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2. Do not hotlink the images!!
3. Scans are in the title links below, just click the title of the series. These are Chinese scanlations. 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. New Archive: There are now tags in tatsukida.blogspot.com. Only chapters that have no scanlation as of 06/13/11 are posted there.
7. Teasers are usually from Jap raws, not meant to be accurate because I can't read Japanese.
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About this blog:
I usually write about the manga that I'm currently reading. At times, I write about the anime I watched. Since it is hard to share and talk my thoughts about a certain manga series when people don't know about it, I tend to summarize them from Chinese scanlations so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. I'm partly doing this to improve my Chinese. ^^ Feel free to point out my mistakes. ^^ Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things.

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

Final Fantasy 13

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*Archive with tags @ blogger*

2011

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

Image hosting by Photobucket, Imageshack, and Xtupload.

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

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

To God Be the Glory! \(^^)/

What's On This Page~~
Monday, August 1, 2011

Akuma to Love Song 89-90 Barajou no Kiss 34 Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta 48 Chitose Etc 30 Faster Than A Kiss 45 Hadashi de Bara wo Fume 47 Kaichou wa Maid-sama! 62 Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru 23-24 Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu 88 and 89 Kurobara Alice 20-21 and 22-23	Mei-chan no Shitsuji 105 Ojousama wa Oyomesama 81 Ookami-heika no Hanayome 23 Reimei no Arcana 27 Stardust★Wink 31 Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun 19 The One 79 Vampire Knight 74 Yoshiwara Hana Oboro 1

Kurobara Alice [Chapters 22-23]
Saturday, July 30, 2011

The next day, Alice wakes up, takes a shower and leaves. She returns home. Everyone welcome her back and asks where she went. She is puzzled when they stop talking and seem to look at her. She apologizes that they weren’t able to sleep because they are worried about her. She admits that she went to see Kouya and went to some familiar places. She doesn’t want to go back so she drank some tea at Kouya’s place. The three guys just look at her as she struggles to make an explanation. Kai interrupts and says that it is okay that she is safe. He asks her if she wants to eat something. She says that she isn’t hungry. She apologizes again and says that she wants to go to sleep. The guys just look quiet. Later on, Kai brings in some food for Alice. Alice starts crying and apologizes to him. He asks why. She shakes her head and says that it won’t happen twice. To her surprise, he tells her that she spent the whole night with Kouya and they know what they did because there is a scent which can be smelled by vampires. He tells her that he already told her to go see Kouya if she wants to. Does she like Kouya? He tells her not to breed anymore and go to Kouya. Alice shouts that she is mistaken, and she always realized it afterwards. She liked Kouya two years before but she knows that she is no longer Azusa, and like before, she cannot just only think of loving Kouya since she no longer has that feeling of wanting to abandon everything for him. The current her cannot go back to the past her. Kai says that isn’t Kouya still the same as before. Alice says that she thought that if only Kouya lives, he will be happy and no matter what. He will forget about her and live a happy life. She always believed that what she did is for Kouya but it is a one-sided wish and she did something that, only she, wanted to do, without thinking what will happen on that other side. She belittled Kouya’s feelings for her. If it was the past her, she would have been intoxicated within his embrace but last night, it wasn’t like that. Her conscience is bothering her yet she couldn’t resist and it is a necessity that she takes responsibility. She feels like she has betrayed not only Kouya’s feelings but everyone’s. Whether if it is for whom, why is it that she wasn’t able to do something. Kai sadly tells her to forget it since in man and woman relationships, in this world as to who it is for, in the end, it is for oneself. Everyone is like that. Alice tells him that she won’t see Kouya again nor go to the store again. If he goes to the store, they are to tell him that she returned to her home country. She says that it would be great if everything had never happened. [Then, a couple of pages are missing but from the Japanese scans, I think Kai suggests about erasing Kouya’s memory using a familiar. Dimitri is in bed and looks at the cross-blade necklace.]

At the store, Kai praised Reiji over the fruit cake he made. Reiji seems to say that he forgot something. Kai says that it should be okay since Reiji put in a lot of fruits already. Reiji says that he feels odd like he is stepping on cotton, his body is cold and headache. Kai asks if he is sick but that don’t happen to vampires. Then, Kouya comes back and asks where Azusa is. Kai asks whom he is referring to. Kouya tells him not to pretend being dumb, it is that girl whom they call as ‘Alice’. Kai tells him not to call her in a different way and Alice has already returned back to her country, to Germany. Kouya says that it is a lie since she cannot even say the language. Kai insists that Alice isn’t there and she won’t come back there. Kouya accuses them of locking her up. Reiji tells Kouya to be careful of the things he is saying else, they’ll call the police. He says that they didn’t force him out because they pity him. Kouya exclaims if they think that there is something wrong with him but Alice admitted that she is Azusa. The twins just glare at him. Kai tells him that no matter what he thinks, Alice isn’t there anymore and he won’t see her again, that is reality. Later on, as they lock up the store, Kai wonders what Alice said that made Kouya told them that she is Azusa. He thinks that guy is really persistent in this wild goose chase. Reiji says that from the start, Kouya is like that. He thought that a ‘bewitching woman’ isn’t like a different girl, and Alice is like that, totally bewitching. As they leave, they didn’t notice that Kouya is watching them. Kouya follows them back to the house. At the house, while eating, Alice looks at Dimitri who is watching her. Alice asks him what it is, as if he wants to say something. Dimitri says no, he is only thinking of inviting her out but she might refuse again. Alice thinks that Kouya’s house is nearby and it will be bad if they see each other again. She obviously wanted to say that ‘it is already over’. She tells him that she wants to go to a faraway place. Dimitri looks surprised and asks if it is only the two of them. Alice says that it is okay whether it is him or Reiji. She suggests that maybe separating from the others and having some ‘two people’ time together, she might see ‘something’ in them. The guys look surprise at her. She says that she knows that all of them are good guys so it is necessary that she has an answer for the three of them, as if she is going to do a little test. To Alice’s surprise, Reiji comments that she is like a teacher to say ‘a little test’. Then, the door bell starts ringing endlessly. Kai opens the door and is surprised to see Kouya. He asks why he is there. Kouya says that he followed him and from the people nearby, she is still there. Kai tries to stop him when Kouya starts calling for Azusa and where is she locked up. Reiji suggests that Alice go hide. Kai continues to tell Kouya that no one is locked up and to leave is her wish. Kouya tells him that she has no reason to abandon him and aside from them, there is no other reason. He shouts who they are to her and what have they done to her. Dimitri walks by and tells Alice if this is her type, a passionately sick man. When he was 18 years old, he is already very mature and being pure like that, it’s gone early on. This made Alice flustered. While Dimitri heads to the door and Reiji telling her to hide, Alice tells him that she’ll go make Kouya leave because this is her responsibility.

Dimitri tells Kouya that that he is too noisy when it is his first time to visit someone else’s house, so he should at least-- Dimitri is surprised when Alice suddenly shouts what he is doing there all of a sudden. Dimitri turns around to see Alice looking angry. She tells Kouya if he is sick or something, and is he mistaken over something. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with him anymore so she said that she’s going back to her country. She tells him to be more sensitive and he is like a stalker with what he is doing. She grabs his hand and pulls him out of the house. Outside, Alice closes the door behind her. Irritated Kouya asks why her attitude is like that now and isn’t this the same as two years ago wherein she accepted him then for some unknown reason, she wants to abandon him. Clenching his fist, he says that he knows that even if she didn’t say anything, there is a reason for it. But, right now, he won’t be nice and just let her go without a care. He stops his outburst upon seeing Alice serious expression. Alice tells him that she pitied him upon hearing the story of his deceased lover. That is why she wants to comfort him by accompanying him because he is very pitiful. But, she doesn’t plan on always doing that. Why does he think that she is Azusa, and if he calmly think about it, it is impossible so why don’t he wake up. Kouya tensely says that he knows that it is very strange and impossible but at the same that it is possible that she is Azusa since she knows his name and paid attention to his eyesight. Alice says that perhaps she is just being meddlesome and it would be better for him to forget about the past. Everyone lives like that. Whether how one loses so many precious things, so many loved ones, it is a necessity for one to treat them as the past and continue to live on. Time continues to move and the ‘present self’ will become someone who is different from the ‘past self’. Kouya says that Azusa will say that. Alice says that everyone would say that. She tells him not to use that reason and towards someone whom he cannot forget, he had sex with her. Even if he is prepared to be whole hearted about it, in the end, he made a move on some other girl, and got his feelings all mixed up. Kouya denies it but Alice says that it isn’t a bad thing since anyone would have done that. Kouya insists that his feelings aren’t like that. Alice says that this is a good opportunity, to make the past into the past, and continue on living. Kouya calls her Azusa, and says that it isn’t like that. Stern-looking Alice tells him not to call her by the name of someone who is already dead. While Kouya is stunned, Alice bids him goodbye and to take care. Alice goes back in the house. After a few moments, the door opens again and Kouya enters. While the other guys are there, Kouya calls out to Alice and says that he understands, he’ll go back for today but if she gets pregnant, contact him since she doesn’t have any contraceptive. He says that he is just a bit worried about that, and goodbye. Alice and the other guys are shock at what he said. Kai quickly goes to Kouya and punches him down. Kai says that no matter what had happened to Kouya, he is really a despicable guy. “Don’t let me see you ever again!!” Kai then slams the door shut. After some awkward silence, Dimitri heads upstairs. Alice calls for him but he didn’t listen. Reiji also walks back in the kitchen. Kai tells Alice that she should go.

In her room, Alice mutters Dimitri’s name. She becomes flustered when Kai says that is right, her taste in men is really bad since she liked that kind of guy. She tells him that from the start, they aren’t the cause, it is her mistake. Kai says that when one grows up, they will encounter all sorts of influences. Meeting good people, then it is a good influence. If it is bad people, then it is bad influence. In front of other men, Kouya would even say such things to the person he likes, he isn’t a decent man. “No matter how you cover up for him, I hate that person. No matter what happens, it won’t change. Throughout my life, I won’t forgive him.” After a pause, Kai says that a vampire’s ‘life’ is quite long so he’s saying it ahead. Alice sadly smiles then says that in the end, it would be good if she had confessed to everyone about what happened on that day. This is the worst way for them to know about it. Kai tells her to forget it since they had already vaguely noticed it. Alice says that it isn’t the same with hearing it from Kouya. Kai says that she mentioned about a little test. Even if it is different from being alone together like she has mentioned, this is also a test. ‘What one will do, after a mistake made by the girl one likes and some other man.’ Kai asks her what those two guys would do. Alice says he’s ruthless. Kai says that the vampire’s breeding is also very ruthless and there is no harm in this kind of test. Alice asks if that is so. In his room, Reiji is feeling really ill as he remembers what Kouya shouted earlier. His head hurts and he is breathing hard. He remembers saying, “-Kai, why.. I’ve trusted you.” Then, Reiji is startled by a gun shot. Reiji wonders if it is a memory. At the living room, Kai serves some food to Alice and tells her to quickly become a beautiful woman and how could a queen-sama be ugly. Alice says that she isn’t a queen. Kai says that didn’t she say that she will test liking them and talk about love with them so she should just think that this is a new start. While watching them, Reiji remembers the memory earlier. Then, he remembers someone saying, ‘Reiji. I’m sorry. But..’ Reiji is surprised that there is a gun shot and a splatter of blood. Then, he ‘sees’ himself holding a rifle, while Kai is bleeding on the floor. Reiji looks at laughing Kai, then he quickly turns around and goes upstairs. He bumps on Dimitri but he keeps on going upstairs. Dimitri is a bit puzzled. Alice sees Dimitri and says that she has to apologize. He asks why. Dimitri is surprised when Alice says that she knows that this body is very important to him, it is someone he loves, the body of his beloved Agnieska, and yet, she had stained this body. She should have considered his feelings. She doesn’t want him to forgive her, and she can only apologize. Dimitri interrupts her and says that she startled him. He didn’t know why she is apologizing and she unexpectedly says those things. He says that of course that body is very important but ‘Agnieska’, why is that. Early on, he felt that her reaction is very strange so it turns out that she is always acting as Agnieska for him. He asks her what she wants to do after she apologizes, is she prepared to do something to compensate him. Dimitri holds up his hand to her and says, “Come here, Agnieska.”

Alice is tense but she walks to him. She holds his hand and they are about to kiss. Dimitri asks why she come when the one she called is Agnieska. This surprises Alice. Dimitri asks if she thinks she is Agnieska, and does she think that is how he sees her. So, that is how she has always been thinking about him. Dimitri slaps her hard that she falls on the floor. Kai shouts what he is doing. Dimitri tells Alice what is this about ‘staining’, it doesn’t matter for that body fundamentally, isn’t a virgin. He tells her that the first time he had sex with Agnieska, others will know. [<-Hm..I think it is missing an ‘if’, because I don’t recall them doing that.] And no matter what, he won’t hit Agnieska because she is nobility and he is a wanderer [/gypsy]. “I’ve done my best to give up on her, and come to like you but it seems that I wasn’t able to convey this to you, even for a little bit. There will be no second time for this kind of thing!” Dimitri goes upstairs. Kai tries calling him to no avail. Alice is still stunned while her face still stings from the slap. Kai goes to Dimitri’s bedroom and says that he is too cruel for throwing a childish tantrum to that degree. Kai tells him that he is such an awful guy. While packing his things on a luggage, Dimitri says that he knows that from the very start. Kai asks where he is going since he is packing. Dimitri says that he will live that place and given the situation, he might not be coming back. Whatever happens, they can stay there and just do whatever they like. Kai exclaims what he is saying and where he is going. Dimitri says that he’s going to Hokkaido. Before, he had made a promise with a girl at Otaru, and if she grew up peacefully, she would be of the appropriate age right now. Kai asks if he is abandoning Alice. Dimitri says that he is doing this for everyone. As Dimitri heads out, Kai chases after him and asks if he is serious. And, what’s with that Hokkaido, it is so sudden. Alice overhears this and a door slamming. Alice goes out and asks what’s with Dimitri. Kai nervously says that Dimitri is going on a trip and soon, he’ll be back. Kai tells her that Dimitri is having a childish tantrum that he suddenly said that he had a girl whom he promised with, before, at Hokkaido. This made Alice to quickly run out and call to Dimitri who is already out the gate. She asks him if he is really going to Hokkaido, why and is he coming back. Dimitri asks how could he, for the possibility of breeding successfully isn’t zero if things turn out smoothly. Alice exclaims that she knows she made a mistake for committing such a sin. She already regrets it, can he please forgive her. He is surprised when Alice starts crying and still asking for his forgiveness. This softens Dimitri’s heart. He asks her how could he not forgive her, he already did. No matter what she does or say, he’ll forgive her. But, it is still better for him to leave that place for her and for Kouya. Dimitri tells her that he has the ability to kill someone even without touching the person. He’s different from the twins and it is a hateful ability. At that time, he was really furious that he almost had used that ability on Kouya. Dimitri admits that if Kai didn’t hit Kouya, he would have already killed him. Kouya might come back and he might not be able to control his anger so it is for the best that he leaves and go to a far away place, or else, he will really kill Kouya next time.

Dimitri tells her that if she likes Kouya, she can go with him. Tell Kouya everything and he [Kouya] who had successfully found her will live happily together. Kouya will die anyway after some years and she can just come back here again to breed. At that time, the twins will definitely still stay in that place. She asks about him. Dimitri tells her that he is popular and he made a lot of preparations if it is about breeding. Alice tries to tell him about what she thinks of Kouya but Dimitri keeps on interrupting by telling her to do what she wants and become happy for it must have pained her that she was snatched away from that side. Holding her face, Dimitri says that this isn’t for her, but he will be more relaxed by saying this, because he is satisfied with living. While Alice is trying to tell him that she actually.., Dimitri kisses her. Alice cries and holds his face. After kissing, Dimitri hugs her and says, “I like you, Alice. ..farewell.” He turns to leave and Alice calls out to him. Dimitri just walks away. Later on, it starts to rain and Alice is still standing in front of the gate. Kai goes out and tells her to go in the house else she catches a cold. Kai notices that she is crying. He asks her what Dimitri told her. He assures her that Dimitri will come back. Alice covers her face and bends down to sob. Kai gives her a hug. From the window, Reiji looks at them with a dark look. Later on, in the room, Kai asks Alice if she is alright. She mutters that it seems that the place had become quiet after Dimitri left. When Leo is gone, there is also that silence but this time around, the silence is strange that she feels jittery. This made Kai burst into laughter that it made Alice think that this is the first time she has seen him like that. She sadly says that Reiji has always been avoiding her and couldn’t forgive her but that is inevitable since he has always been doing his best ever since she came there. Kai says that Reiji is like a kid even if he will be 100 years old soon. Alice smiles over that then looks sad again. Kai tells her that since Reiji is that angry, that is proof how much he liked her, after some time, he will definitely forgive her. Kai suggests that they think of some preparations to handle Kouya for if this goes on, he will definitely come back to bother her. Alice says that she knows and she has been thinking of what she should do. In bed, Reiji remembers his past. Flashback: A plain girl lovingly fed Reiji some food. Reiji apologized to Akane [guesswork name based on kanji 茜] for giving her trouble everyday. Akane asked if Kai is arriving late again and is it okay. Reiji laughed and said that it is okay, Kai isn’t a child. Reiji told her that lately, Kai has been selling the drawings, he made on his free time, to a hotel. The owner bought it. Akane said that it is amazing. Reiji said that the price isn’t that high. Akane praised him over his nice drawings and intelligence. Reiji told her that he would want to get well soon to show her that he can earn more money than drawings. Akane giggled. He told her that when their father is still alive, they would go hunting, and he can shoot the gun, better than Kai. Akane asked if that is true. Reiji said that it is. He smiled and told her that he will definitely be healthy, before he becomes 20 years old and afterwards, he’ll make her his wife. “Do you want to?” Akane smiled and said yes, it is a promise. They held each other’s hands. End flashback.

Reiji looks at his hand which held Akane before. Kai knocks and comes in. He asks if he is feeling well. Reiji didn’t answer. Kai asks him up to when he is going to act like that towards Alice. She is hurt and during this time, he should be at her side in order to show his kindness. Reiji asks isn’t Kai more competent in that. Clenching his fist, Kai asks what he is saying, he isn’t suited for this and he is only.. acting as Leo’s replacement. Reiji says that it is a convenient role. Kai tells him that in the end, Alice didn’t choose Leo. Reiji says that after Leo is gone, Alice realized how important he is, it is such a convenient role. Pretending to cooperate and in the end, stealing behind one’s back. Kai is surprised when Reiji says that it seems that this had happened once. Kai tells him that he isn’t thinking of that and Reiji shouldn’t say strange things. Kai goes out of the room and closes the door. Flashback: Akane closed the door to leave. Kai had just returned home and thanked Akane for accompanying Reiji so late at night. He stopped talking upon seeing Akane crying. She asked him if Reiji will really get well and would she really become his bride. Kai looked a bit sad about that. Reiji says that if it is about money, he’ll get the best treatment for Reiji and this way..he’ll definitely.. Crying Akane protested that Reiji’s condition is getting worst and he is already that thin. She is surprised when Reiji suddenly hugged her. Akane pushed him away and apologizes for losing control. Akane bid him goodbye and left. Then, Kai went to see sleeping Reiji. Reiji welcomed him back. Kai asked if he waked him up and did he eat already. Reiji sat up and told him that Akane fed him. He started to cough that that Kai told him to lie down. Kai told him that he brought some food and they can eat tomorrow. Reiji said that he will eat properly or else he will let Akane down. Kai doesn’t look happy about that. End flashback. Kai is quietly standing outside the room. Lying in bed, Alice remembers Dimitri telling her that he is doing his best to give up on Agnieska and like her [Alice], yet he wasn’t able to convey it. Alice reflects that it is because she fears of being tricked that she believed what was written in the diary that Dimitri cannot love any other girls except Agnieska. She believed something that was written 50 years ago rather than the Dimitri who is currently at his side. She thinks that Dimitri could have change as time flows by, and she didn’t ask him anything because she doesn’t want to believe and doesn’t want to be hurt. In two years, her feelings have changed so it is also inevitable that Dimitri’s feelings won’t be the same like before. She remembers Dimitri telling her to go to Kouya and live happily with him who had successfully found her. Alice thinks that Dimitri didn’t notice that her feelings had changed. And he just decided on it on his own without formally asking her. But, it doesn’t matter anymore, she will properly use her mouth to clearly tell him. After Dimitri comes back, she’ll properly do that and before that, she is going to sever with her past.

Reiji is looking out the second floor window, [near the stairs I think]. Kai asks him if he had seen Alice. Reiji says no. Kai wonders if she went out. Kai asks Reiji what he prepared for today since it will be time to open the store soon. It would be better if they live normally like before but Alice.. Kai is surprised when Reiji says that he didn’t know that Kai likes her that much and even if it is like that, it would have been okay if he told him. “Why would you do that little thing behind my back? Isn’t it okay for you to get her afterwards because anyway, I won’t live that long?” Kai looks surprised. Reiji shouts if Kai thinks that stealing her that way, doesn’t matter, and the consequences after it, won’t matter. “Is it because I’ll be dead soon enough?” Flashback: There is an earthquake. Kai wake up then looked at the dining room. Thinking that there are a lot of earthquakes lately, he picked up the broken glass. Then, Akane came in and asked if the twins are okay. Kai told her that it is late and she came barefooted. Akane said that it is because she is very worried that is why she ran there. She said that the earthquake is strong and is everything okay. Kai told her that some things broke but everything is okay. Akane asked about Reiji. Kai said that even if he didn’t go in his room, but he thinks that Reiji ought to be okay if nothing fell and Reiji must be in deep sleep. Akane bent down and offered to clean the glass. Kai lusted blushed at her upon seeing her partially naked chest. It seems that she had hastily put on her robe to get there. Akane told him that that there are a lot of earthquakes that day and it might be like the earthquake 7 years ago. But today, she thought of a silly thing. If a huge earthquake comes, she would want to die with Reiji and then, she won’t worry about that thing she fears the most. She really feared of Reiji dying in front of her eyes. Standing up and calling herself stupid, Akane sought Kai’s assurance that Reiji will get. Kai told her that Reiji can no longer be saved, and there is nothing else can be done for him. What Kai fears the most is for Akane to become like this, after Reiji dies. He wants her to give up on Reiji else, she’ll regret it. Kai confessed that he is always looking at her and he likes her. Even if Reiji dies, there is still him and he can love her more than Reiji does. He can treasure her more that Reiji does so.. Shock Akane asked what he is saying. Kai told her that Reiji can no longer do anything for her. Akane shouted that she didn’t ask Reiji to do something for her and it is okay for him to just get well. Kai shouted back that is just said that is impossible. Then, there is another earthquake that Kai hold on to her. Akane quickly turned away. Closing her robe with her hand, she told him that she is going home but she’ll go see Reiji first. Kai grabbed her sleeve and told her to wait. Kai saw a bit of her chest again. He wasn’t able to stop himself that he hugged Akane tightly. Against Akane’s will, Kai kissed her. While she pleads for him to stop, Kai raped her. End flashback.

Kai nervously asks if Reiji had regained his memories and when did it happen. Reiji tells him to answer his question first, when did he betray him. “When did the two of you started to betray me!” Kai nervously shouts back that no, Akane didn’t do anything wrong. Never once did she betray him, and it is only he, who had betrayed Reiji because from the start, it is always him [Reiji], and the weak him [Reiji] lying there has taken her. “I felt that it is too unfair so I always want to change everything. Even if I had used force, and if only I’ve acted, then definitely it can change. In a flash, that is what I thought..” Flashback: Reiji is walking around the house and saw the messy living room. In the bedroom, Kai apologized to Akane but this feeling is his everything. He will seriously consider it, marry him. Procreate with him and have a family. What Reiji cannot do, he can fulfill. He will stay at her side throughout her life and he will definitely make her happy. Kai caressed crying Akane’s hair. Then, Reiji saw them. Kai said, “Reiji, I’m sorry but..” Reiji had quickly run away even as Kai called him. Akane continued to sob. He told her not to worry, he will explain things to Reiji because she isn’t at fault so leave it to him. Kai heard her muttering. He is shocked to hear that she wishes to die. Spaced out Akane covered herself with her robe and started to walk away. Reiji had come back. She looked at Reiji and started to cry. She said, “..Rei-kun, sorry, I..” She didn’t finish because Reiji had already shot her stomach with a rifle at close range. Kai is totally shock. He went to Akane and called out to her. Kai asked Reiji why he killed Akane. Reiji said that he hit her stomach because if she got pregnant, it will be really bad. While Kai is calling out Reiji’s name, Reiji muttered that he is good that shooting. Trembling and crying, Reiji called out, “-Kai, why.. I’ve trusted you!!” Then, another gun shot rang in the air. That’s it, around 140 pages for two chapters. It seems that this series went on a hiatus before. I’ll say the author is really good with tragic love triangles. It makes me wonder what is more tragic, this one or Dimitri’s. ^^; In a way, Akane got her wish to die at that time. Hm..did Reiji commit suicide afterwards or just died from his illness? I guess the reason, why Kai has been actively helping Reiji with Alice, and helping Alice, is because of his past. It made me think that he is really trying to atone for what he did. It also made me wonder if Kai came to hate himself because of how he punched Kouya who had pretty much did the same thing that he did. Hm..I wonder when did Kai remembered that past or he knew it ever since before. Anyway, it makes me wonder if Alice comes home, the twins will be there or one is dead or they will be both dead. ^^; As for Alice, I think she should have been more forceful in confessing or at least stop Dimitri from leaving. Hm..I guess he ought to come back sooner or later after he cooled down or something. Dimitri has a tendency to do rash things so maybe he’ll change his mind afterwards. I think the recurring theme here, aside from tragic love triangles = being too emotional at ‘the heat of the moment’ is dangerous, is how one can be so hung up on the past that it is destroying their present. Anyway, the way Kouya has been acting and how the other guys tease Alice about her taste in men, it won’t be a surprise if she dumps Kouya. =P Scans by 動漫花園S組.

Word of the day:
When anger lingers in our heart, it poisons all we think and do; But faith seeks ways to show God's love and keeps our spirit strong and true. ~ D. De Haan

Kurobara Alice [Chapters 20-21]
Friday, July 29, 2011

[Hehe, I’ll start from where the scanlation has currently stopped. [Edit: and I should have checked their status first before starting this so I’ll put up these ones first. Just to be sure =P Then the other two chapters, hopefully, tomorrow.] Hehe, this would be a bit like a recap from the teaser I wrote before. The Chinese scanlators had started working on this series again. And, I belatedly noticed that they had indeed stopped doing Sengoku Danshi Hana no Ran.]

Alice decides to leave but she stops because even if she doesn’t want to be asked, she wants to know what happened to him these past two years. Alice asks what he is doing, is he a college student. Kouya asks if she has become interested in him. Alice says no, it is only he is a suspicious person, so she wants to know things about him. He tells her that he isn’t going to school but rather, he is working at a restaurant for his livelihood. Alice wonders why he didn’t go to college when his grades are good. Kouya confirms that he graduated high school, and his eyesight deteriorated from using the computer too much while he locked himself up in his room. Kouya says that since he answered her questions, it is his turn to ask. He asks her what she is doing, if she isn’t working as a pianist, why is she in that store. Kai tells him that Alice is their boss’ younger sister and since their relationship is good, if Alice has extra time, she would go there. Kouya asks which country she is from. Alice replies, Austria. He asks when she came there. Thinking that she couldn’t say 90 years ago, Alice tells him 2 years ago. Kouya repeats that, and it made Alice realize that she made a mistake since it will make Kouya connect her to Azusa. She thinks that she must act calmly towards him. She stands up and tells him that she is troubled by his presence so could he please not come back again. With that, Alice leaves the store. At the house’s living room, Alice thinks that Kouya haven’t changed in the way he talks in teasing one’s inner heart but then, she already died once and is now living a new life. She is curious how Kouya’s life is without Azusa. Then, Kai comes in to talk with Alice. The twins had closed the store early. After declining a cup of tea, Alice apologizes to him for the strange mood earlier. He thanks Kai for the help regarding her past and she will temporarily not go to the store. She asks him what’s the difference between him as a normal human and when he became a vampire. Taking a sit, Kai says that he doesn’t know and it has been nearly 80 years. For him, it is actually like a blur. She asks him if he and Reiji died at the same time during the earthquake. Leo had mentioned this and he told her that they don’t remember their past. Kai says that is right, he doesn’t quite remember what happened before his death and when he noticed it, his body is already lined up with Reiji. He lived in Mishima, Shizuoka. When Alice asks if he wants to go back, Kai sadly says that he doesn’t know what Reiji thinks, but he doesn’t want to go near the place where he lived. Alice is somewhat puzzled by this. He tells her that he doesn’t think that there is anything wrong if she continues to see Kouya since it is because of Kouya that she is like that right now. He wants her to do what things in accordance to what she thinks. If she forces herself, later on, she’ll explode and things will become more difficult. But, if she can sever it, he hopes that she can totally concentrate on the vampire side and that means, consider Reiji. Even if he cannot say much to her but while they were living, Reiji’s body is weak that he is always lying in bed. And whether it is the past or the present, Reiji is still the same kind person, can captivate a girl’s heart like Dimitri, sincere and pure, etc. He feels that Reiji has a right to be happy this time around and he hopes that Reiji gets it. Dimitri watches the two from the side before walking away.

The next morning, Alice is standing in front of the school where she used to work. She recalls her past memories there. Someone calls her ‘sensei’. She turns around and is surprised to see Kouya there. She asks him why he is there. He asks her why she turned around when he called out ‘sensei’ and asks why she is there. Alice says that her house is nearby so she just passed by. He asks again why she turned when he called out ‘sensei’. Alice exclaims that one will naturally turn around if one hears someone calling and why he called her ‘sensei’. Kouya says ‘when you are born’ in German but Alice doesn’t understand it. She is caught since Kouya says that Austrians use German language. Still calling her ‘sensei’, he asks her to correct his German accent since it might have caused her not to understand. He tells her that the more she sees her, the more curious he is because her personality [/facts about her] is different from her appearance. Alice tries to leave but he holds her hand and insists that she answer his questions because he answered hers. Alice looks really tense and tells him to let go. Kouya tells her that if she runs away, he’ll chase after her and does she plan on riding a taxi again. He says that it would have been better if they died together and if someone is to be saved, he wished that it was her, and does she know that it is better if he was the one who died. Alice asks what he is saying and don’t say such strange things. He tells her that he is isn’t living because he wants to live but rather, he doesn’t have the strength to die since he is an immature guy. Alice calls him Ikushima-kun and tells him to stop kidding around and not to talk anymore. Then, Kouya tells her that he isn’t kidding around. She called him Ikushima when he didn’t even once tell her of his name. Alice insists that he said it and maybe he has forgotten. To her surprise, Kouya tells her that he didn’t register his surname and he isn’t Ikushima. His mother had already divorced and since he is with his mother, his surname is changed to ‘Shiraishi’ [白石; guesswork name]. He asks her who she is. Alice looks really tense then she faints. Back at the house, the twins go to Dimitri who is looking out his favorite window. =P They tell her that Alice is missing and probably went out without saying a word. Reiji asks him to use a familiar to look for her. Without turning around, Dimitri says that he’s too noisy when she is gone for a while and won’t she be coming back soon. Reiji asks why he isn’t worried since there seems to be something between them and if Alice sees him, she might waver. Dimitri tells him about letting Alice do what she wants and if not, what does Reiji want to do, keep her in like a dog or to have a familiar to see wherever she goes. He tells her that it is okay for them to choose that method but would Alice like it. The twins cannot answer.

