself with this for this is her own predicament so she’ll resolve it on her own. “So..please don’t do what you just did..being intimate with some other girls..!” Kyouta looks at her and says he can’t. Tsubaki angrily forms a fist and tells him that if he really wants to be lovey-dovey with some other girls then how about doing it after they break up. Kyouta says that isn’t what he is referring to. He hugs her and says, “It is, I cannot just not care about you. If I’m not helping out my girlfriend, what kind of boyfriend am I.” While Kyouta puts some ointment on Tsubaki’s wounds, he asks if her grades drop because of ‘that’. Tsubaki just mutters that it hurts. Kyouta tells her that if her grades don’t drop then, they can go smoothly with their relationship. “Shouldn’t this be something that the two of us be thinking together? This time around, it isn’t just your problem.” Tsubaki blushes as she thinks over what he said. After putting a bandage, Kyouta stands up and offers his hand. He tells her that every time she is serious about something, she tends to discard him to one side and in the end, she still involves him in it. “So, before you get into a difficult situation, you shouldn’t just discard me but rather, depend on me. If you don’t do that, then it would seem that I’m unreliable, and that puts me in a bad mood.” Tsubaki realizes that this is what Kyouta has been thinking. She holds his hand and asks if he could help her to make white team win. Gripping her hand, Kyouta says, “Of course, I’ll definitely make white team win..!” Soon, after many more events, Marumo is delighted over the turn of events because if this continues, they will win. He is so happy that he tells Tsubaki and Murata to expect good recommendations. Then, they got bad news that the red team can still win depending on the last event of pole toppling [ = A group guards the pole as the other group tries to topple down the pole. Whichever group succeeds in toppling the pole wins.] Unfortunately, it is an event wherein the red team never loses. This made Marumo shout at Murata to think of a way to win else, he’ll get a bad evaluation. Tsubaki looks calmer as she thinks that in this situation, they will definitely lose but then, she believes Kyouta when he said that he’ll help them win. Tsubaki looks at her side and thinks that since then, Kyouta has always been sitting there. She begins to wonder if Kyouta is just saying those stuff but then, he isn’t that type of person [who won’t do what he says] but still, with only Kyouta, how can he make the white team win. She is surprised when Kyouta stands up and says that he’ll participate.

Tsubaki is puzzled as she thinks that he is entering as part of the red team so how can he help white team win. She is about to cheer him when Kyouta throws his shirt at her face. He tells her that it is so obvious that she is feeling uneasy. Tying the red band on his forehead, Kyouta says, “Relax, if I cannot do it then I won’t bother saying it.” Flustered Tsubaki protests that he didn’t tell her as to what he planned to do. Kyouta tells her to just watch and she’ll know. After a pause, Kyouta tells her that it is better for her not to watch this event because like that, he would look very bad. So the contest is about the start and whoever wins this event will win the competition. Soon, everyone do their best to topple down the rival’s pole. Red team is surprised when someone is pulling down their pole. To everyone’s surprise, it is Kyouta who is trying to pull it down. They wonder if Kyouta got it all wrong since he is trying to topple down his team’s own pole. Some girls don’t care what Kyouta does. Kyouta’s teammates start to pull down Kyouta then, they hear a loud thud. Tsubaki looks really frightened as Miho says that Kyouta just fell down head first on the ground. Trying to stand up, Kyouta thinks that this is bad for he hit his back and he is now having difficult time breathing. His teammates scorn Kyouta for trying to act cool. Then, the white team’s pole is now in the process of being toppled down. Kyouta mutters in what way he is trying to act cool. Haru asks Kyouta if he is alright and Kyouta should move aside else he’ll be trampled on. Kyouta holds on Haru’s and shouts for him to lend his back to him. Everyone is becoming tense since white team’s pole is going down. Miho laments that even if Kyouta did his best, but they cannot win against the red team who is trained by Tatokoro. Tsubaki says that isn’t sure yet for it isn’t over. She then sees Kyouta running towards Haru who is bending. She shouts, jump! Using Haru’s back for leverage, Kyouta jumps up to red team’s pole and topples it down. In the end, red team’s pole is on the ground hence white team wins. Marumo is very happy about this that he tells Tsubaki and Murata to leave their evaluation to him. Kaoru then tells Marumo that she didn’t expect him to win against her husband and now, she thinks of Marumo in a different light. Marumo is deliriously happy about it that he tells the white team that he is going to treat them to some karaoke. Holding the pole, Tatokoro exclaims that toppling one’s own pole is unheard of and that event should be invalid. Pulling a student, Tatokoro says that they should re-do it. The students aren’t too happy about it. When someone asks Tatokoro to give him the pole, Tatokoro did so before realizing that it is Kyouta who asked for it. Tatokoro shouts at Kyouta for ruining things at the competition. Kyouta tells him that according to the rules, one loses when the pole is toppled down. Kyouta says that Tatokoro is acting like that because he lost and if he is still like that, he really isn’t a gracious loser. Since Kaoru is saying that Tatokoro is disappointing if he is like that, Tatokoro has no choice but to admit defeat. Tsubaki approaches Kyouta and happily gives his shirt back to him. She says that what he did is really surprising and is he hurt when he fell down. Tsubaki is surprised when Kyouta just grabs his shirt and leaves. At the gym, Kyouta curses that he is made to clean all the folding chairs by Tatokoro. He exclaims as to when he will be able to get home since there are too many chairs to be cleaned. There is a scene of Tatokoro says that what happened cannot be helped but still, it is wrong and so that there won’t be a similar incident in the future, Kyouta should be punished.

Kyouta is surprised when Tsubaki sits beside him and starts cleaning a chair. She tells him that he can finish earlier if they did it together. Kyouta turns around from her and starts wiping a chair vigorously. This made Tsubaki asks what’s with him from the start and with him like that, she won’t be able to say her thanks. Kyouta tells her that there is no need to thank him. It turns out that he is really embarrassed for failing once to topple the pole and he is muddy all over that he couldn’t face her. He is surprised when Tsubaki is leaning her head on his back. She says that they think differently for she feels that the Kyouta today is really cool as compared to the Kyouta she knew before. Tsubaki thinks that what Kyouta did isn’t easy and he really gave it his all..all of that is for her. Tsubaki says that it is become Kyouta is so cool that makes her think ‘am I really Kyouta’s girlfriend’ to the point that she couldn’t find the feeling that she is his girlfriend. Kyouta looks surprised then turns around to face her. He tells her that they don’t think the same way for he didn’t thought of what happened today [flirting?] can make her not feel that she is his girlfriend. When Tsubaki asks is that so, Kyouta gives her a kiss. He asks if she now feels that she is his girlfriend. Holding her lips, Tsubaki is in surprise. Kyouta puts his arm around her and asks if she still feel that it isn’t real. Tsubaki thinks that she has a tendency not to depend on others and from today on, she should be more aware that she isn’t alone anymore. “And later on, there will be a day when I will become Tsubaki-kun’s strength.” They kiss again and Tsubaki says, “Tsubaki-kun, thank you very much for today.” Aww..that’s really something for Kyouta to do all that for Tsubaki. Well, it is indeed partly his fault but then, it is nice that he is helping her in his own way to made amends. Finally, the two are communicating more to know each other’s feelings and thoughts rather than to presume what the other is feeling and thinking. Things will indeed go smoothly if they keep that up. Of course, it helps that Kyouta is becoming more understanding of Tsubaki and Tsubaki is learning to share her problems with Kyouta. A relationship is indeed a two-way street to make it work. ^^ Then, making love will just be icing on the cake. =P Somehow, I can imagine that those teachers exist in real life. No wonder the students in that school are like that since their teachers aren’t that inspiring enough and they are obviously too selfish for they think only of their own goals. I think this is a major reason why the students aren’t that enthusiastic about the sports festival. It is more like they are forced to participate. I always assumed that this high school is a top ranking one because Kyouta and Tsubaki are in it but it seems that it could be on the onset of decline just based on the kind of students and teachers they have. ^^; Anyway, I guess it is partly thanks to all that, that Tsubaki and Kyouta are becoming stronger in regards to their relationship ^^

