Name:
=3Kat

About this blog:
I usually write about the manga that I'm currently reading. At times, I write about the anime/tv shows I watched and the PS2 games I played. Since it is hard to share and talk my thoughts about a certain manga series when people don't know about it, I tend to summarize them from Chinese scanlations so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. Feel free to point out my mistakes. Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things. ^_^

Layout:
The blog picture is from shel's Wind & Clover artbook scanned by YIXIN for JumpC. Ouran Xmas pic from Billwang. Quote is by Amanda Bradley. Edited in Photoshop CS2. The background is from GRSites. The GB animated gif used to be from this site, Gin-san of Gintama is a screecap from piyopiyo2006 in Youtube and 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.

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Past Dreams:
2008

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from
Sky-fire, Iieye, & Billwang.

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

The One [Chapter 46]
Thursday, April 10, 2008 @ 07:38 p.m.

Sitting on a bench near Stanley’s painting, Lele talks with Stanley. Lele praises Stanley that it is amazing that he is a painter. Stanley says he just likes to draw. He just looks around what he wants to draw and it isn’t really a big deal. Lele thinks that Stanley is a shy and sensitive person. Lele says honestly, he wasn’t mistaken [about Eros] on that day. Lele thinks sorry, silver-eyed monster, I’m just really curious. Blushing, Stanley didn’t say anything for a moment then says that he knows. A few days ago, he had seen Eros’ name on a magazine and realize that he is a famous person in fashion. No wonder he doesn’t want to recognize me. I understand him a bit that he doesn’t want his past known. After all, it [that kind of past] isn’t something that people would tend to show off. So, when I recognized him, he must be very embarrassed. Lele tells him that it isn’t so for it isn’t because Eros is embarrassed about his past that he pretend not to know him. He just have his painful reason but it isn’t the same as what you are thinking. Stanley asks if that is really what Yin told her. Lele nods her head and says yes. He smiles and asks if she is his girlfriend. Lele shakes her head. Stanley says nevertheless, hearing you said that makes me happy. Even if Yin doesn’t consider me as a ‘friend’, for me, I will still be grateful to him because he is the first one who praised my paintings and the first one to buy my painting.

Lele is surprised and asked, buy? Stanley smiles and says yup, he used his ‘one month’s worth of lunch’ to buy the painting from me. Do you know in the asylum, it is filled with teenagers who have no homes to go to. Because we were teenagers, we still can’t find work so we don’t had any money. The food in that place is always not enough for all the teenagers there. Because I’m quite small [built], others would tend to bully me and steal my food. There are times when I wasn’t able to eat for a whole day. Lele remembers Eros telling her that if people haven’t eaten for a long time, they would change and will try to get food in any way they can. Stanley continues with his story. When Yin came, he is quite a loner. He has this outer appearance that makes other want to mess with him so the other boys would give him trouble. Unlike me, Yin is not a weakling and he would dare go into a fight. He won’t give in as he seems to enter the fight just to train himself. He is always hurt or bleeding, but at the same time, he is becoming stronger. One time, when I turn my head while I was drawing, I found him standing beside me. I usually spend my time drawing alone. He is conscious about beauty [art] and stuff that he asked questions about it that I was surprised. When I was sitting close to him, it is when I realize that his eye color is oddly grayish. After that chat, he sat near the window and didn’t disturb me anymore. From then on, everyday when I was drawing, he would sit at the window behind me. We would only talk a bit since he isn’t that talkative. One time, he grabbed something that I’m drawing. He had realized that I’m secretly drawing him. He told me not to draw him ever again. I had exclaimed he’s so good-looking, would you die if I would actually draw you? He just said that he doesn’t like his own good-looking face.

One day, he gave me a yellowish picture of a beautiful woman and she has grayish eyes like Yin. That woman is Yin’s mother who is in the sanitarium. I heard that it is because her mental state is unstable so she wasn’t able to take care of Yin. Yin asked me to draw a portrait of her mother because her birthday is coming soon. He wanted to give it as a birthday gift. I was so happy that I can be of some use to him. After all the time that he has been ‘accompanying’ me, my days have become more peaceful. There are no guys bullying me. I can eat something during mealtime. And, it is all thanks to him. I drew the portrait to the best of my ability. Eros was really happy about it. He even told me the name that his mother gave him. A scene of young Eros happily told Stanley to call him ‘Yin’ from then on because he likes that name compared to Eros. I thought that because of this, I have won his friendship. Yin’s mother’s birthday is on Friday. We have school that day so Yin has to wait for the weekend to visit his mother. I can still remember it clearly. That day, Yin dressed up in his best outfit. He wants to show his mother his best appearance. But before he went out the door, he received a phone call. At the phone, the other person is having a hard time saying that Gloria Lanson, Yin’s mother has passed away on her birthday. She has committed suicide in her own room. On the messy bed [with blanket], Yin’s portrait gift has been ripped open and splattered with blood. Yin never cried. A scene of Yin looking at his mother’s grave, looking stunned, while it is raining.

When his mother died, it seemed as if he has changed into a different person. Yin was really, really angry. So angry that no one dare come near him. I’m very worried about him but I don’t know how to help him. After all, I don’t know much about his affairs. The day which I feared had arrived. He got into a fight with some delinquents. Among those delinquents, one of them is a drug lord. That person will entice the others to test drugs until they get into the habit. When they are addicted, he would force them to sell drugs. They had their eye on Yin. Because Yin is quite strong, they are scared of him. That night, they got some help from outside. They overpowered Yin and took him away. After that, Yin never came back there. Some people said that they injected a powerful drug to Yin and he died. There are also those who said that he managed to escape. Stanley is a bit teary eyed as he ends his story. He says, I choose to believe until the end and it seems that God didn’t abandon him. Lele is shaking from the chilling tale. She looks up to the sky and closed her eyes. I never expected to hear this kind of story. Grandma..if I were to compare..would I be already be very lucky to have your 17 years of deep love?

While walking home, Lele has been thinking. Silver eyed monster, how pitiful, how pitiful. I really want to give him a hug to give him a bit of warmth. His temperament is really peculiar and it is definitely because no one gave him sufficient love. In order for his younger brother not to be sad, he swallowed up that pain. There is also that terrifying bullet scar which I still don’t know where it came from. Lele is now on the sidewalk crying. But he is really something, really something. Having experienced that scary thing, he didn’t become a murderer, drug addict/seller or even a pimp but used his ‘strive to climb up’ and become a famous fashion director. Lele is sparkling and says, honestly, he is quite admirable. She didn’t notice that someone is standing behind her. That someone calls out, what are you doing at my house’s doorsteps, crying like that. Lele is surprised and looks behind her. She thinks, it’s him? She sees Eros. It’s really him!!! After disappearing for many weeks, he finally.. Lele quickly runs towards him then jumps. Eros is shock. Lele flew and hug him. It was quite forceful that Eros lost his balance and they both fell on the floor. Eros angrily shouts, hey, what are you doing? #$&%@.. He then notices that Lele is crying. He shouts, hey, you.. Lele shouts don’t move! Let me embrace you like this..even for just a moment, it’s okay... Eros is puzzled and surprised.

That is really such an awful past. My theory is that when their parents divorced, it must have caused a trauma to Eros’ mother. The parents split their twins. Unfortunately for Eros, his mother seems to be more fond of Angus and because of her mental state, she totally forgot about him. So, he tries to do everything to make his mother notice him while venting his anger on bullies. I’m not to sure if giving that portrait to his mother was the trigger for her to commit suicide but I think that is the final blow for Eros since it is like the ultimate rejection in recognizing him. So, after those drug addicts had taken him away, that is where that bullet wound would come in. I’m wondering if they sold him to some pimp or it was when he is trying to get away from them, he got shot. Somehow Taylor adopted him and help made him what he is now today. Playing bum isn’t explained yet either. I somehow think he has a double personality wherein he would be cold-hearted or play a bum when he is in the city while his more happier and outgoing personality appears when he in Taylor’s ranch. Eros is really lucky to have survived that encounter. It is an amazing ‘rags-to-riches’ story but then, something is still missing which he has been craving for – love. I’m sure Lele would provide that for him. ^-^ I do wonder if Lele acting like that would make Eros realize that she knew of his past. The next chapter will be out in Taiwan on May 5th. Scans by Yukiru for BW

Word of the day:
Jesus shares your worries and cares, you'll never be left alone, for He stands beside you to comfort and guide you. ~ Brandt from Our Daily Bread

Teppen! [Chapter 1]
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 @ 09:27 p.m.