Somewhere else, Alice wakes up on a bed with a wet towel on her forehead. Kouya gives her some water and says that it is probably sunstroke but she did shock him. She asks if this is his house. He says yes. She asks if he lives alone. He tells her to drop it. She is thinking that he has a house near the school then remembers that his mother had divorced. He tells her that he doesn’t go to school because he doesn’t want to go out. His parents will always have poker face as if they were quarreling and in the end, they divorced. He planned to stay with his mother but he ends up renting a place. It is natural to ‘do something while living’. He then starts telling her about her romance with his teacher. Then, they quarreled over something and she rode a taxi. He went with her and there is that accident. He blames himself for that. Alice exclaims that it isn’t so, and anyone would know that. He says that if he didn’t chase after her, she wouldn’t have ridden on that taxi. He goes on with this self-blame and wished that he died. Alice thinks that it is her fault and it wasn’t easy to save [him] and yet he would think like this. She shouts for him to find happiness and live on, forget the past. He tells her that everyone says that. Alice says that it is because he is saved and that person [Azusa] would have also thought so, too. He tells her that he doesn’t believe it and it is better to die then everything will be over. Living hurts and he wants Azusa to teach him again. She is so awful that only he is living forever in this hell. Alice is stunned by that. Kouya apologizes for saying such things to her when it has nothing to do with her and it will just cause her trouble. It is because he thought that it is his teacher playing the piano when he heard her play. Of course, it is impossible and he is all alone in this world. He doesn’t believe in reincarnation and even so, her age is too big. He had always thought that his teacher will come back and it seems that there is something wrong with his head. He asks if her body is alright and won’t there be any trouble on her way back. Trembling, Alice says she is okay. She apologizes for not being able to help. She bids him goodbye and heads to the door. He then says that even if she is someone else, can he say a couple of things. Regarding what Azusa said about waiting for two years, he would have said that it is okay for it isn’t suitable for her to be with a child like him. He would have wait no matter how many years for he wants to become a better man than anyone else, so that she would still choose him. So, he wants to say, ‘it is okay to break up now’. Kouya notices that Alice has break down crying. He asks her why she is crying. Alice keeps on apologizing and mentions Kouya’s name. Kouya calls her Azusa and she looks at him. He asks if she is Azusa. This surprises her. He tells her that he waited for two years and this time around, can she trust him. He kisses her and pushes her gently down on the floor. Remembering Dimitri, Alice shouts for him to stop and let go for she is no longer Kikukawa Azusa. But, Kouya won’t stop. Soon, it is night. While Dimitri is still looking out at his favorite window, Kai asks him if it is really okay not to use a familiar and if he is worried, he should use it. Dimitri asks if he is going to do it, he might see something that he doesn’t want to see. And unluckily, he isn’t a guy who has a huge tolerance. Reiji seems to be lost in thought when he cut a piece of orange in half. And in Kouya’s room, he had sex or rather raped Alice.

Kouya seems to be a tragic character. I guess he is the type who cannot move on after the death of a love one. It would really make Alice regret doing what she did for him. If it weren’t for their past, he would seem to be a stalker. It seems that Dimitri has slightly mellowed down after all the years else he might act irrationally. But, it isn’t enough for him to control himself if he ‘sees’ that. Well, the things that I want to say are actually for the next part. =P Scans by 動漫花園S組

Word of the day:
Only God can fill the emptiness of the human heart. ~ Our Daily Bread

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 45]
Friday, July 29, 2011

And, after the long summer vacation, the second school term starts. And in every year of a high schooler’s life, it is finally the last Panda High’s Cultural Festival. In the classroom, Fumino fiercely exclaims her ‘Welcome!’ to the customers. Her friends say that she is doing it way over-the-top and it should be ‘Welcome, master♡’ The others tell her not to be embarrassed, and her outfit suits her. Fumino blushes and tells them that they are too noisy. Section 3-C is doing a maid cafe. After going around and advertising their store, Kazuma peeks in the room and asks how they are doing. He is wearing a placard on his body about their store. He is delighted to know that they have a lot of customers. Fumino’s friends tell him that is true because there are a lot of cute maids serving the customers. Sayo notices that Fumino is hiding behind them. She pushes Fumino out and tells Kazuma to look, Fumino looks really cute. Fumino blushes over this as she calls out to what Sayo is doing. She blushes even redder when Kazuma smiles and says that it really suits her. Her friends gush over how cute Fumino is to be blushing upon letting Kazuma see her in a maid uniform. Fumino mentally tells them that it isn’t so because she had wore an even more daring maid uniform at home. And, before she left for school, Kazuma made her attend to him by feeding him some strawberries. So, when she thought of that, it made her blush and she angrily kicks Kazuma’s butt. Ken asks Kazuma if he has seen section B’s store. Since they are ‘neighbors’, they have become rivals. Fumino and others look out to see a long line at section B’s butler cafe. As one of the male cooks, Ken says that even if their customers are different but their menu should be more or less the same. While they were wondering why section B is popular, they hear a loud scream. It turns out that a lot of their customers are Shoma’s fangirls. Kazuma smiles and says that Shoma is quite popular. They tell him that this isn’t the time to smile. Kazuma decides to go out again to advertise their store again. Ken gives him a bowl of food for the customers’ free taste of their food. Kazuma likes that idea. After he left, Fumino remembers that in the last year’s cultural festival, she first met Shoma and their relationship in those days is not that special, and she doesn’t know anything about Kazuma. While helping in the kitchen, Fumino thinks that she couldn’t see him because Kazuma is in charge of going out and advertise their store. She wonders if she is too willful to think of wanting to spend it together with Kazuma, her last cultural festival.

At the school grounds, Teppei, together with Ryu and Retsu, arrive and calls out to Kazuma. While hugging Teppei, Kazuma asks why Retsu is there. Retsu asks what is it, can’t outsiders go to a cultural festival. Kazuma tells them to behave while there. Ryu and Retsu are surprised when someone happily calls out to Kazuma. It is Meg who tells him that she’ll walk the customers to their store. Retsu giggles that Kazuma had sneaked in a real maid. Kazuma tells him that she is a student. Retsu is surprised to hear this. Aghast Shoma appears and reprimands Meg for showing off her looks shamelessly. Meg says that it is a festival. While Retsu is praising Meg’s full chest and Meg thanking him, Kazuma asks Shoma if it is his break when it seems that they are very busy. Shoma says that it is quite troublesome but if their performance is worse than section C, it will irritate him. He also says that no matter what, he doesn’t want to lose to his brother. Kazuma tells him that the cultural festival belongs to the student so it has nothing to do with winning against him. Looking at the side, Shoma notices Fumino coming towards them with some food for Kazuma. With a twinkle in his eye, Shoma says that he is right. Quickly grabbing Fumino to him, Shoma says that they as STUDENTS, should enjoy the cultural festival. While Fumino shouts for him to wait and where they are going, Shoma tells her that it is a cultural festival date. He made Fumino toss the food for Kazuma, which was caught by Meg. Retsu asks Kazuma if this is alright. Kazuma says that it isn’t about being alright or not because this is his job. Retsu says is that so. Patting Kazuma’s shoulder, Retsu tells him that in this kind of cultural festival, bad kids will get in so if there are any quarrels, just call him since it is convenient for him to get [/recruit] capable people from there.. “But, right now, if someone has seen your face, they would have been shocked and ran away. *Kazuma is surprised* But, this is your JOB, sensei!” At the hallway, while Shoma is still holding her hand and leading her away, Fumino shouts what’s up with him all of a sudden. Shoma says that they are on a date. Fumino tells him that she still has work. Then, she sees Yoru and Hanai. She asks for their help. Hanai asks what they are doing. To Fumino’s surprise, Shoma says that they are on a date so can he borrow Fumino for a while. Fumino exclaims of course not because they are very busy. She asks her friends to tell Shoma that is true. Yoru had an idea. To Fumino’s shock, Yoru tells her to go and properly enjoy the date. Flustered Fumino exclaims why. Yoru whispers to her to consider this a special task wherein she is not to bring Section B’s brains-in-charge back to his section so that section C will win. Fumino understands it but she is still hesitating. Shoma drags her away and says that they should go for she got permission.

While walking around holding hands, Fumino wants to run away but she couldn’t. While Shoma is looking at a flyer, Fumino hopes that people won’t be mistaken about them but she already notices that a lot of girls are envious of her and giving her glares. Freaking out, Fumino tells Shoma to let her hand go, and she won’t run away. And also, if his motive is to tease Kazuma, he currently isn’t around. To her surprise, Shoma says that it isn’t, it isn’t his motive to tease his brother for this is his will [/wish]. Puzzled Fumino asks what that is..is it purely because he wants to tease her. This made Shoma crumple the flyer. After a pause, Shoma shouts that is right, he really hates her. Fumino angrily shouts what he just said. At the side, Meg came to check on them. She pouts and wonders what Shoma is doing. Later on, while still walking around with Fumino, Shoma glances at her and asks if right now, she is thinking that if only she is on a date with Kazuma. Fumino is surprised that he knew. Shoma tells her that too bad, in reality, it is impossible. Fumino shouts that it is alright. Then, she wonders if it is an impossible dream. Somewhere else, Kazuma is giving some free taste to the people around. He spots Fumino and Shoma that he quickly hides. Shoma is showing Fumino a huge maze which the other class made. Kazuma grumpily thinks that he had already decided that as a teacher, he isn’t going to be distracted. He decides to greet them when he had calmed down but then, why is Fumino still with Shoma. Then, Kazuma overhears a couple of mothers praising that the maid and the butler seemed to have come out of a picture and it’s really great, the student’s youthfulness. Kazuma feels a bit sad about that. Then, to the mothers’ surprise, Fumino leaves Shoma and kicks away a guy who is harassing Oka. Fumino shouts for Oka to run away. Oka thanks her. Some guys shout what the heck Fumino is doing [for kicking the guy]. Shoma angrily asks Fumino what she is doing. Fumino shouts for him to shut up. While the mothers are saying that they are really young, Kazuma is covering his mouth to stop himself from laughing. Shoma and Fumino had escaped into the maze. Shoma angrily shouts that she didn’t change at all, as compared to last year because she is still violent when she kicked him away, the first time they’ve met. Fumino shouts that he should feel guilty for looking at her chest, and he didn’t change at all either, he is still a playboy. This irritates Shoma. Fumino tells him that no matter what, those guys are after her so she should separate from him first. She wasn’t able to finish talking when Shoma holds her hand and says, “..Not so. It isn’t so. I’ve already--”

To everyone’s surprise, the lights are turned off. An announcement says it is a deliberate 30 minute blackout. While adjust his eyes to the darkness, Shoma asks Fumino if she is alright. To his surprise, she is gone. It turns out that Kazuma had whisked away Fumino to one of the black curtained walls. He used a black cloth to cover themselves as a camouflage. Kazuma asks her if she is having fun, and why is she with Shoma, it’s making him jealous. Blushing since he is too close, Fumino says that she was told to stop section B’s business. Kazuma realizes that she is to hinder Shoma. Then, it is announced that in 2 minutes, the lights will be back on. Kazuma tells her that he ought to be going and it will be good if they are ‘classmates’ so that he can justly snatch her away from Shoma and those delinquents..and also the cultural festival.. Kazuma has placed his hand on top of Fumino’s. He says that he also wants to stroll around with her. Kazuma kisses her closed eyes and tells her to remember to call him. Fumino thinks that she knows that it is wish that cannot be realized. When the lights are back, Kazuma has already left. Fumino only finds a black cloth. Patting her face, Fumino thinks that she should reflect on her being willful and violent for even if how many years had passed, their age difference still won’t change. Then, Shoma goes to Fumino and asks what she is doing there. Fumino thinks that if age cannot be changed, then she should change herself. Outside, Fumino and Shoma look around to see if those delinquent guys are around. Fumino insists that he go back but he doesn’t want to. Then, Oka in her school uniform goes to see Fumino. Bringing a bag with her, Oka tells Fumino that she changed her clothes from the maid uniform in order not to catch attention. Giving the bag to Fumino, Oka suggests that Fumino also change her clothes. Fumino thanks her. While waving goodbye, Oka bumps into some guys. Grabbing Oka’s arm, the guy tells her that she’s responsible for breaking his shoulder. [<-typical gangster’s excuse to extort.] Trying to get away, Oka apologizes. Some other guy catches Fumino and says that she is the one who kicked one of them. Fumino realizes that those guys have other companions and they are wearing the same uniform. Shoma quickly rescues Fumino and tells her to call the teacher. The other guys are furious at Shoma for acting cool like a hero. They want to gang up on Shoma. Fumino tearfully thinks that they are a lot of them. Then, she remembers what Kazuma told her about calling him. Fumino shouts, “Sensei--!!” But a Bunny man in a school uniform appears. Carrying what seems to be a net [<-used in tennis], Bunny man wraps the delinquents in it to entangle them. Bunny man holds Fumino’s hand and gestures for her to ‘shh/secret’. Shoma is about to call Fumino but she had ran away with Bunny man.

Ryu, together with Teppei and Retsu, has arrived. Retsu rescues Oka from the man harassing her. Ryu gives Teppei to Shoma and tells Shoma to take care of him while they clean up the rest. Teppei asks Shoma to accompany him to the toilet, even if Teppei can actually do it by himself. Shoma protests to no avail. It seems that Oka is wowed by Retsu. Retsu is kicking the rolled up delinquents and asks if there are any unemployed guys there who has strength in doing their work [<-Retsu recruiting]. On top of the roof, Fumino cannot believe that Kazuma really did appear when she called for him. Kazuma removes the bunny mascot head and tells her not to laugh for he knows that it doesn’t suit him. Fumino covers her face and says that he’s so cute. This made Kazuma blush. He asks how she could say cute when he acted rashly like a kid towards Shoma and he is childishly angry that she is still wearing a maid uniform. Fumino remembers the bag she is carrying. To his surprise, she calls for him to wait. She goes out then, comes back again but this time, she is wearing her school uniform. She apologizes to him for the wait. She thinks that like that, they are like classmates. Fumino asks why he changed uniform. Kazuma says that it is from the acting club. She is puzzled when he asks if he can change the way he talks. “Just now, thank you for calling me, ‘Kaji’.” This made Fumino blush. She tells him that she should be the one who should thank him. Feeling embarrassed, happy and her heart is beating fast, Fumino also tells him that she is always apologizing and afterwards, she absolutely won’t be that violent again. Kazuma holds her hand and says, “It’s alright. Just like this, call me. I will protect you. ..Kaji, please go steady with me.” Narration: “On the last cultural festival, I heard a confession for the first time.” Fumino says, “..yes. Kazuma-kun..” They stand close together while holding hands. Kazuma says that it is great that before she graduates, he was able to confess to her. Fumino thinks that surely, next year they will be closer with each other. “Not at school, but on the next stage. Definitely, I will like you more than I do right now.” Later on, Fumino joins Shoma, Meg and Teppei. Ryu flashes a v-sigh to Kazuma. Retsu gives his business card to some of the delinquents. And in the end, section B lost while section C won. Some of Shoma’s crying classmates why Shoma returned after such a long time that the girls didn’t come since he isn’t there. What were they to do without him? Shoma apologizes but tells them that they should do their best more. They call him strict.

Quote of the day:
Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart. ~Author Unknown

Yoshiwara Hana Oboro [Chapter 1]
Thursday, July 28, 2011

[Free Talk: Hehe..yes, it is a new series again. ^^; This is a new series serialized in Asuka. How new? It is just out in this month’s Asuka! This is authored by Otonaka Sawaki. I have not read her previous series yet so I don’t know what to expect but based on the cover of her previous work, her colored art is really gorgeous. Last night, I was just browsing through Chinese scans sites and saw the cover. Wow, gorgeous cover. Girl looks spunky and is that the leading guy..long haired bishounen. =P I’m a sucker for beautiful art so I browsed the chapter. I wasn’t able to finish reading the chapter yet but I’ve already that I want to summarize this. From the official page of Asuka, these are the cast:

A female high schooler looks surprised to see cherry blossoms petals floating around. Then, there is a parade of oiran-s [/courtesans], wearing 15-cm tall geta [/wooden clogs]. She wonders, “Is this reality? I have seen this scene on the television. If I remember, it is called ‘Oirandouchuu’ [/parade of courtesans]..” Title: Uncanny relationship formed by a quirk of fate. [<- It’s an idiom] The girl looks mesmerized at how gorgeous the courtesan is. “Is this.. a dream..?” She looks at her hand which is empty. Then, the leading courtesan of the parade tells her to move since she is blocking the road. She goes, ‘Huh?’ While a man pulls her up and asking if she didn’t hear what the oiran just said, the girl thinks that it seems real and could a dream be like this. The man says that he doesn’t know whose yujo [woman of pleasure/prostitutes; literally ‘play girl’] she is but she is wearing such strange clothes. The man pushes her hard from the back and tells her to go watch at that side. The girl loses her balance and hits the buckets that are on top of a well. Holding her head, the girl thinks that it is obviously a dream so how come it hurts. Some men ask if she is alright since she fell hard. Pinching her cheek really hard, the girl wonders, if this is really not a dream. Hitting her fist on her palm, she happily says that this is a shooting of a television drama, a period play. The man asks what ‘shooting’ is. They say that she is wearing strange clothes. Assuming that she is a yujo, they ask her what her name is. She tells them that she is Okazaki Hana. They say that they had never heard of her. They begin to wonder out loud if she is a hashitame [lowest form of yujo, a low-class prostitute; lowly maidservant] because her legs are exposed. They say that since she is young, she must be capable. “I know. In order to recruit customers, you block the road of Takizuki [滝月] tayuu [/highest ranked courtesans]. Pointing to himself, the man asks if she would let him be her customer. Another man says that it should be him. While the two are fussing about, Hana asks what they are talking about ‘customers’ and ‘yujo’. A man tells her that this place is Yoshiwara and just to be her customer, they are making a ruckus. Hana looks surprised by this. She learned from watching the television that Yoshiwara is Edo’s red light district. Hana looks aghast when she realizes that she is in the past, this is Edo era. To Hana’s surprise, a man grabs her arm and tells her to quickly bring her to a place where she receives her customers. Hana decides to quickly run away right now for things will be dangerous if this keeps up. She’ll just have to think of the details later on.

Seeing her getting ready to run away, the man shouts to the others that Hana wants all of them to go to her place. Hana is aghast as to why things turned out this way. Hana runs away and the men are running after her. While running, she wonders where she should go and what’s going on. Then, she decides to go into some small alleys to evade the men who were after her. Then, she overhears them saying that it is that side. She didn’t notice a rock at the side so she trips on it. Just when she is about to fall down, someone catches her. It is a beautiful long haired man. The man asks her if she is alright. She looks surprised to see him. Since the men are nearby and had seen her, she pushes him aside. She apologizes and tells him to let her through. The man says that it seems that she is also being chased. Pulling her to him, the man tells her that he’ll help her so come and cooperate [/coordinate] with him. Hana is surprised when the man suddenly pulls off her ribbon tie and kisses[?] her neck. The three men, who were chasing her, call out to Hana that they have found her and who is that guy. Blushing Hana pushes the long haired man away and shouts what he is doing. The long haired man quickly pulls her into his chest. He says, now, now, he really wanted to see her. Hana goes, “Huh!?” One of the men holds the long haired man’s shoulder and tells him to let go of that hashitame for they were first.. The long haired man quickly twists the man’s arm and tells him not to hinder them. While the man shouts that it hurts, the long haired man asks if they cannot see, this is precisely a ‘good time’. “It’s like this.. because you men are so boorish that you were dumped by this girl.” The men are shock for it is a gigolo [/attractive young man]. Then, a woman calls out to, “Umenosuke-koshi*” [*young nobleman]. While Hana wonders who that woman is calling, the long haired man mutters that she’s here again. The long haired man whispers to Hana that since he helped her, can she come and cooperate with him. Hana is shock for he turned out to be Umenosuke-koshi. The woman shouts at Umenosuke what is going on and who is that girl. The men say that it is Kukiku [駒菊]’s Murasaki [紫], a famous courtesan. Umenosuke has already let go of the man he held earlier. While the three men are mesmerized over Murasaki, Umenosuke holds Hana toward Murasaki and says that didn’t he tell Murasaki before, he already has a lover. Hana realizes that this is what he meant by cooperate. Umenosuke says, “I’m her mabu, *looks at Hana* right?” [*mabu = prostitute’s lover; lover] Aghast, Hana says that a mabu is..

Shaking in anger, Murasaki mutters that she cannot forgive. Hana freaks out when Murasaki is about to attack her. Murasaki calls her a witch and shouts for her get away from Umenosuke. Umenosuke grabs Muraki’s wrist and tells her to stop. He seriously tells her that he hates noisy [/quarrelsome] women. Murasaki shouts what’s good about that girl when she is Kukiku’s Murasaki. Hugging Hana, Umenosuke says that he doesn’t know what’s good about Kukiku’s Murasaki but compared to this meek girl, she is better than Murasaki. Murasaki looks surprised and mutters, “Wha..” Umenosuke and Hana quietly look at her. Bursting into tears, Murasaki calls him an idiot and tells him to go die. Hana feels sorry for Murasaki who had already left. She turns to Umenosuke and is about to tell him something but Umenosuke pushes her into him again. He tells the other men to quickly leave, and why are they still looking at them. The three men were aghast that Umenosuke had dumped Murasaki, unbelievable, and no wonder he is a gigolo. Later on, at a temple, the two are sitting by the steps. Hana is looking at the side while Umenosuke is looking at her. He asks if she is called ‘Hana’. Hana looks at him and tensely as what is it. Umenosuke smiles and says that it is nothing. He thanks her for being such a huge help to him. He explains that he obviously met that woman once and he didn’t even go to her room, yet she would come and stick around him. “It is too troublesome to death but later on, I can be more relaxed.” Hana says that she doesn’t understand a bit what he is saying, and if he has to say it, it isn’t necessary to say it up to that extent. She tells him that she doesn’t feel happy about making a girl cry. Noticing that Umenosuke is staring at her, Hana asks what it is. He asks if she is saying that he is a ‘good man’. Hana angrily exclaims how can that be, and is his brain wired up wrong. He sighs and tells her to for get it, whichever is okay. Hana angrily says that it isn’t okay. Holding up her ribbon tie, Umenosuke asks if she isn’t a prostitute nor an entertainer, why she is strangely dressed up like that. “Where do you come from?” While he looks at the ribbon and thinks that he rarely sees such a thing, Hana touches her collar and wonders when he took it. Hana says that before asking her where she is from, is it Heisei [current era of Japan] right now. Umenosuke asks what that is. Umenosuke is puzzled why she is aghast. Hana tries to recall what had happened earlier. Flashback: Some hour ago, she is still in the normal world. She is going home together with her friends. Crossing the street, they were talking about buying some ice cream. Then, a flower shaped pendant, used as a strap on her bag, fell on the ground. Hana goes back to pick it up. Hana picked it up and it seemed to sparkle. Then, her friends were screaming for her name and pointing at the side. Puzzle, Hana looked at the side to see a car running straight at her. Hana held the pendant tight. The pendant seems to be shining and she closed her eyes. End flashback.

Umenosuke is surprised when Hana is standing up and screaming in shock. He holds her back to stop her from fainting over, and asks her what’s up. Hana thinks that she had remembered and after that, there is a light and everything is white. Then, when she opened her eyes, she was already there at the Oirandouchuu. She wonders what’s with that light and she should be holding the pendant tightly, so where is it. [<- Since when she looked at her hand then, it is already gone.] Hana quickly turns around but Umenosuke holds her shoulder and asks where she is going. Hana tells him that she is going to find something because it seems that she had dropped it. She believes that pendant has something to do with that light so if she got it back, she can go back to her own world, and... Umenosuke tells her to leave it be since it is going to be night soon, thus, she will get in trouble again. Hana tells him that even so, she has to find it because it is her mother’s memento. Umenosuke looks surprise but he tells her that she can do whatever she wants since he also has some place that he has to go. Hana bids him goodbye. While Umenosuke is still worried if she will be alright, Hana turns around and tells him that even if she thinks that it isn’t good to make a girl cry but thank you for saving her a while ago. Umenosuke looks surprised by this as he watches Hana runs off. He sighs and says that she is such a strange girl and, he also have to go to the NEXT place. Peeking out from the alley, Hana looks at the main street and thinks that there are a lot more people there, compared in the daytime. She wonders how to look for it and she cannot endure what happened in the daytime. To her shock, a couple more men recognize her as the one who caused a ruckus during the day. They ask her if she is recruiting customers on the streets again, so why not take them in. She thinks that it is here again and these guys are nastier than the ones during the day. The two men mutter that a lot of guys chased after her in the day and she is quite young. Hana tells them that this isn’t her intention, so go find someone else. To her surprise, one of the men grabs her collar and hits her on the wall. He tells her that he is going to give her money and yet how come a hashitame like her would choose customers based on appearance. The man tries to pull her away. While Hana resists, she thinks that this is bad, really bad, and she didn’t except that things will suddenly.. To her horror, the other men draws out his sword and point it to her. He tells her if she won’t listen, then don’t blame him for being impolite.

Then, an older man shouts that is enough and they are a hundred years early to think of drawing a sword at Yoshiwara. The older man tells the two men that just now, he knows that a couple of police [/guards? protecting prostitutes from being forced; I learn that from Gintama =P] will be coming so if they do not want to be caught, they should be more sincere. The two men quickly retreat. The older man says that lately it is unfair. He sighs and asks if this is okay. Hana is still in a state of shock that a sword was drawn and pointed at her. The older man tells her that it is dangerous there so why don’t she quickly go back to her store. He offers to escort her. Hana says that she doesn’t have a store and frankly speaking, she has nothing to do with this kind of thing. The older man says is that so, then, how about going to his house, for if this goes on, she is going to sleep in the streets. She tells him not to take the trouble for she is looking for something. Then, her stomach growls loudly. She feels very embarrassed but she still tries to explain. The older man laughs and says that there is rice to eat at his house. He tells her that even if she is looking for something, she is wearing something too eye-catching, so what can she do. He offers for her to go to his house to change her clothes. Hana follows the man and thinks that this is a big help but.. At the house where the older man led her, Hana notices a woman talking with man on the upper floor, and some women in bars. [<- prostitutes] Aghast, Hana turns around and says that in the end, she still.. The older man holds her shoulder and asks what she is going to do if she met that kind of incident again. He assures her that it isn’t scary inside, but rather, it is safer there than outside. The older man leads her to a room to wait. Hana is really suspicious and wonders if it is really alright because that man makes her feel uneasy. Hana opens the door to see some people quarreling. A man, together with another man, shouts at someone as an idiot. “I’ve already told you to receive the customers!” A black haired girl is helping an ill-looking long haired girl. The black haired girl shouts for them to wait, for her sister isn’t feeling well and it is cruel to force her. The man grabs the black haired girl and tells her to be the replacement. The black haired girl shouts for him to let her go. The sister tells the man to stop. Black haired girl tells her sister Akari [明里] that she can’t, or else she’ll die. Akari protest to Natsuki [菜津] that she is alright and tells the man to let Natsuki go. [*I have a feeling that Natsuki is a guy but I’ll use ‘she’ for now.] While Natsuki protects his sister, the man tries to grab them and exclaims that either one is okay. To their surprise, the man got hit by a cushion pillow.

Holding another pillow, Hana shouts for them to stop and can’t they see that she [Akari] doesn’t want to go. The two men ask who she is. The older man tells the two men that he picked her up just now and brought her there. This surprises Hana. With malicious eyes, the older man asks them who would come and change her [Hana] clothes and make her receive the guests. The two men call the older man, ‘boss’ = [樓長; I cannot find the term but it is literally ‘floor head’ so..]. The boss says that it has been such a long time since they have a high quality commodity so he wonders how much he is going to sell her. This angers Hana for all the men there are.. Then, one of the men tries to grab Natsuki again to come with him. Thinking that they should quit kidding around, Hana angrily kicks the back of the boss and sends him rolling away on the floor. Hana takes Akari’s hand and tells her that they are going to escape. Natsuki and Akari are surprised but they won’t budge. Hana tells them to hurry but one of the men grabs her and pushes her on the floor. While Natsuki helps Hana up and calls her stupid, the boss angrily shouts for his men to quickly put those three in the punishment room. Natsuki seems scared upon hearing it while the other two girls look tense. Then, a man enters the room and says that this is such a lively way of greeting customers. Hana looks surprised at the man. The boss welcomes the man and apologizes for making him see such an embarrassing sight. The long haired customer says that he is looking for an outstanding yujo but, there are a lot of good women here, that his eyes are dazzled. “It will be too troublesome to choose.” He takes a small bag and holds it upside down for the kobans [/gold coins] to fall all over the floor. It made the boss look really happy. The long haired man says that he is going to buy all of them. Hana thinks that it is the man she met in the daytime. Of course, it is none other than Umenosuke. Blurb: “Bought the ‘girl/s’!! has resolved the crisis, or will it bring a lot more crisis!?”

So, I’m wondering if it is a one-way trip back to Edo wherein Hana will really be stuck in that era since the pendant is missing when she got there. If so, what will the story be about? Hana becoming a courtesan? Well, he did paid a huge amount of money to help her out. It will be a difficult life for her but I guess she is lucky to have met Umenosuke there. Since he is going around stores/brothels, I have a feeling that he is planning to make one. Like, he is looking for courtesans so he has enough money to buy three of them. I honestly thought that he was the first courtesan whom Hana met = he is cross-dressing but, I guess he couldn’t just change clothes all of a sudden. I’m actually hoping that he won’t be cross-dressing since I’m not that fond of that. ^^; Anyway, the first chapter is interesting so I’m curious where the story will be headed. By the way, the author’s chibi looks familiar. ^^; And, I’m slightly disappointed that Hana’s hair is ‘white’ in the series. Scans by 不良漢化.