Chapters 63-64: At the male clothing section of a department store [I assume], a male salesperson approach Tsubaki who is holding a sweater. He tells her that is a popular commodity that it is always sold out and they just got new supplies yesterday. Tsubaki seems to be intimidated by the salesperson when he asks her if it is a gift for her boyfriend and would she like M[edium] size. He then offers her a shirt which will be a match with that knitted garment. Throwing the sweater back, Tsubaki shouts that she’s leaving then, she quickly runs off. She thinks that buying clothes as a gift is too problematic. From that day, it has already been a year. Tomorrow is Kyouta’s birthday. She had promised Kyouta the ‘three year planetarium projector plan’ so honestly, she already knows what to give him this year. “But..*focus on bracelet* just like this gift that Kyouta gave to me, I also want to give one to him, a perfect gift, that he won’t forget for the rest of his life.” At a section with astronomy stuff, Tsubaki looks around and thinks that it doesn’t feel like a gift if it is a DVD or a book. He already has a telescope and she cannot buy something more expensive. She then sees a jigsaw puzzle of the Southern Cross. She wants to buy it because of the memories they have during the school trip. Holding the jigsaw puzzle box, she wonders how Kyouta would react if she gives him a jigsaw puzzle. She imagines Kyouta laughing his head off since this is so old fashioned and she is really such a Showa girl. This made Tsubaki angrily put back the puzzle. She unintentionally broke an assembled 3D jigsaw puzzle of the moon. She remembers Kyouta telling her that if one is to look at a heavenly body, it should be the moon. With that, Tsubaki smiles and decides to buy it. Just as she is about to leave, a long haired woman approaches her and asks if Tsubaki can give that jigsaw puzzle to her. Tsubaki is weird out by that request. The woman tells Tsubaki that she’ll pay Tsubaki for it. She explains that since it is the birthday of his son tomorrow, she wanted to give him that puzzle no matter what. The woman bows to Tsubaki and tells her that she would have to wait for another week to get that puzzle [since the one Tsubaki has is the last one]. “If you are not in a hurry..please give it to me..I beg of you..!” Holding her newly bought puzzle, Tsubaki tells her that it is also her boyfriend’s birthday tomorrow and of all the heavenly bodies, the moon is his favorite. “So, I’m sorry..” Tsubaki is surprised when the woman happily says that her son also likes the moon very much. The woman holds Tsubaki’s hands and says that it really makes her happy because of the coincidence that [her son and Tsubaki’s boyfriend’s] birthday is on the same day and they both like the moon. Holding the bag that holds the puzzle, the woman apologizes to Tsubaki for suddenly wanting to take away someone’s important gift. Tsubaki unconsciously blurts out if she will be alright. The woman says that she’ll wait for a new supply of the puzzle and honestly, she doesn’t even know if her son will accept her gift. The woman tells Tsubaki that it has been a long time since she talked with her son or rather, it is really rare for them to see each other. Tsubaki assumes that the woman’s son is an elementary kid who is currently in a rebellious age. The woman says that she just wanted to have an opportunity to talk with her son so she wanted to give him something he likes. “Even if I said it’s a gift to my son, in the end, it is for myself.” The woman then apologizes for calling her and for her to say hi for her to her boyfriend who likes the moon. [<- just being polite] Being the nice girl she is, Tsubaki finally offers the jigsaw puzzle to the woman. She tells the woman that regarding a child who says that he doesn’t need a gift, she [Tsubaki] thinks that her son would be angrier if she didn’t prepare a gift and last year, she [Tsubaki] is like that, too. “No matter what, I still want to see his smiling face.” Tsubaki thinks that she understands the feeling of using a gift to convey the feelings of ‘wanting to hold on even if it is like grasping straws’. Tsubaki tells the woman that she can just find some other gift for her boyfriend. The woman takes the gift and happily thanks Tsubaki. She says that she will do her best in giving that gift to her son. As the woman waved goodbye, Tsubaki thinks that she is a cute mother. Then, she wonders what she’ll buy for Kyouta. Tsubaki becomes frantic when it is already late and the store is closing. While wondering what to do, she goes back and forth.

At the train station, Tsubaki checks her gifts and sighs in relief that she got everything ready. She thinks that she is still not used to meeting with Kyouta wherein she’ll see him in front coming closer to her. She feels shy that she couldn’t look at him so she decided on choosing a place wherein Kyouta will approach her from behind. Kyouta arrives from behind and lightly knocks her head to make her know that he is there. Tsubaki nervously greets him a happy birthday today. Blushing a bit, Kyouta asks what’s with how she talk [since she is stuttering] and she is carrying a lot of things. He takes her handbag and tells her to at least free one hand [so that they can hold hands]. Tsubaki thinks that today is Kyouta’s day so she hopes that it will be a great day. They eat out and hold hands while watching a movie. Then, at Kyouta’s apartment, they look at the ‘sky/constellation’ through the projector. Kyouta says that after a year, he now has two projector film/slides and it seems that it is far away for him to complete it. Tsubaki then gives him a bag and greets him a happy birthday. Kyouta says that if it is a birthday gift, he already got it. Tsubaki says that she doesn’t think that gift is enough to convey her feelings because the birthday gift that Kyouta gave her made her really happy. Kyouta blushes a bit and takes the bag. He is about to take it out when Tsubaki tells her that it isn’t something great so he shouldn’t put a high expectation on it. Kyouta smiles and asks what she is saying for feelings are more important than the gift. Tsubaki mentally apologizes to Kyouta for not knowing him enough because she really imagined him laughing at her gift. Kyouta puts the box of Southern Cross puzzle and frame on the table. Tsubaki tells Kyouta that there are 1000 pieces and even if small, she heard that it can cut down idle time. Before she can finish, Kyouta lets out a laugh. Soon, Kyouta is banging the table while laughing out loud that it is a puzzle and no wonder she is a Showa girl. “I’ll never forget this throughout my life!” Tsubaki gloomily thinks that this is expected. Kyouta then smiles at her and says, “..but, I’m really moved that night. Because of you, I have remembered it again. Thank you.” Motioning to her, he asks her to come to him. She goes to him. He pulls her to him. Amid kissing, Tsubaki says that this is a rare projector and isn’t he going to look at it a bit more. Kyouta says he is and right now, he is going to use a really convenient position to look at it.

More kissing and Tsubaki’s dress is partially removed. The door bell rings. This surprises Tsubaki that she stands up and goes to the side of the bed. Kyouta pulls down the zipper of her dress and continues. While they are getting engrossed, the door bell continues to ring. When it rings too loudly, irritated Kyouta decides to go out and see who is at the door. Tsubaki is still shock over the interruption then she overhears more talk outside. Someone calls Kyouta, ‘Kyo-chan’ that Tsubaki wonders if it is Kyouta’s mother. After dressing up, Tsubaki looks out to see a woman trying to give a gift to Kyouta and asking him to accept it no matter what. Kyouta tries to give it back while shouting that he doesn’t want it. Tsubaki notices that it is a 3D moon puzzle. Tsubaki and Kyouta’s mother look at each other in surprise and exclaim, “The one from yesterday..!” Tsubaki says her son who likes the moon. The mother says the boyfriend who likes the moon. They realize that they are both talking about Kyouta. Irritated Kyouta asks what this is about. Tsubaki tells him that it is when she is buying a gift for Kyouta. The mother says that Tsubaki kindheartedly gave her the last 3D moon puzzle. “Kyo-chan, so you are going steady with this nice girl, I can now be at ease..!” This made Tsubaki blush. Giving the puzzle to Tsubaki, the mother bows and says that later on, she’ll leave Kyouta in her care. Tsubaki also bows to accept the gift and greets her back too. Kyouta takes the puzzle and pushes the puzzle back to his mother. Kyouta tells her not to be so thick-faced for didn’t he say that he won’t accept anything from her. He pushes her out of the apartment then locks the door. Really flustered, Kyouta curses and says what kind of joke is this. Heading back to his room, he tells Tsubaki that he’ll go calm himself down. Tsubaki wonders if that is the mother who has been unfaithful and abandoned Kyouta. She thinks that his mother doesn’t seem to be the type who’ll do such a cruel thing but she feels that his mother has really hurt Kyouta. Tsubaki goes back in the room and wonders what she ought to say to really irritated Kyouta who is lying on the bed especially since today is his birthday. Kyouta sits up upon noticing that Tsubaki is doing something. Tsubaki is taking out the entire puzzle from the package and tells him that they piece together the Southern Cross jigsaw puzzle. Kyouta says that he isn’t interested in such an old fashion boring thing. He turns around to face the wall. Tsubaki says, then she’ll do it alone. Tsubaki starts saying out loud that she is assembling the puzzle now and how small the pieces are that it is quite hard. Soon, Kyouta is sitting beside Tsubaki to help her with the puzzled. =P