[This is the new series of An Tsukimiya whose previous work is Rakuen Route. I haven’t read that series before and from baka manga, it seems she is a new mangaka. Her works are serialized in Lala DX which I think is a bi-monthly magazine. This chapter is in the March issue. The story is about Kobato going to Japan to find her brother but accidentally, she becomes an idol when she met Takeru. The catch is Takeru and probably everyone else actually thought she was a he because of how she acts and dresses. ^^; Doesn’t that somewhat reminds you of Penguin Revolution? Cross-dressing and idols. Well, at least, it is the girl who cross-dresses and not vice-versa. The art is okay though I think her cover arts for Rakuen Route volumes are very pretty. Oh ya, the title means top/peak. So it’s like ‘The Top’ – to be the top idol. In the summary, I planned to keep Kobato’s gender a secret but it will be quite hard to do that so I’ll use ‘she’ in addressing her but all throughout the chapter, the author didn’t show any hints that she is a girl that some people actually thought this is boy’s love story. This is scanlated by 水無月さくら for BW.]

There is an advertisement on the public tv screen of this guy idol while Kobato is reading a Tokyo book map and holding a plastic bag of hamburger + french fries. The narration asks if meeting with fate is something to be believed. Urehara Kobato, 14 years old, looks a bit tense as she feels she did quite a reckless thing of going there to Tokyo. She recalls why was she there in the first place. She is there to find her brother who left home when he was still young. And the last words of her dying mom is.. Flashback: In New York, her mother is breathing hard while Kobato exclaimed for her to hold on and don’t die. Her mother held up her hand which Kobato took and grasp with both hands. Her mother said that she has something important to say. I haven’t told you but actually, you have a brother..your brother has a burnt scar on his body and he is in Japan, working in a television.. It is the first time that Kobato has heard of this that she is in a state of shock and panic. Kobato exclaims a picture..a name..I have a brother?! Her mother looked away that Kobato shouted for her to look at her. Her mother said you’ll definitely meet him. And that’s it..go live with your friends. She passed away and Kobato is still in shock and calls out her mother – more on why she didn’t give her more information about this brother. So, Kobato took a bit of money and bought herself a ticket to Japan. End flashback. Kobato is walking around while still looking at map. Kobato tells herself that she is already quite conscious of what will happen since her mother has been sick for many years already. She has also prepared to live by herself and to work but knowing that she still has a family member. She decides to live it to fate and just believe – that she’ll find him. She has decided to go near some tv station and try her luck in finding her brother though what she is doing is quite reckless.

She suddenly bumps into a boy as her map and food scattered all over the floor. The boy’s cap fell off. The boy calls her stupid for not looking where she is going. Kobato grabs the boy’s collar and exclaims what did he do for he just ruined her food. She used hard earned money to buy that food and she plans to eat it slowly since she is really famished so what now. The boy asks if she is a foreigner for he doesn’t understand what she is saying. He also asks her to let go of him. [I think Kobato has been talking in English] Kobato realizes that she has to talk in Japanese which she isn’t quite fluent in. She starts to say, stupid, why don’t you.. The boy asks can’t you talk, are you some poor traveler. Kobato angrily shouts hey, listen to me, sorry about that, I’m poor. The boy stares at her and then asks if she is planning to participate in the audition. Kobato is puzzled and asks what is he talking about. When the boy is standing in front of her, Kobato sees that the boy is actually the same person in the public tv screen. Kobato looks in surprise and says, you are.. Just then, a man comes out of the building and shouts that he has found Takeru. Takeru quickly put on his cap and tells Kobato that the audition is at that building and not to put too much effort in it. Takeru bids her goodbye and is about to go but Kobato grabs his scarf. Takeru angrily shouts at her to let go. Kobato shouts what goodbye, don’t escape, pay me the compensation for the ruined food. Takeru shouts that it isn’t his business. The man is surprised that Kobato has grabbed Takeru. The man shouts for Takeru to quickly go back. Takeru realizes he can’t escape that he shouts at Kobato that it is all her fault. Kobato is puzzled. The man shouts that the president is waiting. Takeru sighs that even the president knew. The man asks if Kobato is also a contestant for the audition. Kobato just asks, huh. Before she knew it, the man tells her that the two of them should hurry because the audition is starting. The man grabs her and pulls her as they, including Takeru walks back to the building. Kobato can only shout for them to wait and let her go to no avail.

Kobato finds herself in a room with other boys sitting as the man tells her to wait there. Takeru sees a woman waiting for him. The woman says you dare escape, how courageous of you, for whom do you think is this audition for? Takeru walks pass her as he says, I don’t know, I don’t recall asking you to do this. The woman is furious that she quickly puts Takeru on a head grip. The woman shouts that it is because of that arrogant attitude of his that makes people want to viciously kick him. This world isn’t that nice. She reminds Takeru that he has a dangerous rival so this audition is very important. Takeru was shouting that it hurts and addresses the woman as president. She finally lets him go as she warns him not to try that stunt again. Takeru says that even if he is arrogant, he is still angry at the person who grabbed his scarf. In the room while sitting with the other boys, Kobato is still confused as to how she ends up joining an audition when she just wants Takeru to pay her back for the food he made her drop. She wonders where he is. Just then, the judges enter and tells the contestants that they will have an interview first then a dance tryout. They mention that Shijou Takeru will be joining them. Kobato quickly stands up and shouts, I found you..you..are really..that Takeru. Everyone is surprised by this as Takeru just says, ah? Kobato shouts what is the meaning of all of this and why was she brought there. She doesn’t have any leisure time to be there and just give her the compensation for the food so that she can leave. Takeru angrily tells her that she tends to talk in a foreign language when she is excited. I don’t understand what you are talking about. Kobato realizes this and apologizes. Takeru tells her not to just easily call someone’s name when she haven’t introduced herself. Kobato tells him her name Uehara Kobato. The president is quite impressed with Kobato’s voice, charisma, appearance and courage.

The president tells her because of this opportunity, they’ll start with her. She asks her where she is born. Kobato exclaims USA! New York! But I’m Japanese. When she was young, her father has passed away that she can’t quite remember him anymore. He should be Japanese and her mother who recently passed away is Japanese. And the truth is she really doesn’t want to join the audition. She just so happen to come to Japan and just so happen to meet Takeru. Then, a person grabs her and brought her there so she just happen to get involved there. The man who brought her there is tense as well as the president who asks her if she is just a tourist. Kobato says she isn’t exactly a tourist for she plans to temporarily stay in Japan. Kobato thinks that she actually left her apartment and plans to work in Japan while trying to find her brother. Takeru says since your parents..are..one can say that you don’t have any place to go to? Kobato looks at him and says, it has nothing to do with you. The president and others are surprised and tense since she answered back at Takeru. Takeru says ah, is that so..I got it already, about the food, I’ll treat you with a hamburger. I find you interesting. Kobato angrily says, ha? Takeru tells her that currently he is busy so she has to wait when he is free. If she wants to pass the time, how about continuing on with the audition. While dancing for the dance audition, Kobato wonders if Takeru is just tricking her. She wonders if Takeru doesn’t have any friends because of the way he asked her if she doesn’t have any place to go. But, she feels that she is enticed by that look in his eyes that she can’t look away. Kobato blushes a bit. Takeru and the president are looking at the dance try-outs. The president teases Takeru that it is quite rare for him to find someone interesting that he would even check this out. Takeru tries to deny it to no avail. Takeru suggests that the dance would be more cool if they stop halfway before continuing with the dance. Takeru says that it is no good so why don’t they just call the whole thing off. To his surprise, Kobato just suggest the same thing that Takeru said about stopping midway at the dance. The other contestants want to stick to the dance routine but Kobato demonstrate to them how it is done that everyone is shock that it is indeed better that way. Takeru is surprised that Kobato has the same thing in mind.