Quote of the day:
Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. ~ George Eliot

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru [Chapter 23-24 or (25-26 in Chinese)]
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

[Free Talk: And, I’ve finally finish the ‘poll summaries’. ^-^ Like what I’ve mentioned before, the chapter numbering of this series is all messed up in the Chinese sites. In 17kkmh, the chapters 24 and 25 are the same so, it is 26-27. But, in jymdm, this is 25-26 so I’ll go with that. ^^; Since I don’t have the raws, I do not know what the real chapter numbering in Japan. So, if you know, just tag me about it. Thanks ^^. Edit: Thanks Ankemaybe for the info. This will be chapters 23 and 24 in Japanese. Before that, about the last chapter, I still don’t get what the ‘S’ thing that CP were talking about during their photo shoot. Is it ‘singer’ or ‘sex’ because Mari is mentioned? ^^; For me, it seems that the conversation made Shinya feel ‘out of place’. Here are some things that might be important later on which Ankemaybe didn’t mention in her summary. Chikada, who is asked to make the logo and some merchandise for Mush & Co., is also the one who is responsible for designing for CP. Mush & Co. will be filming for Pepsi Next commercial. Of course, you should already know that Aki disapproves of this kind of ‘hard sell’ type of marketing. [<- I read that in BW. My take on that is pushing for a product that the people doesn’t know yet which is in this case, Riko and her band’s music. It is risky because the people might be turned off if Mush & Co. does not live up to expectations but of course, if they did, they will be an instant hit.] Lastly, during their conversation with Soichiro, Sou asks why the advertisements during the introduction in their school are all pictures of him eating. Soichiro says that it is because he hasn’t decided what he will do because Yuu will be the guitarist. Sou protests that he plays better than Yuu. Soichiro says that there isn’t much choice between the two of them. He also says that he heard that Sou is quite good at sports and his rhythm isn’t that bad so why don’t he become the drummer. Sou freaks out over it since it is too common that the fat guy is the drummer. Unfortunately for Sou, no matter how he protested that a fat guitarist is more interesting, it has been decided that he will be the drummer. Sou’s narration at the start of the last chapter: “Everyday, I prepare to sleep at 9pm. It is because my family is in the fish [and seafood selling] business so everyday, I wake up at 3am. Regarding school work, I always wait until I wake up in the morning to do it. It is always like that. ..speaking of that, I’m always very fat. If I become a bit thin, maybe I will have eyelids.. even if it is impossible.. what do you think? Riko always says, ‘If Sou-chan is going to open his eyes, it will be like the time when the Kanto earthquake happened.’ That girl, even if her appearance seems to be very naive and unaffected, actually, it isn’t like that. Venomous tongue, cry baby, headstrong.. Huh? Compare her to a fish? ..blowfish[/puffer]?” So, in the next chapter..]

That night, Riko starts to write some lyrics. She thinks that writing it for the first time, she realized that it can be very embarrassing. The next day, Riko shows her lyrics to her friends. Using her hands to cover her face, Riko anticipates their reaction. Sou says that even if he isn’t well-versed with love songs, but he feels that it is quite good. Yuu tells her that it is her style to give a sort of genuine way of expressing one’s feelings. This made her blush but she still asks if it isn’t sappy. Sou says that it isn’t. She asks if it isn’t narcissistic. Yuu exclaims that it isn’t. So, the first time she wrote lyrics, the only thing in her head is, what others will think of it. At the conference room, Soichiroh shot her down by saying that the lyrics are ‘fail’. This made Riko flustered. Soichiro says that it is really awful. He reads it, “like, like, really like, I love you”. Soichiro throws the notebook down and angrily shouts at Riko if she is ‘Ikkyu-san’. [<-This is an old anime. Soichiro is saying that her lyrics are like the opening song of that anime which starts with ‘Suki suki suki suki’. ‘Suki’ also means ‘like’ in Japanese. If you want to hear it, go here.] Riko asks what that is. Soichiro tells her that it is an anime and he suggests that if she has lot of free time, why don’t she go and watch it. After a pause, Riko timidly says that she thinks that she doesn’t have talent to write lyrics. He asks her if she thinks that, only those who have talent can write lyrics without any effort. “Do you think that with only talent, you can smoothly write a good song and then, easily get the fans’ approval, for it to sell big?” Riko looks down and couldn’t answer. Nagahama feel sorry for Riko. After lighting up a cigarette, Soichiro says, “This empty and meaningless [/without content] lyrics, anyone can write that. I did say that you are not to use the word ‘like’. But why do you like him? How do you come to like him? What kind of guy is he? What kind of love is it? *point at the notebook* ..or are you saying.. that the person you are currently going steady with.. is the same as the lyrics that you wrote, is he a very boring guy?” This made Riko teary-eyed in surprise. She then looks determined and exclaims, “..no [he isn’t]!” After the meeting and Riko had already left, Nagahama tells Soichiro that Riko cried. Soichiro says that she cried because she has talent. She had suddenly waked up, and knew where she was mistaken so she cried. Soichiro says that the worst case scenario is if she obviously doesn’t understand and yet her lips would say, ‘Is that so’. He asks Nagahama if she saw Riko’s expression when she left, her teary eyes are glaring at him. “She’s so cute.” Then, Soichiro gives Nagahama a business card of songwriter, Emiko Hoshino. Since Nagahama looks surprised, Soichiro explains that it is in case of an emergency [/back-up], even if he has faith on Riko. Nagahama says that he is such a scary man. Soichiro asks if she has fallen for him, and would she want to have fun with him afterwards.

At the streets, Riko is walking really fast. Then, tears start to come out of her eyes again. She covers her face and thinks that she cannot ride the train like that. Riko emailed her friends that the lyrics are rejected and she was told that it is boring. Sou says that if it is boring, why they don’t just use their original song. The two guys complain that Soichiro is making Riko write love songs even if it is hard, and their individuality are disregarded. Yuu also mentions that Sou is also suddenly being forced to become a drummer. Sou tries to laugh it off that it is okay but then, the two pauses and quietly look at each other. Yuu is beginning to have doubts if it is okay for them to continue on like that for their individuality is being erased [/suppress] and are blindly made to go on a path designed by an adult. Sou didn’t reply. He takes out his cellphone and starts writing an email to Aki about wanting to ask him something and can he call Aki right now. Still thinking about writing the lyrics, Riko rides the train and gets off her stop. She sees a Pepsi Next softdrink being sold at a convenient store. She buys one bottle and drinks it. She wonders if people would want to buy it after seeing her drink it. After flashing her train card on the machine, someone calls out that it is the Pepsi ad girl. Riko looks surprised upon seeing Aki, who seems to be waiting for her. She asks why he is there. Holding out his hand to her, Aki smiles and tells her to guess. Riko is puzzled by his hand that Aki tells her to give her guitar for him to carry. Riko refuses and wants to carry it herself. Aki tells her that she is too headstrong for if someone sees them, they will think that he is an awful boyfriend who won’t help his girlfriend in carrying something heavy. Riko insists that is her luggage. So, Aki relents and let her be. While walking, Riko tells him that it’s so quick, he is already at odds [/being difficult] with her. Aki denies it but Riko points at him and insists that it is so. Then, Aki blushes for it is true. Riko laughs over this expression. This made Aki walk ahead. Riko thinks that she likes the ‘at odds’ Aki. Elsewhere, CP’s Kaoru and Teppei are on a photo shoot. At the side, Shinya is reading a book while Shinya is browsing the internet via an Ipad. Shun overhears Shinya sighing that he asks what’s the matter. Shinya says that it is nothing. Shun glances at Shinya’s Ipad and sees the news report that Mush & Co is confirm to be in the Pepsi Next advertisement. Shun asks if that girl is really cute. Shinya says that it is bewildering because the more he looks at her, the more he finds her cute. Then, he reads another news article. Shinya sadly says that it seems that no matter what, Soichiro wants Aki to do it. Shinya thinks that Soichiro deliberately released this news while he isn’t in Japan and Soichiro didn’t mention the surname of the celebrity who will be responsible for the songs. Shinya puts aside his book and lights up a cigarette. Shinya tells him that this has nothing to do with Soichiro’s intention because the crucial point is, she refused. Shinya is surprised and puzzled. Shinya tells him that Aki told him, that he [Aki] took the initiative to ask ‘I’ll compose Riko’s music’ but she refused him.

Back to the couple, they are now walking at the esplanade, Aki glances at Riko’s Pepsi and asks if they gave it to her. Riko tells him that she bought it and who would give it to her. Aki says that it is strange for they aren’t giving the product to a spokesperson, so maybe it has changed. Riko asks if such a thing really happens. Aki says that he heard that she won’t be able to drink all of it... Aki stops midway then become silent. This made Riko looks flustered. Riko wonders from who did Aki heard about it. [<- Most probably Mari.] Opening the bottle, Riko says that it will be nice if they give her a year’s worth of Pepsi. Aki asks if she likes to always drink it. Riko says that there is a bit of lemon taste which she likes. This seems to surprise Aki. He watches her drink it all up. Riko says that there is indeed that taste. Then, she licks the bottle. Aki slightly bends to her and kisses her. Aki says that it is true. Blushing Riko says ya, she isn’t lying to him. Just when they are near Riko’s store, Riko tells Aki that it is okay for him to walk her until there. Just when she is about to leave, Aki calls out to her and says that he heard that she has problems with writing lyrics. Riko blushes and becomes thoughtful. Aki says that he has an idea. “Will you.. go out on a date.. with me tomorrow?” In her room, Riko writes on her notebook that at times, she feels that he is very mature. “But, because, after he said the word date, and his face is blushing really red, I also felt that he is the world’s cutest person. And, after the kiss, I also like the embarrassed him.” Narration: “So, on the second time I’m writing lyrics, what’s on my brain is all him..” Change scene to a room where fake eyelashes are put on one of Riko’s eyes. Also looking at the mirror, her friends say that it is like magic for it looks as if her eye has become bigger. Riko says that it doesn’t look like her. Nagahama says that she’s so cute so why not try wearing it on both eyes. A guy puts another eyelash on Riko’s other eye. Afterwards, Nagahama tells the three to go to that side to change clothes. Looking at a room filled with clothes, the three sweatdrops. Yuu asks if they are doing to wear all of that. Soichiro tells them that trying out the clothes will help them determine on how they are going to package them so it is very important. He quickly motions for them to quit dilly-dallying and quickly try out those clothes. Holding a camera, Nagahama tells them not to be nervous and just naturally pose. In casual clothes, the trio pose with v-signs. Soichiro muses that it is too casual. Then, the trio is wearing plain white clothes. Soichiro says that it is like being a layman [/amateur] so maybe, they don’t suit wearing such clothes. He tells them to wear something flashy. They wear European clothes and ends up like they are cosplaying. Soichiro rejects that Alice in Wonderland look. While they are in some 60 or 70s[?] fashion clothes, Nagahama says that it seems like some sort of deja vu.

Lighting up a cigarette, Soichiro says that it gives him a headache for even if Riko looks naturally pure, but currently, it is already in the past [not a trend] to wear t-shirt and jeans. During Ozaki[Yutaka?], Tamio [Okuda?] and aiko, upon opening the television and it isn’t Western outfit, it is night wear, and celebrities then, like wearing jackets. Walking at the street, it is eyecatching to wear Western clothes. At the time, wearing t-shirts have a special meaning. It represents as a prominent showing of one’s individuality as a critique to the masses [/pop culture]. But right now, it is the opposite, for t-shirt has already become very ordinary. In this era, a t-shirt is ordinary, common, and no individuality so it is necessary for them to find a different route. Meanwhile, Aki looks at his closet and wonders why 80% of his clothes are t-shirts. [<- I lol at that.] While looking around in his closet and talking to himself, Aki says that he is already 25 years old, and it has been 5 years since he became an adult. Looking at a suit, Aki says that he cannot wear such a formal outfit. He then asks to whom is he talking with. He returns it to the hanger and says that if he wears something too formal, it will shock Mush. [<- From the raws before, he calls her ‘masshu’ from ‘masshuruumu’ = mushroom. I hesitated calling her Mush and opted for ‘masshu’. But, from their band’s name, I guess I’ll go with Mush. ^^;] But then, he also doesn’t want something too casual. In the end, he chooses a fairly dependable dark colored [Ralph Lauren] Polo shirt. While wearing it and preparing his bag, Aki says that he hopes that she will understand his feelings as well as his sincerity. He then laments why it sounds like some dubious salesperson. He checks his things in the bag. After that, he slings the bag around his shoulder, ties his shoes and off, he goes. At the conference room, everyone is in deep thought. Riko glances at the clock and it is already around 1:03pm. Soichiro asks why she keeps on looking at the clock. Riko says that she has a private appointment. He exclaims that work is priority. Riko timidly exclaims, yes. Lighting up a cigarette, Soichiro says but right now, it seems that they cannot decide on it. He tells Nagahama to tell the stylist to get some more youth-oriented clothes because the ones there aren’t suitable and they need new trademarks that will suit with Mush & Co.’s style. He then tells them that is all, the meeting ends there.

To his surprise, Nagahama and Riko shout for him to wait. Soichiro tells Nagahama to say what she has to say first. Nagahama tells him that the mushroom is already finished. She shows him a lot of Riko-mushroom inspired button pins with different expressions and notes like “Hee hee. So what? Hello.” She tells him that those are souvenirs for the debut and she wants to distribute it among the stakeholders [/anyone related to them]. Looking at a pin, Soichiro says that it really makes one stand out from the masses. Nagahama smiles and says that she asked a factory to make them. Soichiro angrily asks why he wasn’t consulted on this. She tells him that he said that it is urgently needed so she made some gifts. Soichiro tells her that he only meant about the band’s logo. Nagahama apologizes and tells him that she doesn’t do her work half-heartedly. While Riko and others are looking at the pins, Soichiro sighs and says that even if it is really cute and very exquisite, but aren’t these things something that only girls will like. When Nagahama seems sad to hear this, Sou quickly exclaims that he likes it and he’s already wearing it. He shows Nagahama that he had put a pin on his bag. Then, Nagahama looks at Yuu. Yuu looks nervous and ends up putting two of the pins on his bag. Sou exclaims to Yuu that he likes it. Yuu smiles and says, of course. Holding a chibi Riko topped pen, Nagahama says that she also made a pen. While moving the pen left and right, she tells them that the hands also move. She demonstrates it to the others. After a while, Riko starts hitting the desk with her hand and shouts that she wants it. Soichiro says that he didn’t expect Nagahama to be a shoujo [young girl] or perhaps, she is a virgin. Pushing up her glasses, Nagahama admits that she is, so does he have any objections to it. While the trio is blushing even if they don’t know why, Soichiro holds up his hands and says no, okay, he understands, and he is into the ideology of believing virgins. [<- I’m not too sure on that but it seems like he trust virgins ^^;] Then, he asks what Riko wanted to tell him. Riko takes out her notebook and gives it to him. She says that she has re-written the lyrics.

At Starbucks Coffee store, Aki is listening and reading a book while waiting. Then, he notices Riko is standing beside him with a somewhat glum look. After taking off the headphones, Aki asks what’s up with her and when did she arrive. Riko says that it is only just now. She bows to him and apologizes. Aki says that it is alright for when he came, he has been preparing himself [/his feelings]. Then, he looks at her and asks if she just cried. This made Riko blush and cover her face with her bag. Aki asks if that guy made his girlfriend cry. Riko tells him that it is she, herself, wants to cry. Trying to pulling the bag from her, Aki says he prohibits her from recklessly crying at will, next time, and if she wants to cry, she is to do it in front of him. Riko refuses because she snivels when she cries. Aki smiles [to disguise his irritation?] and asks her why she cried. Still covering her face with the bag, Riko says that Soichiro only has to say the words ‘fail’, when she thought that what she wrote this time is pretty good. “How frustrating..” Aki tells her to show those lyrics to him. Putting the bag down, Riko screams, “Absolutely, no way!” Aki says there it is again. He tells her that she likes to say ‘no way’ [/no] and she would always say that to him. Riko tries to protest that it isn’t so. Aki says that it is so and he’s sure of it. “You do not want me to see your lyrics. You do not want me to see you cry. You do not want me to carry your luggage. You do not want to be engaged with me. You do not want to hear of my past..” Riko mutters that he has always been nursing a grudge. Aki asks if he really loves nursing a grudge. [It seems that] Riko tells him to keep on nursing a grudge. After taking a sip from his coffee, Aki tells her that honestly, he also doesn’t want to be told ‘no way’ by her. “Understand?” Then, at the Narita airport, Shinya is back in town.

And so, Riko got her first and second harsh rejection. Since she is frustrated to tears, Soichiro is probably right that she isn’t going to easily give up especially how he compared the lyrics to her boyfriend. It makes me think that he somewhat did this with Aki before. But of course, Aki easily gave in to Shinya. Even if he is manipulative and cunning, Soichiro is really good in his work. It also makes me wonder if why he doesn’t want to use their original song and made Riko to write lyrics for a love song. I guess it is to make their band the type who writes their own songs, in comparison to bands whose songs are made for them. Unless of course, Soichiro knows talent when he sees one that he knows Riko has it in her to do it. Or maybe, he knows that Aki will help her in the end. I understand the Sou and Yuu’s apprehensions over what Soichiro is doing. It goes to show that in this industry, artists are ‘packaged’ into different personalities. It does make me think that it is true for artists being really not what their image are suppose to be, when we get to learn of their personal lives. I’ll say, this author really did her research and I’m really curious who her resource person is. I cannot help but think that Soichiro is someone real. =P Also, I give the author thumbs up for all the endorsements of real products that she is putting in this series. It reminds me of what Sunrise had been doing in some of their anime. It somewhat makes it easy to have ‘fixed sponsors’ if this is made into an anime or a live action drama/movie. From Cheese! site, it seems that they will be getting Sony Music, too. The Mush buttons and pen are real merchandise given for the readers so I also wonder if the one who designed them is also a real person. Of course, it is really nice that Aki is acting like a real boyfriend now. It makes me think he is sincere based on his reactions on asking Riko for a date. Okay, it makes me think that it is his first date since it is even shown how he chose the clothes he will be wearing. Since Shinya had just arrived, I’m wondering if he is going to call Riko and meet with her. Since Riko had that promise, I wonder what she will do if she is still with Aki. I do feel sorry for Shinya since he already got the ‘deal’ then it will be taken away from him because he isn’t the ‘favorite’. It makes me wonder if Shun also felt sorry for him that he told him about what Aki told him. Hm..wasn’t Shun suppose to be on Aki’s side, too? Lastly, it seems that Nagahama is indeed Aki and Shun’s schoolmate before. Hehe, I just noticed that I wrote her name before in the past chapters. Anyway, until it is confirmed, I’ll call her Nagahama instead of Miwako. Hm..I wonder what will her reaction will be if she knows that Riko is Aki’s girlfriend. =P Scans by 17kkmh.com and defer for jymdm.

Quote of the day:
We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful there is no other way. - Earl G. Graves

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun [Chapter 19]
Sunday, July 24, 2011

While walking on the streets, Yamaken gets a call from his friends that they were suppose to meet at 1pm so where is he right now. Yamaken says ya, it seems that he seems to be on some road. Calling Yamaken ‘directionally challenged’, his friend says that he better not be mistaken or else they’ll slaughter him. Yamaken denies that he is directionally challenged and tells them to just wait for him. After hanging up, Yamaken thinks that maybe he should just call a taxi. Looking at the side, he looks surprised. Shizuku looks at the side and looks surprised. It is Yuuzan, who is eating a bucket of ice cream, in the car. Title: Perhaps it is a Date Yuuzan waves at her and says that it is a coincidence. He happily says that it has been a long time and would she want to eat ‘this’ [ice cream]. He bought it from a new nearby store which is doing good business so there is a long line. Shizuku thanks him but declines the offer. She asks him what’s up today that he is wearing a black suit just like Haru. Yuuzan perks up and asks if she had met with Haru. He tells her that there is a Buddhist religious service for the first year death anniversary of Mitsuyoshi’s mother. Shizuku looks puzzled so Yuuzan explains that when Haru ran away from home before, he was under their aunt’s care and it is thanks to her, Haru didn’t become a bad child today. Shizuku is surprised when Yuuzan asks if Haru is acting a bit weird today. Shizuku remembers Haru asking if he can kiss her. Blushing, she quickly looks away and says yes, it is true for he is saying some weird things. Yuuzan says that it is because Haru is currently acting very normal that he finds it really boring so on the way home, he deliberately say some things to Haru to make him angry. Shizuku asks him why he always likes to do that kind of thing to Haru. Yuuzan says that it is a so-called older and younger brother relationship. Shizuku asks if that is so but, she has a younger brother whom she really likes and dotes on. She thinks that it seems that Micchan’s mother is dead and probably, that weird time when Haru mentioned about being happy over remembering someone dead, refers to Micchan’s mother. She wonders why Haru went to see her and perhaps she should have run after him. But then, since he didn’t say anything means that he doesn’t want to talk about it. “And, if he doesn’t want to tell me about it.. *heart beats* ..? What is with this uneasy feeling? Is..is it to say.. Rather than thinking of it, I should do what I must do!” Shizuku waves goodbye and tells him that she has something that she wants to buy. Yuuzan tells her that just now, Haru ought to have not told her anything yet. “You want to know, right? Regarding Haru. *opens car door* If you want to know, how about getting in the car?” While Shizuku just stands there, the driver asks Yuuzan about college [<- probably if it is okay not to go to school]. Yuuzan says that it is okay.

Shizuku snaps out of it when someone else calls out her name. It is Yamaken who is watching them from the side of the building. Yamaken walks to them and slams the car’s door on Yuuzan. Yamaken apologizes to Yuuzan and says that they’ll talk again next time. After licking his spoon, Yuuzan exclaims that he wondered who it is but it turns out to be Kenji of Yamaguchi family. This irritates Yamaken. Putting his arm around puzzled Shizuku, Yamaken says that they should go. While Yamaken drags Shizuku away, Yuuzan says that he’s quite cool and calls out to Andou, his driver, if he saw that. Sparkling Yuuzan laughs and exclaims that it is quite princely of Yamaken to take Shizuku away like that. Andou says ya, very manly. Yuuzan exclaims that it isn’t good for Haru since Shizuku might be stolen away. He then realizes something. Then, he [or Andou] says that if it so, it will be troublesome. Somewhere else, Yamaken is hanging on some bars at the playground[?]. Shizuku asks if he is alright, and he was really forcing himself. Still very afraid of Yuuzan, Yamaken exclaims that he doesn’t like being told by her. He calls her an idiot for stupidly going into some guy’s car. Shizuku says that it is because Yuuzan will tell her about Haru. Trying to calm himself, Yamaken tells her that if she wants to know about Haru, she should ask someone other than that person [/ask Haru himself]. Shizuku looks surprised by that. Yamaken angrily thinks that his mood is messed up whether because of this or that thing, he is being stepped on because of Shizuku, even though it isn’t easy to coincidentally meet her on the streets. Walking downstairs, Yamaken bids her goodbye. Shizuku asks if he is already alright. Yamaken tells her to listen up, what he did just now is because of good intention and there is no other meaning to it so she better not misunderstand. Shizuku says she knows and she doesn’t misunderstand it. She thanks him for his good intention. Then, she remembers something and calls out to him. Yamaken shouts what. She asks him if he is free now. Looking surprised, Yamaken says that he is free so what’s up. While walking together, Shizuku thinks that Yamaken is right, even if she decided that she and Haru ought to face each other, she has to do her best. Although Haru’s back is towards her, it is definitely because he is being forced by circumstances. Shizuku feels uneasy by that thought. As puzzled Yamaken looks at her, Shizuku tells herself to change this kind of thoughts. Then, he asks where she bought her clothes. Shizuku says that she bought it from a wholesale warehouse [/hypermarket].

At a restaurant, Shizuku manages to change that train of thoughts after buying an electronic dictionary. Looking at a bag of her newly purchase, Shizuku thanks Yamaken for the many suggestions in buying an electronic dictionary so she won’t regret buying this one a bit. Yamaken angrily complains that it took her two hours to choose that. Hugging the bag, Shizuku says that it is because her budget is limited, unlike him. Yamaken stands up and offers to buy her a hot drink. Shizuku protests that she’ll buy it since he even helped her buy an electronic dictionary. Yamaken says that there is no need for he has no way of accepting [/being paid for] by a girl. While buying the drinks, Yamaken blushes and thinks that it seems like this is a lover’s date. After being told about standing on the wrong place for beverages, Yamaken goes to the right place and thinks that there is no romantic mood at an electronic store. It is the first time, he stayed there for such a long time. He snaps out of it and berates himself for thinking of such things towards a girl who buys clothes from a wholesale warehouse. After buying the drinks, Yamaken thinks that even so her temperament and attitude are quite good. So, if she wears something decent and smiles more, then maybe.. He finds himself lovingly looking at Shizuku who is waiting for him. While walking to Shizuku, Yamaken punches himself and wonders what’s up with him as if his heart is beating fast like a deer’s. Surprised Shizuku asks what’s wrong with him. Yamaken says that it is nothing. Thinking that Yamaken is a weirdo, Shizuku insists on paying for her drink. Yamaken refuses to take it but he is surprised when Shizuku puts the money on his hand. He quickly pulls his hand away from her that it surprises Shizuku. Later on, blushing Yamaken drinks his beverage and curses that he ends up taking Shizuku’s money. To his irritation, Shizuku asks for her change. After a while, Shizuku says that it seems that he had a lot of girlfriends. Yamaken looks at nervous Shizuku. Yamaken wipes his mouth and wonders if Shizuku meant those girls who want to have fun with him. Then, Shizuku asks if he has any kissing type of experience. Nervous and blushing, she tells him that if he doesn’t want to answer that, it is okay because it is a private matter. She only wants to know if there is any situation wherein one doesn’t want to kiss. Yamaken asks if she is referring to Haru, and if he kissed her. Shizuku asks if that means Yamaken didn’t have that experience. It is rather about Haru wants to kiss but in the end, he didn’t. Yamaken asks that weren’t they going steady. Shizuku says no, it isn’t that kind of relationship yet.

Shizuku tries to drop the subject by telling him to forget about it and he should pretend she didn’t say anything. While cursing Haru, Yamaken tells her that maybe Haru thinks it is urgent but suddenly, he chickened out. She asks why he would do that. Yamaken exclaims who knows, and that she should ask Haru himself about that. Shizuku asks could it be because she isn’t too feminine. To her shock, Yamaken says that it is true, if it is about female charm. He comments that it is quite unexpected for her to think of this kind of thing. He asks her who told her to have that ‘It is inevitable that Haru likes me’ kind of attitude and isn’t her self-confidence excessive. Shizuku tells him that she doesn’t want to be told that, by him. She wonders if that is what she has been thinking, that it is inevitable that Haru likes her, and if she is to think of it in detail, from the first time they met, Haru continuously showed his love towards her. “The one who made me the taste of love for the first time.. is Haru. *Haru happily hugging her with a blanket while she is reading a book* Even though that isn’t romantic love.. No matter when, I only have to turn around, he will rush to my side.. Even if my back is also towards him.. *surprise* And I.. what did I give back to him in return?” While Shizuku is thinking of that, Yamaken thinks that in the end, she has to talk with that guy but actually, no matter what he [Yamaken] says, the only one in Shizuku’s eyes is Haru from start to end. So fundamentally, it is meaningless. “No matter how many times she faces me, she won’t even smile.” While Shizuku is walking ahead, Yamaken thinks not only is she a bookworm, she also buys her clothes at the wholesale warehouse, and the person she likes is Haru. He calls out to Shizuku to bid her goodbye. She asks if it is okay to leave him there. Yamaken says yes, he is going to take a ride on the way back. Shizuku thanks him for today and every time she talks with him, her thoughts are all put in order, because every time she talks with her classmates at school, it seems that there is no logic at all. Yamaken angrily tells her not to compare him to Haru and Natsume. Turning to face him, Shizuku says, “..Ya! It’s really great that I’ve met you today! *smiles* I’m really grateful to you!” Yamaken looks surprised and mesmerized by Shizuku.

At the game center, Haru looks down on Natsume who is sitting on the stairs. He asks what she is doing. This surprises Natsume. She tells him that she is playing the ‘pretending as if nothing has happened’ kind of game but today, she doesn’t know why she is a bit hesitating. Haru lamely says, is that so. He proceeds to climb up the stairs. Natsume happily asks him where he went since he dressed up really nice. Haru tells her ya and that’s nice. This surprises Natume. She pushes him and shouts if he is listening to her. Haru ends up hitting his shin on the steps. Furious and in pain, Haru grabs Natsume’s scarf. Natsume nervously apologizes and says that it is his fault. “Who told you to have such a scary expression?” She tells him that she is worried as to whether he hates her or not. This snaps Haru out of it. Haru says is that so. He lets her go and apologizes. Haru assures her to relax for he doesn’t hate her one bit. Natsume is relieved that Haru has returned to normal. Scratching his head, Haru says that he has been thinking of some things. Natsume laughs that it turns out that Haru does think of things. Haru tells her that at times, he feels that she is treating him as an idiot. Natsume laughs and says that it is mutual. =P Haru says is that so. Natsume asks what he is thinking about. Later on, while Haru is sitting on the stairs, Natsume asks if he is saying about conveying his feelings at that moment, to the other. Haru says yes, and before, he would always have that feeling whenever he is with Shizuku. It makes him feel at ease but, it won’t last long and actually, it is there only occasionally. Even so, every time it happens, his empty heart is filled up and that is the feeling that he wants. Natsume realizes that is the reason why he is that attached to Shizuku, and even if she [Natsume] doesn’t quite understand, it should be that. There is a scene of her father patting her head and saying that she is a good girl. She thinks, if it is that, then she should understand it because she had that kind of feeling, and she really misses her father. She thinks if Haru is going to seek out that kind of feeling from Shizuku, honestly... Haru tells her that today, he went to confirm it but in the end, it won’t do. Natsume asks what he did. He says that he told Shizuku that he wants to kiss her. This surprises Natsume. She asks if he did kiss her. To her shock, Haru says no, he stops midway then went home. Natsume shouts that he is awful. Haru says that thinking of it now, if he had known earlier, he should have kissed her. Natsume exclaims that is more awful. Puzzled Haru asks why. She tells him that if it is her, and if Micchan is ever going to do such an intimate thing to her, she will jump off the stairs. Haru becomes nervous and asks if that is true, so what should he do? Natsume tells him to relax and she’ll call Shizuku’s house first. Natsume calls Shizuku’s house. She introduces herself and asks if Shizuku is there. While Natsume isn’t finished talking, Takaya says, she isn’t, then hangs up the phone. Aghast Natsume says that no wonder it is Shizuku’s younger brother, the beat and timing in hanging up the phone are exactly right on the spot. Natsume tells Haru to forget about it for a while since maybe right now, Shizuku is happily shopping. She changes the topic and asks Haru if he only yearns for someone’s warmth. Haru says that there is a difference in that. Natsume says that even so, she has a good suggestion.