Tsubaki says that it is quite regrettable for if she knew that woman is Kyouta’s mother then she wouldn’t have given that 3D moon puzzle to her even if she had bowed to her multiple times for the birthday of her son who likes the moon. She tells Kyouta that it is no big deal for him to just take that gift. Putting a piece on the puzzle, Kyouta says that shouldn’t she be going home already. Tsubaki thinks that it is the same for even if she is already Kyouta’s girlfriend and there are many times when they were intimate, it seems that there is only a small difference from the time when he told them to leave when his mother came before. Kyouta is surprised when Tsubaki says that she won’t for how can she, his girlfriend, just drop this thing without a care and leave. “You said before that whenever I got myself into predicament, you wanted me to depend on you. So, just like that time at the sports festival when you helped me, this time I want to..” Kyouta holds her head and says, “That and this situation isn’t the same, can’t you even realize that? Your brain is really no good! No wonder you’ll forever be second place! *rubbing her hair* Stupid, stupid, Stu~~~pid.” This made Tsubaki really furious that she messes up the puzzle that they have done so far. She angrily goes out and thinks that this has nothing to do with being second place. She is infuriated that he treated her that way when she is worried about him. Holding a piece of the puzzle, she is about to throw it away. “Ha, I’ll make you never find the last piece, be anxious to death..! *pause* ..ah, will Tsubaki-kun play assemble the puzzle all by himself..” She looks at her hand with the puzzle and thinks that he is right for even if she is his girlfriend, she cannot meddle too much in his family problems. When she goes out of the building, Tsubaki finds Kyouta’s mother waiting for her outside. Holding the bag, Kyouta’s mother embarrassingly smiles and tells her that in the end, he didn’t accept it. Tsubaki can only mutter ya. The mother says that since she is Kyouta’s girlfriend, she should have heard about the issue of their family. Tsubaki says that she knows a bit. Kyouta’s mother looks somewhat sad and says that she doesn’t have the right to see Kyouta but still, she is concerned about him. She smiles again and asks Tsubaki if Kyouta is doing fine. Tsubaki says that he is. She asks if Kyouta is getting along with his father. Remembering how Kyouta’s father vented his anger before, Tsubaki cannot answer Kyouta’s mother. This made Kyouta’s mother ask if Kyouta has been beaten. Tsubaki says that she isn’t sure. Kyouta’s mother asks if there are any bruise-type things in Kyouta’s body. Tsubaki says that there were none. This somewhat relieves Kyouta’s mother. She says that he should be alright and Kyouta is already a high schooler. This made Tsubaki ask, “That..is the major reason for the divorce, is it, because Tsubaki-kun’s father..has a tendency to be violent with his family?” Tsubaki realizes that it is true when Kyouta’s mother sadly smiles. Tsubaki tells her that it would be better if she quickly tells Kyouta about this. Kyouta’s mother bows to her and asks if she can ask Tsubaki a favor.

At school, the lunch bell rings. Tsubaki checks Kyouta’s shoe locker and his school shoes are still in there. Kyouta hasn’t come to school yet and it is already noon. She wonders if he isn’t coming to class because of what happened yesterday and there is still that favor from Kyouta’s mother. Flashback: Tsubaki told Kyouta’s mother that even if it is her, Kyouta will not meet up with her [his mother] after school. Kyouta’s mother told her that it is fine even if Tsubaki just told it to Kyouta – I will always be waiting for him at that cafe near school. Kyouta’s mother told Tsubaki that she will be moving to Hokkaido on the day after tomorrow. “It won’t be like before wherein I go and easily find out about his living situation..today is originally the last time wherein I have a chance to talk with Kyo-chan..*bowing to Tsubaki again* If he doesn’t come tomorrow, then I’ll thoroughly give up on this. Please forgive this last persistence..!” In the end, Tsubaki gave her word that she’ll tell Kyouta. End flashback. Tsubaki decides to email Kyouta about it when someone slams the shoe lockers. This surprises Tsubaki and she turns to see haggard looking Kyouta saying hi to her. While wondering if Kyouta’s mood is really awful and that it is really hard for her to tell him about his mother, Tsubaki tries to tell him that she has something to tell him. She is surprised when Kyouta is sleeping while standing. Tsubaki asks if he wasn’t able to sleep well and his hair is all messy. Kyouta then asks Tsubaki could it be that she took one piece of the puzzle. This shocks Tsubaki. She tensely holds the puzzle piece in her pocket and asks why he asks. While changing his shoes, Kyouta says that no matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t find the last piece. Tsubaki asks in disbelief if he had assembled the puzzle that she gave him. Kyouta tells her that he assembled it the whole night. Tsubaki says that she thought he finds it boring that he’ll definitely throw it away. Kyouta admits that when he started doing it, he cannot stop and that is a gift that she chose for him. He pats her head and says, “Yesterday..it is rare for you to specially come and celebrate with me,..sorry..” Flustered, Tsubaki says that the one who should apologize is her. She holds out her hand with the last puzzle piece. Tsubaki is surprised as Kyouta tries to suppress his laughter that she actually did that and she’s too honest. He tells her to keep it and she can come to his place today to finish the puzzle. Tsubaki blushes upon realizing what he is implying. He whispers to her that afterwards, they will continue yesterday that thing that was interrupted. Kyouta tells her that he’ll wait for her here [shoe lockers] after school. Tsubaki remembers about Kyouta’s mother. She is about to say, “Tsubaki-kun, wait a minute, after school..” When Kyouta asks what it is, Tsubaki thinks that if she mentions about Kyouta’s mother now, things will be ruined again just when they had made up. Tsubaki looks nervous as she remembers Kyouta’s mother telling her that if Kyouta didn’t come today, she’ll thoroughly give up. Tsubaki thinks, “That’s right, if I only let today pass by, this incident and awkwardness caused by his mother, won’t happen again.” While her heart is beating loudly, Tsubaki smiles at Kyouta and says, “No..nothing, I eagerly anticipate finishing the puzzle.” The last scene is Kyouta’s mother holding the puzzle and looking out the window while waiting for Kyouta to come.

And, finally about Kyouta’s mother again though it seems that this will be resolved in this arc since she is leaving. Judging from her actions, I guess Kyouta’s mother does seem to be the submissive and nice type but I guess what Kyouta’s father did to her is too much for her to bear that she had succumb to finding her happiness in some other guy. I think Kyouta won’t begrudge her so much about it especially because of his father’s tendency to be violent if only she took him with her. For Kyouta, it is like he is being abandoned to be beaten up by the father. I don’t know the inside story but I’m assuming that the father got the custody for Kyouta because I also got the impression that the mother is really concerned about Kyouta but she probably couldn’t take him with her. Since it is Kyouta’s mother who committed infidelity, it is easy to picture her as the one who is unfit to be a parent. Of course, it might also be a case of regretting what she did later on. ^^; Anyway, it does seem that she is going to move on with her life and probably with her new family. I would have wanted her to put Kyouta as a priority but I guess she is probably at the end of her patience already with Kyouta who is always rejecting her. She doesn’t want to be a bother for him anymore and well, Tsubaki would wanted her to ‘be gone’, too so that things would be always okay with her and Kyouta + Kyouta won’t be in a bad mood. Hehe, I wonder if Tsubaki can hold this off for long because she is a ‘very nice kid’..it won’t be long before her conscience would start bothering her if she didn’t tell Kyouta about it. Well, hopefully, they’ll be able to resolve this with a nice closure + no regrets. Scans by xiuxiu for BW.

Word of the day:
The eyes of faith when fixed on Christ give hope for what’s ahead; But focus on life’s obstacles, and faith gives way to dread. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 36]
Monday, July 12, 2010

After telling Keiko to wait at some place farther away from her house, Sumi walks alone with a letter. She plans to ask Komai to help her read it since there are a lot of things in Soichiroh’s letter that she cannot read. She enters the house to find a Japanese-garbed woman eating with the kids. There are also a lot of antique statues and objects around. Sumi thinks that the woman is her brother’s lover. Before the woman can accuse her of being Eisuke’s lover, Sumi decides to say that she is Eisuke’s friend rather than a sister. The woman tells Sumi that Komai has left and it seems he went to find work. The woman says she doesn’t know where Komai is working and could Sumi please leave since she is eating. As Sumi go out and wondering where Komai went, she meets with the landlady who happily greets Sumi and mentions about Sumi marrying a good guy. Sumi learns that the nice outfit the woman is wearing is given by her brother. Sumi is shock to learn that because of work, Eisuke already paid for the 10-year worth of rent. The landlady tells Sumi that there is nothing to worry about. Sumi wonders if her brother earns that much money. At the company, Takemoto goes into Nozomu’s office and is surprised to see him there. [Opps, in the last chapter, Nozomu is at his office rather than at his house ^^;] Takemoto asks if Nozomu stayed at the office the whole night. Nozomu says yes because he is investigating the legal side of a certain matter. When Soichiroh passes by the room to overhear the conversation, Takemoto says that even if Nozomu is the son of tycoon Ijuin, he is still quite diligent and ever since Nozomu came to their company, the company’s performance has really improved that they admire him very much. Takemoto tells Nozomu to at least go home. Nozomu tells him that there is no need for that since he already instructed his butler to bring him a change of clothes and food. Soichiroh is surprise to hear that Nozomu has hired a butler. Of course, that is none other than Komai who comes in and tells Nozomu that he has brought Nozomu’s bento box. Takemoto and Soichiroh freak out over this. Nozomu tells Komai to put in on the table. Komai did as ordered. Soichiroh grabs Komai’s arm and exclaims what this is all about. Komai just coldly tells Soichiroh that the one who doesn’t want him is ‘him/[Soichiroh]’. Komai then bids farewell to Nozomu. Soichiroh can only look at Komai who walks away.