In the audition room, the contestants are asking Kobato where she learned it. Did she study dance? Kobato tells them that in the café where she works, there is a dance studio. During her breaks, she would go there and because she doesn’t have any money for lessons, she would just self-practice. She would sometimes not think much and just enjoy it when she is.. She then sees Takeru’s advertisement on the television. The others are talking that ever since that advertisement, Takeru isn’t famous anymore. If his career is in a standstill, it will be such a waste and he won’t be able to rise up again. Isn’t this the main reason for this audition? Kobato is surprised by this and wasn’t Takeru’s ‘ability’ is from being able to capture the audience’s attention just like what he did to her. The boy whispers according to the rumors, basically the problem is Takeru’s attitude since no one can work with him. Kobato thinks that she realizes that a bit. The other boy says that he understands why for during the audition, Takeru has been glaring at him. The boy gossips that the difference between Takeru and Iori Fujishima is really great even if they enter showbiz at the same time. Kobato asks who is this Iori guy. They can’t believe that she doesn’t know. He belongs to the super duo, ‘TOPZ’ and among youngsters, he is the top. Meanwhile, in a car stuck in traffic, a guy says they won’t be able to make it to the magazine shoot and they have two more advertisements to do. A boy sitting at the back calls out to someone sleeping, Iori, Iori are you listening? Iori removes the magazine from his face and says that today is the audition, Takeru’s. The man asks if Iori is intrigued about it. Is he feeling competitive just because he and Takeru enter showbiz at the same time. Iori smiles and says he isn’t and right now, he’s sure that Takeru can’t get himself a partner. The boy behind the back says that he is quite severe. Iori gives the boy a lollipop. Iori says the way Takeru thinks of people whether he likes or hates them, it is quite obvious on his facical expression. The audition might not go smoothly because of that. I will be intrigued if there is someone who actually pleased Takeru.

At the end of the audition, the president happily welcomes Kobato to their company and that she will be a duo with Takeru with the goal to be number one. Takeru angrily asks why does he have to do it with this arrogant kid. Kobato asks what is she talking about. The president explains to her that she is the only one left in the audition. The president tells Takeru that he lets Iori to be always ahead of him. She reminded Takeru that he doesn’t have time to be idle since in that field, 20 years old is the limit and he is already 18 years old. Isn’t your goal to become the top? Takeru can’t say anything to refute her. She stands up and tells Kobato of her qualities like style, voice, dance skills, body build, etc, and including Takeru’s interest in her, why don’t she try out this kind of work in showbiz world. She tells Kobato that free lodging is included so before they talk about the details, why don’t she let Takeru accompany her to the dance stage and an interview for the showbiz columnist. Takeru angrily shouts at her to stop deciding things on her own. Kobato thinks that she has left her house and want to find work which she is now offered one and then, she can find her brother. Kobato asks if she can meet a lot of people [who works] in the television. Takeru looks at her. Kobato shakes her head and says that she can’t just join the idol world just because of an audition. The president asks if she was happy when she was doing the audition. Kobato admits that she is happy. The president says if that is so, then it is fine because looking at you having fun/being happy can also make the audience happy. That is your work. It will be quite hard at first but even if she hates it, she will have experience and just like in the audition, she has this expression of not being afraid of being troubled. [I think like willing to do anything – makes me think like the Love Me concept in Skip Beat!]

At a studio, Takeru shows Kobato around. Before the interview, Takeru tells Kobato to remove her coat because it looks greasy. He puts on his scarf on her so that she would look more presentable. The reporter laughs that Kobato is really an amateur but then, her looks is good so Takeru should now start doing his best. Kobato is embarrassed that she is an amateur. Takeru tells the reporter that from the start, he should just do his job for the announcement article. After they are finished, Kobato asks what is that announcement article. Takeru says it is to report about her entry to showbiz. He then looks at her and tells her that he still doesn’t recognizes her [as his partner]. Kobato thinks that it is that look again. They passes by a studio as Kobato shouts for Takeru to look for they are also shooting something there. Takeru wonders who is going to have a magazine photo shoot. A man comes out and asks if Takeru is at work. Takeru says he isn’t and they are just going back to the dorm. The man asks if the two of them can be a substitute. Iori is stuck in traffic that he will be arriving late so could Takeru do this. It will be a big help because he is as tall as Iori. Kobato realizes who Iori is. Kobato notices Takeru’s hand shaking in anger. Takeru asks in disbelief that he will be that guy’s replacement. Takeru quickly turns around and says he isn’t going to do it.

But, Kobato rushes in and shouts okay, let’s go. Takeru angrily shouts at Kobato for being stupid and what is she doing. Kobato sits on the sofa and starts to throw up the boxes of chocolates. Kobato shouts to Takeru that it’s great for there are a lot of chocolates. Everyone is surprised as Takeru joins Kobato in posing with the boxes of chocolates. They begin to talk if Takeru is really doing this when it has been a long time since he appeared again. They wonder who is the new person beside him. It is rare to see Takeru with a kouhai [younger rank/newbie]. The photographer tells them to relax a bit so that they can shoot some other poses. Kobato shoves a chocolate into her mouth. Takeru hits her head. Kobato asks what is he doing, that hurts. Takeru shouts stupid, why are you really eating that. Kobato says and whose fault is it that I wasn’t able to eat something the whole day. Takeru angrily shouts that he is going to confiscate that chocolate. Kobato shouts for him to stop. She then holds his hand that is holding a piece of chocolate. She takes a bite and smiles that she just want a bite. The observers think that was quite cute. Takeru says that’s enough, let’s start. While still posing with the chocolates, Takeru asks if she is naïve, why does she always smile. Didn’t your mother just died? How can you still smile? Kobato looks at him and thinks it’s that look again which she can’t take her eyes off him. Kobato says because if she cries, didn’t eat and become all depressed, her mother might not go to heaven because her mother will worry about her. It isn’t easy to not show the pain but then, she doesn’t seem to have the consciousness that her mother really died. She tells Takeru that even if the feeling of pain appears, it can’t be helped but she feels that she wants this kind of work wherein her happiness can make others happy so she will try her best.

She then asks Takeru if what she said is right. Takeru looks away and says who knows. Kobato asks what’s with that, just saying those things is quite embarrassing. Takeru looks at her and just smiles. This made Kobato blush and made everyone else there surprised. They say that the two have good chemistry and they bring out such nice expressions. So that’s how Takeru is when he smiles. They ask what’s the name of the other person with him for she is cute, they want to remember the name. Someone said, Uehara Kobato. Everyone didn’t realize that Iori is standing near the door observing what’s happening. At the dorm, Takeru tells Kobato that the room is 501, she should go ahead and change. Kobato talks to her mom and bro that today is really something but she manages to find a place to stay and a job. Kobato sees two beds and wonders who is her roommate. She tells herself, no, no, it can’t be [him]. She starts to change her clothes. She tells herself that she has to work on her Japanese and it seems at work, whether male/female, they say ‘-kun’. [honorific usually used for boys] If I become famous in this work, there is a chance that I can meet with brother but then, brother might not know about having a sibling. Takeru goes back to the dorm and he is carrying a plastic bag – hamburger for Kobato. He angrily curses as to why did it train. He wipes his face with his shirt and a scar is shown on his right lower abdomen. Somewhere else, Iori is also changing clothes for the next advertisement. Iori mentions Kobato’s name and thinks that things will become interesting. Iori has a scar on his left lower abdomen. Back in the room, Kobato has just removed her pants. Kobato thinks that Takeru doesn’t have that brotherly feeling for he is always unhappy and a bit irritating but then, that look of his is really quite seductive. Takeru enters the room and says that it just rained. He sees a girl dressing up. Embarrassed, Takeru quickly apologizes and says he went into the wrong room. He is about to go out when he pauses then asks, Kobato? He looks back at her and says, you..are a girl? He drops the plastic bag. Kobato is blushing and shouts at him to quit looking at her. That’s right, this is about meeting fate and the road to become an idol has started.