Holding a flyer about a renting a ski villa, Natsume suggests that they go skiing during winter at a mountain villa. Then, she will be with Micchan, and Haru can be with Shizuku. Haru asks if she came here today for that. Natsume denies it. Then, Yamaken’s three friends arrive and complain about those girls who are really evil. Mabo sees Natsume and calls out to her. Tomio asks Haru why he is dressed that way. Putting his arm around Natsume, Mabo happily walks in the store. Natsume is shouting for him to let her go. Tomio asks Haru where is bookworm. Haru says that she isn’t there. Upon seeing Micchan who says that it is good that they are quite lively, Natsume greets him and quickly pushes Mabo away from her. Natsume blushes when Micchan greets her back. Holding the flyer, Natsume tells him that she brought this today and she would want everyone to go there. Micchan says that activity can be burdensome on the pocket money of a high school student, and does she want him to accompany them. Natsume is relieved that Micchan is treating her, the same as before, and he can always give her that feeling of security. Natsume watches Micchan ruffling Haru’s hair while telling Haru to change his clothes upon returning home. Natsume thinks that if there is someone like Micchan in between Haru and Shizuku, they will definitely progress smoothly than now. Mabo complains that the group [blind] date today isn’t good and Joji sang that ‘masquerade’ song. Natsume mutters what kind of song is that. Mabo calls out to Haru to buy them a drink. Haru says yes. Natsume shouts at him to quit extorting Haru. Mabo exclaims that it is troublesome to get coins out, and they are ‘brothers’ with Haru. While that is happening, Tomio gets a call from Yamaken. Tomio reprimands him for finally calling, and why is it that he turned on his phone only now. He then asks why bookworm is with Yamaken. Then, Tomio gives the cellphone to Haru. While holding some juice cans, Haru is told that it is his phone from bookworm. Haru answers the phone. When Shizuku calls out his name, Haru says that it is good that she is still alive. This puzzles Shizuku. He tells her that he wants to tell her that after a while, he’ll go see her at her house. While thinking that she doesn’t know why she feels a bit relaxed now, Shizuku says ya, but she is very busy. She asks him why it is noisy at his side. Haru tells her that Natsume wants to go on a ski trip. While Natsume is still arguing with the others about making Haru pay for them, Haru asks Shizuku, “So, how about it?” To his surprise, Shizuku agrees to go and didn’t she tell him before that they’ll go to a place where he wants to go. About the expenses, she’ll save money from now on so there won’t be any problem. “Let us go ski! There.. we are going to have lots of fun.. until it hurts.. together with everyone!” Haru smiles and says, “..Ya!” Shizuku blushes as she hears Haru telling the others that Shizuku will be coming. Someone asks if Shizuku ate something wrong. Shizuku wonders what kind of expression Haru has right now. “Ah.. hearing his voice, it seems so far away.. I really feel.. like I really want to see his face!” Blushing Haru tells her that he still wants to go and see her right now.

Just when Shizuku is about to say something, Yamaken takes the cellphone and tells her not to use someone else’s phone to talk, for such a long time. Haru goes into shock that it is Yamaken. Shizuku apologizes to Yamaken. Yamaken tells Haru to say, what he has to say, and he [Yamaken] won’t yield again. Then, before hanging up, he calls Haru a wuss who won’t even dare kiss. Looking at the flyer, Mabo asks what it is. Tomio asks if it is a ski trip and how much money does it cost. Mabo asks whose villa is this. Natsume exclaims what kind of dream-like thing he is saying. “How can you say ‘whose villa is this’! This is an activity wherein a high school student should burden using one’s own pocket money.” To Natsume’s surprise, Mabo says if it is a villa, his family has one. “Do you want to go?” Sweating nervously, Natsume asks if they have a villa. Mabo happily tells her that if she is coming, please invite some girls. “My villa also has a ski ground.” Tomio tells her that Mabo is super cool for he is among the richest young master among them. Joji nods in agreement. Meanwhile, Haru is still freaking out over Yamaken being with Shizuku. To Yamaken’s surprise, Shizuku tells him that regarding what he said, actually, she has already been kissed by Haru, but she just forgot. Then, that night, Haru cannot endure it that he went to see Shizuku at her house but Shizuku is already busy studying. In her pajamas, Shizuku is holding her new electronic dictionary. She asks in irritation, what’s up, since she is currently busy with back words [<- it seems to be a vocabulary function]. Omake 1: Shizuku plan to ask Yamaken to teach her about the electronic dictionary but it ended up with Yamaken accompanying her to the electronic store. Shizuku gloomily thanks him for accompanying her in choosing the dictionary but if he keep on getting lost, how can she buy something. Yamaken refuses to admit that he got lost. She angrily tells him that if he is lost, he should just stand still and do not keep on walking around. Yamaken insists that he isn’t lost. A note says that Yamaken got lost twice before they arrive at the store. =P Shizuku angrily turns to the side and mutters that she told him earlier not to accompany her. Yamaken is furious that she is showing that kind of expression. Omake 2: Yamaken decides to go home. Shizuku realizes something. She holds Yamaken’s sleeve and tells him not to go far away from her. Yamaken ends up follows her. Then, at the electronic store, when Shizuku isn’t careful, Yamaken got lost inside again. So, Shizuku has to use the internal PA [public announcement] to find Yamaken. =P Omake 3: Natsume is in a pinch over her desire, and not wanting to be with Mabo and others. Mabo asks her what her decision is, it is a free of charge villa where they can have fun and there is even an onsen [hot spring] inside. Though, freely accepting someone’s care isn’t that good. [<- probably about extorting Haru before, but now, she will be using the villa for free] Natsume is totally speechless as she covers her face with her hair. In the end, she quickly surrendered because she really wants to go to a snowy mountain.

Yamaken’s ‘sickness’ is really bad and I guess, it is hard to correct if he doesn’t even want to admit it. Just like how he keeps on denying that he is falling for someone who isn’t exactly his type and already has a ‘lover’. For this series, it works in a comedic way because even if he thinks he is superior than Haru, he is still like a kid who keeps on getting lost. =P I guess Yamaken’s predicament is like Chizuru. They both cannot stop loving the other even if they sometimes wonder why they like either of those two. It is also ironic in a way because they end up helping Haru and Shizuku to be together. It is indeed a different way of portraying love rivals. Natsume and Haru are quite alike in a way. They are really amusing together since they are both kind of like ‘idiots’. =P Scans by kiri for BW

Word of the day:
When we don’t look at our own actions but instead compare ourselves with others, we often come out looking good. But, as Paul said, it’s the Lord’s commendation that counts, not our own approval of ourselves (2 Cor. 10:18). ~ Our Daily Bread

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 62]
Friday, July 22, 2011

Thanks Tiny, I learned that this is out in baidu.^^ So, back to where we left, Misaki is hugging Takumi. Takuma apologizes. She asks if he won’t explain and in the end, he isn’t fully conscious that she is his lover. Usui asks to see her face. She refuses so Usui turns around and hugs her. He tells her that he decided to transfer school in order for him not to leave her. Thinking that he definitely thought it thoroughly but it still infuriates her, Misaki says that even if it is so, he shouldn’t decide on it alone. She thinks that she is fed up in seeing him living alone. Usui holds her arms and apologizes again. Misaki tells him that she won’t forgive him. Flustered Usui tells her that it seems that he has to change because he is no longer alone, by himself. Usui kisses her. Hugging her again, Usui says, “..Ayuzawa.. I..” Misaki is puzzled but, Maria enters the room and exclaims that it is so dark. The two quickly act casual. Maria got angry as to why they are all alone there. Misaki explains about spilling a drink. While Usui is glancing at Maria, Maria pushes Misaki out of the room and tells her to change her clothes. Misaki tries to return Usui’s jacket but Maria tells her that she’ll be the one to return it. Usui is angry when he overheard that Maria is sticking too close to Misaki. Usui sighs then squats down on the floor. He is blushing. The next day, while eating breakfast, everyone is chatting and some are talking about love. Misaki has to remind the ones she is with about gathering data for the report that they have to do. Later on, they are riding the underground train. Misaki sees a grandma having a hard time so she goes to help her bring down her bags and luggage off the train. The grandma says that there is still one more bag on the luggage holder on top of the seat. Misaki goes to get it and give it to the grandma. Before she knew it, the train left without her. The other girls, who have seen Misaki, are as shock as Misaki. Grandma apologizes but Misaki says it is alright. She is also concerned with the many bags and luggage that the grandma has. It turns out that station is where Usui and others are walking around. So while Misaki helps the grandma carries the bags upstairs of the train station, Usui spots her. Then, Usui’s classmates notice that Usui is missing again. They are envious of how free-spirited he is. Maria sighs and tells the others to look for him.

Then, Misaki is surprised when Usui calls her name from behind and asks why she is all alone. Misaki tells him about helping the grandma with her bags. The grandma asks if Usui is Misaki’s friend. Usui corrects her that he is her lover. =P Usui offers to help, too. The grandma exclaims that is amazing. Then, there are some scenes on what the others are doing. I’ll skip that. Back to the couple, upon reading a certain place, grandma says that the place where she is going is nearby so she can go on her own. Usui says that it’s great that they were able to help her. Misaki blushes when grandma says that they are compatible ‘lovers’ that it reminded her of her younger years. She tells them that it is really precious, an important treasure, the time spent together with one’s loved one, and it makes her feel envious. After grandma bid them goodbye, Misaki calls the teacher to explain what happened. After hanging up, Misaki asks what Usui’s plans. He tells her that the Kiyomizu temple is nearby so how about they go there. There are a lot of students from different schools there. Misaki wants to take notes. Usui asks her about using the camera he gave her on her birthday but Misaki is embarrassed about others seeing the pictures inside. Usui tells her to bring it next time when they are alone. Misaki asks her if there will be such a time. Usui says that he might not have that much free time after transferring. He adds, that this kind of life will change and even if he doesn’t know what kind of changes and problems there will be, but what will not change is, he will always come to see her even if it is just a few minutes. Even if he is transferring, the school isn’t far away and he isn’t moving so whether it is the school or the cafe, he can go see her. Misaki says that perhaps it is like that. Usui asks if she thought he is going to hide from her and disappear. Misaki blushes and says that it is because he always does that. Usui apologizes and promises to do his best in telling everything that he is thinking, only to her. She asks him why he has to transfer. He tells her that the way he does things before won’t work anymore and if he doesn’t re-examine himself, he will be controlled again and nothing will be resolved. He will be the second heir of the Walker family. So, in accordance to what they want, he’ll go to Miyabigaoka but from there, he’ll find a way to be free.

Misaki says that it is what she thought. He asks then why did she specifically, asked him about it. She[?] asks if he is provoking her. Usui[?] apologizes. Then, they overhear some students fussing about. When the people are asking if they are from Seika, Misaki goes to them to reprimand them. It turns out that they wrote some of their wishes on wooden plates [ema] about going out this summer, find what he wants to do, and work together with his father. Misaki is amazed over that. Then, they reach the water fall where there are three channels of water falling down the pond. The three represents health, school graduation and marriage [<- for some, it is health, wisdom and longevity] that they can drink on for luck. Usui asks which one will Misaki drink for she cannot drink all three. After thinking for a while, Misaki chooses health for without it, the other two won’t happen. She tells him to hurry so that they can line up. Then, noticing that Usui seems hesitant, she asks if he wants to drink that one. Usui says no, he is amazed that she didn’t falter. Just when she is asking him what he meant by that, Misaki spots Sakura with Kuuga. While Misaki hides behind Usui, they follow the two. Then, they notice Sakura clinging on Kuuga’s coat. After a while, Sakura and Kuuga are holding hands. Misaki smiles over this and tells Usui that they should go. Someone says that since it is rare, they go and pray there. Usui asks her if she wants some protective charm. Misaki tells him that if he needs it, he can go buy it but she will protect her love by herself. This surprises Usui. He says that she will be fighting by herself then, and perhaps in this little way, they are similar. This made Misaki realize their similarities, using alibis to hide their feelings and they could have lost something important.

To Usui’s surprise, Misaki holds his hand. Misaki whispers to him that this way, everyone will know that they are going steady. This surprises Usui. He says that is true but is it alright with her. Blushing and perspiring, Misaki says that it is. Usui says that maybe not, since she is perspiring too much, so let go while no one has seen them yet. Misaki tells him that it is even worse to hide it. “I’ve already.. do not want to waste anymore, the time that I’m with you..!” Usui smiles over this and says, “Me, too.” Then, some guys see them and ask if it is some mistake. To their surprise, Hinata tells them that it isn’t, those two are going steady. They were saying that it is impossible but they stopped upon seeing Hinata’s expression. The trip is over and now, they are busying souvenirs. Sakura buys a lot of stuff. She tells Shizuko about having fun yesterday. Then, Suzuki bumps into them but Shizuko doesn’t recognize him without his glasses. It turns out that Shizuko likes his glasses. ^^;; Ikuto is making a ruckus about a place that he wasn’t able to visit. While buying souvenirs for Kanou, Yukimura notices Misaki, together with Usui and asks if she already bought souvenirs. Some guys quickly pull Yukimura away and tell him to pay attention at the mood between those two. Then, some girls are gossiping about the rumors about Misaki and Usui, to Sakura and Shizuko. Sakura notices Misaki smiling at her. Usui asks if it is alright and she might regret this. She tells him not to talk nonsense or could it be that he’s regretting. Usui says that even if he is sorry for her, but it is an amazing feeling. Blushing Misaki smiles and calls him ‘Stupid Usui’, they will almost be going back now. Narration: “In order not to lose that important thing again, the two finally faces [it] together.” And, that’s it..50 pages. What can I say but..FINALLY. =P Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Vampire Knight [Chapter 74]
Thursday, July 21, 2011

Thanks to ano, I learned that Vampire Knight 74 : Pure Blood’s Motive is out in baidu. Wow, so fast..actually, I shouldn’t be surprise for this scanlation group loves Kaname...if not, because they are not busy =P I just browse it so just wait for the English scanlation for the details and stuff which I’ll also read later on. And so, Yuuki and Zero talk a bit. Yuuki wants to look at his face a bit before sucking the blood and please help her since right now, she wants his blood. Zero claims not to think about her again but sometimes, within himself, he is aware of a fragment of her. Yuuki bites and sees a vision of human Yuuki sitting on a tree with a black wolf. Underneath the tree is a coffin sealed by rose vines. Human Yuuki tells her not to be afraid, the thing that Zero fears the most is currently in a deep sleep. Ichiru[?] says that in the coffin is the remains of memories[?]. Zero then tell Yuuki to not pry in his heart. Yuuki breaks it off. She thanks and apologizes to him. It seems that Hanabusa saw them. Then, it seems that Hanabusa wants to investigate something, which he informs Senri and Rima. It seems that he won’t be watching over Yuuki anymore because a certain hunter is around. Soon, Yuuki and Zero pass by each other at the hallway. She tells him to deal with the day students outside. Zero says he’ll go. Then, she pats his back and says, “I’ll leave it to you.” Hehe..getting friendly after the bite, huh? =P Zero shoos the girls away and meets with Kaien and Kaito. Kaien says that it is worrisome that Zero becomes ‘obedient’ when at first, he wants to kill Kaname. Looking dark, Zero says that there is no reason for him to stop Kaname if he plans on killing purebloods. Kaien tells him that he pretends that he didn’t hear that and as a pacifist, Kaname’s actions are not allowed even if it is probably for Yuuki’s sake. In the room, it seems that Sara wins a lot of votes against Yuuki, and they think it is because of Sara’s charm. It seems that Takuma is giving up his authority as class head and it will be passed on to Sara who won. Yuuki has only one vote. ^^;

Then, like a fangirl, Maria looks out the window and lovingly calls out Zero’s name. ^^; Yuuki and others start to notice that something is wrong with Takuma especially since he clammed up regarding what he is telling Yuuki yesterday. Elsewhere, Kain and Ruka are investigating around and saw some people passing around bottles of pills. Then, Kaname arrives and apologizes to Ruka for making her do some troublesome things. It seems that he wants her to charm the people around in order for them to leave the vicinity. Then, Kaien arrives and tells Kaname that as Yuuki’s ‘father’, he won’t give Yuuki back to Kaname. Kaname tells him that it is up to Yuuki how she wants to live and he can no longer bound her. Kaname even thanks Kaien for making Yuuki depart from his side. Kaien points his sword at Kaname’s neck and asks if it is because Yuuki will be a stumbling block in his plan to annihilate purebloods. Holding Kaien’s sword, Kaname says ya, and if he were to hinder him, then he will get rid of him. Haha..this summary got longer than expected. Well, if Kaname kills Kaien, I guess that is really the point of no return for Kaname. Wait..won't that make Zero officially become the head of the association? Kaname does seem to be suicidal in a way..hm..kind of like how Zero used to be. Zero’s blood lust seems to have been temporarily pacified by Yuuki. If this keeps up, I believe that Zero and Yuuki can patch things up soon. I do wonder if the ‘peeking in the heart’ is a power of purebloods or is it only for Yuuki? Maybe that black wolf is a part of Kaname inside Zero. Is it okay to assume that even if Kaname dies, a part of him is still in Zero? ^^; I think that ‘vision’ means that Yuuki and Kaname’s blood is suppressing the awakening/going into level E. I’m beginning to think that what will make Ruka hate Kaname is making her such menial things. ^^;; Well, I’m hoping that they meet up with Hanabusa soon. ^^ Then, the only one missing will be Takuma. I wonder what Sara did to him. I guess if Kaname and gang get to Sara, they are going to take Takuma back. I do wonder why he/they are taking their time on that. Hm..leaving it up to Senri and Rima? Well, personally, I’m just glad that Kaname let Yuuki go and hopefully, he really has no plans on getting her back for everyone in the love triangle’s sake/happiness. =P Next chapter will be on September 24th. Scans by 玖玖爱枢♀汉化.

Word of the day:
When we find ourselves ready to judge another person’s motives, let’s pause and remember—only God can see the heart, and only His Word can expose its motives. ~ Our Daily Bread

Ookami-heika no Hanayome [Chapters 23]
Thursday, July 21, 2011

At the carriage, crying Yuulin wonders what to do for she is going to be..most definitely going to be dismissed upon returning to the harem because the ‘Wolf King’ is only an act, and she is only working. She becomes nervous when Reishou tells her not to cry like that. Holding up her face to him, he says that he doesn’t know how to comfort her. Touching her face, Reishou tells her not to cry. Yuulin continues to cry, and thinks that for her to come to like this man, there is no sufficient reason, not even one. Then, they were surprised that the carriage suddenly stops. It made Yuulin lose her balance and lean on Reishou. Reishou asks what’s up. The driver apologizes and says, that.. In front of the carriage, there are some masked men. They ask if the one inside is the Princess. They charge on to the carriage to kill her. Yuulin wonders if they are assassins. Someone shouts for them to look at the mood. Dai jumps out [<-driver?] and uses his ropes to attack the assassins. Dai taunts them if that’s all they can do, even if he is on top of the carriage and embarrassingly restraining himself. Yuulin exclaims in shock that it is Dai, and he’s here. Reishou is speechless. Reishou sighs and tells Yuulin to be good and stay there, he’ll quickly come back. Yuulin tries to protest but Reishou smiles at her and says that if she is afraid, she should just close her eyes. Reishou draws his sword to fight with the assassins. He shouts for Dai to guard the carriage. Dai says okay. Teary-eyed Yuulin looks out and thinks that she is very afraid but she couldn’t run away and escape. A guy in a hooded cape watches from the roof then leaves. Back at the harem, Jun says so, because of the unexpected resistance, the assassins quickly retreated. One ran away from home on one’s own. <- Trembling Yuulin. The other, on his own initiative, met and got the other one back. <- Looking away Reishou. Jun angrily says that in the end, they even got themselves attacked at will. Crying and trembling Yuulin thinks that Jun is angrier than how she imagined, and if this continues, without a doubt, she will be dismissed. Yuulin quickly blurts out her apology. To Yuulin’s surprise, Reishou stands in front of her and tells Jun not to rebuke Yuulin, for he is the one to blame for what happened. Glaring Jun angrily reminds Reishou that they were attacked on their way back from Han’s residence and, if this grave incident has something to do with Chancellor Ryu, it will be a very troublesome problem.

Reishou agrees that if one is going to think as to who is really displeased about the closeness of the Princess and the Han family, it will be that person [Chancellor Ryu]. Still hiding behind Reishou, Yuulin expresses her disbelief that Gikou will send in assassins just because of a Princess’s visit. Jun tells her that those two families are in bad terms and they are currently in a fight that won’t budge at all. So probably, it was determined that the Princess is an eyesore. It is okay if the Ryu and Han family are fighting but if in this case, military strength is put into play, one could say that things have become more troublesome. Yuulin thinks that it seems that the situation has become anything but good. Reishou looks at Yuulin and tells her that it is only a possibility, a theory. She is surprised when he suggests that she should go back to her room first to rest. Puppy mode Reishou smiles and apologizes for roughly forcing her to go back and no matter what, he wanted her to quickly go back there at the palace. “Yuulin, you do not have to worry about anything.. I’ll wait until you have calmed down and let’s properly talk again, alright?” Teary-eyed Yuulin says, yes. Yuulin thinks that it is His Kind Puppy Majesty, and it has been such a long time since he [/she] is relaxed like this. Furious Jun angrily grinds his teeth and asks frightened Yuulin what is that ‘roughly’ Reishou said. “What happened, girl.. quickly speak up.” Smiling Reishou looks at Yuulin as she quickly tells Jun that she’s going to her room. While walking away, flustered Yuulin thinks that she willfully ran away because of panic and ends up stirring up a lot of trouble. Remembering smiling Reishou, Yuulin thinks that she fundamentally only wanted to help out His Majesty. The next day, at the office, Gikou reports to Reishou to let him deal with this issue. Reishou agrees and says that he’ll await his good news. Then, Gikou asks if the Princess had already returned to the palace. Reishou comments that his news is really quick. Gikou says that regarding the person whom His Majesty really dotes on, there are people, who are concerned about that, and they will at least mention it to him. The man who reports to Gikou, is also there with Gikou. Gikou says that Reishou might think that he’s too meddlesome but things become like that because of granting too much independence [to Yuulin], and she is even a special person to him. “The harem’s flower has to accompany the king at his side. She is a flower that will bloom only for the king. If you cherish her, just leave her at your side and properly love and take care of her. Do not let the Princess get involved with things outside the harem. If you do not want her to encounter anything dangerous, please let her be at your side and properly cherish her.” After Gikou and his two men left, Reishou tells Jun that it is the same with Gikou’s usual preaching, though it is also a warning. Jun says that in short, Gikou isn’t an opponent who will easily make a move, and no matter what, it is really necessary to quickly decide on that Spring Banquet issue. Reishou just looks serious.

Meanwhile, Yuulin is sitting at the corner, facing the wall. Dai comes in and asks Princess-chan, if her mood is still bad. While eating a bun, Dai asks, isn’t she not angry anymore, so cheer up since it will be quite gloomy. Pouting Yuulin turns to face him then, she becomes teary-eyed again. Yuulin tells him that she had stirred up trouble and afterwards, no one can sufficiently tell her as to what’s going on. “The thing/s that I can do, there’s none at all, not even one.” Yuulin thinks that it is already no good, and because she is like that, she will definitely be dismissed. Puzzled Dai tells her not to think that way. “You only have to think of ‘without doing anything, I’m going to receive money. How lucky☆’. Isn’t that way of thinking really good?” This surprises Yuulin that she looks ‘!?’ at Dai. Dai happily asks why does she think that she will definitely be dismissed because of running away and failing in something. “You’re really amazing. Fundamentally, the people at His Majesty’s side are all capable [/talented] people. Just like me!! That person usually cannot tolerate people who are useless. If it is me, even if it is to go out and run away, I cannot do that. What His Majesty considers to be really important is to completely accomplish all sorts of assigned tasks. –So, he only needs to feel that person can be used, even if he hates that person and who knows that that person is thinking deep within his stomach [= known as the second brain], he will use that person. Like those two ojisans [/uncles]. Among those, if someone is unqualified, s/he would be sent to one side. Hahaha That is except for sparkling you. Hahaha Rather than being used, you are even spoke highly of!” Yuulin tells him that it seems that right now, he is treating her like a fool. Dai continues to laugh and says no, that is amazing for isn’t he doing his utmost best to praise and compliment her. “You are really special-- *looks at Yuulin who has a dark and irritated expression* --ah, Princess-chan, your eyes are glaring [at me].” Yuulin tells him that she is going to see His Majesty. Nervous Dai asks if she will [see Reishou] with that kind of expression and with that tone of voice. He tries to pacify her and tells her to wait and calm down. Yuulin shouts that ever since then, she has never been has calmed down as she is right now. Flustered Yuulin thinks that she is really an idiot. “Wavered by emotions, I was mistaken over the most important thing.”

At the hallway, Houen overhears a couple of guys saying that it seems the Princess will once again go to the house of Han’s daughter and it seems that she is really liked. Houen looks irritated over this. The carriage stops in front of Kouju’s residence. Kouju happily welcomes Yuulin and tells her that it is such an honor for her once again [that Yuulin came to visit], even if a few days ago, she suddenly left. Gloomy Yuulin tells her that it is because His Majesty suddenly called her back with great urgency. Kouju asks if there is still a problem between her and His Majesty. With a slightly embarrassed expression, Yuulin tells Kouju that there is a bit of secret favor that she wants to ask of her. Then, at the lakeside where he usually plays music, Suigetsu is also informed that the Princess has once again gone to his younger sister’s place. The messenger says, “Yes, and then--..” Suigetsu quietly listens. Soon, it is night. Yuulin is sitting by herself in back of one of the houses in the Han estate which faces the backyard. “--..the preparation to be done is only to weaken the defense and within the mansion of Han’s daughter, there will be no one guarding the Princess’ moves.” Flashback: Reishou asked, “Bait?” Yuulin said, “Yes. The princess has still not learned from her lesson and would still keep on having a favorable relationship with the Han family. If there is really someone who hates this kind of situation, I think that person will definitely come again and attack.” Reishou replied, “The motive in doing this kind of thing is very clear. *wolf mode* But, it isn’t necessary to put yourself in danger. ..did someone say some things to you?” To his surprise, trembling and teary-eyed Yuulin exclaimed that she is extremely pitiful that she felt so ashamed. “Always, until now, I’ve always planned on sincerely and firmly living on, based on my goal. But, for some time, I’ve lost to my emotions. I do not want that one day I will be known as a ‘salary thief’..! *there is a scene of nervous Dai * (This is something that I should do.) Please, Your Majesty, please give me an opportunity wherein I can do something with my utmost ability. *determined look* There is an enemy at your side but, you do not know who it is. I do not want that.” Frowning Reishou looked surprised over that declaration. End flashback.

Sitting by herself, Yuulin looks at the pond near the wall. She thinks, “This is the job of a so-called temporary bride. Doesn’t know anything nor think of anything. Only have to properly ‘act’ the role of the Princess whom the Wolf King loves.” The assassins look out from the wall and mutter, “—[she’s] there and this time around, definitely--” Dai smiles and says, “—coming, they’re coming. Look at the mood, comrades.” The assassins rush in towards Yuulin. Yuulin thinks, “It’s alright. With my utmost best, I should properly work.” Reishou suddenly comes out in front of Yuulin and blocks the attack of the assassins. Without skipping a beat, Reishou tells Jun to bring the Princess to a safe place. Jun says okay. Inside the room, Yuulin thinks that it will be alright, and even if it is like this, she didn’t think that His Majesty himself will go there. Jun happily tells Yuulin, ‘good work’, and since they know how the enemy attacked before, they can think of a way to deal with the enemy. Jun laughs and says that it was even Yuulin, herself who suggested that she become a bait. “I give you a very high assessment for having the heart to do this kind of thing! (and even refusing His Majesty).” Yuulin looks at Jun and thinks that that it seems he looks really happy and it seems that she won’t be dismissed. Touching her chest, blushing Yuulin thinks, “It’s alright. ..It’s alright. –I’ll hide my inclination [/that idea], and this way, I can continue on working. As well as stay at your side, and act as your partner [/comrade].” Outside the mansion, as the two are dealing with the assassins, Dai says that it is quite unexpected that Reishou agreed to this bait thing. Reishou says that if he thinks about it for such a long time, he will think of words that he is afraid to say..it should be that kind of reason. Dai replies, ah.. Reishou tells him that he wanted Yuulin to be always smiling at that safe place where there won’t be anything that will make her uneasy but she flew and ran out of that place. “Regardless of whether she is angry or crying, she is still the same her. *sheathing his sword* Just like this, I want to completely treasure all of those times, *sighs and sheepish smile* what is the best way for me to do it? ..it’s really quite problematic.” Dai thinks that Princess-chan is really amazing. Narration: “—Mutual way of thinking, has slightly missed each other.” Soon, Jun and Yuulin go out to join the others in confronting the tied up assassins. Jun asks them who told them to do this. Narration: “The problem is going to be concluded.” One of the assassins nervously exclaims, “—it’s Ryu clan. It is by Chancellor Ryu’s orders.”

Portrayed as a cunning guy, I don’t think that Gikou is that dumb to do such a thing especially since his own son is highly valued at the royal court, by Reishou himself. Okay, his son pretty much idolizes the king. =P To do such a thing wherein the possibility of being caught is extremely high, he is risking a lot especially since it is just because of a Spring Banquet. ^^; So, I think the assassins are lying or they think that it is Gikou, who ordered them. I do wonder if these are the same assassins lingering around before the Spring Banquet issue, which involved Yuulin, intensified. It seems that Yuulin can be at ease that she won’t be fired soon. Hm.. I don’t really think that Jun can just fire her without Reishou’s permission but I guess it is good to get on the good side of one’s superior. ^^ Hehe, Dai had unwittingly provoked her. Yuulin isn’t the type of girl who would want to be paid for something she didn’t work for. Actually, I think she detest being labeled as ‘useless’. I like how she confronted Reishou about her request. She is really acting like the Princess and sooner or later, the thin line between ‘acting’ and ‘reality’ will be blurred. It is kind of sad that Yuulin is going to hide her true feelings in order to do her job well. Honestly, I wonder for how long can she do that since the longer she is with Reishou, the harder she falls in love with him. It doesn’t help that Yuulin is ignoring/oblivious of the obvious signs that Reishou treating her in a special way for real. She doesn’t know why Reishou will personally be there when she used herself as a bait, and why would he ‘keep’ her if she is not ‘useful/capable’ to him like the others are. It also does seem kind of ironic that the only person in that palace whom Reishou treats as ‘special’ and not as ‘someone useful for him’, wanted to be treated ‘like the others’. Scans by 狼陛下汉化組.