At some restaurant, Eisuke and Natsuki are entertaining a client. Natsuki then tells Eisuke to come out for a while. Outside the private room, Natsuki gives Eisuke the money from the client, Shueisha and that will be paid to the company tomorrow. He tells Eisuke not to lose it. Eisuke is tense as he never seen that huge amount of money in his life. Natsuki then tells him that client likes to gamble. Eisuke happily tells him to leave that to him. He goes back in to tell the client of a good place. Natsuki is smiling. Back at the Ashida residence, Sumi learns of the news that Komai is now working for Nozomu. Maid A says that it is a surprise that Komai would actually serve someone else other than Soichiroh. Soichiroh then arrives home. Sumi tries to ask him about Komai but Soichiroh just says that he doesn’t want to listen to that nor eat dinner. He goes straight to his room. Later that night, Sumi made her specialty congee for Soichiroh to eat. Putting the food on the table, Sumi says that perhaps he is annoyed regarding that thing with Komai but.. Soichiroh shouts for her not to mention that thing again. Flustered, Sumi holds surprised Soichiroh’s face to her and exclaims, “Soichiroh-kun, you still have me!” Soichiroh starts blushing and Sumi smiles at him. When she says that she is going out of the room, Soichiroh tells her to wait. He takes a small box from the drawer and tells Sumi to give her hand to him. To Sumi’s surprise, Soichiroh puts a ring on her finger. Soichiroh tells her that it is a wedding ring. Soichiroh gives her another ring for her to put on his finger. After Sumi puts the ring on, Soichiroh tells her that is the proof of a married couple. Holding up her ring, Sumi happily says that it really seems like they are a real married couple. Soichiroh hugs her and tells her to let him be like this for a while. She leans closer to him and thinks that the Soichiroh’s hand that is caressing her hair is so gentle. She obviously should be happy but she also feels pain. She wants someone to tell her which ones are ‘just for the sake of doing’ and which ones are ‘what he truly thinks’. At a gambling den, Eisuke is losing in a major way. He already used up the money he has and the client continues to place bets. Natsuki tells him that he still has that other money. Eisuke hesitates because it is the company’s money but Natsuki tells him that it is okay for he just needs to win some then return the money. Eisuke happily says that he is right. He bets a bundle of money and Natsuki is smiling. Then, in bed, Sumi and Soichiroh are sleeping together in bed. Sumi thinks that if would be nice if they can be like this, wherein their hearts and thoughts are linked together. But, she won’t accept it as reality nor would she allow herself to have that wish. Meanwhile, Miu is in Nozomu’s new house. She is busy slashing Nozomu’s painting of Sumi with a knife.

Yup, another jealous-crazy person. I can only imagine what Miu would do with that knife on a real Sumi. ^^; I’m also wondering what Nozomu might do to Miu when he learns what happened to his precious painting. I guess Miu might turn out to be an unintentional ‘enemy’ of Soichiroh because he would have to protect Sumi from that woman. I guess Komai is taking Keiko’s example wherein he will be working for the ‘enemy’. =P Eisuke will end up becoming a ‘problem’ rather than a ‘help’. Anyway, it is good that the two are somehow going smoothly with their relationship. I think Sumi will realize what is true or not regarding Soichiroh’s feelings when things will become messy later on. Scans by草莓defer for iieye.

Quote of the day:
The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. ~ from the movie "Good Will Hunting"

Chitose Etc. [Chapters 14-15]
Friday, July 9, 2010

Chitose is all dressed up to go to school. Her brother enters her room and asks if she can go to school now. Chitose says that she is okay now. She comments that he woke up quite early. Tadashi says that he didn’t slept all night because he had a lot of work. He plans to drink some tea before going to sleep. In the kitchen, Tadashi wonders what kind of tea he’ll drink. He then notices that Chitose is looking towards him that he asks what it is. Chitose tells him that when she went out yesterday, she met Yuki then they played in the snow. She also tells him that Yuki suddenly hugged her from behind and told her not to go steady with Shun. Chitose says that Yuki would later on tell her to forget about it. She asks her brother what is the meaning of what Yuki did. While thinking that is the reason why she had a fever, Tadashi laughs it off and says that it is inevitable. Tadashi explains that guys are selfish because guys would really be happy if someone, no matter who they are, confesses their love. “Guys would want that person to always like them even if one already has a girlfriend and even if one doesn’t have plans to go steady with the girl who confessed. Yuki-kun should feel better to see that you already have a boyfriend and yet, he might also feel a bit lost. Therefore, he unconsciously said those things. I think that there shouldn’t be any deep meaning in it. Do not mind it.” Chitose says, really. While he is about to drink his hot tea, Tadashi says, “But, it could also be that Yuki-kun likes you more than he likes his own girlfriend..” He looks at the side and notices that Chitose has already left. Walking out of the house, Chitose thinks that her brother is right because Yuki cannot like her even if she cannot help but be very happy over him hugging her, holding her hands and giving her that snow globe. She shouldn’t take it seriously. She also thinks that going steady with Shun is unexpectedly fun, too, even if he is lewd that it can be quite troublesome for her. She also thinks that her brain is in disarray just dealing with things concerning Yuki.

When she goes out of the building, she is surprised to see Shun waiting for her. She asks if he came to fetch her. Shun smiles and says yes because there is still time [before the school bell]. He asks if she is now okay. She says yes. Chitose is surprised when Shun says that Yuki is also coming out. Yuki comes out of the building and then, they all exchange greetings with each other. Yuki comments that he didn’t expect Shun to be this serious that he is fetching Chitose. Shun says that is good, right. Chitose cannot help but feel uneasy. While walking to school, Chitose thanks Yuki for yesterday. Yuki says okay. Shun asks if Yuki also came to visit. Chitose says he didn’t but rather, he gave her a gift courtesy of her brother. Chitose then says that she now realize that Shun came to visit without bringing her anything. [Bringing a gift when visiting is a common courtesy] Shun happily says, “If you are talking about a gift, didn’t I give it to you already? My lips ♡” That made Chitose blush and exclaim in surprise. Shun says that it is also thanks. Shun continues to say that he didn’t got infected by her cold and he planned that if he got infected, he’ll infect her back but perhaps there is an incubation period. Embarrassed Chitose kept on telling stupid Shun to stop saying those stuff. Yuki looks ill and angry that he declares that he is going ahead because he feels like a third wheel. This surprised the two as they look on while Yuki walks ahead. Shun then twist Chitose’s head towards him and tells her not to look that way at Yuki for she is his girlfriend. After looking surprised, Chitose blushes and apologizes. Shun looks at her then says, “In the end, shouldn’t we have H? That way, you can speedily convey those feelings to my body.” Chitose sweatdrops and calls out his name for him to quit talking that way. She angrily mutters for him to not look serious while saying that stuff.

At the clubroom, Kanata has finished writing three sets of numbers until number 585 in a piece of paper. He happily says that is all of the students in school. Holding the paper, Chitose asks what it is for. Kanata says that it is used for the exchange gift that will be done on the day of the party. Gifts that are under their care will have a number. Another same number is put in the box. The third same number will be given to a student. The number that is drawn from the box will receive the corresponding gift. [It is basically Kris Kringle or Secret Santa] Chitose asks if they can join. Kanata says of course. Chitose happily wonders what kind of gift to prepare. Kanata says that it is supposed to be within 500 yen so last year, there are a lot of snacks or stationary type of items [like eraser, pencil, etc.] Shun says that it is too tiring to take care of the gifts of the whole student body and one has to also be quick in getting gift and giving it to the one who drew the number of the gift. Yuki says that one has to move and think fast. Kanata says that there is no untoward incident last year and the reviews are good so they should also do their best this year. Saaya then enters the room to tell everyone that Honey Bee has agreed to perform. Midoriko is delighted over this since the special guest has been decided. She praised Saaya for being great to pull this off. Chitose asks if Honey Bee is that popular band group. Kanata happily says that their lead singer and bassist graduated from their school. Saaya says that they belong to the same [showbiz] company as hers so she just asked the president [of the company] about this. Midoriko is super excited over this. She looks over her list and says that the preparation for the Christmas tree and costumes are already set up. The DJ will be done by the light music club. Food and cakes will be done by the cooking club and those who like sweets. The art club will help them in fixing up the venue. Midoriko asks about the leftover decorations from last year. Kanata holds a box and says that is all. Everyone is delighted when Midoriko says that they will now go shopping for more decorations.