So, basically, it is a love triangle and the suspense is which of these two guys is actually her brother since both have scars. I do wonder why her mother just blurt out about having a brother all of a sudden then refuses to elaborate about it. It’s really puzzling. Also, I actually think that there is some history between the two guys more than the fact that they came out in showbiz at the same time. Also, Kobato being a girl is already a problem because they are roommates and teenagers. Hehe Will he treat her differently now? Also, what if the others knew she is a girl, would it be a problem with being an idol since she is a duo with him? I’m thinking along the lines that if one knows that idol has a girlfriend, his popularity is lessen because the girl fans will think he isn’t available anymore. I’m guessing that the way Kobato talks in Japanese is boyish and well, she does act boyish that no one suspect that she is a girl. Hmm..but then, didn’t they have a form for her to fill up before entering an audition? Anyway, as a partner, Kobato is a great help since she can make Takeru do what he won’t typically do like accepting jobs that wasn’t meant for him and actually smiled from the reaction of the people there, it seems he haven’t done that. I think with her help, he can indeed become number one since his main problem is he can’t get along with others especially the ones he doesn’t like. So, the first chapter is interesting enough to make me want to check out what happens next.

Quote of the day:
The trouble with being number one in the world - in anything - is that it takes a certain mentality to attain that position, and that is something of a driving, perfectionist attitude, so that once you do achieve number one, you don't relax and enjoy. ~ Billie Jean King

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, April 7, 2008 @ 07:13 p.m.

Urahara seems a bit nervous and hesitant to enter that Yoruichi had to remind him that he is now a captain in Bleach [c. -107]. Yamato also poked him at the back with his staff to move aside. The meeting turns out to be just an introduction of Urahara as a new captain. He used to be under Yoruichi in second division but with her recommendation and his passing of the requirements, he is now a captain. At twelfth division, Urahara introduces himself but Hiyori, his lieutenant, and the others still doesn’t accept him as their new captain. Urahara tries to appease Hiyori by saying that he will get angry at those who badmouths twelfth division since he is now their captain. This made Hiyori furious that she kicks him and then she goes out. She just ended up hurting herself because she has kicked something hard. That night, Urahara gets a visit from Shinji. Shinji asks if he is having a hard time with Hiyori. It turns out that Hiyori is quite fond of the former captain, Hikifune so she can’t accept Urahara that easily. Shinji tells him that as captain he shouldn’t be too sensitive to his subordinates’ feelings and just do what he wants to do. If things didn’t work out then, he isn’t worthy to become a captain. Urahara looks at him as Shinji prepares to leave. He says not to mind that much and he just felt like meddling because he thinks they are similar.

While Shinji walks away, he destroys the cover wherein Aizen is listening to their conversation. Aizen asked when did Shinji realize that. Shinji says ever since he was still in his mom’s womb. Aizen comments that Shinji is a scary person. Shinji says that is what he wanted to say of Aizen. After they left, Urahara tells himself that being a captain is interesting just as Yoruichi told him. The next day, Hiyori is in shock when she sees the captain room changed when Urahara built some things in it. Hiyori shouts at him for changing stuff but Urahara just tells her that they should understand each other. Hiyori just punches him in the face. Urahara tells her to accompany in going to some maggots nest. Hiyori looks surprised. Okay, I never thought that Hiyori was Urahara’s lieutenant before. Unlike with Shinji, Hiyori doesn’t seem to get the upper hand with Urahara. Hmm, Aizen seems really interested in Urahara. Did he know of Urahara’s research/talent even before he become captain? It seems that half of the vizards group are captains. It also turns out that Isshin isn’t in this batch of captains. From the way Urahara was addressing him before, I thought they were ‘equals’. The way the chapter is negatively numbered..does this mean that it is a countdown to chapter 1 or for now, the author is setting up the fight with Aizen & co. vs shinigami vs vizards so he is showing this specific arc about the past?

When Kakashi shouts that Tobi has a sharingan, everyone except Sai looks tense and shock in Naruto [c. 396]. When Tobi and Zetsu leaves, Kakashi quickly says that they have to get to Sasuke before those two. He goes up the trees and sees a dark cloud. Hina checks out what is happening there and says the forest is burning in black fire. Kakashi realizes that it’s Itachi’s technique. Everyone quickly heads in that direction as Naruto hopes that this time he can get to Sasuke. Tobi and Zetsu manage to get to the scene first. Tobi asks if Zetsu got everything recorded when he watched the fight. Zetsu said he did. Tobi said he’ll watch it later and they will take Itachi’s corpse. Back to the others, Kiba tells the others that the two have already reached Sasuke. Yamato tries to put out the black fire with his techniques and tells the others to go ahead. They arrived at the scene but to Naruto’s frustration, they are too late. Sasuke wakes up in some room as someone tells him that he saved his life. The person said Sasuke won but he shouldn’t move too much because he is heavily injured. Sasuke remembers seeing Itachi dead. Tobi comes out and says that they have met before when he was with Deidara but they are not enemies anymore. He says he is going to say something important. Sasuke isn’t interested so Tobi decides to tell something about Itachi. He claims that Sasuke may know a bit about his brother yet he really doesn’t know anything. Tobi removes his mask and reveals his sharingan. He tells Sasuke he knows everything about Itachi. Sasuke is shock that one of his eye quickly becomes a sharingan. See, Tobi/Madara is interested in Sasuke. Ah, as Itachi’s replacement? From the way Tobi/Madara is talking about Itachi, does he mean that the reason for all this revenge against Itachi isn’t true? I have watched two dramas concerning that and it is quite a nice twist. The whole series is on revenge then the twist is that the one who wronged ‘him’ is a different person. Sasuke has no choice but to listen to Tobi/Madara’s story since he is in no condition to fight/run from him. Poor Naruto, back to square one. So, will he still have time to look for Sasuke when he learns what happened to Jiraiya upon return? Also, I wonder what happened to Suigetsu and others. Why weren’t they there first before Tobi?

Sanji angrily shouts that it isn’t his fault as to what happened to Duval in One Piece [c. 495]. He even asked why didn’t Duval just change his appearance. It turns out that Duval and his gang haven’t thought of it. Duval still wants to kill of Sanji so he got the others to net Sanji and orders them to dive into the sea to drown Sanji. Sanji can’t free himself because it is a steel net. Camie goes to save him since she is a fast swimmer. The other riders plan to drop the anchor on Sunny. With Franky’s guidance, they manage to evade and counterattack using Sunny. Luffy exclaims that Sunny is really cool. Camie manages to save Sanji but is puzzled as to why Sanji is smiling yet having a nose bleed. ^^; Sanji’s dream come true. =P Luffy is then attacked by Duval’s cow but it faints from fear when Luffy somewhat threatens it. Sanji comes back and decides to be the one to finish off Duval. Sanji starts to kick Duval’s face. I wonder if Sanji is planning to do a makeover to Duval just like what he did to Noodle guy before in CP9 arc. If it is the same as that, Duval will become more handsome? =P Nothing much happened in this chapter except showing off Sunny’s powers.

Komui learns from Reever that everyone is alive thanks to Miranda in D. Gray-man [c. 155]. Komui prepares to leave to help the others so he tells Cross to take care of the rest with Allen and Rinali. Komui shouts a thanks to Kanda and Rabi for fighting even without their innocence. Allen and Rinali were relieved that there were survivors from the lab. L4 manages to free itself from Allen’s sword. Allen and Rinali get thrown back as Allen’s sword is stuck on the wall. Cross jumps on the sword and exclaims that L4 is going to be destroyed. He jumps to L4 with his gun pointing at it. Cross asks does it want to know why [it will be destroyed]. Cross shoots it but L4 manages to block a bullet and destroy it. L4 didn’t know that Cross shot it multiple times in different parts of its body. L4’s body start to grow and morph as it is in pain. Cross says the reason why it has to die is not because of what he did to the other members of the Order but rather, because it messed up his clothes. Allen and Rinali is speechless over Cross’ reason. L4 tries to escape but Allen holds it back in. The other generals close the gate as Allen and Rinali kick it back down. L4 can only curse and say that at least it killed a lot of people. Hmm, is that the end of the invasion? Lulubell can still come back and get the egg. I think whenever Cross appears, he just take the scene away from the others. He was pretty cool here and he actually critically injured L4 that it wants to retreat. Well, at least he lives up to being called a general.