Quote of the day:
You will find that the mere resolve not to be useless, and the honest desire to help other people, will, in the quickest and delicatest ways, improve yourself. ~ John Ruskin

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapter 89]
Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Tsubaki’s mother asks Tsubaki what’s up with her. Holding a booklet about a beauty academy, Tsubaki tells her that after graduating from high school, she wants to go there because she wants to become a hairstylist. So, she had withdrawn from going to the cram school which is already unnecessary. Her mother asks how she can do that so easily when the guardian’s permission is required. [There is a blank speech bubble here but I’m guessing that Tsubaki took her mother’s signature seal and used it without permission.] Her mother is flustered over how could Tsubaki use that at will. Then, she slaps Tsubaki. While Tsubaki holds her slapped face, her mother asks if Tsubaki knows what she is doing. Her mother scolds her for suddenly betraying her trust. Tsubaki shouts that she also doesn’t want this but she has no choice but to do it, because she [mother] won’t properly listen to her. Tsubaki apologizes for wasting her money unjustly for fees of the cram school this half year, but she will work to slowly pay her back. Her mother is puzzled when she mentioned work. Tsubaki tells her that she has been working at a beauty parlor last month. Her mother asks how can that be, so Tsubaki has been coming home late is not because she is self-studying at the cram school. Tsubaki tells her that in order to become a hairstylist, she is studying at that place. Her mother suddenly pushes her down on the floor that they are now both kneeling on the floor. Her mother asks what’s wrong with her and she isn’t this kind of child. Looking away, Tsubaki says yes, for she is a child who always acts in accordance to her mother’s wishes [/expectation] that she doesn’t think for herself. Her mother looks surprised over that. Her mother protests that being like that, Tsubaki cannot go to college. Tsubaki tells her mother that she simply wants to do something that she likes doing, and she doesn’t want anything else except for hairstyling. Her mother insists that she go to college and she might regret it later on. Tsubaki says that it is the same, vice-versa, if she doesn’t become a hairstylist, she might also regret it. Teary-eyed and flustered, Tsubaki tells her mother that even if she regrets, it is okay because this is the path that she had chosen. Her mother continues to plead to her but Tsubaki remains firm. Soon, her mother stands up and leaves the room.

The next day, Tsubaki’s mother is on a strike that Tsubaki has to make breakfast for everyone. Sleepy Sakura asks where their mother is. Their father says that his wife said that she’s not feeling well so, he is a bit late. Flustered Tsubaki wonders if it will be alright. At school, they are preparing for the school festival. Everyone is busy with the preparations. While sewing, listless Tsubaki sighs and wonders how she can convince her mother. Then, she pricks her finger with the needle and shouts out loud in pain. This surprises Miho who asks her if she is alright. A couple of girls come in and show the costumes that they are wearing to the others. To their irritation, a guy comments that it seems that nothing much has changed, as if something is missing. It is like the face is still overpowering the costumes. The guy suggests that they do something about their hair. Tsubaki quickly offers to do it for them. Soon, the girls look really pretty with their new hairstyles. Tsubaki tells them that she changed the hairstyle a bit but it is now compatible with the costumes. The guy exclaims that no wonder Tsubaki is the ‘shadow’ responsible for the school festival. Tsubaki blushes over that compliment. Soon, the others talk and decide to endorse Tsubaki as the one who’ll do their hairstyles [/be in charge] on the school festival. At *parfait salon, Tsubaki is washing Hiro’s hair. Tsubaki tells him that she will be the one in charge for tomorrow’s school festival. Their class’s store is ‘wearing all sorts of outfits [ = cosplay] and take a picture’ photo studio. Hiro says that it is quite nostalgic, a school festival, and he did that before. He tells her that he helped his classmates with the hairstyle but it is his first time in doing it for customers, so from the start, he is a bit nervous yet excited. Tsubaki blushes and says, ya. Hiro looks at her and suggests that she invites her mother. Surprised Tsubaki accidentally put soap on Hiro’s eyes. Freaking out, Tsubaki apologizes for being careless. After wiping his eyes with a towel, Tsubaki asks why she has to invite her mother. Hiro tells her to let her mother see her enthusiasm and at the same time, she can make a hairstyle for her mother. After a pause, Tsubaki says that she thinks that even if she invited her mother, her mother won’t come.

To Tsubaki’s surprise, Hiro sits up and calls out to the other guy, Shima* to please shampoo him. [島; I’m guessing the name based on the kanji] Hiro claims to be in a super bad mood and he won’t allow someone, who doesn’t have perseverance, touching his hair. Trembling Tsubaki shouts that she will definitely give it all her effort and invite her mother so, please let her practice on washing hair. Hiro says is that so. While Tsubaki is washing his hair, Hiro says that it hurts. Her bracelet has entangled on Hiro’s hair. He tells her that even if it isn’t prohibited to wear jewelry but in practice, things that are a hindrance at work should be removed. Tsubaki apologizes and removes her bracelet. Hiro is glancing at the bracelet. When Tsubaki is putting it in her apron’s pocket, Hiro says that he doesn’t have work tomorrow so can he also go to her school festival. This surprised Tsubaki that she got careless and didn’t put the bracelet in her pocket properly. The bracelet is half-way dangling outside the pocket. Tsubaki exclaims if that is true, and don’t joke around. Hiro says that it is true. As the bracelet falls down on the floor, Hiro suggests that it isn’t a bad idea to cut the line for Tsubaki to give him a hairstyle. Shima exclaims that if he is going, he will, too. Tsubaki exclaims that regarding that, please don’t steal her customers. This surprises the two guys. Hiro slightly blush then smiles. He chuckles and says okay, okay, then can he go? Shima sweatdrops at how amazing Tsubaki is to act like that with Hiro. Tsubaki finally says that he can go. Then, Hiro asks her that during that time, if it’s convenient, can she introduce her boyfriend to him. This surprises Tsubaki. Hiro says that he is curious as to what kind of guy her boyfriend is, who would like an arrogant girl like Tsubaki and give her a bracelet. Tsubaki is shock for being called arrogant. Shima says that he also wants to see, and someone like him has not yet received anything [from a girl]. Tsubaki tells Hiro to forget about the introduction, her boyfriend can only go to school after the festival. Hiro is puzzled. Tsubaki explains that her boyfriend got into a grave accident at the end of the second year and until today, he is still at home for rehabilitation. “And right now, I’m separated [/keep distance] from him.”

This surprises Hiro and says that she did well. Tsubaki exclaims no, it isn’t because of this, but on contrary, it is for her to find her own path with her utmost strength, and until she can do it, they are going to separate first. Tsubaki tells him that she’s now going to blow-dry his hair so go to that side. Hiro smiles and says, is that so. Hiro sits up and notices Tsubaki’s bracelet on the floor. He picks it up and mutters, being young, even if they are separated, he believes that they will go back to their original state [/together again]. Gesturing to the chair, Tsubaki didn’t seem to hear this that she calls out to Hiro for him to sit down. Hiro glances at her and says okay. Then, he puts the bracelet in his pocket. The next day, at school, everyone is busy preparing for the festival. Tsubaki is not herself that a girl has to ask her if the hairstyle she is making really okay. Tsubaki is surprised that she made four protruding braids on the girl that she looks like a flower. Tsubaki apologizes and tries again. She thinks that there is still 15 minutes before the festival starts and what is she to do. She couldn’t find her bracelet. She remembers removing it and she [probably] had forgotten to take it out from her apron. Teary-eyed and flustered, Tsubaki thinks that she wants to quickly go to the beauty parlor. Outside the school, in his car, Hiro looks at Tsubaki’s bracelet that he is holding. He thinks that right now, Tsubaki should be thinking about that bracelet. He decides to return it to Tsubaki for he is a super nice guy. Wonders where the parking is, Hiro continues to drive on. Then, Hiro’s car passes by Kyouta. A girl calls out to him and invites him to go and rest up at her classroom. [<- seems to be a restaurant]. Kyouta asks what she is talking about, of course, he is going to go to his classroom first. It turns out that Sakura has emailed Kyouta that Tsubaki will be busy doing hairstyles and she is nearing her goal. Sakura suggests to Kyouta that he should definitely go to school and see Tsubaki. The girl finally lets Kyouta go. Another girl gives him a free ticket. Kyouta looks at the ticket and says that what one wants to do, one could definitely do it well. At the Hibino residence, Tsubaki’s mother is sitting at the dining table. She looks at a letter and a school festival ticket on the table. Tsubaki wrote that she will be at the school festival making all sorts of hairstyles, so she hopes that her mother can go and see her. Her displeased mother takes the ticket and crumples it. Then, Meiou school festival officially starts. Kyouta is walking towards his classroom while obstructed by his fangirls. Hiro had just parked his car. Tsubaki is still struggling in making hairstyles. Blurb: Next, there will be a very huge plot twist. Next chapter will be out on August 5th.

Hehe, actually, that blurb is not really necessary. Whatever happens will definitely be huge. Hiro got the bracelet and is about to meet with Kyouta as they both go to Tsubaki’s classroom. And, that will definitely make anyone anticipate the next chapter. It is what we have been waiting for = Kyouta’s reaction to Hiro and currently, I doubt it will be a good one. It is one thing for Kyouta to be jealous over the existence of another guy at Tsubaki’s side and it is definitely a different thing that Hiro has the bracelet. I still don’t quite understand the reason why Hiro took the bracelet. Is he being playful? From the translation, it does seem that he knows his own place, wherein Tsubaki will be re-united with her boyfriend so maybe he took the bracelet on a whim. Hm..slightly jealous? Or, maybe the author just wants to use it to cause the major misunderstanding? ^^; Okay, that seems unlikely because the bracelet could just be in the apron and Hiro is returning it. Since Hiro deliberately took it and supposedly be a nice guy that he will return it, I wonder if it is a mistranslation or there is really some malice in taking the bracelet. It will definitely be disastrous if Tsubaki’s mother sees Tsubaki like this. Hopefully, Tsubaki snaps out of it soon or, she gets the bracelet back before her mother appears. One thing is for sure, Tsubaki will be the envy of all girls to have two good looking guys with her. =P I wonder if there will be a scene wherein the two guys are quarreling as to who will Tsubaki fix whose hair first..though I highly doubt that will happen =P I also wonder if Kyouta will make Tsubaki stop working for/seeing Hiro. But, I must say that Hiro is really good in making Tsubaki voluntarily do what he wants, which in a way makes Tsubaki to be more pro-active. I’m referring to how he teased her about not shampooing his hair if she won’t keep on convincing her mother. I think Tsubaki shouldn’t have told Hiro that she and Kyouta are currently keeping each other’s distance/separated. If he plans to ruin the relationship of those two, Hiro can use that knowledge. From this situation, I think that the author will cap the problem with Tsubaki’s mother and we will move to the next arc of a possible love triangle or getting the two Tsubaki-s together again. On a side note, I’m amused that I guessed two things right. First, Tsubaki will be fixing that dull hair of her mother, and I really think that will help convince her mother. Then, hopefully, they will probably have some talk so that I’ll know the reason why her mother keeps on insisting for her to go to college. Hm..if the new hairstyle won't convince her mother, I wonder if either guys will help Tsubaki in doing so. And, the second guess is about the bracelet will be missing..just like in Parfait Tic! Anyway, I hope the author will make a colored spread of the couple and Hiro just like what she did with the couple and Haru before. ^^ Scans by 17kkmh.com

Quote of the day:
Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds. ~Orison Swett Marden

Stardust★Wink [Chapter 31]
Monday, July 18, 2011

Cover page: “Anna and Sou, they finally..!!” Narration: My and Sou’s relationship is currently in.. *Sou said: “In order for us to return to becoming good childhood friends, let’s keep some distance between us for a while.”* kind of situation. That means, we are not to contact nor talk with each other. So it is like that, and when I opened the door in order to pay for the take-out food, the one who appeared before me is.. *Aghast Sou and Anna look surprise and speechless at each other* Why is Sou standing there and he smells of ramen..” Glancing at the address plate which had the surname Kazami, Sou says that he got the address right. Anna asks him what he is doing. After a pause, Sou tells her that he is working on his part-time job. Sou kneels down and put the bowls of ramen on the floor. He tells her that it is two chasu ramen and one vegetable ramen, and all three, costs 1800 yen. Anna looks at him and thinks that before Sou said that he is going to work on a part-time job and it turns out to be at a ramen store. “Could it be that this store is somewhere nearby? Speaking of that, Sou seems to like ramen ever since before, though it is more on cup ramen [<- instant ramen].” Her thoughts are interrupted when Sou repeats, “Miss, are you listening? It all costs 1800 yen.” Anna smiles at him but she is obviously irritated. She says, “Ah, sorry about that. I don’t have loose change so can I give you 2000 yen?” Holding up his hand to take the money, Sou says, “Okay, I receive your 2000 y..” Sou is surprises when Anna immediately holds the money up high. Sou sweatdrops and asks her why she is treating a part-timer like that. With a somewhat crazed look, Anna says, “Wait-- a minute, isn’t it a bit rude to treat the customer this way? A person like that, won’t be paid. *waving the money* If you want the miss to pay you, then give the miss, a smile. Isn’t that fundamental in treating customers?” Sou says that the miss is quite troublesome. Anna shouts, “Look, look, the noodles are starting to become soggy so quickly give the miss a smile!!” Sou tells her not to hinder his work [/the business] and she better be careful, or else he’ll report her. Hearing the ruckus, Hinata goes out and asks Anna if there is any problems in paying. He is surprise to see Anna angrily pinching angry Sou’s face to make him smile. =P Nanoka also comes out and asks what’s holding up Anna, she’s already hungry. Upon seeing Sou, Nanoka exclaims, “Ha!? Why is poop Sou here..” Aghast Sou thinks, “Poop?”, then he says that he’s working on a part-time job. Thinking that Sou is working part-time, Hinata asks Anna about the payment. Anna nervously says that she hasn’t pay yet.

Hinata says that he’ll pay it and she can go bring the food in the living room. After a pause, Sou says that he received the payment in whole. Anna apologizes to Hinata for in the end, he was the one who paid. She offers to pay him later on. Hinata tells her that there is no need and just treat it as returning the favor. While Anna tries to protest, Sou looks at them. Nanoka asks Sou if he is curious as to why Anna is in Hinata’s house. This surprises Sou [/snaps out of thought]. Nanoka says, “Then, let me tell you. The two of them are going steady♥♥” Carrying the two bowls of ramen, Hinata angrily tells Nanoka not to openly tell a blatant lie. Sou casually says that after they eat, leave the utensils [/bowls] outside the door and he’ll just come back to get them. Nanoka angrily tells Sou to at least show some reaction. She scolds him for being boring. Without missing a beat, Sou thanks them for their patronage. Nanoka continues to shout for him to wait. While Nanoka helps him in bringing the bowls in, Hinata tells her that wasn’t that grudge regarding Ayane, already resolved and if she does want to quarrel, she shouldn’t do it over the top. Nanoka says that for Sou to play around with Aya-chan, it is a crime that she won’t forgive throughout her life. Irritated Anna still looks out towards Sou who had already left. She wonders what’s up with that ‘I don’t care’ attitude. “He is always acting quite relaxed by himself and treating me like an outsider. Is it really for us to become good childhood friends again? I actually feel that, on contrary, it has become bad--!?” Soon, Nanoka is sound asleep on the bed. Aghast Hinata says that after eating, she just sleep. “Geez.. what did this girl come here to do.. *turns to Anna* Koshiro-chan, you are going to sleep overnight at Nanoka’s place today, right? When this girl is sleeping, she won’t move at all so today, are you also going to sleep in my house..” He then notices Anna looking depressed. He calls out her name again before Anna snaps out of it and exclaims, “What!? Were you saying something!?” Hinata sweatdrops and says that this is quite unexpected and she seems to be depressed. Anna brightly smiles and laughs it off that it isn’t so. Hinata asks if she quarreled with Sou. Looking aghast, Anna keeps on denying it. Hinata suggests that she rest for the day. Anna tries to protest. Hinata tells her that the pages that they are going to help him with, are already finished, and she can take the picture of the original manuscript tomorrow. He smiles and says, “Thank you for today and good work.”

At a different room, Nanoka is sound asleep on a futon. Beside her, Anna is sitting on her futon. She sighs for making Hinata worried about her. “Really.. if it is only a quarrel, it will be okay if I go and apologize.. What’s more, what is with that ‘temporarily keep some distance’ and up to when is that ‘temporarily’!! How many months, days or weeks?!” A note says: childish. Anna angrily lies down and pulls up the blanket on her. She thinks that she also cannot be relaxed with just waiting. “Sou..you idiot--..” The next day, Anna wakes up and looks at her cellphone. She thinks that it isn’t 7am yet and she is already awake so maybe she cannot sleep very soundly in other people’s houses, even if Nanoka slept like a pig. Anna goes out of the room with her camera. She thinks that today, she’ll definitely take pictures. She wonders if Hinata is still sleeping. Anna peeks into the room and sees Hinata working. She wonders if he is already drawing or could it be that he didn’t sleep at all. She starts to wonder if Hinata will be alright since he obviously didn’t seem to have slept yesterday. Then, Hinata puts down his pen. Anna watches him intently when Hinata looks at the drawing. He puts the paper near him then far away from him. Then, he smiles and sighs in relief. With a smile, Hinata stretches his arms. Then, he freezes to find Anna taking his picture. As Hinata goes into ‘!!?’, Anna exclaims that his concentration is really amazing for he totally didn’t notice that she has already entered the room. Hinata nervously wonders when Anna came in and was he thinking aloud [/talking to himself] then. Anna asks him if he had properly slept for it isn’t 7am yet. Hinata is surprised and says that speaking of that, he hasn’t slept at all. Anna exclaims if that is something can be forgotten, he’s like a berserker. Hinata says that he got too excited. Holding the manuscript, Hinata happily says that it is good that he isn’t that tired anyway, and he is already finished tracing [/scanning] it. “What’s left is drawing the background. I don’t use much screentones so I can quickly finish it up.” Blushing Anna looks at him and thinks that he really looks happy.

Putting the papers back on the table, Hinata tells her about eating breakfast and is bread okay since that is what they have. Anna tells him that it is totally fine for she belongs to those who eat bread during morni.. She didn’t finish for she sees Hinata looking really dizzy. Then, he falls down on her. This made Anna scream. Rubbing her eyes, Nanoka goes in the room and asks what that noise is, that woke her up. Her eyes widen in surprise to see Hinata lying on top of aghast Anna, who is lying on the bed. Anna tells her, “Wait.. Nanoka.. get me.. Kazami-kun, he..” Nanoka angrily shouts, “Hinata, what are you doing! You, filthy guy!!” Anna exclaims, “Huh!? No..it isn’t like that!!” Soon, it is already Monday. Walking together with Hinata at the hallway, Nanoka angrily says that it is really unreasonable, she obviously helped him to finish the manuscript quickly and yet, while she is sleeping, he would secretly attack Anna. Hinata says that didn’t he tell her already that it is because of anemia from not sleeping two nights straight and speaking of that, she actually didn’t help much. While Hinata is saying that even if he wanted to start as the tsukkomi [/straight man in a manzai].., Nanoka exclaims, “Anna doesn’t like this kind of Hinata!! It’s like some despot wanting to have his own way [<- sexual assault]..it’s so shameless!!” Aghast Hinata exclaims for her to listen to what someone is saying. He asks her why Nanoka is so angry, he doesn’t understand it. Walking behind them, Anna sweatdrops and thinks that those two are still quarreling. Anna greets the two. Nanoka exclaims that it is better for Anna not to get close to Hinata and she should be more defensive. Anna just laughs and asks Hinata if he managed to give the manuscript this morning. Hinata says yes, and it is thanks to her. While congratulating him, Anna notices a familiar back [of a person], walking in front of her. It is Sou. Flustered Anna thinks that it is.. Looking ill, Nanoka leans on Anna’s shoulder and says that she always thought that compared to Hinata, at that side, Nagase-kun feels more reasonable. “How rotten.., is this some sort of grave illness, Hinata. *shouting at Sou* Hey, listen up, Nagase-kun--!! Yesterday, while taking advantage of Nanoka sleeping, towards Anna, Hinata..!!!”

This surprises Anna and Sou. Hinata is freaking out that he shouts that Nanoka is the one who is really sick. Angrily pinching Nanoka’s cheek, Hinata says that it is too late now, he is going to tell Ayane about this. While Hinata pulls her away, Nanoka says that this has nothing to do with Aya-chan. Sou watches them leave. Anna tries to stop them from going ahead and just leaving her with that kind of mood there. There is a silence. Anna is mentally calling out to Nanoka. She is surprised when Sou says, “And then..? *turns to Anna* ‘towards Anna, Hinata he..’ what?” While looking straight at Sou, wide-eyed Anna takes a notebook from her bag and starts to write. She angrily shows him what she has written. “Sorry. It is Nagase-kun who told me not to talk with him so I’m not going to answer back.” While Sou thinks that she is so not cute, Anna turns around and exhales. While walking away, Anna thinks that when he is curious, he would ask her what it is. “Yesterday is like that. As well as today. Incomprehensible!!” She stops walking and turns to look back. Sou is being called by his friend about bringing a [game?] disc. Anna thinks, but obviously, if Sou is to ask her about it one more time, she would have properly answered him. “The me who think like that, is really incomprehensible.” At the computer lab, Chiaki happily exclaims to her three students that they took really good pictures. They are looking at the pictures on a computer except for Anna whose imagination is going wild. Anna is thinking that she should have properly told Sou about it and isn’t she the one making their relationship bad. Then, she is surprised that Chiaki mentions that she specially likes this picture that Anna took. She comments that it seems that Anna really likes to take pictures of people. Anna says that possibly, it is like that. She explains that even if it is quite moving to see how he finished drawing the manuscript but what catches her attention is Hinata’s change.. and it seems like he is a different person in school. “When drawing the manga, he is very serious that it seems that he is very happy and very cool..” Deadpan Nanoka interrupts by saying that Hinata is just an otaku until death and she also doesn’t think he’s cool at all. While Aya and Anna are speechless over that, Chiaki tells Nanoka that she is so strict. Anna wonders what’s up with Nanoka, who is acting strange since yesterday. Chiaki happily tells them that the pictures are better than she imagined and possibly, they can pass the preliminary and join the final competition. The girls are excited over this. Chiaki apologizes for making them anticipate it but she really thinks that the pictures are really good. Anna is really happy to hear this.

While walking home, Anna texts [/sms] someone on her cellphone. “Commanding officer! Mission is progressing without a hitch! Will continue on (‘∀’)ゞ” Holding up her cellphone, Anna happily says, “Send☆” There is a chibi Mashiro laughing and saluting. To her surprise, Hinata is calling. Anna happily and loudly answers it, “Moshi moshi!!” Hinata says that she’s quite lively. Anna tells him that her feelings [and mental state] are on a high after going home from the photography club. Standing outside the balcony of their classroom, Hinata says, “Ah.ah.. Photography club..” Anna looks sideways at her phone in silence. She thinks that Hinata will always become silent when they talk about photography. “Could it be because he doesn’t want to mention about the issue with Mari-chan but I.. *Chibi imaginary Anna telling Hinata that she heard from Mochiduki-chan that he and Mari-chan sensei are in the same high school and also in the photography club, so why didn’t he tell her..* Even if it is me, I also clearly know the reason, that is making the air feel heavy but..” Anna tells Hinata, “..today, while we were choosing the pictures for the preliminaries of the Photo Koshien, the teacher said that those pictures can get us pass through the preliminaries. I’ll absolutely go into the finals so *shouts* You and the others in the photography club should also go into the finals!! Together with Adviser Mari-chan!!” Hinata looks surprised over that but he didn’t reply back. Anna thinks that the air has really become heavy. “So what! I’ve already anticipated this kind of silence!! Because I already know.. *closes eyes* If I were to keep pretending not to know, then nothing will also..” Anna blushes when Hinata says that at times, she is really amazing. “I’m sorry for not telling you much. With you, I’ve always.. wasn’t able to say it..” Anna asks why, is it because she said some cruel things before. There is a flashback during the summer festival. “That ‘wake up’ type of stuff.. I’m sorry, that is if you really like sensei..” Hinata says, “That’s not right. The one I like is not sensei. *Anna looks surprised* This time around, during the finals, I’ll really tell you everything.” Narration: “‘[I] like is not sensei’ up ahead.”

Hehe, okay so from the horse’s mouth, Hinata doesn’t like Mari. It did seem that Anna is just jumping to that conclusion based on Hinata’s actions and Mari being so flirty. As some people are joking, Hinata might actually like Sou. That will be an interesting twist but I honestly cannot imagine how things will go from there if it is really like that. If it is really Anna whom he likes, I hope that Hinata better have a very good and convincing reason for all the things that Anna has gone through because of all that..hm..misunderstanding. About the silence whenever photography is mentioned, I’m beginning to think that something did happen to Hinata’s arm that he couldn’t draw anymore and that is why he is feeling depressed..silent whenever it is mentioned. It seems that for Anna to shout and confront it like that, has finally snapped Hinata out of whatever it is he is in. I hope that she also does that too, with Sou, soon so that they can be friends again. It does seem that Anna missed a chance to talk and the possibility of being friends with Sou again but I guess she wants him to call off that ‘truce’ first before acting friendly. Hehe..well Sou is really curious what’s up with Anna and Hinata. Hm..since Sou is close with Hinata, I wonder if he ever or will mention it to Hinata later on. Good thing that things are moving else I’m really thinking that Hinata is not bad at all for Anna. ^^; It also seems like Nanoka likes Hinata. =P I do wonder if the lies that Nanoka is telling, will spread, or if it will have some result afterwards. Well, nevertheless, for this chapter, it served as something for Sou to ask Anna about. It made me feel kind of happy to see Sou and Anna are fighting like that. It has really been such a long time. Hopefully, before the final competition, Anna has already sorted out her problem with Sou. ^^ Lastly, I’m amused at how Anna reports to Mashiro, her cupid. ^-^ Scans by all★wink汉化组制作

Quote of the day:
“To be happy, one only must be able to confront, which is to say, experience, those things that are. Unhappiness is only this: the inability to confront that which is. ~ L. Ron Hubbard

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapter 48]
Sunday, July 17, 2011

The two Kaji-s are quiet as they hold each other’s side. Kotori wonders what to do afterwards. Yukito wonders if during this time, he should take on the lead and finish it. Kotori thinks that actually right now, she particularly wants to try touching a bit, but she subtly feels a bit awkward. She is very nervous about exerting herself and because of the armpit, she couldn’t get closer but.. Yukito is surprises when Kotori starts moving her fingers and touching his side. Then, blushing Yukito goes, “※△X☆□!?” Yukito groans while trying not to laugh. Blushing Kotori tries to act normal. Yukito wonders if this means that it is okay. To Kotori’s surprise, Yukito starts pressing her side with his fingers, too. Kotori goes “!? △※☆★◎” Kotori also stops herself from laughing. She looks at Yukito who also acts as if everything is normal. Kotori decides to try something else. She pokes Yukito’s side with her finger. This made Yukito scream out, ‘Ah..’ He looks at Kotori who just blushes. Then, he gets back at her by pressing his fingers again at her side. This made Kotori go, ‘Ah..stop’. Kotori starts tickling him and he tries to tickle her back. Kotori shouts that it is ticklish. Yukito exclaims he doesn’t care. Someone shouts not to touch him/her in a lewd way like that. One of them shouts to stop poking, while the other shouts to stop scratch the armpit. Soon, the two Kaji-s are tired from tickling each other. Kotori says that they should go home and she feels a bit tired. Yukito agrees with her. The two glance at each other then holds hands, as they walk.

At 20:42, Kotori texted [/sms] Natsume about what happened. Natsume texts back that she doesn’t know if it is good or not, that they just tickled each other and it’s over. “For you, doesn’t it feel a bit subtle?” Kotori thinks that perhaps it is. She looks at her hand and thinks that during that time, her want to touch Yukito has been quite intense. “Could it be because of seeing Haruna and her boyfriend being lovey-dovey with each other, but.. do I actually also want to be like that with Yukito? Is this what I’m truly thinking? Wanting to touch Yukito more, and also wanting Yukito to touch me more, is that what am I thinking.. *inhales and holds blushing face. Giggles. Hugs pillow* No, no! I cannot imagine myself and Yukito doing that thing! I don’t have an idea about that future thing! *falls on bed* Does Yukito think this way? I want to know what Yukito feels about this. I want to know if last time, he really want to touch my chest and why does he want to. I want to know a lot of things! But, these are the things that I couldn’t ask Yukito, himself! Then, who is going to tell me~~ *realizes something* Ah. Isn’t there someone like that in front of me.” In his room, Kotori’s brother tells her girlfriend that her voice sounds forever cute. Then, her girlfriend tells him no, his voice is cuter. They talk about this back and forth as to whose voice sounds nicer then, a good night kiss ‘chu’. Kotori closes the door again and thinks that she should forget it. Then, her cellphone rings. Natsume texted her suggesting of the possibility of Kotori making the first move in touching Yukito and maybe, she can understand her feelings more. Kotori is open to that idea. Sitting on his bed, Yukito tries to re-enact the feelings of tickling Kotori. He gloomily thinks that it ended after they tickled each other. He falls on his bed and curses in frustration for at that time, Kotori obviously has that kind of thinking and yet it just ended. Then, he knocks on Masaya’s bedroom. While studying, Masaya just asks what it is. Yukito says, “Bro..ther..” This surprises Masaya that he turns around to see blushing Yukito. Masaya suddenly bursts into laughter over being called ‘brother’ by Yukito. After laughing, Masaya glumly looks at Yukito and says that is gross. Yukito exclaims that it is something serious so he’s nervous. Masaya asks if he has complaints about the bento he makes, like the type of food he cooked. If so, he won’t take any of that. Yukito says that it is about love, and he wants Masaya to teach him a bit. Masaya looks at him in surprise and asks, “Ha? Love?”

Flustered Yukito says that even if it is about love, the girlfriend..rather, it is about his friend’s girlfriend who is quite problematic that he [friend] asked him [Yukito] for an advice. Masaya asks in disbelief, “Friend’s..girlfriend?” Yukito insists that it is a friend’s girlfriend but Masaya still doubts him. This made Yukito decide to back out from asking his brother and tells his brother that he isn’t really going to ask something. Preparing to leave, Yukito says that he thinks that his brother is quite popular so he wants him to teach him a bit but forget it. Masaya shouts for him to wait. Soon, Yukito is sitting by the bed to talk with Masaya. Yukito tells him that his friend and girlfriend’s mood is quite good yet his friend doesn’t know how to progress things so he wants to ask Masaya’s advice about it. To Yukito’s shock, Masaya suggests that the friend to temporarily restrain himself. Yukito protests how can one suddenly do that kind of thing, is he joking and before, because of being afraid of doing it..no, his friend has failed before in that. Masaya asks how would he know it will work or not, if it isn’t tried. Yukito thinks that it seems that his brother will do that. Masaya says but, fundamentally, since the two are going steady, it should be enough to determine the mood. He asks Yukito if this had happened. Blushing Yukito wonders if it is like that, he couldn’t determine the mood. Masaya smiles and asks if the mood cannot be determined. Yukito looks away and says that his friend is like that. Sparkling Masaya asks, “Up to where, is your and Kotori’s progress?” Yukito smiles and says, “Kiss.” Then, Yukito blushes in surprise for he slipped that out. Masaya tells him that it seems like Kotori is also very pure so it isn’t easy to progress but even if he is to compare it with others, Yukito shouldn’t use that as reference. He advises Yukito to just grab the opportunity [/timing] and when the mood is appropriate, he can directly ask Kotori or try it a bit and see up to what degree she will allow him. Yukito thinks, ask directly and try it. Yukito says that it feels really subtle [/delicate] and he knows about opportunity so doesn’t Masaya have any other suggestions. Masaya smiles and tells him to just wait until he can naturally know. Yukito says is that so. He thinks that Masaya is really happy when he is in trouble.