As they went out of the building, Shun asks Chitose where her coat is. Chitose goes into shock that she forgot it and now that he mentioned it, it is cold. Chitose starts shivering. Shun thinks that she’s an idiot. He tells her that she is obviously scared of the cold yet she forgot about it. Chitose says that it is because one doesn’t need to wear a coat when going out in Okinawa so she isn’t used to it that she careless forgot about it. She apologizes and says that she’ll go and get it. Shun tells her to forget about it and he’ll lend her his jacket. He takes off his jacket and hands it to her. Holding the jacket, Chitose objects that he will get cold. Shun says that it is alright since he is wearing a lot of wool garments inside today. Chitose decides not to protest anymore. Upon wearing it, Chitose happily says that it is very light-weight and very warm. With lots of hearts, Chitose exclaims that the truth is this is the first time she wore a down jacket and she always wanted to try. “I’m so happy!” Shun looks surprised and asks if they don’t wear down jackets in Okinawa. Chitose says that there is no need to wear them though there are some who feel that they need to wear it for fashion. Chitose tells Shun that in Okinawa, one has to commute from home to the place of destination so basically, they don’t walk around outside. It is very warm inside the car/vehicle and buildings so one would have to take off the down jacket that one is wearing. [In short, it is an inconvenience.] Shun starts laughing over this. While Yuki and Saaya just glance at the two, Midoriko and Kanata happily says that those two are lovey-dovey that they are envious of them. Shun smiles at Chitose who happily says, ‘Down jacket’. An older woman is watching them from behind. She looks displeased as she bites her lip. At the department store where party supplies are being sold, Chitose happily looks around and says that there are a lot of interesting things. Shun tells her not to go around carelessly else she’ll get lost. Saaya says that she wants to get more balloons. Midoriko says that it is okay as long as it is within the budget. While Kanata is looking at something, the older woman earlier passes by him. He tells Saaya and Midoriko that it seems that woman is dangerous for her face is filled with hate that she looks scary. Saaya asks which one. Kanata points to Saaya the woman who is approaching Chitose. Saaya notices that woman is holding something on her hand. Saaya and Midoriko become frantic upon realizing that it is a boxcutter knife with the blade exposed. Saaya shouts Chitose’s name. The two guys look at Chitose’s direction. Chitose turns around to see the woman holding up the knife to slash Chitose. She slashes but Yuki uses his body to cover and protect Chitose. Chitose still looks surprised. Yuki’s hand is wounded as a bit of blood drips on the floor. The others quickly go to them. The woman is shaking that she drops the knife and tries to leave. Kanata shouts that woman is escaping. This made Shun grab the woman’s arm and exclaim who she is.

Just when Shun is saying that he is going to report her to the police, he is surprised and says, “..Nami?” Everyone is surprised that Shun knows the woman. Shun asks what Nami just did and what she is thinking. Nami is flustered and starts crying. Some staff members go to them to ask what the trouble is. Yuki and Kanata say that it is nothing, they are just playing around and sorry that it is too loud. Saaya grabs Kanata’s arm and whispers, why. Kanata says that it is because Shun knows the woman so they shouldn’t report it to the police. Shun apologizes to the others and says that he’ll talk with Nami for a while. He apologizes again and says that they should go ahead. After Shun and Nami went away, Kanata asks if they should head back to the club first. Midoriko says that they haven’t bought everything yet. Yuki looks at his injured hand when Chitose exclaims that he’s bleeding. Yuki smiles and says that it is no big deal and the skin is just broken. Saaya tells him to protect it first by covering with a handkerchief and they should quickly go to a drugstore nearby. Midoriko says that it isn’t good to leave the box cutter knife on the floor so Kanata decides to take it with them. Chitose then thanks Yuki for blocking the woman. Yuki smiles and says that it is good that she is alright. Chitose blushes and thinks that Yuki saved her again. She wonders why during those times [harassed by talent agent and those trespassers during school festival], it is always Yuki who comes to save her. She thinks that it is because of all that, it is natural for his existence in her life to continuously become big and he makes her feel that he is someone special. “Removing Yuki-kun from my heart is really difficult.” While they are all walking back to school, they begin to wonder what that woman’s relationship with Shun is. Midoriko says that woman is obviously older but maybe she is a relative because he addressed her more familiarly. Kanata says that for her to attack Chitose, it should be because of jealousy. He wonders out loud if it is an ex-girlfriend. Midoriko says that Shun says that he didn’t have one before. Kanata asks Chitose if she has any clues. Chitose sweatdrops and says yes. She wonders if she should tell them and since it is Shun, he probably doesn’t mind. Chitose says, “I think, it is his..sex partner.” Everyone goes into shock and exclaims, “Sex partner!” Embarrassed, Chitose tells them that they are out in the streets.

At the second floor lounge area of the department store, Shun asks Nami if she has already calmed down. Nami says yes. Shun tells her to please explain what is going on and if it is just a coincidence that she is there. Nami shakes her head and says that she followed them from school. Shun asks why she did that. Nami says that there are times when she goes there, near the gate. Still puzzled, Shun asks why. Nami exclaims, “Because, I wanted to see you!” Shun looks surprised then says that they aren’t lovers and she is the one who said that they should break up their relationship because she has a boyfriend. Nami admits that is true and at first, it is only just playing around and Shun is younger by four years but she doesn’t know when, she suddenly became serious about it. Nami says that it hurts more because Shun doesn’t think that way and she had decided to end it with him when she finds herself a boyfriend. She originally planned to thoroughly break it off but at that time, she saw him with that girl [Chitose] at the train station. She realized that he already has a girlfriend, an innocent and ‘not well-versed about the world’ type of girl. She got angry upon seeing his happy expression that he never once had shown her. Then, her feelings for him had intensely revived but since things had already reached that point, she cannot just get in touch with him again. With hopes that they can bump into each other by chance, she has been passing his house and school many times. And, today, she sees him with that girl again and upon seeing that girl looking happy while wearing Shun’s down jacket, she suddenly felt hatred that she wanted to slash that down jacket. She doesn’t plan on harming the girl but then, that other guy suddenly jumped in front. It is only now when Nami wonders if that guy is alright. Shun says that guy [Yuki] said that it isn’t a big deal. Nami apologizes to Shun and asks him to apologize to that guy for her. Shun apologizes to her because he doesn’t have any misgivings when he is in front of her and he had always told her that the thing between them is just something like friendship. Even if they had tryst, he still wasn’t able to think of her as a lover. “I’m sorry.” Nami sadly says she knows and this is her ‘reaping what she sowed’. Nami then asks if she can ask Shun another thing. “Before, you told me that you like some girl and she isn’t your current girlfriend, right? It is because it feels different from the time you told me about it. Didn’t things progress smoothly between you and that girl?” Shun looks at her and then says, ya, it wasn’t successful.

At the clubroom, Kanata is saying out loud that before while chatting with Shun, it does feel that Shun already has experience that he thought Shun already has a girlfriend but it turns out to be a sex partner. Chitose sweatdrops and begins to wonder that maybe she shouldn’t have told them about it. Midoriko is furious as she thinks that Shun is quite frivolous[/a womanizer]. Kanata says that it cannot be helped because he is a guy. Midoriko angrily shouts for him to shut up for that is just a guy’s alibi and how could Kanata say that. Kanata timidly tries to remind her that he is a guy. Midoriko angrily says that it is really unbelievable of Shun to take the initiative to tell his girlfriend Chitose that he had a sex partner. Chitose tries to correct her by saying that he didn’t take the initiative to tell her but rather, she asked him about it. When Midoriko asks about this, Chitose explains that it is because she felt that Shun is very experienced so she asked him if he did or did he not have a girlfriend before and that is when he told her that he didn’t have a girlfriend but rather, he had a sex partner. Kanata asks what she meant by experienced. This made Chitose blush really red. Kanata and Midoriko ask if she and Shun already did it and it’s quite fast. Chitose nervously tells them that it isn’t so. The two then say that if it isn’t so, up to what part did they do it. Noticing that Chitose’s face is really red, they press Chitose up as to what part did they progress. Yuki looks irritated and angry over this. Saaya looks surprised then it seems that something snapped within her. Then, Shun arrives. Midoriko and Kanata asks what happened and was that his sex partner. Shun looks at Chitose to ask if she told them though she is right. Chitose just apologize. Shun tells them that she used to be his sex partner and it seems that she became serious about it. “Because she is jealous of Kaneshiro, she wanted to slash the down jacket that I lend to her. I’m sorry for giving you trouble. I already talked with her and she won’t do that kind of thing again. Sorry, Yuki and Kaneshiro.”

Chitose happily says that it is alright. Waving his bandaged hand, Yuki says that it is just a scratch. Midoriko says that even if it is a shock, but thankfully, things didn’t progress into a bigger incident and it is quite interesting. Kanata and Midoriko start asking Shun to tell them more about this sex partner stuff. Shun tells them to forget about that thing. Shun notices that Saaya has stood up and is approaching him. To everyone’s shock, Saaya slaps Shun really hard on the face. Saaya turns around and slams the door as she went out. Holding his face, Shun shouts to Midoriko that it hurts and what is that about when he obviously apologized. “There’s also no need for her to be that vicious!” Midoriko sweatdrops and says, ya but Yuki is injured, they weren’t able to buy the materials that they have to do that again so Saaya might not have forgiven him. Midoriko suggests to Shun that he apologize sincerely to Saaya and bring her back to the club since they won’t dare go [get her]. Irritated, Shun did as told. Chitose wonders if things are okay and she hopes that they won’t hit each other. “I’m quite shock since Saaya’s reaction is quite intense..” Outside, [seems to be still in the school grounds] Shun calls out to Saaya who is walking away. Shun apologizes again about what happened today and he also didn’t thought that such a thing would happen. He is surprised when Saaya says that she never heard that Shun had a sex partner. Shun says that he has no obligation to tell her. Saaya shouts when it started and when it ended. Somewhat irritated, Shun asks if this is the reason why she is angry. Saaya shouts that she’s jealous. Shun tells her to quit joking because things have reached that point and now, she is saying this kind of stuff. “The one who didn’t choose me and chose Yuki instead is you--” Flustered Saaya shouts, “That’s right! But I don’t want, I cannot endure it, just thinking of you and that girl..and also doing all sorts of stuff with Chitose--” Teary-eyed Saaya hugs a surprised Shun.