When Baishana realizes that his snake attack won’t work on Ryohei since he can heal himself with the help of his kangaroo, Baishana resorts to beetle attacks in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 188]. After what seems to be dodging, he calls out to the kangaroo and it gave Ryohei the power to fly. Baishana thinks that this is his chance to finish off Ryohei with his snake-beetle combo attack. He didn’t realize that Ryohei has already finished off the beetles earlier on. Ryohei says he is flying in order to finish off the snake. Baishana realizes that Ryohei is too strong for him. He then calls out to Irie for help. Irie is angry and nervous when he learns that there is no one else near that area and the intruders are now near his laboratory. Talk about one sided victory and I thought Baishana would be a bit more of a challenge because Irie mentioned that he tend to wreck things. But then, those who tend to create large ruckus tend to be weak like that other guy before Tsuna faced. We might get to know what’s inside the lab soon. And ya, I’m pleasantly surprised that the anime is now showing this arc. I wonder if that means this arc is going to end soon.

I’m dropping Gintama for now since the chapters lately are really weird and I can’t connect with it. Maybe when things become interesting again like say Takasugi reappears again. Everyone is shock that Asaga knows Tatsuo, the guy who killed the others in PSYREN [c. 17]. A flashback shows that Tatsuo is sickly and Asaga befriended him. When he tries to get Asaga to join him to Psyren, Asaga refused and has been regretting it ever since then. Amamiya has told him that she met Tatsuo but he is presumed dead since she doesn’t seem him again. Back to present, there is a survivor and Tatsuo killed him even as Asaga shouted for him to stop. Amamiya tells the others that Tatsuo is a burst user. The sand worm tries to attack Tatsuo but Tatsuo manages to use his mask to do something to it that it quickly retreated. Asaga was shouting for Tatsuo Tatsuo fires at them but only at the top of the building so everyone has unharmed. Tatsuo goes on top of a stoplight and according to Amamiya, he is recharging his gun with psy. Amamiya says they have to take advantage of that and run to the next gate while evading the worm. They would have to fight Tatsuo if worse comes to worst. Things did got worse when Oboro is now showing symptoms of being sick from the atmosphere of psyren. Boy, they are sure in a pinch. Two powerful enemies wherein one of them has a past with Asaga then they have to take care of Oboro. I wonder how they will surpass this.

Quote of the day:
Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat. ~ Malcolm S. Forbes

Hana to Akuma [Chapter 8]
Saturday, April 5, 2008 @ 09:15 p.m.

Hana wakes up and quickly sits up. She exclaims that today is her birthday. She quickly goes to Vivi’s room and opens the door. She shouts, Vivi, wake up! It’s my birth-- She wasn’t able to continue as she is shock to see Vivi all dressed up. Tony is assisting Vivi. Vivi angrily says, how many times have I told you to knock first. Hana thinks that Vivi had actually woke up in the morning. She asks him where is he going. Felton appears behind Hana and happily asks Vivi if he is ready. He then greets Hana. Felton puts his arm on yawning Vivi as he apologizes to Hana because he is going to borrow Vivi for the day. Hana asks where are they going. Felton says they are going around the city. Hana says that she wants to go, too. Felton tells Hana that sometimes, she should give time and space for guys to be together. Hana keeps on smiling as she insists that she wants to go, too. Vivi says that Hana still has her studies. Hana asks if they can go after she studied. Vivi says that today, it will snow in the afternoon. Hana says she isn’t afraid of the snow anymore. I’m fine when I went out in the snow yesterday. Vivi says ah, that’s right, you did went out in the snow yesterday [to find a flower for Vivi]. Hana happily says, yup. Vivi is smiling as he asks who is the one who went out without telling anyone and gave me a whole day’s worth of trouble? Hana looks surprised. Vivi exclaims, and as punishment, you will stay here the whole day and you can’t go out! Hana is in a state of shock.

In the carriage, Felton feels sorry for Hana. Vivi says today, they can’t let Hana go with them. Felton says he is right about that but today is also the first time she is going to celebrate her birthday so she would want to be with him. But then, this way, we can just take our time in finding Hana’s birthday gift. At the castle, Hana is gloomy as she lies her head on the table. She thinks that even if Vivi chose today to be my birthday, he never said anything about staying with me on this day. The tutor angrily calling her attention. Hana then starts to write something as she tells herself that she is stupid for eagerly anticipating something by herself. At a small flower shop, two siblings [a sister and a younger brother] are getting uneasy. Vivi has been gloomily staring inside. The sister says that guy has been staring there for some time as if he is suffering. Vivi is just looking gloomy, lack of sleep and wondering what kind of flowers would be best. The brother says with that facial expression, is he going to buy flowers or going to visit a grave? They whisper that outfit of his [Vivi], could he be the guy who lives in the forest castle that the others are talking about. What? It’s the monster that comes out every hundred years! No, No but.. The brother tries to push his sister to Vivi and says he is still a customer and as the boss, she should go ask him what he wants. The sister says she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t want to die.

Just then, Felton arrives and tells Vivi not to have that kind of facial expression while standing in front of a store. Vivi angrily says that this isn’t fun at all. The siblings think that another one has arrived. Felton apologizes to the sister and quickly sweet talks her. Cute miss, can you give me a bouquet of beautiful flowers? Mesmerized by him, the sister says, yes, of course, just for you, I will quickly arrange to give you the shop’s best flowers for the bouquet. The brother just sweatdrops at his sister. Later on, Vivi is walking ahead while Felton is carrying a bouquet, two gift boxes and a bear head [costume]. Vivi says he already bought all the things that Hana likes. Felton says that Vivi doesn’t seem quite satisfied yet. What does girls at that age would like? This is really troublesome. Vivi says there is no other way but to ask a girl’s opinion. At the living room of Ayame’s house, Ayame smiles and says, just for Miss Hana’s gift, you purposely come here? Vivi says that’s right, because I want to hear your opinion as a girl. Felton looks away and nervously thinks, Vivi, you fool, how could you asks this girl’s opinion on this. Ayame smiles while there is a vein pop in her face. She tells Vivi that those things aren’t suitable since flowers and snacks/food are easily perishable/consumable. It would be better to get something that won’t easily disappear like water. Grumpy, Vivi says is that so. Felton is getting more nervous. Vivi says I’m going, sorry for bothering you. Ayame walks them to the door and says it’s no bother.

As Vivi goes ahead, Felton salutes Ayame and apologizes. Still smiling yet angry, Ayame asks what is that about when there shouldn’t be anything that Felton should apologize for. Felton says that it is really scary but he is really intrigued. This is the first time that I actually saw you with that kind of expression. Ayame blushes and is a bit angry that Felton has realized her feelings for Vivi. Ayame sighs and says, tell Vivi-sama, ‘Compared to flowers and snacks, it would be better to give something that lasts. Some thing to remember by and has a ‘form/shape’’. Felton is surprised. He smiles and says, okay, thanks. Felton then runs off as he shouts ah..wait for me, I’m not on the carriage yet!! Ayame gets angry as she thinks that there isn’t anything that he should be thanking her for either. Looking at the bear head, Vivi repeats Ayame’s words about something that has a ‘form’. Felton says that’s right since Hana is already a young lady. Vivi wonders isn’t that bear head okay. Felton wonders out loud as to what kind of gift would make an ordinary girl happy. He then notices that it is snowing. Vivi looks up to the snow. Putting the bear head back on the gifts that Felton is carrying, Vivi tells him to go on ahead – back to the castle. Felton asks but what about the gift. Vivi says it is okay, he’ll go look for it alone. Felton says that if he goes ahead, he thinks that it isn’t fair to Vivi [since he will be riding on a carriage]. Vivi looks at him and says he doesn’t understand what he is saying. Vivi points to his carriage and says but my carriage is there and you have these nice feet, don’t you? Vivi pulls up Felton’s foot. Vivi stares at Felton and says, is there a problem? Felton nervously says that there is no problem, it’s okay, I’ll just walk back. [Poor Felton.]