At the school hallway, Yukito is bidding a friend goodbye. Kotori approaches him from behind. Remembering Natsume’s advice to be proactive, Kotori reaches out her hand to Yukito but she stops when Yukito senses someone and quickly turns around. Kotori greets him. Yukito says that it’s her, for he thought it is someone else. Holding a bento box, Kotori tells him that she wants to ask where they are going to eat. Yukito tells her that they go to the usual place. Kotori tells him that they go to a different place once in a while. Yukito is surprised and says, okay. At the staircase leading to the roof, Kotori tells him that today, she had meticulously made this bento box. Holding the bento box, Yukito says is that so, then he’s very excited. He opens the bento. To his surprise, there is the word ‘Into’ [<- pour into/inject] then there are heart shapes around on the rice. Yukito nervously says that it is amazing, and Abe will be happy if he sees it. On the other hand, what does it mean. He is surprised when Kotori touches his back and starts caressing it. Yukito asks her, “Huh..?” Kotori asks him if he is feeling okay, is he comfortable, is he feeling unwell. Puzzled Yukito says that no, he is okay. He is surprised that Kotori is staring at him. Then, she suddenly grabs him then scratches-tickles him. Yukito exclaims what she is doing. He wonders if Kotori is telling him to do it there but obviously, there is no mood there and, does she really want to do it in that place? Kotori closes her eyes and continues to touch him. Yukito is shouting no, what she is doing, don’t scratch there. Yukito ‘sees’ Kotori like an ‘evil ghost’. Yukito freaks out and thinks that if this continues on, he will be attacked by Kotori. Yukito has encountered a virgin crisis. =P Later on, at the hallway, standing by the window, Kotori sighs. She thinks that in the end, they had once again tickled each other until the end. Based on Yukito’s reaction, it seems to be no good. Even if she had touched him a lot to realize [/know] something but she still doesn’t quite understand it. She does feel that something is wrong but anyway, she had fun in doing that tickling stuff. Someone hugs her from behind and asks what she is sighing about. “If you always have such a melancholic expression, I might kiss you.” Kotori looks surprised at the unknown boy talking to her. The boy touches her face and says that he’s kidding. Kotori blushes and exclaims who he is. The boy laughs and says that he is testing a bit, a new character of Doki Memo. “Could it be that it is a success?” Kotori goes “!?” then exclaims if he’s Natsume.

Removing her wig, Natsume winks at her and says that she’s cosplaying. Kotori asks what’s up with that cosplay. Natsume tells her that their female classmates asked her to act as a girl pretending to be a guy for their Hell cafe so she tries using Doki Memo as a model. Kotori praises her for being super cool, cooler than ordinary guys. Natsume thanks her for the compliment and asks her if she is thinking about some affairs of the heart. Kotori admits that she is. She tells Natsume that she did what Natsume suggested, she touched more of Yukito’s limbs and in the end, it seems like they are teasing and playing. “It feels that something is wrong.” Natsume freaks out and asks what did Kotori do..could it be..already.. Kotori exclaims that no, no, she only tried like before to get closer to him but it still didn’t progress. Holding Kotori’s shoulders, Natsume says that is only an analogy and Kotori shouldn’t force herself. Kotori wonders if she is forcing herself or not, but then, at that time, she really wanted to touch Yukito. Natsume tells her that it is her first time so it is impossible for her to easy understand [/know] it. Kotori agrees with her and says that is true, one could say that, and she can still try a lot more times. Kotori apologizes to Natsume for always making her listen to her [love] problems. She then asks Natsume if she likes someone. Natsume smiles and tells her that right now, she isn’t interested in that kind of thing. Kotori says that this is quite unexpected, but why. Natsume says that she feels that it is too troublesome. She tells her to drop the topic and they should go. On the subway, Natsume is playing a ‘Head of the Fight, Dominate the World’ game, using the name, Hikaru from Shibuya. Natsume wins the fight against Minato*’s Cold Tofu. [*a place in Tokyo] She is currently overall ranking at 3rd place in the whole country. Displeased Natsume thinks that her ranking fell because she cannot play at school. She wonders if she should collect more money [/pay money] to advance more. “And, speaking of that, it is this Parallel-something from Shinjuku, who is number one again. This person has always been my hindrance in going up the rank. And, what’s up with that name. *looks at the side to a guy sitting* Eh?! Could this person be Parallelogram!?” [It is a bit blurry but] on the guy’s phone, there is written, winner and probably about being still in first place. Natsume looks at the guy again and thinks, “—ah, no way, this person is..” It is someone who looks like Hikaru and of course, that person is Masaya. =P Blurb: “It turns out that it is Masaya who is the expert of the game which defeated Natsume..!?”

I like the turn of events with Natsume. I did entertain the idea of pairing her with Masaya but I thought it will be Ryousuke in the end. I mean it isn’t always that I read about the ‘best friend’ with the ‘boyfriend’s brother’ and Masaya isn’t exactly a ‘regular’ in the series. If they become a couple, I feel like they will have fun bullying Yukito. =P The timing seems to hint that there will be something with these two since Natsume just told Kotori that she isn’t interested in love. I think she ought to recognize Masaya since Kotori showed his picture to her before. As for the main couple, they are so cute, funny and so alike. The tickle theme is quite amusing. And, also when they ask their brothers for an opinion but of course, Kotori backs out since his brother is like an idiot for saying sweet nothings to his girlfriend. It seems that the author is venturing to other possible couples aside from the main couple’s ‘attempts’ to progress their relationship from kissing. ^^ And, I’m not complaining because this author’s couples are always amusing. ^^ Scans by 17kkmh.com

Word of the day:
A merry heart does good, like medicine. ~ Proverbs 17:22

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 27]
Friday, July 15, 2011

[Free Talk: If the Chinese scanlation of Stardust★Wink 31 isn’t out by tomorrow, I’m going to skip it and start summarizing Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta 48. Unless, Ookami-heika no Hanayome suddenly overtakes BwSS =P Hm..OnH is also quite close with Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun.]

[Edit: I'm almost finish summarizing Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta. ^^ Stardust★Wink might come out really soon. They got the raws yesterday and had been translating it today. I’m mentioning this because if Stardust★Wink comes out tomorrow, BwSS will still be uploaded first.]

The two look at each other. Their glaring were interrupted when Emilia, together with Leo, shouts that it is quite rare to see that kind of designs [on the door] and it is really Lithvanel’s style [of interiors]. Emilia looks at the two and asks what they are talking about. Ahkil looks scared. She tries to approach him but Ahkil quickly and keeps on backing away from her. Puzzled Emilia stops walking. After he is 5 meters away from Emilia, Ahkil tells her not to come near him, and speaking of that, what are they.. While Emilia is pouting over this, Loki tells her that it seems Ahkil doesn’t like girls. Ahkil nervously says that it is okay to go sight-seeing but aren’t they a bit too conspicuous. Ahkil says that their country’s clothes are too conspicuous so he’ll go prepare some clothes for them. With that, Ahkil quickly runs away, leaving Loki and Emilia speechless. Later on, Ahkil orders to troops to be in formation. He then goes to his brother Azhar who is sitting on a camel. Ahkil tells him that everything is ready. Azhar calls out that they are moving out. Caesar, Loki and Nakaba look at Azhar who is traveling in comfort = shade, someone giving him a drink and another one fanning him. Nakaba comments that no matter how she sees it, Azhar is quite graceful [eye-catching] so is this okay. Ahkil tells her that his brother usually goes inspecting around the place like that so if they are to go in full military formation, it might alert the band of thieves. From the outside, they are inspecting Lasik [拉西克; invented name]’s nearby towns but in actuality, they are checking out a town that has one tower – Lasik’s state of affairs. Nakaba thinks that they really thought of everything. “Unpredictable thieves.. Even if through the Arcana of Time, I had seen that town’s miserable state.. Can it still be rescued... If the future is going to change--.. This time, will there still be a price to be paid? Price-- *remembers Loki stabbing Cain* But.. upon knowing that a tragedy will happen in future.. then one just have to take action.” At night, Nakaba stands in front of an oasis where they had camped. Then, her Arcana activates again. She ‘sees’ the same town with people lying on the ground. A soldier calls out to capture that hooded guy. Soon, he and another soldier scream over snakes coiling around them. Azhar exclaims what is going on. Ahkil says, “That is..”

Then, Nakaba ‘sees’ a snake around her neck. Frightened Nakaba quickly tries to get it away from her but it turns out that she is grabbing thin air. She holds her neck and thinks that was really scary. The next day, Nakaba tells Azhar about there will be a huge quantity of snakes, and the soldiers are attacked by those snakes. Azhar says that it could be they plan to release poisonous snakes. He thanks her for her report. He decides that they should quickly move on for they still need half a day to reach their destination. Soon, the town is in sight. Azhar tells them that town is Lina and the one at the back is Lasik. The distance between the two towns are very near. Azhar says that he has sent his double and a huge portion of their troops to Lina. Then, they, together with a small group of soldiers, will advance to Lasik. Azhar assures Nakaba that the ones with them are elite soldiers. Nakaba and others start walking through the town’s streets. Watching some traders offering their wares, Nakaba comments that it is a lively town. Ahkil explains that even if Lasik is a small town but it is a necessary route for the silk trade so a lot of businessmen/traders go back and forth in this town. Azhar says that those thieves probably also know about this, and it is because they are attacking far away from the [capital] city so they are very hard to catch. The places that the thieves have been through are burned and totally destroyed. Those thieves are really cunning and cruel. Azhar tells them that the town has already been surrounded with soldiers and before their enemy acts, they should rest for a while. Later on, a soldier at his post says that tonight, there are also no anomalies. He wonders why Ahkil specifically told them to be extra vigilant on a night that has a new moon. To his surprise, a snake sudden coils around his leg and bites him.

A hooded person comes to collect her snake. [<- I’m assuming that it is a ‘she’.] She tells her other five hooded companions that it is a soldier from the capital. She says that she doesn’t know why they knew that their next target is Lasik but it is okay if they only totally eradicate them all. In the bedroom, Emilia is sound asleep. Nakaba is standing in front of the window and looks at the new moon. She thinks that it is the same as in the vision but it seems that it isn’t tonight. To her surprise, the Arcana activates. She ‘sees’ the town’s gate. Then, she ‘sees’ six hooded persons running towards the town. Meanwhile, Loki is standing on top of the roof. It seems that he is on a look out. Then he mutters, “—[they’re] coming..” Emilia is surprised when Nakaba suddenly wakes her up and pulls her out of the room. Nakaba shouts for Caesar and Loki to quickly wake up. The snake person watches Azhar giving orders to the people. She finds it strange that before the attack, they had already noticed. “—but, it is already too late♪” As the people are going out the gate, they notice something on the floor. Everyone goes into a panic for the snakes are coming inside. The snakes are so many that they totally cover the floor. While the people are screaming in panic, the snakes coil around them and bite them. Sitting on top of the tower, the snake person laughs over this. Holding a torch, Leo shouts for the people to back away. He uses the fire to burn the snakes to a crisp. Using their swords, Caesar and Loki are protecting Nakaba from the snakes. Caesar complains that there is no end to the snakes. The snake person is getting angry on how they dare treated her subordinates [/snakes]. Loki smells something and says that he found it. Puzzled Nakaba asks what it is. Loki throws a knife at snake person. Snake person quickly blocks it using her arm, or else, it would have hit her head. Snake person seems to be a bit surprised by this. Then, she quickly jumps down from the tower and heads straight to Loki and the others. Snake person quickly draws her sword which Loki blocks with his sword. Silver [/white?] hair flows out from the hood. A scaled skinned and snake-like eyes woman points to her eyes and says that there are palace soldiers and Ajin-s there. “Did you come to catch me? Let me see your [<- plural form] skills.” Loki comments that it is a snake Ajin.

Nakaba’s Arcana keep on activating by itself, it seems, that I wonder if that will also ‘cost’ her or would it only ‘cost’ her when she deliberately wanted to use it. It makes me a bit worried what will happen to her at the end of this arc. I also wonder if Caesar will soon know her Arcana later on especially if it starts to really take a toll on her life. I’m slightly amused that Nakaba needs her Arcana to know the thieves are coming when Loki only has to sniff them out. =P In this chapter, Loki shows why he is ‘cool’. Since the opponent this time is a sinister Ajin, I think that the story might focus more on Loki later on. He is trying to gather all the Ajin-s so how to deal with this one in this country might advance his goal. For a while there, I was kind of hoping that there will be something between Loki and Emilia. =P I’m still hoping that Emilia will be useful later on. Also, there are still the companions of the snake person. Are they also Ajin-s? Could they have an Arcana? They are only six of them so they must be really good that the military cannot capture them. From that vision, I wonder if Azhar and Ahkil know the culprits..or could it be just surprise over the snakes? If they know them, the thieves probably have some political or revenge motive as to why they are doing this. Actually, are they really thieves..more like terrorists. Scans by 17kkmh.com

Quote of the day:
When you see a rattlesnake poised to strike you, do not wait until he has struck before you crush him. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Mei-chan no Shitsuji [Chapter 105]
Thursday, July 14, 2011

[Free Talk: Yay, easy series are finished. ^^ The hard series will be next, so I might not be able to upload a new summary everyday. ^^; But who knows if I get to finish it quickly~ Thanks for voting ^-^ By the way, it turns out that 17kkmh is behind in their Mei-chan no Shitsuji uploads because it is suppose to be up to chapter 109 already. Since I’m still missing 106-107, I’ll skip that in the meantime, and just summarize this chapter.]

To Mei’s surprise, Shinobu says that it is because Shiori-ojousama is currently together with her beloved butler, Shibata Rihito. Wondering what’s going on, Mei asks him if he had once again taken [/kidnap] Rihito. Shinobu says, “That Shibata Rihito.. Wasn’t it four years ago when you took him away from Shiori-ojousama’s side? *change voice* And this Shibata Rihito..will absolutely not betray Shiori-ojousama.” Mei is surprised at how Shinobu managed to copy Rihito’s voice, expression and actions. She wonders if this is how Shinobu always pretended to be Rihito. Shinobu tells her that right now, Shiori’s memories stopped from when she was 13 years old - the time when Shibata Rihito is still her butler. So, about the academy, ‘Shinobu’ and of course about Mei, Shiori has totally forgotten all about it. “I ask you to please do not destroy Shiori-ojousama’s beautiful dream this time around.” Mei tells him that is a fake world and does he think that Shiori will truly happy with this. Shinobu asks back, “Then, do you consent on giving Shibata Rihito back to Shiori-ojousama?” Mei stutters and couldn’t answer him. Shinobu says, “That’s right. In the end, you still cannot do anything. You basically have no plans on sincerely helping Shiori-ojousama and yet, here you are, talking about some principles. I really won’t even dare compliment about your conduct. *smiles* Come, it’s this way.” After a pause, Mei asks Shinobu if this is really okay. “Since within Shiori-ojousama’s memories, there is no you.. Won’t you also feel lonely..?” Shinobu says no, on contrary, one should say that he is happier [about this]. Mei asks, “..happy..?” Turning away from her, Shinobu says that it is because he can do this [show Shiori affection] out in the open. Mei looks surprised at him. Then, Shinobu apologizes for blurting out a secret and tells Mei that they are here.

Opening the door, Shinobu tells her that the rose fragrance here is very strong so she should be careful and not be intoxicated by it. Mei looks surprised for the room is filled with roses and dotted with some Greek-style columns. In the middle is a wheel chair where Shiori is sitting, facing away from Mei. Shiori asks if she is Shinonome Mei. Surprised Mei says that she is. Turning the wheelchair around, Shiori says that Mei’s name is really cute. Then, Shiori introduces herself as Hongo Shiori. Mei looks mesmerized by her and thinks that Shiori didn’t change a bit. She actually looks ‘lively’ than before. Mei remembers Shinobu telling her that right now, Shiori is living an incomparably happy life. Mei sadly wonders if Shiori really feels happy. Interrupting Mei’s thoughts, Shiori apologizes and asks if Mei can come to her since her eyes cannot see. Mei has forgotten about this. She quickly tells Shiori, okay. Mei kneels in front of Shiori for Shiori to touch her face. Shiori smiles and says that Mei’s features are cute. Mei awkwardly thanks Shiori for her compliment. Shiori tells Mei that she has heard from ‘Rihito’ that just like her, Mei has run away together with her beloved butler. Mei says, “Ah..” Shiori says that Mei is the same with her, for she had abandoned her grandfather and the position of being Hongo’s heir. “Because, with only ‘Rihito’ by my side, I’m perfectly contented. *touching Mei’s face and smiles* The two of us are really alike.” Mei looks bothered as she sees the ‘her in the mirror’ smiling. “Really so similar.” Then, the real Rihito manages to go onboard the ship. He is surprised when someone says that he is right on schedule. Rihito follows the voice that is leading him until he finds himself in front of a double door. Rihito opens the door and sees ‘himself’ standing by the fireplace of the living room. ‘Rihito’ looks at him and says, “Welcome, Shibata Rihito.”

I understand what Mei and Shinobu’s sides regarding if it is okay for Shiori to be in such a ‘delusion/dream world where she is happy’. It is really hard to judge and just like what Shinobu pointed out, Mei has no other alternative solution to this problem. Shiori’s mental state is also quite fragile. For outsiders, one can really doubt if they are ‘happy’, just because they say so..and well, because the situation doesn’t seem right. I wonder what is Shinobu’s real purpose is, as to why he brought Mei there. Is it to lure Rihito in? Because of what Shinobu said regarding the fragrance of the roses, I wonder if it can cause hallucinations since Mei seems to start to think that she is/seems like, Shiori. It does help in creating the ‘delusion’ mood of this arc wherein the couple is seeing their doubles. ^^ Anyway, it does seem that Shinobu succeeded in ‘pacifying’ Shiori which Rihito wasn’t able to do. In the end, it really took a lot of ‘loving care’ + some ‘delusion’. Like Mei, it does feel kind of sad that Shinobu has to pretend to be someone he isn’t..the things one can do for love. Scans by 17kkmh.com

Quote of the day:
Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. ~ Robert Heinlein

Chitose, Etc [Chapter 30]
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Walking at the hallway, Yuki is called by Machi [<- senpai whom Yuki is partly dating before; she appeared during the school festival]. After exchanging greetings, Machi tells him that she is finally free this weekend so let’s go on a date. Yuki apologizes and says that he can’t. Machi asks if someone else had already taken that day, can’t he cancel it. While Yuki tries to decline, Machi says that she only had dated him once and isn’t it still within the limit of having two dates [per girl]. Yuki explains to her that he doesn’t do that kind of stuff anymore because from today onwards, he doesn’t go out with any other girls except for his girlfriend. Machi exclaims why, and lately, Saaya is with some other guy, and it seems to be Akaishi-kun from Matsuri club. Yuki laughs and says that it is because those two are going steady. Machi exclaims in shock that he has broken up with Saaya. She asks, if this means that he is now single. Scratching his head, Yuki tells her no, he also has a [new] girlfriend. Machi asks who it is. Yuki refuses to tell her by saying that it is a secret. Yuki tries to bid her goodbye but Machi holds his shoulder. She tells him to explain it clearly to her and even if he won’t tell her, this issue will quickly be known. “Who is your new girlfriend!?” Elsewhere, Chitose is walking at the hallway. Some girls are gossiping that ‘she’ is Yuki’s new girlfriend and could it be that Yuki’s taste has changed since ‘she’ is really different from Saaya. Someone says that it is quite amazing to choose a girlfriend, not based on one’s appearance. Another one says that it isn’t just an ordinary appearance, there is definitely some method Chitose used because her ex-boyfriend is Shun. A guy says that maybe Chitose has a very good sex appeal. The other guy doesn’t believe him. Then, Shun walks beside with Chitose. He tells her that she has been gaining a lot of attention. He asks her if Yuki’s fans are bullying her. The other girls are gossiping that the people in Matsuri club are really peculiar for even if they are ex-lovers, they still can talk normally. They wonder if they were dumped before so they’ve become lovers but then, from the start, who is the lover of whom. Chitose assures Shun to relax for she is okay. Occasionally, they would just look at her suspiciously or perhaps they are glaring at her. She tells him that she told her good friends about the sequence of events regarding what happened and they understand her situation. Shun says that is good.

Chitose adds that it seems that her friends still couldn’t believe it = rather than about her and Shun, they are amazed that she transferred school for Yuki. Shun laughs at this. He tells her to just wait for some time for everyone’s interest to diminish, and then the people won’t talk about this anymore. And, just like what Shun said, after a week, the gossips ended. Even if Chitose is with Yuki, people don’t throw glances at her. But, every time she meets with Machi, Machi would act hostile at Chitose as if she is an enemy. Machi would shout, “Why you!?” At the clubroom, Midoriko comes in with a box. She happily exclaims that the chocolate are already done. Looking at the individually wrapped heart-shaped chocolate on a stick, Chitose says that it is so cute. Midoriko agrees with her and this time around, she is helped by some people who are fond of dessert [/sweets]. Holding a chocolate heart, Chitose asks if it will be used for the face-to-face confession and the participants are very brave. Kanata says that the people in his class are excited over it. Whether guys, girls, lovers, friends or even teachers, they are all going to participate in the activity. This year, more than 20 people had signed up for it. Chitose exclaims that is a lot. Saaya says that they already told the ones who will be confessed to, to be prepared but those people still don’t know the identity of the person who will confess to them. Midoriko happily says that even if the confession isn’t successful, because it is a festive Valentine’s Day activity, one won’t be too sad by it. They have already got the help of the music club to liven up the mood. Chitose says, is that so. Yuki tells her that it is said that those who succeeded in becoming lovers during this activity, will become partners until they grow old. Chitose is surprise to hear that. Midoriko suggests that Chitose try confessing to Yuki that way and this is an opportunity to show off a bit. “How about it?” Chitose is aghast and shock by that. Chitose exclaims that she couldn’t do it and it is too embarrassing. Midoriko tells her that it is fine and she just to be bold about it. Yuki says that he actually doesn’t mind. While at the bookcase, Shun tells Saaya to try it and he will answer her. Saaya asks him why doesn’t he do it and, she’ll accept it [/confession]. Shun tells her that she is really not cute. Saaya says that it is mutual [same to you]. While the two are on a stand-off, sweatdropping Midoriko shouts for them not to compete with each other there. After telling everyone to sit at the table, Midoriko sits between Saaya and Shun. Midoriko tells them that she will confirm things again, one more time. She starts saying that Kanata is responsible for ushering the people on stage and of the 22 people who are participating, three people of whom will be confessed to refuses to go on stage..

Soon, there is an announcement that the Valentine’s Day activity is now going to commence. People are asked to come to also listen to the splendid music to be performed by the music club. People are talking about who is going to confess. Yuki is checking with Saaya about the program. Kanata is registering the names of the participants. Chitose has just come out of the club room. While carrying a box and an envelope under her arm, she is walking at the hallway. Then, she hears a ‘shr shr’ sound and wonders what it is. She turns around and to her shock, the survey questionnaires from the envelope are scattering all over the place. Chitose tries to gather the papers and exclaims for them not to fly around. She is surprised when someone holds some of the paper to her. She looks up to see a guy [,the one who is looking at the Valentines’ day poster in the last chapter]. Chitose thinks that it is a very cute guy and could he from the acting division. Chitose smiles and thanks him. Pointing at the side, the guy tells to quickly grab those papers that are in the sports field. Chitose immediately goes to get the papers while the guy helps her get the ones at the hallway. After gathering all the papers, Chitose thanks him and says that he has been a great help. The guy asks if she is from the Matsuri club. “..Midoriko? Or is it Chitose?” Puzzled, Chitose tells him that she is Chitose. The guy tells her that he has seen the names on the poster. Chitose says, I see. She introduces herself as first year section 2, Kaneshiro Chitose. “And you?” The guy looks at her and asks isn’t she in a hurry. This surprise Chitose and exclaims that she is right, she should go. Holding a chocolate heart, Chitose happily says, “Right, as thank you, I’ll give this to you. Happy Valentines’ Day!” The guy seems surprised. Smiling Chitose tells him that she’s going ahead, and thank you. As she walks away, the guy is holding the chocolate heart and is watching her leave. At the auditorium/gym, people are rejoicing over the birth of the twelfth love couple. At the back, Yuki and Chitose are clapping. Then, Yuki whispers to Chitose to go out with him. After going out of the auditorium, Chitose asks what it is. Yuki apologizes for calling her out in the middle of the program. “Because since the start, I’m very curious about that paper bag that you were always carrying around.” Chitose blushes really red since she is indeed holding a bag behind her back. Yuki asks if it is for him. Chitose says, yes it is and he noticed it. She tells him that she wasn’t able to give it to him before the start of the activity so she has always been waiting for the opportunity to do so. “These.. are sweets that I’ve made... Even if it isn’t as pretty as the ones bought outside but the taste..”

Yuki hugs her and tells her that is okay, just give it to him. He takes the bag from her and asks if he can open it. Holding her blushing face, Chitose tells him no for there is a card inside and even if she didn’t write anything special but she is still shy about it so please just look at it when he gets home. Yuki pats her head and says okay, he’ll do it according to what she wants. “Thank you.” Then, Yuki asks if she has been using that mechanical pen that she got during the [Christmas] exchange gift. Chitose says she does, but she only uses it at home because she fears that it will get dirty if she brought it to school. “I really like that pen ♡” To Chitose’s shock, Yuki admits to her that he was the one who bought it. Chitose exclaims that he said before that it isn’t him. Yuki says that it is a little lie because everyone is there that he couldn’t say it. At that time, when Yuki is getting Chitose’s gift, he notices that his gift hasn’t been taken yet so he unconsciously switched the numbers. “Because when I was buying it, I thought that this is something that Chi will like, so it is for the best that Chi gets it.” Chitose blushes over this then tells him that it isn’t good to lie. Yuki timidly says yes, he is wrong. Then, Chitose happily says, “..But, I’m happy that you are really the one who bought that mechanical pencil!” Yuki smiles over this. While they are talking, someone is watching them from the side. It is the guy who helped Chitose in picking the papers earlier. While eating the heart chocolate, the guy mutters, “So that’s it. That girl, is Furuya Yukito’s girlfriend.” That night, Chitose is watching television with her brother. Then, Chitose exclaims in surprise that it is him, so he is an actor. Tadashi asks what it is. Pointing at the television, Chitose says that the one who is playing Roshi* is from their school [*invented name from kanji 老四. Really invented.. ^^;]. Tadashi remembers that there is an acting division in their school. He says that the guy is very cute, and his acting is quite good. “What’s his name?” Chitose says that she forgot to ask. Tadashi decides to check it on his cellphone as to who is playing Roshi. He tells her that it is ‘Subaru’. Chitose asks, Subaru, what. Tadashi says that it is only that word and it sounds really cool. Chitose happily looks smiling Subaru at the television and thinks, “Hmm..Subaru-kun, huh?”

This is pretty much an uneventful chapter. I’m still wondering if I should give up on the thought of Shun ever pursuing Chitose again, and if he is already demoted into a ‘friend’ permanently. I still don’t feel anything when Yuki is with Chitose. Maybe because it seems so instant how they got together. The author is even clarifying about the mechanical pencil which we already know about from whom the pen is from. I find Yuki too timid and nice. I’m not sure if I should be happy that Yuki is obeying whatever the other person whether Saaya or Chitose wants. I think if it is Shun, he would have looked at that card and dessert inside. Heck, he would probably tease Chitose about it. With Yuki, it seems to be only smile, happy and blush. The Shun x Saaya couple isn’t fun either. The two are just too stubborn and ‘uncute’. Oh well..I guess being loggerheads with each other is fun for them. ^^; Now, we have a new character who can probably shake things up. Because of his hair color, I wonder if Subaru is related to Machi. The author deliberately hid his surname. My crazy theory is that maybe Misaki’s dead soul is in Subaru and he isn’t happy that Yuki now has a new girlfriend. =P Okay, that is really far-fetched. At least, he doesn’t seem to be an ex-member since he doesn’t know who Midoriko is. It does seem like he has a grudge with Yuki. I’m thinking that if he puts Chitose in some predicament, maybe I can say for sure whether Shun likes Chitose or not based on his reaction later on. I wonder if the author plans on using the acting division later on for the story..like Chitose becoming an actress? For now, it seems impossible because she is too shy. But she really has such a nice smile that I will not be surprised if Subaru would also fall for her. Then, Chitose will really be the envy of all the girls in school. Hehe, Subaru is different from the other two guys because he is in the cute category..just like Chitose. Since Tadashi mentioned that his acting is quite good, I wonder if how he acted towards Chitose is an act to check things out. And, why did he appear interested in the club only now? If this series is going to reach their second year, Subaru might be the future antagonist. Scans by §星空ツ泪 for BW

Quote of the day:
The only gift is a portion of thyself. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ojousama wa Oyomesama [Chapter 81]
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

To Setsuna and Mioko’s delight Utsugi informs them that he managed to pinpoint Towako’s location. Mioko says that is great. Setsuna says that it is all thanks to her so now, they’ll get Utsugi, with some people, to search and investigate that suspicious place. Setsuna asks the people there if they have some staff for this. To Setsuna’s surprise, they tell him that if it isn’t the Master’s command, they won’t meddle with other families’ affairs. Utsugi shouts what they are talking about when Setsuna returned back here with the position of being the successor. The men say that even if it is so, please forgive them for they cannot obey him. Setsuna and others are surprise by this. Setsuna mutters that it seems that he is still not recognized. Setsuna asks Utsugi if it would be better if he go and ask permission from his father or just contact with someone in the Gokurakuin. Then, Mitsuya appears and tells everyone to help his brother. He apologizes to Setsuna for he had overheard their conversation and isn’t this current situation, urgent. With a pleading look, Mitsuya asks the men to please help his brother. To Setsuna’s surprise, the men relent and agree to help. [<- it is like they find Mitsuya so cute that they cannot refuse. ^^;] Mitsuya tells them to listen to Utsugi’s instructions. Utsugi starts telling them on what to do. Setsuna thanks Mitsuya for his help. Mitsuya tells his brother that the Kanmitsuki family is the most secluded of all the Godaimeika. It isn’t only because of their father being strict, but it is because the whole clan is bounded by the old way of thinking and practices. Setsuna comments that what he heard is true. Mitsuya smiles and says, “Even if it is like that, Aside from father-sama-- and besides me, they won’t listen to anyone else’s commands. So, brother, from today on, if there is still any problem, please tell me.” Setsuna is badly shaken by the implication of what Mitsuya just told him.