My first impression is shock then a major sweatdrop. Wha—what’s up with these girls? ^^;; With these type of girls, no wonder for those two guys, Chitose is a refreshing change -> honest and uncomplicated. If I were those guys, I would have really dump those girls and choose Chitose. Those girls are obviously hiding their true feelings and when push becomes shove = guy has a new girlfriend, they become regretful and wants another chance with the guy whom they ‘dumped’ before. For Saaya to react like that, it really makes me wonder if she also had sex with Shun. I’m treating that slap as ‘revenge’ for what he tried to do with Chitose before =P I’m really thankful that Chitose isn’t that ‘easy to get’. ^^ Too bad that everyone seem clueless about what’s really the issue between Shun and Saaya. Maybe if there are more incidents like that, they will get a clue. Interestingly, Yuki, the boyfriend, doesn’t think something is wrong or he is pretending that nothing is wrong. Saaya does seem to be really selfish because she doesn’t want to let go of Yuki for some reason but then, she doesn’t want Shun to be with Chitose or any other girls either. It is like two-timing and not really since she doesn’t really love Yuki anymore. What Tadashi mentioned about guy being confessed to yet do not want the other person to go steady with someone else seem to apply to Saaya, too. I think things will indeed be complicated if Shun has fallen in love with Chitose. I’m not too sure if he did because at times Shun has a tendency to ‘restrict’ Chitose and treat her like a kid or something but not as a lover..maybe it is still getting to that point. Well, if this is his plot to make Saaya or Yuki jealous, it is obviously working. As for Nami, I think it would be better for her to be brought to the police to teach her a lesson. Aren’t there surveillance cameras in the store? It does seem to give a bad example to young readers that they can get away with such things. Actually, I noticed that it happens a lot in manga because the authors wanted to use such incidents for shock value but then, easily forgives or resolves it because if the police and others are involved, the story might become dragging with the investigation and court hearings. Or maybe it is a culture thing to keep things hush-hush if the ones involved are related since with the police and other people involved, it can make things a bigger issue when no one is really physically hurt. Since this issue is easily resolved, I guess we won't be seeing Nami again. I somewhat feel sorry for Chitose that she got involved with these guys who had complicated issues. ^^;; One has a girlfriend but they don’t love each other anymore yet still together because of some reason. The other one has a stalker-slasher ex-sex partner ^^;; I cannot really say which one is better but Yuki does have the edge since he always saves her like a ‘prince in a white horse’. Oh well, I hope these guys deal with their girl issues before going really serious with Chitose because I feel she deserves better guys than these seemingly two-timing ones. Lastly, this is the second time when the club members go out together and an incident happened. Is it a jinx or what? If there is a third time, I think they ought to refrain from going out together. =P Scans by xiuxiu for BW.

Quote of the day:
Jealousy is nothing more than a fear of abandonment ~ Author Unknown

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapter 39]
Thursday, July 8, 2010

Narration: “Finally, those two’s train of thought connects..!” Holding his hand to Kotori, Yukito asks if he can go to her side. To blushing Yukito’s surprise, blushing Kotori suddenly closes her eyes and hides behind the pillar and exclaims, “That..!” After looking a bit dumbfounded, he glances at Kotori then looks at his hand. He then forms it into a fist. Kotori then peaks out again and says, “That..that..suddenly asking this might be a bit..but I want to confirm something..it’s something very important.” Yukito asks, “Ah..confirm?” Kotori continues, “You just said that even if we broke up, your feelings of like towards me has always not changed, but then, if it is like that..then..then..it’s two-timing, right?” After looking surprised, Yukito exclaims about what this thing about two-timing. Kotori tells him that it is fine if he likes someone else and it is her own decision to still wanting to confess to him. Even if that is the situation, if there is really some other person, then, there is no way for them to progress things between them. She says that even if she’ll be upset, she can only just back away from him. “That is what I think..” Holding out his hand for her to stop talking, Yukito exclaims, “Ah..wait! I totally don’t understand as to what is the origin of the stuff that you are talking about, what is that about, what two-timing?” Kotori timidly replies, “Bu..but, I heard that you already like someone else..and you are working [part time jobs] for that person..” This surprises Yukito and made him blush even more. After a pause, he looks at her and asks where she heard that from. This surprises Kotori but Yukito just sighs and says to forget about it. “Listen well, I’m telling you right now, that person is you. The person that I like is you, even if we broke up, what my mind thinks and what my eyes see is only you.” This made Kotori blush. She turns to hide at the pillar again and thinks, “No..no way..” Yukito then says, “So, do not hide from me..” Kotori asks, “Is..is what you are saying true..?” Yukito then goes closer to her and holds her hand. The two Kaji-s blush. Holding her hand tight, Yukito says, “It’s true.” He then pulls her to him and hugs her from behind. “Finally, I caught you..” This made Kotori teary-eyed.

Upon seeing her with tears, Yukito quickly lets go of her and apologizes for suddenly hugging her when she doesn’t want to. Wiping her tears, Kotori clarifies to him that those are tears of joy. Touched, Yukito hugs her again and says, “I like you..” She hugs him back. She mentally calls his name repeatedly and that she really likes him. The two blushing Kaji-s continue to hug each other and simultaneously wonder, “What..what to do..after this..” Yukito notices something then tells Kotori that her body is a bit wet. Kotori backs away and exclaims, “Gloo..gloomy?!” [Note: Wet and gloomy sound the same in Japanese.] Yukito repeats that he meant wet and was she standing in the rain all this time. Kotori tells him not all the time but only for a while. Yukito asks why she didn’t take cover from the rain for it is excusable for her to go home since it rained hard. Holding on to his arm, Kotori says, “But, I want to wait for you, I want to wait for you at the place we had agreed upon.” Touched by what she said, Yukito is about to hold her face and says, “Kotori..” Kotori suddenly exclaims out loud and tells him not to look down near her feet. Yukito is puzzled. Kotori insists that he just look at her from the top. He asks why and Kotori says that it is nothing. Yukito asks what’s up for he doesn’t understand. Kotori thinks that she had been too excited that she forgot about her yukata being muddy. Since Kotori kept on insisting on this, Yukito tells her that if she kept saying that he would want to look. Kotori says no. Yukito tells her to make him see what she is hiding. Kotori says that he cannot look because her yukata is all dirty. Already hugging her from behind, Yukito asks, “Yukata?” He lets her go and says is that it is nothing to be nervous about for he can still see the flower pattern clearly. Someone whispers, “It’s a girl’s inclination.” [= It’s something like a girl thing or how girl thinks.] Kotori then says, “It’s a girl’s inclination.” The two Kaji-s look surprised. Kotori mutters that it seems that she heard some voice. Yukito then asks if she wore the yukata for him. Kotori admits that is true. Blushing Yukito says, “You came with thoughts of wanting me to see you in a yukata. You believed in me that you would always wait here for me. With only just those things, you really made me very happy. What should I say, I am really speechless..” Kotori says that for him to say that made her really happy.

It starts raining again. Yukito is about to offer his coat but then, it is also wet. Kotori laughs and says that it is summer and the weather is hot so being a little wet is fine. Somewhat sad, Yukito says that since it is like that and it is raining again, they should go home first. “Let’s go, I’ll walk you to your house.” To Yukito’s surprise, Kotori suddenly hugs him from behind and says, “I won’t want to go home..I want to be with you for a little bit more while..” Yukito tells her that they can still meet at work and they can call or email each other. Kotori says, “I..we were able to reconcile, being together like this right now, makes me really happy, so I want to treasure more of this time..can..can’t I..?” Looking a bit troubled, Yukito says that it is already late and she isn’t the same Kotori while wearing that yukata..and, that it really bewilders him. Kotori is puzzled. Someone whispers, “Girls’ inclination is really complicated.” Yukito says that is right for if girls have their own complicated inclination, he also has his own guys’ inclination. Yukito tells Kotori, “The truth is, I also really want to stay with you a bit longer.” Yukito then looks surprised and says that it feels that there is a voice a while ago. He decides to dismiss it [as just his imagination]. The two decide to wait for the rain to stop and take cover under the shrine’s roof. The two Kaji-s are now sitting by the shrine. They look out the rain then look at each other. They then laugh at each other. Kotori thinks that she obviously wanted to say a lot of things to Yukito but then, just staying there beside him already makes her really happy. Yukito then says that she always wear the bracelet. Holding out her hand, Kotori says ya, for it is like a protective charm because during work, when she is really nervous and tense, it can calm her down. Yukito then says that Kotori always wear that [bird pendant] necklace. Kotori says that no matter which one, she treasures them because there is a memory of Yukito within them. This made blushing Yukito speechless. He then asks if he can borrow her shoulder for a while. This made Kotori blush and looks surprised. She says, “Ya..yes..” Yukito put his arm around her shoulder. The two Kaji-s close their eyes while blushing quietly. Kotori then says that it is somewhat regrettable. Yukito asks about what. She says that the fireworks display has passed, and she wasn’t able to go strolling around with him in this summer matsuri/festival.. “I wanted for us to two join all sorts of major summer events.”