In the castle, Hana is gloomy while sitting on the sofa and leaning her head on the arm rest. Vivi haven’t returned yet...and it already starts to snow. After a pause, Hana quickly sits up and thinks that she actually thought of snow. After yesterday, it should be okay now, isn’t it? The maid then finds Hana all dressed up. She exclaims that Hana can’t go out. Hana determinedly says that she is going to battle with the snow. The maid is puzzled. Hana says it’s okay, I will just be outside the door. Standing out the snow again with the bird on her head, Hana then lies down on the snow. I should be fine but when I see snow, I become very lonely. She remembers Vivi saying that it is winter since snow is falling. [Is it] because Vivi found me on a snowy day and being able to meet Vivi is a miracle. Even if it is so, why-- Hana starts to cry. Why do I still feel lonely? I really think that it’s very good that I had meet Vivi. I want for us to live together, just like this, and to be very happy. When did it start that I become quite greedy that [I’m afraid] Vivi will get tired of me? First it is just to hold his hand. Then, it’s always to be together. And then, wanting a birthday..a birthday that we’ll celebrate together.

She didn’t notice the carriage has arrived. Vivi is now standing in front of Hana who is covering her eyes as she is crying while lying down on the snow. She removes her hands and sees Vivi. Vivi bends down and asks what is she doing there. Seeing tears in her eyes, Vivi asks if she is crying. Hana quickly wipes her tears and says I’m not crying. Vivi asks are you really not crying? Really, if you’re afraid of the snow then don’t come out. Here. Vivi holds out a small wrapped gift. Vivi says if she starts crying again, he won’t give her that gift. Hana is surprised as she opens her hands to receive the gift. Hana asks Vivi, you wake up early in the morning just to buy me a gift? Vivi says that’s right, what of it? Vivi asks what’s the matter when Hana seems to be on the verge of tears again. Hana asks if it is okay for Vivi to be like that. If I continue on being happy like this, I would become more and more greedy, won’t you get tired of me? Vivi would definitely be troubled! Vivi laughs and says, it’s okay, I have already gotten used to you troubling me. Holding out his hand to her, Vivi says, Kelly [I think it’s the maid, it is actually Tely but Kelly is nicer] has said that dinner is ready, let’s go. Looking at him, Hana thinks the situation is similar on the day when he found her. I’m too young then and there is no way that I can remember. Fourteen year old me and Vivi just like that day, at this place, meeting on a snowing day. It is where it all started.

Inside the room, Hana is pleasantly surprised that it is a flower [rose] pendant necklace. Hana holds it tight and says it’s cute, thanks Vivi. Vivi offers to put the necklace on her. Hana is shaking as she exclaims that she is embarrassed. Vivi tells her to stand still. Hana did as told. Vivi says it’s already on. He says, Hana, happy birthday. He then kisses the pendant. Hana is surprised by. She quickly pulls away. She holds the pendant as she is blushing really red. Clueless Vivi just looks at her and is puzzled by her behavior. Just then, Felton who is breathing hard comes in. He shouts that he’s back. He calls out to Hana about her gifts. Vivi wonders if Felton really just walked his way there. Hana is happily hugging Vivi. The words are a bit blurred but I think Felton is shouting up to when are they going to be together like that. Aw..this chapter is really so nice and cute. Vivi is being insensitive/heartless to Ayame and romantic to Hana even as he is clueless about the two’s feelings for him. I’m beginning to wonder if Vivi just doesn’t know about love or is just the typical character who doesn’t realize the others feelings for him/her when it is obvious to others. It is natural for Hana to be greedy in always being with Vivi as she is falling for Vivi or rather, getting really attached to him. Since she is always inside the castle, I think that is why she tend to act immature or like a kid. The two guys and everyone else tend to spoil her, too. It’s nice of Ayame to still help Vivi in finding that gift for Hana even if Hana is her rival but still, she isn’t too happy about helping. ^^ Hehe, who would?

Word of the day:
A trial may be God's good gift in disguise. ~ Our Daily Bread

Teaser: Skip Beat! [Chapter 121]
Friday, April 4, 2008 @ 10:21 p.m.

It’s December 26th, 9:20am. Kyouko is happily staring at her gifts – cosmetics + bag, shoes [from the couple?], a vase for the bouquet and Ren’s rose in a small container. A long conversation with the inn woman. Then she seems to realize that she is late. She goes to the casting for the other bully role. She talks a bit with the cast but she becomes gloomy. It’s 15:50 at Dark Moon set. Ren and Yashiro sees Kyouko gloomy and lifeless. Ren gives her a bottled drink then she stares at him. Then, a talk with Ogata and other cast probably about Kyouko. I’m not sure what Ren said but he said something which shocks Kyouko. Ren starts to leave that Kyouko grabs the back of his coat to stop him. Some more talk between the two. Then, a flashback on Kyouko meeting with Tora is shown. Kyouko is happily saying something to Tora. Ren still leaves but he seems to be pleased just as Yashiro is protesting. Yashiro looks behind and sees Kyouko smiling and looking determined. My guess she is having problems with the bully role but Ren is trying to make her not depend on him or is he doing some reverse psychology. ^^; Anyway, it seems to have worked because by the end of the chapter, Kyouko isn’t gloomy anymore.

So, I have updated most of the pending summaries. Yay! (^o^)/. The new series that I plan to summarize is Teppen!. I’m hoping that I can finish it tomorrow. If not, then, it will be out by next week. Then, I can finally catch up with the anime that are in my hard disk. Hehe There are a lot of new anime in spring season so I got to make space. Oh ya, the new chapter of The One thread in BW is now open. It will come out soon, hopefully. ^-^ Yukiru just mentions that it will be about Eros’ past.

Otomen [Volume 3]
Friday, April 4, 2008 @ 09:37 p.m.

[I will be summarizing Otomen by volumes now as they come out. Just like Venus Capriccio, this isn’t updated anymore though sometimes, a new chapter comes out but the gap is big. Also, the first chapter of this volume wasn’t in the simplified Chinese scans so I’m not sure what chapter number it really is. ^^;; There are four chapters in this volume so I’ll be just saying first, second, etc.]

The first chapter is about Asuka helping out Ryou in a nursery. He remembers about being a man so he teaches the kids kendo and writing. During snack, Ryou only cooks hardboiled eggs so Asuka decides to cook for the kids. He made crepes which are shaped like emperor-empress ah..hello kitty?. [It’s so cute ^^] The children are impress and they are delicious. One little boy seems to hate Asuka. Ryou explains that his parents are divorced and thinks of her as his mother so he is jealous of Asuka. After dismissal, the boy was the only one left there. Asuka tries to befriend him by helping him make prettier dolls for the doll display on Hina matsuri by using the egg shells. He also cooks something delicious for the boy. He asks to eat with Asuka and Ryou since it will be like they are a family. Asuka is glad that Ryou thinks of him as a ‘father’. The next day, the children are surprised at how pretty are the dolls in the display. One boy tries to grab one which the other tries to get back since he made it with Asuka. The doll gets thrown out of the window that the boy jumps out to get it. Asuka manages to hold the boy’s leg before he fell. The boy says Asuka is an otomen since he likes girly things and can cook so he shouldn’t be strong. Asuka admits that he is an otomen but.. He jumps down carrying the boy as he uses the store sun cover as a trampoline in order to safely land on the ground. Everyone claps their hands. Asuka thought he is an otomen who has manly guts. The boy cries and apologizes. He says he hopes Asuka will be his mother forever. Lol. This freezes Asuka. The boy says his father promised to play with him. He keep on calling Asuka mother. One time, Juuta is surprised to see them with the boy since the boy now wants to play with Asuka. Hehe, being good at cooking and girlie stuff creates a deeper impression than Asuka’s being manly. In the end, he doesn’t mind.

The second chapter starts with a glasses guy harassing a girl as the girl exclaims she doesn’t like a girlie guy like that guy. Asuka comes to save her by flipping the guy down. Everyone praises how manly Asuka is. Ryou comes to give a cutie looking notebook to him. Everyone is impress but didn’t know that notebook actually belongs to Asuka. The only one who knew is Juuta. Juuta tells Asuka that he has already confessed so why didn’t he tell Ryou to go steady with him. Asuka can’t dare say it so Juuta helps the two by telling them he has tickets to the amusement park. In Love Tic, Asuka is shock that the character has confessed. Asuka seems a bit pressured to follow, too. Juuta is depending on Asuka to help develop what will happen next to his manga. At the amusement park, Juuta tells them that he forgot something so he leaves the two together. Asuka is really drained as Ryou wants to ride on all thrill rides and finally go to a haunted house. Ryou ends up holding Asuka’s hand so that he won’t be scared. Juuta is following them and he cries that the two are dating so why are they there in the haunted house. A mascot appears and tells them to ride on a love coffee cup ride since it is more romantic. They tell him that they aren’t really lovers. The mascot says but why are they holding hands. They quickly let go and say they forgot about it. The mascot still urges them to go.