At the warehouse, Yuuga asks Kyousuke if he did divorce with Towako, if he really did that, what will they benefit from it. Kyousuke says that Yuuga ought to already know clear about his position as the next heir of the Gokurakuin, and all this relies on his wife. Yuuga says that means, if he divorced Towako, Ritsuki can get Towako as well as all of Gokurakuin’s wealth. Kyousuke says that Yuuga’s quite intelligent that it is easy to talk to him, and they only need to get Gokurakuin in order to take hold of the Godaimeika. Yuuga asks what they are planning. Kyousuke says that with money, they can do anything. First, they are going to initiate an economic crisis and during the panic, we will grab the political power. We will advance a lot of reforms such as eliminating the difference between the rich and the poor as well as eliminate any private assets. All the property and assets will all be returned to the country [/state], and everyone in the world will be equal. “Isn’t it really amazing? This is a revolution.” Yuuga sweatdrops and mutters in disbelief on how grand their plan is that it involves the country. Kyousuke continues to say that Ritsuki’s goal is to take away all of the wealth of the rich and the Godaimeika is only a stepping stone for that. “Now that I think of it in detail, you are also quite pitiful. If you didn’t encounter Gokurakuin Towako, you won’t be involved in this kind of mess. But, if you only just sincerely write the divorce papers then, I will let you go right away.” Kyousuke is surprised when Yuuga says that he really cannot take it. Yuuga suddenly frees himself from the ropes and shouts that he really cannot listen anymore of Kyousuke’s nonsense talk. While Kyousuke is surprise by this, Tsubaki swings down from the beam on the ceiling and gives Kyousuke a ninja kick. Kyousuke falls down. As he and Tsubaki look down on Kyousuke, Yuuga tells him that now, the situation has changed. Kyousuke asks why. Yuuga tells him that before Kyousuke captured him, he had already met with Tsubaki. Flashback: They were fussing about like what the heck is Yuuga is doing and Yuuga shouted for her not to mind him. Then, they notice that Kyousuke is approaching so Yuuga decide to let Kyousuke capture him. Before Kyousuke enters the room, Tsubaki has already loosened Yuuga’s ropes and Tsubaki is waiting on the ceiling. End flashback.

Yuuga tells Tsubaki that it is good, doing it according to what he said. Tsubaki reprimands Yuuga that it isn’t good at all for they still do not know where Towako is. For him to do this, Yuuga is placing himself in great danger so next time, he is not to do this ever again. Also, Yuuga moved ahead of schedule from the time they talked about. Yuuga exclaims that cannot be helped for he can no longer stand to listen to the nonsense that guy is talking about. Kyousuke says that he dares call it nonsense. Yuuga apologizes to him since he [Yuuga] doesn’t care whatever happens to rich people or Japan, nor does he felt that the whole world is hopeless. “Because in this world, there is this person, Gokurakuin Towako.” On the balcony of the tall building, Towako thinks of Yuuga and that she’ll definitely go back to his side, even if there is only one way. Towako looks down and sweatdrops over the rope she made from blankets. [<- which doesn’t even seem to reach the ground. ^^;] Thinking that she should have learned to climb, Towako slowly climbs down using her make-shift rope. Then, Ritsuki calls out to her from the balcony. Ritsuki pulls her up and says what she is doing, it is really reckless. After pulling her up, Ritsuki tells her to go back in the balcony. Towako refuses and tells him to let her go, she’s going back. To her surprise, Ritsuki suddenly hugs her. Ritsuki tells her that if she wants to go, he’ll let her go. “No matter where, I’ll accompany you to that place. But! Absolutely do not leave me!” Towako looks at Ritsuki and wonders what’s up with this guy. “He suddenly seemed like a child who clung on me and won’t let go. That’s right, he already won’t hurt me like that again. But, he definitely won’t let me go. Forever. He won’t let me go back.. to Yuuga’s side--...” Towako is already standing in the balcony and removes the make-shift rope from her. Ritsuki is bending down in front of her. [<- probably tired from pulling her up.] Towako tells him that even if she might be letting him down, but she cannot stay at his side. Ritsuki is shock to see some long hair floating by and a necklace with a ring on it. While Ritsuki tries to grab her hand, Towako had bent backwards and falls downwards, head first. Towako closes her eyes and says, “I’m sorry..”

I’ll say if Yuuga is reckless, Towako is even more reckless. ^^; Tsubaki really has her hands full. ^^;; I honestly cannot phantom as to why it is better to take a chance of diving down to escape from Ritsuki rather than just wait some more time for someone to save her or wait for an opportunity to escape. Is it suicide? Like, being hopeless that she’ll ever get to be free from Ritsuki? But it is just a day or two since she has been kidnapped. Oh well, I guess the author wants something dramatic. On the other side, I wonder if Kyousuke will spill the beans on where Towako is. His ideal world seems to be communism. ^^; It is nice on theory but I think it is hard to implement/practice because power corrupts. If they are already this despicable while they are becoming and later, became rich, what more if they have power? It is a bad combination especially for Kyousuke who doesn’t feel happy or satisfied with anything. I wonder if from what Yuuga said, he will start to wonder if he is missing something in life. I really feel sorry for Setsuna. He really got himself in deep..I don’t know..it isn’t exactly trouble. It turns out that he will just be a figurehead. Heir in name but wields no power. From how Mitsuya demonstrated this to Setsuna, I feel that he did it, with bad intention. It is like saying ‘I’m the boss’. Whether in Gokurakuin or in this family, Setsuna doesn’t seem to have any place where he can really belong to. Since this is a secluded and strict family, I fear that Setsuna will really become lonely and ‘separated’. It is really a good thing that Utsugi went with him to accompany him. Also, given how old fashioned and secluded they are, I think that they will not accept Miju for Setsuna. This part of the story makes me think that this series won’t be ending soon even if they resolved the problem with Ritsuki and Kyousuke. Hm..I wonder why Ritsuki got Setsuna to go back to his family. Is it to use his ‘helplessness/no power’ in their favor or is it for Setsuna not to have any claim to the family later on? Scans by 17kkmh.com.

Quote of the day:
Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you. ~ Oscar Wilde

Akuma to Love Song [Chapters 89-90]
Monday, July 11, 2011

Cover page: “Blooming smiles, deep bonds, until forever.” Maria narrates that she had separated from Shin, last September and during that time, she felt that she can always wait for him. “No matter how far the distance is, because I believe that it will definitely be alright, but—“ Soon, Yuusuke and others are called and informed that Shin is in town. As they gather around, Shin tells them that he only temporarily came back to the country and will have to return next week. Yuusuke says is that so and Shin should have sent word that he is coming. Shin apologizes for it. Then, he smiles at Maria who blushes really red. Maria nervously wonders what’s with that smile. Narration: “Upon separation, one will quickly think of seeing each other again.” Yuusuke says that Shin gives off a different vibe, as if he has become mature. Shin tells him that he didn’t change. Narration: “Right now, I already do not know as to why, at that time, I felt ‘it is alright even if we separated’--” While drinking something at a restaurant, Shintaro asks Shin about his hand. Shin says that it is already been operated and currently, it is in rehabilitation. Ayu exclaims that scar makes it seem like it was really painful. While opening and closing his hand, Shin tells them that right now, it doesn’t hurt but only, his fingers do not move too smoothly yet. They are surprised that it has healed up to that degree already. Shin is surprised when Maria asks if he can already play the piano. Then, Maria retracts by saying that it isn’t like she is impatient, and for his hand to heal to that degree, it must have very difficult but she is only.. While Tomoyo tries to calm Maria down, Shin sadly says that it has been difficult. This made Maria flustered that she apologizes to him. Looking at his hand, Shin says that from the start, it cannot even make a single move. At one side, the surgery has been very painful and at the other side, he is doing his best for it to get well. Maria apologizes again and says that she.. Shin looks at her then says that he’s kidding. This surprises Maria. Waving his fingers at her, Shin teasingly smiles at her and says that he can already play simple piano music. Maria blushes and pouts over this.

While Ayu and Shintaro reprimand him, Shin tells Maria that even if he can play but he temporarily cannot play it passionately like before. Then, Shin notices Maria’s flustered and downcast expression. He asks Maria if she is angry. Shintaro exclaims that of course she is, and she is quite pitiful for how could Shin deliberately tease her..it really can infuriate someone. Shin looks at blushing and teary-eyed Maria who thinks that it is good that Shin’s hand is okay. A bit flustered, Shin suddenly pulls her to him and apologizes for going over the top in teasing her. This surprises Maria and wonders what she should do, her heart is beating so fast that she won’t dare look at Shin. Yuusuke seems to look surprise at the two. Back at the Sakuragichō station, Tomoyo and Ayu happily tell the couple to slowly take their time together. Shintaro exclaims for them not to do anything lewd. Then, Shin tells Yuusuke that he would want to talk with him so can he free some time later for this. Yuusuke says okay. Shin tells him that he’ll contact him again later on. As the couple leaves, Shintaro is making faces. Yuusuke looks slightly flustered and thoughtful. He mutters if Shin overcame it all by himself. While walking, Shin turns around and asks Maria what’s with her..she’s increasing the distance between them. Blushing Maria is walking some distance behind him. Shin tries to go near her but Maria backs away. Shin exclaims what’s up with her. Maria just exclaims, “But..” Maria thinks that she is very nervous. “What’s going on.. when obviously, it isn’t easy to see each other again.. Idiot.. I’m such an idiot..” Shin looks at her and says that the video is really well made. This made Maria blush. Shin tells her that while she is singing with the others, Maria had such a happy smile that it made him relax for she is very happy. “But, I’m not in that video, that it kind of made me feel a bit lonely..?” Maria says that he unexpectedly has seen it and honestly, it is quite surprising that Shin was able to see that video. Shin tells her that someone told him, it is Mouri. Maria exclaims in surprised that it is Anna. Shin tells her that he accidentally met Anna in the rehabilitation center. Anna had told him that even if she has given up on it before, but now, she wants to continue practicing to regain her voice. Anna had seen their video and it gave her the idea of ‘I really want to sing along together with them one day’. This surprises Maria.

Then, Shin tells her that Anna also said that she is going to steal the lead singer position from Maria. Maria sweatdrops over this and thinks that Anna hasn’t changed a bit. Touching her necklace, Maria says that it is quite baffling that they can communicate with each other like this. “I’ve always been singing only for you, alone. But in some unknown manner, our voices had moved other people’s heart.. Should I be guilty about that, I feel that I should apologize to the people.” Shin smiles at her and says that it is alright. He pats her head and says that it is fine for her to sing only for him. Maria blushes really red. She tries to protest but Shin tells her to let it be, since those who listen to it will have their own ‘empathize’ [relating to the song]. The song and their own feelings [/interpretation] will overlap together. “So, isn’t this very good, during the [/one’s] ‘first’ time.” Maria looks surprised then remembers the time when Shin gave her his piano concert tickets and urged her to listen to the first time he’s going to play Ave Maria. Maria wonders if Shin is also like her, he has always been playing for her, but it isn’t the same right now. “For himself, and so that a lot more people can listen, he is doing his best to rehabilitate in order for his hand to get well-- I want to chase after him!” Maria calls out to Shin and tells him that they perform together. This surprises Shin. Maria tells him to play the music that he can play, and, together with everyone, they will perform for many people. Shin smiles at her as she looks determined. Shin tells her that her expression has changed. This surprises Maria. He tells her that always until now, it is a cute expression and it is quite rare to bring out that cute expression on face of hers that will make one’s heart beat. Maria sweatdrops and is puzzled over what he is saying. Holding out his hand to her, Shin tells her that right now, it is a kind of beautifully imposing [expression]. Maria holds his hand and Shin pulls her in to hug her. Narration: “I occasionally wondered, why did Meguro suddenly return to the country? When we separated, the two of us were really prepared and aware of the possibility of not seeing each other for many years. Could it be, that upon seeing the video, I’ve always count on seeing Meguro, so in order to support me, he came back to the country? That is what I thought.” Later on, Shin meets up with Yuusuke. Yuusuke asks him what he wants to talk with him about. Yuusuke is surprised when Shin asks if it was Yuusuke who filmed the video. Yuusuke admits that he did, all of it. Yuusuke asks if he knows about that. Shin says he knows and he wants to talk about the thing between Yuusuke and Maria.

The scene changes to an open area surrounded by some buildings. Wearing their school uniform, the gang had congregated near some street lights and a piano. Ayu asks Yuusuke if he has already ready with the video camera. Yuusuke says yes. Tomoyo says that it is really surprising since she didn’t expect that Shin will also perform with them and..this will be their first live [on-site] performance. Tomoyo also says that before, she did think about street performing but it is a first to actual do it. Shougo appears and says yes, it is thanks to him that they got permission to play on the streets. Also, it is thanks to him that he helped bring a piano there. Maria and others tensely thanks him. Shin apologizes to Shougo for suddenly asking him to come and help them. Shougo smiles and says that it is okay he is actually happy to help for it is his wish to see Maria perform live. Before, Maria’s street performance has been interrupted and from then on, Shougo always wondered what kind of influence can Maria make to the people around there. Shougo happily whistles and says that he can’t wait to see it. Maria calls her friends and thanks them for coming to sing with her in that place. She tells them that before, she always thought that singing is a way of conveying one’s feeling. “During the choir competition, Tomoyo, Ayu and everyone has heard my ‘being alone is very lonely’ feeling. When I wanted to say ‘thank you’ to Kanda, I had also used singing as a method to do it. And also, in my want to share my happiness with Kurosu. Thinking of Meguro as well as wanting to tell him something, I’ve always conveyed it through singing. But today, through everyone’s music, I want to attract more people’s attention!” Everyone looks touched by what she said.

Maria looks at the people passing by and thinks that no one is looking at them. Tomoyo calls out Maria’s name. Maria says that it is okay. She thinks that before, she is all alone and singing that song to cheer herself up but this time-- Maria starts singing, “Amazing grace, How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. *People are looking at them and Yuusuke is filming them.* I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see..” Maria and friends now holds each other’s hands. Maria looks a bit disheartened to see that the people are just giving them glances. She perks up to see Shin smiling at her. Then, Shin plays the music in an upbeat manner. Holding up their hands together, Maria and others continue to happily sing Amazing Grace and doing some playful stuff. Maria thinks, “Ah, I.. really cannot do it. I obviously requested to sing a ‘song that can move a lot of people’s hearts’ but I only still focus on immersing within my own happiness but--” Soon, Shougo looks surprised. Yuusuke hears someone clapping behind him. He turns around to see a lot of people clapping along with them while watching them. Narration: “This happiness continuously expands, passing on to more people. Without everyone, I would have forever, not known this kind of feeling. Thank you-- Thank you, I really like you guys! Thank you..”

Flashback: Shin thanked Yuusuke. This puzzled Yuusuke and asked what he meant for he doesn’t understand. Blushing Shin said that he is his only friend. This made Yuusuke embarrassed and speechless over how blunt Shin is. Shin said that of course, Tomoyo and Shintaro, they are also friends, but the one whom he really trust and told everything to, is only Yuusuke. This somewhat touched Yuusuke until Shin admitted that at first, he felt that Yuusuke is kind of annoying. “Thank you for always being considerate to me, and thank you for filming her PV. To be able to film the real her that way, I thought that no one else can do that, except you. Even if I still believe that during the time when we are apart, no matter how much she had changed, my feelings for her won’t change at all. *Looking at a ‘crossed days’ calendar on the month of May* But honestly speaking.. I am still very uneasy and the healing’s progress has been quite difficult. Then, at that time, Mouri told me about a video. *Shin checked on the internet and saw Maria singing ‘You are loved. I love you..’* When I’ve realized the feeling of the person who is filming this video, I cannot help but sigh. You are really such an amazing guy. Thank you. I’m sorry that you’re always taking care [/being considerate] of me.” Blushing Yuusuke smiled at him. End flashback. After they finished singing, the crowd is giving them a huge applause. They exclaim that it is splendid and to sing one more time. They were all surprised by the people’s reaction. Maria quickly turns to Shin and exclaims for him to listen to her. Going to him, Maria tells him that right now, she is very, very happy for these strangers had ‘obtained’ happiness because of their song so she is truly very happy. As the people are talking with Tomoyo and Ayu, Maria asks Shin if this is what a singer does. “Even if [I] totally doesn’t know the others, [I] can still share [my] feelings to them!” Shin holds her face and gives her a kiss. While Maria is still looking surprised, Shin breaks the kiss and asks, “..Kawai. Will you come with me?”

So..everything is being neatly tied up for last chapter..which is the next chapter. Somehow, I feel that Maria saying ‘thanks’ is the author thanking the readers. ^^; From how things are going, I guess the author wants to make it ‘rounded’ in all aspects like there is about friendship, conveying feelings through singing, and some romance, rather than just concentrating on the romance side. All of that is pretty much what the series is about. Shin has really changed since his ‘gloomy/aghast’ expression isn’t shown anymore. Of course, I agree that Yuusuke is really amazing to do all that for him and Maria especially since Yuusuke could have been selfish and steal her while he’s gone. He is a really great friend. Scans by 17kkmh.com and §星空ツ泪 for BW. On a side note, chapter 90 is up today so I’ve decided to include it. ^^

Quote of the day:
Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life. ~ Christiane Northrup

What's Next for July is up to You ^^
Sunday, July 10, 2011

There is a manga dump last Saturday on 17kkm.com so a lot of series are uploaded at the same time. Currently, I'm only behind Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun so I think that I can safely do a 'what you want to read next' poll. I'll divide it into two. One is for the easy ones which I will do first and the other will be the harder ones. If Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu comes out, that will take first priority than the harder-to-do series. I've included Stardust★Wink even if it isn't out yet..but I'm guessing that it will be out soon..around that time..hopefully..if not, I'll just bypass it. And, if I finish all of these before August, I would want to do more of Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun and will try to do one chapter of Tou Lang Merry Rose which is a last priority..it depends..and what else would be out by then. Since 3-4 people are asking about it, I've included Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru and the condition there is if ankemaybe has not done it yet when I'm going to do it. I won't be summarizing Vampire Knight for now but I would probably write a reaction about it if the English scanlation is out. As for Kaichou wa Maid-sama!, I might just write a short summary since the English scanlation comes out fast and it is updated.

Yosh..so here goes. You can vote for any series that you want to read. That means, voting ISN'T limited to only one series. There won't be a deadline for the polls but I'll close it when I archive. I'll just look at it and just summarize next, whatever series is leading and not yet done. If it is a tie, I'll just decide what I would want to summarize. I will start summarizing tomorrow so, that's it. ^^

Barajou no Kiss [Chapter 34]
Saturday, July 9, 2011

Cover page: “Whether it is fate or reality, hope or desperation, in accordance to my wish, I will seize everything.” Punishment 34: KNIGHTS Narration: “Defeat the Grey Rose— Due to worshipping the devil, he has fallen and became an ominous existence. And right now, we regard him as a very strong enemy obstructing our path.” While summoning his demons, Grey Rose shouts for his demons to tightly encircle those Rose Knights. Anis tells Kaede to concentrate his attacks on the left side while Mutsuki to go on an offensive attack from below. Anis thinks that if they didn’t think, and [she] just randomly give instructions, the Knights will be exposed to danger but.. Anis is breathing hard and thinks that it hurts, feeling Mutsuki’s pain on deciding to sever the life of someone important to him. “Could it be that I have no way of saving him?” Suddenly, Tenjoh is surprise that his barrier vanishes. Kaede’s sword and Mutsuki’s strings also disappear. They are shock to find that Anis is already lying on the ground. Anis wonders if this is the limit to what she can do. While the demons start to surround them, the Knights are calling to Anis. Anis thinks of blood, and if the Rose Princess isn’t a bit strong, everyone cannot fight. Suddenly, someone else calls out to Anis. It is Seiran. He removes the cork from a test tube and puts the contents into his mouth. Then, he kisses Anis in order to help her drink the liquid. Seiran tells her that she is showing off too much. After Seiran breaks the kiss and Anis drank the liquid, Anis wakes up and is surprised to see Seiran, who smiles and asks if she is alright. Seiran tells her that her ‘blood’ ought to be able to recover a bit and it is a good thing that he anticipated this situation so he made that medicine, since he doesn’t want Anis to feel pain again. Anis says, no [it is alright]. She thanks him and says that this time, everyone can fight again. After recovering their powers, the other three Knights manage to hold back the enemies again. Someone suggests that they suppress their power at all costs while fighting in order to protect Anis. Anis asks Seiran about Idel. Seiran says that he is okay. He got Ninufa to bring Idel back to Itsushi, and he’ll definitely be okay.

Anis thinks that they don’t have time. She stands up and says that she’s going to that tall building. Seiran is shock by this. Anis tells him that after going to that building, she is going to stop her father’s device in order to destroy the ‘barrier’. “And I can also save the Green Rose. (There isn’t much time for me to act.. I don’t want to just stay here and always be protected by everyone.) And, it can [/might] also decrease the Grey Rose’s source of power--.. (And, maybe, it would also give Mutsuki a different ‘choice’.)” Tenjoh protests over this idea because Anis’ body is weak and if she were to go alone.. Kaede interrupts and tells Anis, “Go, leave this place to us, and we’ll protect your consciousness as well.” Anis is surprised by this. Tenjoh continues to protest that he won’t allow this huge gamble [staking everything on one throw] just depend on this pep talk, and does Kaede, with his eyes wide open, plans on sending Anis to her death. Kaede asks him that didn’t Tenjoh have that Compensation Magic which he already used with Seiran before. “Use it on me. Without the Dominion’s ‘blood’, we, Rose Knights, have no way of fighting but, getting part of that burden from Anis’ body and transfer it to me in a jiffy-- there is a way for that, right? If it is you.” Tenjoh couldn’t answer back. Seiran exclaims ‘that magic’ rebounds back 10 times the pain and Kaede is still fighting at this side. Mutsuki offers that they use it on him because he ought to be able to hold it better than humans. Kaede says that while Mutsuki is wearing that choker, it has already cost him a lot of his power. “It seems that Anis had found something that only she can do, and I also have my own responsibility. (I am your Knight. Your Sword. Your Shield.) Go, Anis.” Tenjoh and Mutsuki finally accept that plan. Seiran offers to go with Anis to back her up. Anis says, “Thank you, everyone.. *prepares to leave* You guys, are absolutely not allowed to die, this is an order--” While walking towards the tall building, Anis thinks that she will definitely go there and will definitely accomplish her mission. “The goal is the top of that building where papa is--..”

Tenjoh starts to say some incantation and it made Kaede to suddenly puke blood. Tenjoh asks him what’s up, for that is the cool Compensation Magic and it is only just starting. Wiping the blood from his mouth, Kaede sarcastically says, really, he can’t wait. Tenjoh says that it isn’t the scope of his barrier magic but he’ll also help Kaede, bear some of the burden. Wiping the blood from his mouth, Tenjoh says that they should go, to what seems like the difficult Knight’s flowery path*--. [<- *could mean ‘passage from audience to stage’ so..‘go into action’.] While looking at Grey Rose, Mutsuki remembers talking with Tenjoh before at his house, by the balcony. Flashback: Tenjoh told Mutsuki that regarding Mutsuki’s genuine ‘last memory’, he thinks that the key to it is in capturing the Grey Rose. “In the end, you only remembered that IT SEEMS I’VE KILLED Yokuto and from then, there is a memory of that scene. *The full moon is shining and there are trees above. Someone said, “Listen well, you are to become the Black Rose, make the Rose Princess.. make..* Was that Yokuto’s voice? Before I’ve discovered you, you were always in deep slumber within that coffin for such a long time that you have lost your memories-- And that coffin is sealed [with chains] from outside--..” Someone saying, ‘This is my last wish--’ Tenjoh thinks that it is a fact that since then, Mutsuki knew what exactly that ‘wish’, he [Yokuto] had said. [<- it is either that or wondering what exactly that ‘wish’ is. I’m not sure if it is a question or a statement. ^^;] Tenjoh said that currently, it will be difficult for all four of them to defeat the ‘Grey Rose’ even if the Red Rose is to attain his Awakening. “So, Mutsuki, you are the last trump card-- Try to infiltrate the ‘other side’, to where the Grey Rose is.” Mutsuki told him that he isn’t cunning like him and perhaps, he might really become a traitor. Tenjoh told him that it will be alright for if that happens, he’ll deal with him. Tenjoh then melancholically said, “Proceeding with such a cruel plot-- Will our Rose Princess forgive us for it?” End flashback.

While the three knights continue to fight, Mutsuki thinks, “Anis.. Whether or not, I can get my ‘last memories’ back, it doesn’t matter to me, even one bit. Even if you don’t forgive me, *Grey Rose calls out to Mutsuki to quickly come to where he is, so that he can eat him up. Mutsuki seriously looks at him.* I will eliminate any person who’ll harm you, even if it is me.” Soon, Anis reaches the entrance of the building. When Anis says that they are there, Seiran tells her that from here on, she is to go into the building by herself. Anis is puzzled. Seiran asks her if she still remembers Fake Dominion Ella’s ‘cards’. Anis remembers Ella telling her that she also has four cards, Violet, Grey, Gold and Silver. Anis realizes that there are still two other Fake Knights remaining. Seiran assures her that it is okay and this is the reason why he went with her. “I’ll definitely protect you, Miss Anis. *turns to the side* Even if the one I’ll have to confront is you.” To Anis’ surprise, a masked guy in Chinese-inspired outfit jumps down in front of them. The masked guy comments that he has been found out early. Seiran says that because he is Schwartz’s favorite[/preference], that he [Seiran] thought that he ought to be the Gold Rose. “Kusugi Haruto.” As Haruto removes his mask, Anis is shock that Haruto is the Fake Golden Rose. Haruto laughs and says that it seems that this curry color isn’t that popular so he wanted to be a bit cool so he changed..and he also became stronger. Anis still looks shaken. Haruto calls out to her and says that it has been such a long time since they have seen each other and the situation suddenly turned out that way. “Will you let me take you in?” Seiran shouts for Anis to quickly run. “You have some place that you have to go, quickly run- And, don’t look back!” Seeing Seiran’s serious expression, Anis shakes off her hesitation and thinks that he is right, she should proceed on. After entering the building, the entrance exploded. While Haruto looks at him, Seiran tells Haruto that like this, he can no longer chase after Anis no matter what happens to him [Seiran].

I think this is a typical scene in a fighting climax wherein others are left behind to ‘sacrifice’[?] and fight the enemy while the others go on ahead for the final goal. In this case, it seems that the enemy is too strong since they have to leave three Knights to fight against one enemy. If Seiran knew that there are other two, is it okay to let Anis deal with the Silver Knight alone? Maybe Seiran also know who that person will be hence, he is assured that Anis will be alright. Hm..could it be Anis’ father or someone else? I’m still wondering if there is some sob story as to why Schwartz is doing all this and that is probably why these people are attached to him in a way like why Haruto is helping him again. I find it amusing that Kaede wants to be the one to burden by the Compensation Magic. It is like he is saying to Mutsuki, ‘don’t steal my cool scene.’ =P It seems that there is still something about Mutsuki’s past that is not yet resolved. How did he end up in the coffin after ‘killing’ his brother? I wonder if that will ever be tackled or will it be a dropped subject like that ‘clone’ of his in Tenjoh’s mansion. Hm..unless the latter one is just a side effect of Tenjoh’s ‘peek in your brain’ machine. Ah..if it is only that kind of machine. I think things can really be complicated if the memories that Mutsuki did remember are ‘manufactured’. What Mutsuki said in that part isn’t really assuring as if he’ll commit suicide or something to that effect, if he did anything to harm Anis. I actually started to wonder what’s the point of ‘betraying’..did they get something out of it because the Grey Rose is still strong. Well, I guess the ‘side effect’ is good since Kaede got a kiss and he gets to power up to the second level. =P I think it is nice that they are putting their jealousies aside and they are all cooperating with the single goal of helping and protecting Anis. Given the narration of the two in this chapter, I seems to really confirm that it will either be Kaede or Mutsuki who’ll be ‘The Knight’ for Anis..unless, the author decides on Anis not choosing any and it will be all back to the usual kind of life ^^; On a side note, when this is all over, I wonder if Tenjoh will also demand a kiss from Anis because all the other Knights already got one from her. =P Scans by AMH字幕組.

Word of the day:
With God behind you and His arms beneath you, you can face whatever lies ahead of you. ~ Our Daily Bread

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 47]
Thursday, July 7, 2011

Cover page: “Forced into a corner, Sumi chose Nozomu. What will be her fate...!?” At Kiyomizu’s clinic, Soichiroh wakes up. Relieved Eisuke asks if he is alright. Soichiroh asks where he is. Eisuke tells him to relax, he is at the clinic/hospital. Soichiroh is a bit puzzled when Eisuke couldn’t quite answer him as to where Sumi is. At some restaurant [I think], Nozomu holds up a glass of wine for a toast with everyone there. He thanked everyone who are extremely busy yet found the time to come here to join his ‘becoming president’ party. He tells them that from today on, in place of his recuperating father, he will be holding two positions - one as Ijuin Bank’s bank president [and the other as president of the Ashida Products.] “And, at the same time, as a leader among corporations [/top tycoon], I will also definitely do my utmost best to not to put this work [/mission] into disgrace.” A woman asks another woman as to where Nozomu’s wife today. The other woman tells her that she heard their relationship isn’t good and right now, they are living separately. Then, the two women entertain thoughts on the possibility of Nozomu and his wife divorcing and thus, they will have a chance with Nozomu. Then, Nozomu says, “Before the banquet [/toast], there is someone whom I want to introduce to everyone.” While everyone is wondering who it is, Nozomu tells someone to come in. All dolled up, Sumi enters the room. The women exclaim that it is the past president’s wife. Nozomu smiles at serious looking Sumi who walks toward him. While Sumi stands beside him, Nozomu says, “She is my fiancee, Miss Sumi.” Everyone is in an uproar for Sumi is the past president’s wife. Then, barefooted Soichiroh charges into the room. A guy tries to stop Soichiroh and shouts that he cannot go in. Soichiroh shouts back for the guy not to hinder him. While Sumi isn’t reacting, Nozomu mutters in surprised that this voice is..

Then, Soichiroh manages to ‘shoo’ away the guy temporarily to let him go. Soichiroh heads toward to Sumi. It is only this time when Sumi becomes flustered and calls out his name. Everyone is now gossiping that it is President Ashida or rather, the past president. Some are surprised that it is him because Soichiroh looked really wretched [/unpresentable]. Flustered Soichiroh apologizes to Sumi that because of him, she.. Holding out his hand to her, Soichiroh says, “Come with me.” Sumi blushes and is about to hold Soichiroh’s hand. Nozomu is flustered and displeased over this. Then, Sumi clenches her fist and tells him to go. This surprises Soichiroh. Then, he is in a shock when Sumi shouts for him to go since she already had enough of living a penniless and poor life [/cannot bear a life without money]. “Since you’ve become wretchedly poor, you are already useless to me!” Nozomu smiles in relief and tells the men to drive Soichiroh out. The men quickly grab shocked Soichiroh and escort him out. Nozomu asks flustered Sumi if she is alright. Sumi didn’t reply. While the men got Soichiroh out of the building and told him not to be slow, Sumi looks at Soichiroh from the window. She is unmindful of Nozomu who is talking with someone or the women who were gossiping about her. The women mutter that Sumi married the past president for his money and now, she is trying to get Nozomu. “She is obviously also a wretched poor. She’s really such a despicable woman.” Then, at the building’s gate, the men toss Soichiroh out on the street and threaten him not to come back and show his face again. Eisuke rushes to Soichiroh and helps him up. Eisuke reminds Soichiroh that he is currently sick so he shouldn’t force himself and be reckless. “See, your face’s complexion is already very white!” Still shocked, Soichiroh mutters, “Sumi..” Eisuke asks what. Soichiroh tells him that compared to him [Soichiroh], money is more important for Sumi. Eisuke looks at him in disbelief that he exclaims what did he just said.