Yukito agrees with her. Kotori then apologizes that she doesn’t have the intention of blaming Yukito and that is just her one-sided wish. Yukito says, “I know. Okay, for the rest of the summer break, let us go dating to all sorts of places so you should first think of the places that you want to go.” Kotori asks if that is true but then, what about his work, isn’t he busy. Yukito looks away and tells her not to say such things that will ruin the mood. Kotori apologizes. Someone whispers, “If you are talking about a matsuri, there is still one tomorrow.” Yukito then asks Kotori about the matsuri being still held tomorrow Sunday. Kotori says that it seems there is one. Yukito then looks puzzled as he thinks that it seems he heard a voice again. He decides to forget about it again. Yukito asks, “I don’t have work tomorrow night, I can go. How about you, Kotori?” Kotori says that she also doesn’t have work. “Then, it’s decided that will compensate for today.” They intertwine their pinkie finger for a pinkie promise. Yukito looks uneasy then says that there is one other important thing. To Kotori’s surprise, he is referring to a kiss. “If you don’t want to, then I won’t force you. Even if at times, I’ll do it suddenly..those are times when I cannot endure it, but..I will do my best. I will ask you first before doing it, so as much as possible, don’t hate me.” This made Kotori blush. It also made Yukito blush as he wonders what the heck he is saying that it gives him a cold sweat. Kotori tells him that she is really happy that he thinks that way but then, there is no need to always ask and even if she doesn’t concretely say when he cannot, and perhaps it isn’t okay at times when they don’t have identical feeling for each other.. “With only thoughts of wanting to convey the feelings of love and the partner is you, no matter when I will feel really happy..” Yukito calls her name and slightly holds the side of her face. He then pulls away and says that it is bad because he is really nervous. Someone then whispers, “When [they were] obviously still sweet just now.” Yukito says that’s true. The two Kaji-s look surprise over that voice then they notice that their faces are near each other.

Yukito takes this opportunity to lean closer to kiss Kotori. Before they can kiss, they see three masked people looking at them from the bushes. After a shock and the rain has finally stopped, blushing Yukito shouts at Abe, Ryosuke and Natsume as to what they were up to and since when they were hiding in that place. Ryosuke says that it is around the time when the ‘two-timing’ is mentioned. Abe agrees that it is around that time. Natsume says that she opposed [in spying]. Kotori is really embarrassed. Abe is really happy that things are progressing smoothly. Yukito thinks that they haven’t kissed yet. Ryosuke then gives Kotori her cellphone back and he says that she dropped near the shrine. Kotori couldn’t believe that she dropped it. She wonders out loud if it is when she was running. She then remembers that she did bring her cellphone along with her and because she is too nervous, she thought she left if at home. With a smiling face, Ryosuke says that the truth is [he/they] want the two of them to naturally progress things but upon picking up the cellphone, he/they wonder if it might not go smoothly. “In the end, it turned out to become very romantic contrary to what I [/we] thought that I [/we] weren’t careful and ended up spying on you guys.” Yukito angrily shouts his disbelief about that that ‘weren’t careful’. Holding Yukito’s shoulder, Ryosuke tells him not to be that angry. Abe asks if Yukito is that angry because Yukito wasn’t able to kiss Kotori. Yukito denies it. To Yukito’s surprise, Ryosuke says that anyway, there is still tomorrow and everyone will be having fun at the matsuri. Yukito exclaims if Ryosuke will also come. Giving Yukito a thumbs up, Ryosuke tells him not to mind. Yukito shouts that he does mind. Natsuke tells Kotori that it’s good that everything turned out okay. Kotori smiles and says, yes. The three friends then walk ahead while the two Kaji-s are walking behind. Yukito wonders out loud about what’s up with those guys. Kotori just happily says that if they don’t hurry up, they would be left behind. He holds her hand and says, “It is okay, let us walk slowly. Don’t want to let them know.” Yukito then bends to kiss a surprised Kotori.

Yay, the two are finally back in each other’s arms again. This time around, they are more open with their feelings, considerate and speak their mind. With communication, things will definitely go smoothly between these two ^^ I really like this cute couple for they have a good balance of innocence and awkwardness but not overly clueless. It is also amusing at how the author can make fun of the characters especially Yukito which provides some laughs. =P Of course, things went smoothly thanks to having awesome friends like they have. The friends ought to pat themselves on the back for a job well done and they pretty much watch over the two until the end. Hehe, I wonder if it is Ryosuke who is giving out ‘comments’ to those two. =P I guess there will be lots of lovey-dovey later on to make up for everything and I hope that the author will also deal a bit with the possible love life of the others. I like this series’ cast ^^ Scans by xiuxiu and 豆芽豆芽 for BW.

Quote of the day:
Feelings are like glass, they can be covered up, changed and even destroyed, but like glass feelings are better when they are made clear. ~ Author Unknown

Barajou no Kiss [Chapter 23]
Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Punishment 23: Pavane* of the Extinct Devil Clan/Race [*According to Britannica, majestic processional dance of the 16th- and 17th-century European aristocracy.] Mutsuki tells Anis that kid is his older brother. [It is confirmed that his brother has heterochromia with red and golden. Mutsuki’s eyes are red.] Anis is shock upon learning that the fake knight, Grey Rose, is Mutsuki’s older brother. Mutsuki says that his brother should already be dead with his own hand and he doesn’t know why his brother is in that kind of form/condition. Mutsuki’s brother says that it is because even if with just one eyeball, one can regenerate although he can only grow up to that degree. While licking some blood on his fingers, Mutsuki’s brother says, “The process didn’t turn out okay, my younger brother, ‘Kuesu*’.” [It is read as ‘Ques(t)’] Anis realizes that is Mutsuki’s real name. She shouts at the kid about hurting Mutsuki when he is his brother. The brother laughs and says this generation’s rose princess only has an imposing manner [or being spirited]. He tells her that it is because his younger brother is stupid [/dumbstruck/confused] that he has to confirm things. Holding out his hand, the kid asks what the Dark Stalker’s mission is. While Anis notices that Mutsuki is acting strangely, Mutsuki says, “Become a Rose Knight in order to attain the Rose Princess. Release the seal, so that we, the Dark Stalkers, can once again attain in our hands the power of the devil. (To turn the world into darkness and revive the extinct clan.)” Anis asks what that meant. The kid asks if she didn’t know that seal refers to the seal that she and the others have, the ‘rose seal’, and that ‘devil’ thing is originally the strong power that is controlled by the emperor of the ‘Dark Stalkers’. Anis realizes what that so-called ‘devil’ actually is. It seems that Mutsuki is walking towards his brother as his brother says that he hopes that Mutsuki would get that thing back. Anis realizes that the one who made Mutsuki act strangely at a certain period of time is because of the Grey Rose. A strong wind seems to be hindering Anis from calling out and stop Mutsuki from leaving. [She called him ‘Mutsuki’ first then ‘Kuesu’] She then remembers Mutsuki telling her that he has always been sleeping alone and he killed his brother. She wonders where his ‘refuge’ is. Mutsuki then calls his brother, “Yokuto”. Yokuto happily approaches Mutsuki and hugs him. “Ah ah.. you remembered.. Kuesu.. that’s right, we possess what can be considered as an proud noble lineage, living in darkness, leaders of all imperial family, so now, join me in accomplishing the ‘mission’--”