During lunch, it turns out that both Asuka and Ryou have packed lunch for three people. Ryou says that they just eat Asuka’s. Asuka is about to confess and ask if they can go steady but he ends up losing his courage to do so and just asks how is the food. This really infuriates Juuta. A guy suddenly crashes in their table and exclaims that he is going to commit suicide. He seems to be missing something that he looks around for it on the table and then takes out what seems to be a dynamite. Asuka recognizes him as the glasses guy whom he flipped when he was harassing the woman. The man says he wants to ride on that love coffee cup ride with the woman but a guy like him won’t be able to be with her so it would be better to die. He threatens to light the dynamite with a lighter. Asuka tries to convince him to stop because if he do that, the woman will be sad. The man exclaims he won’t know how he is feeling because Asuka is cool and manly with lots of girls falling for him. Asuka confesses that he isn’t manly for he can’t even say his heart’s true feelings to the person he likes. Those who are in love can be weak but one day, it will be okay. He tells the man isn’t it better to just find a new love rather than just killing oneself. Just find the one who can make him happy. He manages to convince the guy. The guy cries and wipes his nose using his sleeve but unwittingly lights the dynamite. The man tries to get rid of it so he throws it away..to Ryou’s direction.

Asuka quickly catches the dynamite and runs towards the river to toss it there. Asuka feels that he is going to die so while running, he says, I like you Ryou, please go steady with me. To his surprise, Ryou is running behind him and she says, yes. Asuka turns around to look at her as Ryou kicks the dynamite into the water. The police then come and wonders why the real dynamite is still on the table. It turns out that when the man crashes into their table, he dropped the real dynamite. The one he is holding is the dynamite shaped onigiri that Ryou made for lunch. Asuka asks if Ryou wants to ride on the love coffee cup ride. Ryou says sure. While riding, Juuta angrily says that this is just the same as before. It turns out that he is also riding on the ride. Juuta asks why is he riding it with them. They say it is more fun if there are more people. Juuta laments that he doesn’t care about them anymore. Hehe Even if they are going steady, it seems that everything is the same as before, much to Juuta’s dismay.

The third chapter begins with three girls wondering why Juuta is turning them down on going out on special occasions. They suspect that Juuta has found a girlfriend. The girls ask Ryou about it but she doesn’t know since Ryou told her before that his girlfriend is the whole world’s girls. They ask Ryou to help investigate. Asuka overhears them and says he won’t forgive Ryou if he is playing around with girls. They manages to convince Asuka to help them investigate. During class, Asuka is thinking how is he going to confront Juuta while Juuta who is sitting behind him is busy drawing. After dismissal, Juuta is pleased that he is finished. Asuka asks him if he has a girlfriend. He replied just as what he told Ryou that the whole world’s girls are his girlfriends. Asuka doesn’t believe him and starts stalking him. He prevents Juuta from getting a girl’s email address and even follows him to the toilet. Juuta begins to wonder why Asuka keeps on observing him. A girl asks about something that looks delicious in Juuta’s bag and asks who made it. Juuta says it is a secret. Asuka thinks it is his girlfriend but it turns out to be the cupcakes that he made so the two guys keep quiet about it. On the way home, Asuka still follows him and is surprised to see Juuta meeting with a girl then a couple more girls. At Juuta’s home, he is greeted by even more girls. Asuka is puzzled by this.

Asuka wasn’t able to give a conclusive report to the girls so they were disappointed. Juuta overhears them and realizes what Asuka has been doing. At class, Asuka suddenly asks Juuta if he can go to his house. Juuta seems hesitant that Asuka asks if there is something that he is hiding. Juuta finally relents and agrees to let him come. Inside Juuta’s house, it is quite messy and wonders if the girls live with him since Juuta mentioned that his family is large. Juuta tries to get him to drink or play something but Asuka declines. Asuka wants to check Juuta’s room but Juuta tries to stop him. Juuta tries to give some alibi because if Asuka comes in his room, he will know that he is really the mangaka, Jewel. Asuka smells smoke so he quickly goes up to Juuta’s room. The whole room is covered in smoke. Juuta remembers his draft on the table and tries to go in as Asuka tries to stop him. Juuta runs in anyway and saves his manuscript. He finds himself trapped as the fire is now on his doorstep and if he jumps out the window, he will be hurt since it is a three floor drop. In the end, Asuka just kicks down the door. Juuta is glad to see him but Asuka just goes straight to extinguish the fire in the wastebasket.

On the way home, Juuta asks if he is going to ask something. Asuka says he forgot about it and it doesn’t matter anymore since Juuta will be embarrassed because he likes scented candles which is the cause of the fire. Asuka tells him that he also likes them. The truth is because Juuta is determined to protect that secret when he entered, so Asuka doesn’t want to investigate further. He then forgot to ask all about the girls in Juuta’s house. When Juuta returns, the girls are angrily waiting for him asking what happened on the third floor. Juuta says he walked his friend to the train and asks them to help him draw. It turns out that the nine girls are actually Juuta’s younger sisters. Juuta’s parents left them with Juuta because they are going around the world. Juuta then tells one of the girls not to play with the scented candle. In class, Juuta is really drained as he cries having to deal with his sisters. Asuka asks if he is tired since he looks bad. Juuta cries and hugs him. Just then, the three girls enter the room and saw them together. Lol. The two boys look ill as Ryou says the other girls already know who it is [Juuta’s lover] so there is no need to investigate. She tells Juuta that it seems he has a girlfriend. That last part is the most funny of all. Hehe The girls thought they are gay. No wonder Juuta really knows girls and can write a shoujo manga. He is surrounded by girls. Hmm, I wonder though if having lots of girl siblings would make one a playboy. Also, why didn’t Asuka thought that those could be Juuta’s sisters? Because they are too many? ^^;

In the last chapter, a new character is introduced. Ichi Tounomine from a different school is Asuka’s fierce rival in kendo who would refuse to handshake Asuka because he wants to beat Asuka. While Asuka wash up, Juuta asks why is Ichi so unfriendly. It turns out that Ichi used to be number one in kendo until Asuka came. Ryou asks if he is a rival. Asuka says that one’s enemy is one’s self. Ichi overhears this and thinks that Asuka doesn’t consider him as anything to be bothered with. Ichi considers him as his rival since he blocks his way to being number one. One day, Asuka is jogging and meets with Yamato. Asuka says he is training since a competition is coming up. Yamato is excited over this. Asuka sees some women at the park. Yamato says that there is some women’s magazine activity being held there called Lovely Beauty Festival. Asuka is actually interested even as Yamato says it has nothing to do with Asuka being a guy and if he practice there, it will be quite troublesome. Asuka just agrees and says he will train outside the park. Yamato wants to train with him but Asuka tells him to just train at his pace. After Yamato left, Asuka passes by the park and stops when he sees on the stage an announcer says they do a makeover to make this plain glasses girl into a really cute-looking girl. Asuka says that all the audience are girls. Someone beside him says that’s right, there is no way to get in there. Asuka says true..

After a pause, Asuka realizes that he was talking to Ichi as was Ichi surprise that he is talking to Asuka. The two start to asks what are they doing there. Asuka says he is jogging but Ichi wasn’t able to convince Asuka that he is training when he isn’t carrying his shinai. A man passes by and overhears them. He asks if they can kendo. Asuka says they can. The man says they had a problem so he asks if they can participate. Asuka wonders what does kendo got to do with women. The man gives them staff ids and says they are free to look around even if they are not interested in those stuff. It turns out that they are asked to play sentai heroes [think power rangers] on stage. The man says it is for the children who are in the audience with the women. Asuka agrees to do it and also Ichi even if he dislike being partners with Asuka. At the stage, they form Samurai Five. Asuka is Edo Purple while Ichi is Ginnezu [Silver rat]. The enemies come out so Asuka tells Ichi that they should fight the enemy. Ichi refuses even as Asuka says it is on the script. Ichi exclaims that his only enemy is Asuka. Soon, the two starts to fight as Asuka asks why is Ichi intent on winning against him. Ichi says he doesn’t know what’s it like to be frustrated of not getting what one wants. He doesn’t know what’s it like to give up something that one likes. The enemy tries to stop them from fighting saying that their enemy is him. The two then hit him. The enemy falls down and says they did well. The children were thrilled as Asuka apologized to the enemy/man. Asuka wonders what Ichi meant.