At Nozomu’s house [formerly Soichiroh’s], Nozomu and Sumi is greeted by Komai and three maids including Keiko. Sumi is surprised that everyone is there. Nozomu tells her that being in a familiar house and household help, it will help Sumi become less nervous and be at ease. Maid A tells them that there is already hot water in the bathtub. Putting his arm around Sumi, Nozomu tells the servants that they will go to their room first to rest and they [servants] can withdraw first. Bowing Komai says that it will be as he ordered. As Sumi seems to try to say something to Komai, Nozomu tells her that they should go up. In the bedroom, Sumi is surprised to see a bed. Nozomu says that he kept everything as is except for the bed. Sumi scolds him for having such a vulgar taste. Sumi becomes scared when Nozomu darkly glares at her and tells her that he also won’t accept any of her retorts. Nozomu brightly smiles and says that this is her gift for her. He opens a small box which has a huge heart-shaped gem ring. Nozomu tells her that he had it custom made just for her. Sumi tells him that she doesn’t want it. Nozomu is displeased. He takes something from his pocket and asks Sumi if she wants to wear this instead. Nozomu holds up a ring. Sumi immediately thinks that it is her wedding ring from Soichiroh. Nozomu tells her that he got it back from the doctor after paying for Soichiroh’s medical fees. Sumi thanks him and tries to reach for the ring. To her surprise, Nozomu quickly turns around and tosses the ring out the window. The ring falls to the rose bushes down below. Sumi looks down the window and exclaims for the ring. When Sumi starts crying, Nozomu hugs her from behind and says that he has been eagerly anticipating this day [/today will actualize the dream that I’ve always thought of..]. Nozomu twists her face [to kiss her] but Sumi quickly pushes him away and says, “No..” Nozomu grabs her hand and forcefully, pushes her down on the bed. Trembling Sumi is scared. Holding up her hand, Nozomu puts his ring on her finger. He asks how many times did Soichiroh hug/cherish* her in that room. [*the word used is sometimes used to mean ‘sex’.] Somewhat putting her hand on his face, Nozomu menacingly says, “Just thinking of how you were cherished by Soichiroh, day after day, day after day, I have gone through countless sleepless nights. *lying down beside Sumi* And, finally, from tonight on, the one who will cherish you, Miss Sumi, will be me!”

Ah, it seems that Sumi always ends up in this kind of situations whether it is for someone or it is her own doing, or both. ^^; I do wonder if someone will disturb them so that nothing will happen for now..actually, I don’t think the author would want things to go there else, it will really be like incest, especially since the author had always hinted that Sumi could be Nozomu’s sister. I kind of want Sumi to react the same way when Soichiroh tried to do that by force with her. Maybe that will make Nozomu realize that Sumi has some sort of trauma or well..maybe when she tries to find the ring among the rose bushes. I’m wondering though if that ring is the real one. From the last chapter, the doctor gave Eisuke the ring. Could it be that Eisuke didn’t take it so it is returned to Nozomu later on? If Eisuke did take it, then it is either the one with Eisuke is fake, or the one with Nozomu is a fake. As for Soichiroh, I hope that later on, he can think through things and realize why Sumi has to declare that money is more important to her. If Sumi went with him, Nozomu will most definitely get back at them again and it is become a cycle. Since Nozomu has the money, things will definitely not turn out good if Nozomu is fed up or do something really reckless and drastic..like being with Sumi in a burning inn? ^^; Also, Nozomu will definitely be shamed and embarrassed in front of everyone if she went with Soichiroh and that will still end up with things turning bad for Soichiroh. With Soichiroh being sick and penniless, I wonder how he can get Sumi back. Anyway, at least, Komai is in that house, working with Nozomu. He probably anticipated that this will happen and it is better to be close to one’s ‘enemy’ so hopefully, he will do something more useful later on..probably secretly to turn the tables on Nozomu. Now that I think of it, Sumi should have made Nozomu take in the kids as part of their deal. =P It would seem that she ‘sold’ herself too cheap if it is only for Soichiroh’s medical bills..hhm..and not to bother Soichiroh anymore. Scans by babystar1028 for BW.

Quote of the day:
'Mad' is a term we use to describe a man who is obsessed with one idea and nothing else. ~ Ugo Betti

The One [Chapter 79]
Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Sitting beside sleeping Eros, Lele puts her hands on her chin and watches him intently. Mentally drooling yet not daring to hold his hand tightly else she’ll wake him up, Lele touches the back of Eros’ hand and remembers the warm memories that she felt from it. It is something that she cannot forget even if she tried to. Soon, Lele is caressing the hand with both hands. Then while putting her face on it, she thinks, “And there will be a day, I’ll definitely, definitely.. regain that warmth again--” Her thoughts are interrupted when Eros opens his eyes and angrily shouted what Lele is doing there. As Lele braces for Eros to kick her out again, Eros stops midway from shouting for her to go out since he feels weak and just falls limp beside the bed. After sweatdropping over this, Lele laughs out loud and exclaims that who would have thought that such a day would come for Mr. Violent [/cruel] among fashion show directors. Tucked in bed, Eros is shaking in anger but he couldn’t move. While mentally cursing in frustration, Eros asks her who let her in. Lele says that of course, it is Taylor who went to buy some basic supplies and there is no way for him to take care of Eros for 24 hours. Lele adds that what’s important is, since yesterday until today, except for her congee, Eros would vomit everything that he would eat. Eros couldn’t refute that. Turning around Lele happily says that since he is awake, she is going to feed him so she’ll go get the congee. Eros sits up and shouts that didn’t Lele say that she doesn’t care about him whether he lives or dies. This made Lele stop and realize that Eros didn’t hear a single sentence she shouted as a love confession to him before. She wonders if he had totally forgotten about her unreasonable trust in him since the first time they met. Aghast, Lele turns to face him and tells him not to be shameless for Taylor is paying her for her time, and that is why she agreed to serve/take care of him. Turning around again, Lele asks who would accept such a difficult patient. Lele gets irked when Eros answers back that since it is like that, why doesn’t she just leave because even her congee is useless, and he feels that his illness will become graver upon seeing someone he detest. This made Lele answers back if Eros thinks that she likes him but actually, she is just respecting her elders, and that is why she couldn’t refuse Taylor’s request. Pointing at Eros, Lele shouts that she won’t leave until Taylor returns. Before leaving, Lele dares him to move and fight with her. To Eros’ aghast, Lele laughs at him and says that with his body like that, he would just have to accept his fate.

Later on, Eros shouts what she is doing. Lele has tied Eros up [bind upper body and hands on the back]. Lele happily calls him young master and says that his food is here. In a her nurse uniform, Lele holds up a spoonful of congee and tells him to say, ‘Ah’. While Eros is shouting what’s with that outfit, Lele shoves the spoon in his mouth. To her aghast, Eros promptly vomits it. And, while Eros seems to be vomiting, Lele cracks the whip and hits a lamp cover that falls beside surprised Eros. Lele threatens him not to dare vomit else she’ll wildly whip that weak body of his and it will quickly enable him to see the Heavenly father. “Do you want to go to heaven early, darling~” Eros sweatdrops in aghast over this. Meanwhile, Ulysses shows Angus an island that he bought for n years before. He tells Angus that the villa will be finished soon so he brought him there to look. This will be his second gift to Angus, and they can stay there for a few months to utmost enjoy themselves. Angus didn’t react that Ulysses asks if he isn’t happy about it. Ulysses is surprised when Angus says that he is an expert lover so what is there for him to be dissatisfied about. To Angus’ surprise, Ulysses quickly grabs his face and gives him a kiss. Then, Ulysses angrily bites Angus’ lower lip. After breaking off, he angrily shouts at Angus as to when will Angus understand that everything he is doing isn’t about asking a favor from Angus, but rather, it is to make him happy. Ulysses says that before they were getting along really well during that period of time. From outside, Angus isn’t disobeying his wishes, as if he’s a 100% good lover. “But.. this isn’t what I want! What I want isn’t a doll whose likes and dislikes are being dictated by someone!” As his lip is bleeding, Angus look tense then asks him what does Ulysses want, for didn’t he say that he wants a ‘lover who is willing to do it’, and isn’t that enough. “What else do you want from me?” Angus is surprised when Ulysses points to Angus’ chest. Ulysses exclaims, “Here! Let me in here!” Angus holds Ulysses’ pointing hand and says that is impossible and there is no condition about that in their agreement. This surprises Ulysses. He then hold Angus’ shoulders and tells him that the agreement is dead [non-living thing], and people are living. “If one is a person then he ought to have feelings! Could it be that during this time when we are getting along with each other, you don’t have any feelings for me, even for a little bit?” Angus tells him that he treated him well, they really got along with each other and he likes Ulysses but it isn’t ‘love’. Gesturing to his chest, Angus says that his ‘here’ cannot accommodate other people and he is a person who is incapable of loving ‘someone’. Ulysses asks if that old man [Angus’ father] had really hurt him deeply that Angus lose the basic requirement of [/need to have] ‘love’. Thinking that in his heart, there is only him until forever, Angus says perhaps or perhaps not, probably since he is an emotionally unstable person. “So..please do not have any expectations towards me, Ulysses. I won’t want to hurt you! Within these two years, let us get along with each other but after those two years, please forget about me! Don’t put me in your heart anymore.” This surprises Ulysses.

Back at the couple, Eros has finished clean his bowl of congee. Looking at aghast Eros, Lele happily says that didn’t he finish it all and he didn’t even vomit a single grain of rice..how thoughtful of him. Patting Eros’ face, Lele says that their silver-eyed monster is so obedient and this is how it should be. Eros angrily shouts when Taylor is coming back. Lele happily says, how should she know. At the grocery, Taylor decides to stroll a bit for Eros likes that girl and he would want them to be with each other more. And, that night, after Taylor returned, Lele witnessed how Eros is fighting off the pain. Lele stands by and watches Eros thrashing everything, and shouting in pain as Taylor tries to restrain him. Lele thinks that she thought she could help him just because she is there but she is stunned that while being there, she also couldn’t do anything. While restraining repeatedly twitching Eros, Taylor asks Lele to bring him a towel quick. After Lele bring it to him, Taylor shouts for Lele to quickly roll it up and put it inside Eros mouth. Taylor asks her to be quick in doing it while he restrains Eros, and that is to prevent Eros from biting his tongue. Somehow, Eros pushes[?] Lele away and tells her to go away. Taylor manages to put the rolled up towel in Eros’ mouth and shouts for Eros to listen, and bite into it. Lele watches on and thinks that it is like a shocking scene in a movie that is unfolding right before her eyes, but the lead character who is tormented, is the person whom she is most concerned with, but she.. Soon, Taylor manages to restrain Eros and he tells Lele to go [out of the room] first for what’s left is something that they cannot help Eros in. It is all up to Eros’ willpower to fight it, and just give him time, he’ll be able to do it. Lele is already crying. She heads out of the room and wonders if that is it, she can only stand at the side and not be useful a bit. When it is already dusk, at the living room, Lele asks Taylor for how long would it continue wherein Eros is like that. Lele can still hear from the room, Eros’ muffled cries in pain. Tired-looking Taylor says that it isn’t definite, sometimes it is a for a few hours and at times, it will continue for almost a day. Taylor exhales and Lele thinks that Taylor is also utterly exhausted. Soon, it is already 11:05pm. Taylor is sleeping at the sofa. Lele looks back at Eros’ room. Opening the door, Lele thinks that the sound has gradually subsided. She finds Eros sound asleep. Lele checks on him and sees that Eros’ lip bled from biting the towel and his hands must be tired and bruised from being tied up while struggling. Teary-eyed Lele tells herself not to cry. Lele turns Eros around then unties the rope. She treats his wounds and bruises. Then, to her surprise, Eros is calling out for his mother in his dream. He asks why his mother forgot about him when she said that he and Long [/Angus] are her life, but in the end, she is like ‘that person’, who chose only ‘Long’ and ‘abandoning’ him from her memories. “I.. really love you.. *cries* why..? why” This made Lele start crying. She holds his face and his hand. She thinks, “Yin, don’t cry! Don’t cry! What kind of sad memory is it, that it making you cry in your sleep? *pressing her face on his face* In this world, even if all of the people in it abandons you, I will be at your side!”

Soon, it is morning, sleeping Lele is holding sleeping Eros’s fingers. Beside Eros’ bed, Lele is sleeping on a sofa bed from the living room. Soon, Eros wakes up and is surprised to see Lele sleeping there. Eros quickly slaps Lele hand away and shouts why she left there for the night. Holding her painful hand, Lele complains what’s up with him and she hasn’t slept enough yet. Taylor rushes in the room and asks what happened and what’s with the noise. Pointing at dumbstruck Taylor, Lele shouts for Eros to empathize with old man Taylor who has to take care of such an unreasonable [/troublesome/demanding] guy like him, for 24 hours. This made Eros speechless. He timidly asks Taylor if this is true, is he a burden to him. After recovering from his sweatdrop, Taylor tries to tell Eros that he isn’t a burden to him, it is because of old age that he is useless. Leaning on the wall, Taylor says that after pacifying him in the afternoon, he suddenly started feeling dizzy and it seems that he is really already old. A note says that Taylor can act =P Sweatdropping Lele tells sweatdropping Eros, “See.” Taylor tells Eros that if it weren’t for Lele who took over for him, he wouldn’t have slept soundly because he doesn’t know what would suddenly happen to Eros. “Since it is rare for Lele to agree to help, you shouldn’t refuse her good intention.” Eros cannot answer back to that and so, just like that, without a hitch, Lele finally manages to be with Yin everyday, at his side. After some time, happy Lele is listening to her earphone music while vacuuming. Eros’ cellphone is ringing. Eros is also sleeping so no one is answering the phone. Crying and flustered Feidna hopes for Eros to quickly answer the phone. Teaser for the next chapter: Feidna went to see Glenn Devereaux to help her get back on the runway again, in order to reclaim the queen’s throne. And, in order to undo the pain in Eros’ heart, Lele decided to go visit the nursing home where Eros’ mother stayed while she is still living. Next chapter will be out on August 5th.

This chapter reminds me of why I like this series. Hehe, those two fighting, teasing, sweet moments and holding hands remind me of the series’ early chapters. Unfortunately, like before, they are hesitant to admit their feelings and tend to say the opposite things of what they feel to the other which ends up being taken too seriously by the other. ^^; Lele must be irritated that Eros would believe that she would really not care after all the things that they have gone through, except for the ‘almost rape’ thing. Ah, these two are pretty stubborn and thankfully, Taylor is there. He obviously approves of Lele that he is helping her to be with Eros. ^^ Hehe, too bad Eros didn’t call for her in his sleep but I guess that is something the author deliberately not do, for now. Well, I think she will get through Eros soon because of what she’s currently doing and will do. Of course, there is also the thing about putting her career on hold for him. From the teaser, I’m surprised that contrary to what one would expect, Feidna would try to get her career back. Could it be after knowing that Lele is taking care of Eros? Anyway, it is a good development for Feidna and it seems that she and Lele switched ‘priorities’. Now, Lele is dealing with ‘love’ and Feidna with her ‘career’. I think in the future, it will be a head on fight to be the top model between these two. I wonder if it will also be the same in regard to ‘fighting to win Eros’. As for Ulysses, I wonder if he will give up after what Angus told him. Being a businessman and the type of person Ulysses is, I don’t think he will easily give up. He might need to try a different tactic though, rather than what he is currently doing. But then, what is the next thing for Ulysses to do? Be with Angus for two years and hoping against hope that he will fall for him? Or, just set him free since it is futile anyway and being with him two years can end up as regret of not being able to get what one wants. Hm..but then, it can also be two years of bliss with someone whom one loves but cannot have. ^^; Somehow, for now, Ulysses is the one who has a high chance to help Angus with his problem, aside from Eros, because he knows of his background, etc. Hm..it seems that Angus is wrong about there is only ‘him’ in his ‘heart’ because isn’t Eros also in there? =P I also wonder if it is good if Angus is with Eros during this time or not. I think it is good that he isn’t because Angus might really do something rash upon seeing what Eros had to endure because of their father. Rash = like really want to kill their father. Of course, plot-wise, Angus will hinder the ‘reconciliation’ of Eros and Lele. Scans by Blacknight for BW.

Quote of the day:
The art of love... is largely the art of persistence. ~ Albert Ellis

The One [Chapter 79] Teaser
Tuesday, July 5, 2011

It is out in BW but it is a bit late now so I cannot write the proper summary today. In brief, Lele is taking care of Eros because Taylor went out. Lele is taking her chances of caressing sleeping Eros’ hand but she is interrupted when Eros woke up. The two are still stubborn over admitting their feelings ^^; Since this is a rare opportunity, Lele plays nurse and bullies Eros =P Then, Ulysses talks with Angus about wanting his heart and letting him inside. Angus admits that he likes him but it isn’t love. Angus pretty much dumps him because he cannot love anyone. He hopes Ulysses can forget about him after these two years, and he doesn’t want to give Ulysses hope, nor hurt him. Then, back to the couple, Lele is happily teasing Eros over eating all of the food. Taylor had deliberately delayed his return for Eros to be with the girl he likes =P Then, that night, after Taylor returned, Lele has witness how much in pain Eros is because of the drugs. Eros is trashing about in bed and Taylor tries to pacify him. Taylor gets Lele’s help to get a towel to put in Eros mouth so that he won’t bite his tongue. Later on, they managed to restrain wild Eros. Taylor tells Lele that she can go for they cannot do anything more and it is all up to Eros to fight it. Upon going out of the room, Lele cries over her helplessness. Afterwards, Lele asks Taylor for how long Eros would be like that. Taylor says that it not definite. At 11pm, Taylor is sleeping and Lele decides to check on Eros. She untied him and treated his wounds from thrashing about. Then, she hears him calling for his mother and why she forgot about him. Lele cries with him as she hugs him and thinks that she’ll stay by his side even if everyone abandons him. Soon, it is morning, Eros is in shock that he has been sleeping holding hands with Lele, who is asleep at a cot/sofa bed. Eros slaps her hand and exclaims why she spent the night there. While Lele complains about not getting enough sleep yet, Taylor enters and asks what’s with the noise. Lele shouts at Eros that Taylor can also be tired from taking care of him 24 hours a day. This surprises Eros that he asks Taylor if this is true. Taylor tries to assure him he is okay but acted on Lele’s behalf that he was dizzy last night. =P Taylor even tells him about how much Lele had helped and Eros shouldn’t reject her good intention. And with that, Lele manages to be with Eros everyday =P While Lele is busy cleaning as she listens to music, and Eros is sleeping, Eros’ phone is ringing. It is crying Feidna calling, hoping for Eros to answer. That is 47 pages. ^^

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapter 88]
Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Narration: “Even if I made a lot of detours, but finally, I found my goal!!” Tsubaki exclaimed to Hiro that she wants to be a hairstylist. At *parfait salon, at the cashier, the manager calls out to Tsubaki that she can get off work. Tsubaki tells her yes, but she’ll finish sweeping first before leaving. As Tsubaki sweeps the floor, the manager tells Hiro that Tsubaki is not bad at all, and no wonder she is recommended by Hiro. Hiro says that it is good to hire Tsubaki since she is very serious at work and he should properly consider what he wants. Hiro then says to forget about that, he eagerly anticipates Tsubaki’s 150 percent. The manager sighs and tells him that Tsubaki hasn’t worked for a month yet, and she is already doing very well. Tsubaki bows and thanks her for the compliment. When Tsubaki is bidding her goodbye, the manger shows her a flyer and asks if Tsubaki wants to go there. It is a one day orientation of a beauty school. The manager tells her that Hiro graduated from that school and this coming Saturday, Hiro is going to hold a hairstyle design demonstration. “So, do you want to go and watch it?” Holding the flyer, Tsubaki asks, “Saturday?” Hiro tells the manager not to do that for seeing Tsubaki having such perseverance [in doing everything?], he doesn’t want to go with her. This surprises Tsubaki that she exclaims, what!? Hiro asks if he is mistaken for wasn’t she going to have an exam for cram school this Saturday. “Anyway, you won’t openly resist your parents, and you cannot convince them, right? Then, that exaggerated [/boastful] declaration [ of ‘I want to be a hairstylist’] is really nothing, right? *turns around and wave goodbye* You’ve really disappointed me!! Good work! [<- polite saying after work]” The manager scowls at Hiro. Tsubaki looks flustered. At home, Tsubaki exclaims that she is home. Her mother is sitting on the dining table and seems to be reading a booklet/magazine about schools. Sakura is watching the television. Tsubaki’s mother asks if Tsubaki has been studying late again, and was she eating alright, is she hungry. Tsubaki tells her that she is okay. Happily flipping through the booklet, her mother says that last time, Tsubaki got very good grades in the exam and it will be nice if this time around, Tsubaki can get into [her] ideal university. Her mother asks if Tsubaki will soon determine which school is her first choice. Tsubaki nervously interrupts her and asks if they have the money for it. Her mother says that there will be all sorts of expenses but she will also do her best just like Tsubaki, so Tsubaki shouldn’t worry and just properly do her best to get into the ideal university as her goal. Tsubaki shouts for her to wait, and didn’t she tell her before, she doesn’t want to go to college. “I want to go study in a school that specializes in hairstyling.”

Her mother sighs and looks straight at Tsubaki. She asks, “Do not want to go to college? Could it be that it is because you want to run away from the exam?” Tsubaki looks at her mother in surprise over what her mother is accusing her of. Her mother tells her not to be afraid of the exam just because she failed at it during junior high. “If you give it up right now, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Understand? *prepares to leave the room* I thought that you understand.. Tsubaki-chan, can’t you be more positive?” After her mother left, Tsubaki looks downcast. Frustrated, she says, “Hairstylist.. I absolutely will not run away from my goal again!” Then, Tsubaki notices something. She looks surprised to see Sakura happily smiling and giggling at her. Tsubaki asks her what’s with that expression. Sakura happily says that Tsubaki had finally decided on becoming a hairstylist and since she already found her goal, Tsubaki can now be together with Kyouta again. To Sakura’s shock, Tsubaki says that she still can’t until she convinces their mother. As Tsubaki picks her bag, Sakura exclaims that isn’t it already good that she has finally thought of what she wanted to do, and what will happen if she wasn’t able to convince their mother. Tsubaki confidently tells her that she will definitely convince their mother so just watch and see, because she fundamentally doesn’t have any other plans. Sakura is surprised by her sister’s answer. After Tsubaki leaves the room, Sakura wonders if she is being bold to do this. Taking out her cellphone, Sakura mutters that it ought to be okay to report about it. At the hospital, the physical therapist is freaking out over how fast Kyouta is working out with the weights and dumbbells. He had to shout to Kyouta that this is rehabilitation, not training. He asks Kyouta if he is feeling something that is not right. Kyouta says that it is the opposite. While the therapist removes the weights from Kyouta’s foot, Kyouta remembers reading an email from Sakura. Sakura wrote: “Sis has finally decided on becoming a hairstylist. The two of you will quickly be together again!” Kyouta looks at his left hand and remembers holding Tsubaki’s hand in class before. Slightly blushing, Kyouta puts his left hand on his lips as if to kiss it and thinks, “Very soon..right? She.. and also me..” On Saturday, Tsubaki is holding the flyer the parlor manager gave her. Then, she looks at the side. There is a huge board about national mock exam in her cram school. She shoves the flyer in her bag and starts walking into the school. She is surprised when someone calls out that she is always still doing things that she dislikes. She turns around to see Hiro standing behind his car. After calling out his name, Tsubaki asks why he is there. Hiro asks back why she chose to go to that place, and she made him really disappointed with her. Hiro quickly grabs Tsubaki to quickly get in his car. As Hiro trying to push her into the car, Tsubaki grabs the roof of the car [to stop him from shoving her in]. Tsubaki exclaims for him to wait and what is he doing. Holding Tsubaki’s shoulder, Hiro tells her that he wants to force her to stand on the point of no return. “If you are to run away from the simulation[/mock] exam, then there will be no way out anymore. Then, you will only have to face up to your mother..right?”

Tsubaki looks surprised at him. Then, she shouts for him to let her go, she has her own way of dealing with it. Hiro sighs then carries shock Tsubaki, ala princess carry. Hiro tells her that it is because she has no other way that is why she is going to take that exam. Tsubaki looks surprised again, and then she shouts that she didn’t go there to take the exam. “I came here to quit because I won’t be going to study in the cram school anymore... *Hiro looks surprised* I have told my mother about it so many times already but she just won’t listen.. so this is the only thing that I can do..” Hiro says is that so. “I also do not want to do this kind of thing.. *holds her hand and pulls her out of the car* I had misunderstood you, I’m sorry. *smiles* Be quick! I’ll drive you to the [beauty] school! *Tsubaki exclaims in surprise* Don’t you want to go to the orientation?” Tsubaki blushes over that and says, “Yes, but.. *takes her hand from Hiro* I can ride the train to go there!” Afterwards, Tsubaki heads out of the cram school. She holds her chest and thinks that she really isn’t going to that school anymore. Then, she spots some girls fussing about something. They say that ‘it is really him’, ‘I’m your fan’ and ‘can I shake your hand’. Seeing that they are surrounding Hiro, Tsubaki thinks that he is really amazing to be popular with those girls from an elite school. Just when she is passing by them, Tsubaki overhears a girl happily saying that she heard from her teacher that Hiro used to be a student from their school so can she call him ‘senpai’. With a ‘Huh??’, Tsubaki turns around and nervously looks at Hiro who is looking at her. Soon, in Hiro’s car, Tsubaki looks embarrassed. While driving, Hiro asks her that wasn’t she going to take the train. Tsubaki asks him if he graduated from Nariyoshi High. Hiro says ya, what about it. Tsubaki says that is amazing. Hiro asks what’s amazing about it. Tsubaki insists that it is amazing. Since Hiro is puzzled, Tsubaki apologizes and says that it is because no matter how much she did her best, she couldn’t get into Nariyoshi High, which is her first choice high school to go to in this town. Tsubaki clenches her fist and asks, “As a person who went to that school.. that.. you didn’t go to college, did you regret it?” Hiro shakes his head and says, “No way.” Tsubaki nervously asks if that is so and he answered it very frankly. Hiro says, “Why? That is because.. because I am able to do what I wanted to do! There is nothing better compared to it!” Tsubaki blushes and looks in surprise. Hiro tells her to think of it this way, the past him is unsophisticated and shy that aside from getting good grades, he is someone who cannot master anything. “But, when I was in third year high school, for the first time, my [elder] sister brought me to a beauty parlor.. and got a pretty cool hair cut. And from that day on, I felt embarrassed.. *Flashback: People are saying that he has changed and he has become handsome/cool* From how they were saying those stuff then, unknowingly and unwittingly, I started to become optimistic. In such a short period of time, a shy person can change and I thought this kind of job is not bad at all. At that time, I’ve gotten through a lot of ‘attacks’ [/setbacks].. I thought that if it isn’t the thing that I wanted to do, then nothing else will do. *looks at Tsubaki* Hibino Tsubaki, it’s the same with you, right? It’s alright. Your choice today is absolutely not a mistake!” Blushing Tsubaki looks enlightened by what Hiro said. At her house, Tsubaki’s mother happily greets Tsubaki upon her return and asks her how the exam was. Her mother looks surprised when Tsubaki declares, “Mama.. I won’t be going to cram school anymore.. *hugging a large envelope from the beauty school* Because my first choice is.. to go to a school that specializes in hair styling!!” Next chapter on July 20th.

Tsubaki must be the envy of many girls to have two gorgeous guys helping her find her in pursuing her dream. ^^ It is nice to see that Tsubaki has become more confident and not easily depressed anymore. Next chapter might be a bit messy since Tsubaki has finally confronted her mother again plus the fact that she had quit cram school. It will be very difficult since her mother seems the type who can make Tsubaki’s life miserable if her wish isn’t done. I thinking that she’ll probably give Tsubaki the cold shoulder, badmouth her, etc..but then, I doubt it will go into disowning her. ^^; I still hope that Tsubaki can give her mother at least a new hairstyle while convincing her about it =P I think that it would help us to understand her mother more if we know the reason why she really wants Tsubaki to go to college. Is it an unfulfilled dream or as a mother, she just wants her daughter to have a more secure future? Well, it seems to be the former because it has to be the ‘best university’ and, it doesn’t seem that Sakura is pressured into it. I wonder if her mother will be appeased if Sakura is going to college but then, it seems unlikely since Sakura is into fashion. Hehe, in the end, I think Tsubaki’s mother would have to give in because it is futile for her to convince Tsubaki to go to college anymore. She thought that by ‘driving away’ Kyouta, there are no more hindrances but, things led to another and well..they are now at that point. =P Hehe, at least she won’t be blaming Kyouta for this. Hmm..hopefully her mother won’t go too hysterical on Tsubaki. I think it is harder to convince parents about wanting do a non-college degree work when one has really great grades. It does seem like a waste but if one’s interest is really in something else, doing what one really wants to do, makes a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Actually, Tsubaki is lucky to have a talent in what she likes. For Hiro, I think he would have a harder time in convincing his parents about it because for him to decide to become a hairstylist seems to be on a whim. I’m not sure if he got better through practice, or he turns out to have a talent in it, or maybe it is both. I think that perhaps, Hiro sees his younger self in Tsubaki that is why he is fond of her, and he would also want to help her through what he had gone through before. I think it is too early to jump into conclusion if Hiro likes Tsubaki romantically or he is acting like a ‘brother/teacher-type’. But, whatever it is, I think it is enough to get Kyouta jealous since Hiro is a formidable ‘rival/a guy who is slightly close to Tsubaki’ because he is older, good looking, stylish and has a car. I still think that Kyouta doesn’t know yet on how much Hiro is also helping Tsubaki on her goal. I wonder what he’s reaction to that will be, since there never was a guy ‘interested’ in Tsubaki without ulterior motives before. I also cannot help wonder if it is good for Sakura to be reporting about Tsubaki to Kyouta..she means well but somehow, I cannot shake the feeling that it might cause some misunderstanding later on. Scans by amyangel19910323 for BW. Summary is based on 17kkmh.com. The other scanlation has ‘hidden’ theirs until a time limit so..I’ll just have to depend on 17kkmh.

Quote of the day:
A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose – a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal to achieve. ~ John Maxwell