Looking serious, Mutsuki uses his strings to get Yokuto away from him. Mutsuki declares, “I am Anis’ ‘Black Rose Knight’. Disappear..departed spirit.” Yokuto is furious over this rejection. Anis happily exclaims, “Mutsuki..!” Mutsuki mutters for her to call him more frequently like that. He wants her to call it out more intensely because every time she uses her lips to call him that, it becomes his name. Irked and angry, Yokuto shouts if Mutsuki thinks that he can use that tone of voice towards him, his elder brother. He then made his monsters grow to attack Mutsuki but Mutsuki is shielded by ‘rose barriers’. Holding on to Anis, Mitsuru says, “Can you please not touch other people’s things as you please?” [Translator jokes that Mutsuki’s wife(?) has come to save him =P] Mitsuru tells Anis that she forget something. He takes out her cards and put them on her lips to kiss. Poof! The gang is all here. Seiran asks Anis if she is alright. Kaede pulls out his katana and tells Mutsuki to leave things to them. Narration: “That’s right, (we have ties) bonded by thorns which at times hurt us. Also, that kind of pain isn’t something that could make us become afraid because that is part of our Rose Contract.” *insert group pose* Mitsuru comments to Mutsuki that his older brother is cute. Mutsuki says that they are coming out one after another, do they plan on starting a party. Kaede asks, ha, then how about he [Mutsuki] go dance first. Seiran exclaims that he is very good in dancing. Anis thinks that is how it is, even if they don’t have the same idea/opinion. She tells them to go [fight]. Yokuto is unfazed that all four rose knights are together. Summoning his monsters, Yokuto shouts to Anis that since she already has four, how about giving his younger brother back to him. He is surprised when his monsters started to turn into powder/dust. From above, someone tells the Grey Rose that he used too much of his power. And out comes gothic girl Ella [formerly Aila] carried by her butler knight, Touda. Ella asks Yokuto to please not forget that he is a ‘Fake’ knight. Yokuto laments at how troublesome this body is. Ella greets Anis and says that she has something to inform her. Ella tells Anis that she has copied Anis in starting to collect the cards. Ella shows her Arcana cards to Anis. Anis is shock that Ella already has 8 cards. She starts doing the math and realizes that there are only 12 cards left. She frantically thinks that if those cards are taken, they cannot re-do the seal. Ella starts giggling about how that just gave Anis a headache. Holding one of the cards, Ella says that it will be utterly boring if the gap between them is too big so today, she is going to give them one of the cards. Anis is surprised by this. Ella fly up in the sky then goes to Kaede. Holding out the card to him, Ella says, “I give it to you ♡” Ella whispers to him, “•Kaede-•kun (with emphasis on the name), give this as a gift to Anis, okay?” Kaede grabs the card and tensely says, “..you..?” Ella, with her Rose knights, bid goodbye to everyone and that they’ll play again some other time. Just before Yokuto leaves, he calls out to Mutsuki that Mutsuki will know soon what true desire is. “I will come and get you again..” No reaction from Mutsuki.

At a grand dining hall, wearing a borrowed outfit, Anis is forced to eat a piece of bread piece by piece as it is dictated by Mitsuru’s eating etiquette. She asks Mitsuru asks if in his family, one has to change outfit just to eat. Sitting at the head of the table, Mitsuru says, of course. Anis really wants to just grab the bread and leave. She glances at Mutsuki who is sitting at her side. She asks if his wounds are a bit okay. Wearing a really nice black suit, Mutsuki says, ya and because of the ‘first awakening’, most of his wounds are healed. He tells her that the rest are healed by Mitsuru while he changed clothes. Mitsuru goes on sparkling speech mode that Mutsuki got those wounds because of Anis and since he [Mitsuru] is so jealous over it, he made those wounds totally disappear. Kaede then complains that for them to be like this, it is really hard to talk. Still wearing their servant clothes, Kaede and Seiran are sitting at the other end of the long table. =P Mitsuru just says, “really?” Anis thinks that Mitsuru is still bullying those two. Mitsuru says that for them to sit too near, it would seem as if they are family and he feels uncomfortable. Anis asks him what kind of family is this. At the living room, Mitsuru asks what Mutsuki’s ‘last memory’ is originally all about. “That memory”--..” Anis exclaims in surprise if Mitsuru knew about it early on. Mitsuru laughs and says yes. While holding on Mutsuki’s head and Mutsuki looks a bit irritated, Mitsuru says that he sees it in the screen of images that has always been taken out from Mutsuki’s brain. Anis is totally shock as she thinks, “What brain?!” Mitsuru says that regarding that ‘awakening’, he thinks that surely now, Mutsuki would remember a lot more things. Mitsuru asks if that is the reason why he hid Anis’ cards. Anis exclaims in surprise for Mitsuru said she forgot those cards when it turns out that Mitsuru.. Anis then says that the truth is the cards are in the apron that she tossed away. Sparkling, Mitsuru tells Anis to please punish him. Angry and embarrassed, Anis turns around and exclaims that she doesn’t want to. Anis asks Mutsuki could he tell them the details. Mutsuki thinks that it is something people don’t need to know since it is a very dark past but then, if it isn’t understand/known, things won’t end. Mutsuki decides to tell them by saying that he’ll start from long ago during the generation just when that Yellow Rose incident happened [when]. “My elder brother- Yokuto is the Black Rose knight.” Flashback: Outside a huge palace, with a half-moon hanging overhead, Kuesu stood in a garden filled with roses. Yokuto suddenly hugged him from behind and asked, “Did you know? The first generation Rose Princess who sealed the devil is the lover of the first generation Black Rose.” Kuesu took Yokuto’s arm off him and said that he knows. Kuesu promptly throws Yokuto over to the ground. While clapping-wipe his hands and looking at Yokuto who says that it hurts, Kuesu said, “So, for us, Dark Stalkers, obtaining the Rose Princess is— conventional, or rather as the famous Black Rose knight, right? You, why do you come here today?” Narration: “The elders always believe that [my] kind brother is unfit whether as the clan’s head or as a Rose Knight. Hence, they forced me to be separated from my brother and made me undergo strict training to become the successor.” Yokuto told Kuesu that it is rare for them to meet so how about Kuesu treating him a bit nicer. “We are interdependent brothers, right?” Stepping on his brother lightly, Kuesu asked him again what’s up. With a soften expression, Yukuto asked, “--..you, if it’s you, you’ll be capable of shooting for the Rose Princess’ heart, right?” Kuesu seemed to look surprise about that. Then Kuesu told his brother not to say it in such a tacky way for it is better to say it as stealing away. Yokuto sighed and asked if that is so. Still lying on the ground, Yokuto said, “If something happens to me, carry on what you have to do,---Kuesu. *closing eyes* I cannot do that— because in this way, I deeply love her. (My Rose Princess)”

Since most series would save the past of the mysterious character for last, I do find it odd that this series is tackling it here already. ^^; But then, there is still about the deal like experiments and ‘ownership’ between Mutsuki and Mitsuru. =P From the looks of it, Mutsuki does seem have a major role here and I think it is a love triangle between him and Kaede for Anis. Mutsuki’s advantage seems to increase aside from the fact that Anis do seem to have romantic feelings for him, it turns out that there is a ‘history’ between the Rose Princess and the Black Rose Knight. I’m wondering though if there is some sort of quarrel between the two ‘originals’ or the seal is a proof of their love. If it’s a quarrel, then probably that is why the Rose Princess sealed off the Dark Stalker’s source of power. I’m assuming that the position of the Black Rose is always reserved for the Dark Stalkers. If it is a proof of love, could it be that the original Black Rose decides to sacrifice ‘darkness/power’ for the Rose Princess? I’m thinking that Mutsuki could be critical and needed for both sides. If the seal does give way, Mutsuki would be able to ‘control’ that power, right? That is probably why the antagonists would need him and probably a reason why Schwartz helped in resurrecting Yokuto. Schwartz has been dropping hints about ‘contradictions’. Speaking of that, I wonder if Yokuto’s other eye is from Touda’s eye since he is wearing an eyepatch. For the protagonist side, I think it should be alright for Mutsuki to control the power if the seal breaks unless of course that power can corrupt someone though so it is still necessary to find those cards and seal it off. Anyway, I guess that will all be clarified later on. As for Kaede, it does seem that Ella is interested in him or plan to use him against Anis. I think Kaede should more or less know who Ella really is and well, she is giving him hints, too. I wonder why he hasn’t told this suspicion to Anis. Is he just caught up with things happening so fast or there is no opportunity for him to tell her about it? Somehow, I feel that Seiran is currently being let out of the story because he doesn’t seem to have any critical role anymore but more of a ‘side character’. Is it because his story is over?

I really have a feeling that the author is making things up as she goes along with the story since the flow of the story seems to a hodgepodge elements from other series I’ve read before and well, they are guaranteed to be fangirl baits to lure readers =P It is either that or the author is trying to be funny with all the cliches that are being tossed in the story. I mean, in what series can you find = school stuff, reincarnation-like stuff, knights with powers protecting girl, Arcana cards, sealing some devil seal, rose princess with father issues, cute mascot, singing idols, dark prince with angst past, S&M narcissist overly rich sempai, shota homunculi, handsome boy-next-door-type katana-wielding friend who have a one-side love with the lead girl, weirdo gothic Lolita with a butler-looking attendant, shota with a brother complex, S[adist] father mad scientist, and etc in one series. It does seem to be really all messed up ^^;; Most of those characters can easily be found in most other series or even, main characters of other series =P But even if it is nothing really new, what this series had going for it is it is really entertaining that one can just go with the flow and not really take it seriously..also the eyecandy art helps ^^ Speaking of eyecandy, I must say that I really love Mutsuki’s suit here. If I remember correctly, he always wears his school uniform or that usual black outfit of his. I guess I should thank Yokuto for ruining that outfit so that Mitsuru would be forced to dress Mutsuki more nicely. I cannot help but wonder though what Mitsuru is thinking for he just made Mitsuru more good looking than before. In my eyes, not sure about Anis, he outshines Mitsuru =P Hehe, it seems that the other guys in this chapter cannot get their hands off Mutsuki either ^^;; Scans by AMH字幕組/ayamicd.

Quote of the day:
Truths and roses have thorns about them. ~ Henry David Thoreau