While walking around the place, Asuka tries to call out to Ichi but Ichi tells him that it is over so there is no need for him to hang around him. Asuka says he understands what Ichi meant about sacrificing what one truly likes. Ichi insists that Asuka doesn’t know. Ichi tells him that his father reprimands him for not being able to win the competition when their family is famous in kendo. His father told him to discard all unnecessary things. Asuka thinks he’s the same as he put aside his stuffed toys and stuff while training kendo. Ichi then takes a lipstick from a stand and says the color is nice. He asks could Asuka have given up things for kendo. Asuka said yes, he had give up things for kendo. It seems he is looking at some perfume. When Ichi asks what is it, Asuka wasn’t able to answer. Just then, the women begins to make a commotion about guys being there so they quickly hide behind a tent. They hear there is trouble since Nikko [the stylist] wasn’t able to get there yet because of some traffic to make the girl beautiful and the audience are waiting. The girl has made herself up but she put the make-up too thickly and her outfit is just too plain. Asuka decides to help and suggests that it is better to make the sleeves shorter. The announcer asks if they are staff since she sees Asuka wearing an id. Asuka says he isn’t. The announcer and the man begs him to help out in any way he can. Asuka takes out his sewing kit and starts to work. They were happy over the outcome. Ichi asks if this is what Asuka give up for kendo. Asuka admits that it is and not just sewing but cooking, cute things, etc. He says up to now, he is still trying to be manly. There is no such thing as a perfect person. Everyone has something hidden in one’s heart of needing to give up something but one can’t totally give it up. The announcer says the problem now is just the make-up since it’s plain though it’s okay. Ichi says if they are going to do something, at least do it well.

He tells them to bring out all of their make-up. Asuka and others were surprised at how Ichi is so absorbed at seeing so much make-up. He tells the girl to come to him and he will change her to a butterfly using his hands. Ichi starts to put on make-up on the girl and fixes her hair. The result is outstanding as the girl has become really beautiful. Asuka asks Ichi if he likes make-up. Embarrassed, Ichi says they are the same for he also likes girlie stuff. Asuka says he’s great. The announcer tells the audience that two guys have made the girl beautiful. Asuka and Ichi comes out while wearing their sentai costumes. They were introduced using their fake names for the sentai play. The announcer says because of some reasons, they can’t show them what they look like so if they want to know what other things they are doing, the audience should just read the magazine. The announcer asks them to shake hands. Ichi was hesitant but in the end, he did shake Asuka’s hand. Asuka says with his talent, he will become a top [number one] make-up artist. Ichi angrily says what did you say? Do you mean that there is no way for me to become number one in kendo. Asuka tries to say it isn’t what he meant but Ichi is already saying that he will win next time [in kendo] and Asuka is his ultimate rival. Nikko, the gay stylist, has arrived and asks what’s with those two samurai. The man says he doesn’t know. Hehe, so we now have another otomen who is good at make-up. Can Juuta be considered an otomen because he is a shoujo mangaka? If Asuka reminds me of Ichigo from Bleach, Ichi is like Ishida. Even their relationship is the same. =P Even if Ichi doesn’t like Asuka, he can’t deny that they are a good team in makeovers.

Quote of the day:
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. ~Victor Hugo

Updates on Spicy Pink and Venus Capriccio
Friday, April 4, 2008 @ 07:38 p.m.

Spicy Pink isn’t updated in Chinese sites anymore but it is updated in English. ^^ For chapters 6-7, things are just the same until Edaiki gets that phone call from someone whom he seems to be avoiding. He didn’t contact Sakura after some time and when he did, he says it is in the context of cheering him up. Akira is still trying to date Sakura even as he confessed that he wasn’t faithful to her while they were dating. Sakura says she likes Edaiki. Later on, she dates Edaiki and is about to go to his apartment when a woman waiting for him wants to talk with him. The woman left in tears when he told her to leave. Sakura is surprised to learn that woman is the supposedly dead girlfriend, Natsuko. In his apartment, he tells her that she left him all of a sudden with just a note after all the years they had been together and married to someone else who seems to be this rich businessman. Risa thought she was dead because of how he phrased the sentence when Risa is asking about Natsuko. During a girls night out, Sakura tells her friends about this. Her friend shows a magazine about Natsuko and her husband. They tell Sakura to be careful because Natsuko might want to get together with Edaiki again. Risa manages to get a hold of that magazine and Akira eventually learns too that Natsuko is still alive.

At the clinic, Natsuko goes to see Edaiki and expresses her want to return to him. She wants to be sure that Edaiki will be there for her when she gets a divorce since it will be quite difficult. Edaiki tries to tell her that he already has a girlfriend. Natsuko is quite thick face to even say that Edaiki could not love any woman except for her. Edaiki quickly goes out as Natsuko ask for his forgiveness and says she loves him. From the way he is acting, he seems to have feelings for her. Akira informs Sakura about Natsuko and thinks he can go out with her since the ex-girlfriend have come back. Sakura leaves when she realizes that they aren’t a proper couple and it seems that Edaiki is just using her to forget Natsuko. She goes to Edaiki’s place and tells him that she wants to have sex with him. Edaiki is surprised by this. Okay, I really hope she is just testing him when she said that. I think doing that will further complicate things rather than solving things. I guess for her in having sex, she can realize his sincerity. Also, it seems all the ex-lovers are popping out to create trouble. ^^; What’s up with that? I really feel sorry for Sakura. She falls for him and it seems he still have feelings for Natsuko. Honestly, I don’t like the direction where the story is going so I might still read it but I won’t be mentioning it here anymore.

In Venus Capriccio, from the blurry scans of chapter 12 – I think it is 12 because the cover page is missing, Akira is conducting a choir for Takami’s school, I think. They helped this shy girl to play the piano as Takami faked being injured. In chapter 13, it is meeting of Takami’s brothers except for Shuu, the eldest who wasn’t there. They invited Akira and Shinobu to a barbecue when Takami won a lottery. Rikujin [second] seems to be very fond of Akira. When they were drunk, Rikujin, Taiki [fourth] and Shinobu cross-dresses as girls. ^^; Shin doesn’t want to join. During the clean up, Takami has fallen asleep. Akira brings her to the bedroom and plays piano for her. Before leaving, he gives a kiss to sleeping Takami. Shinobu manages to guess what he did. Rikujin and Shin are very happy about this as Akira just blushes. In chapter 14, a couple of guys are bullying Akira when they asks who is Takami. While looking at them, Takami realizes that it is the guy who bullies Akira when he was young. Since Takami is holding Akira as if protecting him, the guy teases Akira if he is being protected by his sister again. He says they are going to play billiards, would they want to come. Takami keep on fussing about and shouts why would she do that as Akira grabs her and pulls her away while saying not to mind that guy. The guy asks if Akira is going to play with his sister. Akira says they are going to study piano. While they walk away, Takami wonders if Akira doesn’t have any friends.

Next week, on Friday, Takami sees the bully looking at a poster in Aoyama Piano school. The guy is shock and says he is just passing by. He asks where is Akira. Takami says Akira will be late. The guy leaves as Takami wonders how come he is just passing by when Aoyama Piano school is further away from the station. She has an idea that she quickly grabs the guy and asks him if they can play billiards on Sunday. On Sunday, both the guy and Akira is asking Takami why is this person here. Takami says didn’t he want to get along with Akira. The guy is embarrassed and denies it. Akira asks could it be that Azegami [the guy] likes Takami. Azegami angrily shouts that he has enough and starts to leave. Takami taunts him if he is escaping since he can’t beat her in billiards. This made Azegami angry that he decides to play. Akira says he never played before. After a 9-ball game, Takami wins. Azegami can’t believe that he lost. She then challenges Akira who also lost to her. She taunts them to try to beat her while they team up. And Takami still wins thrice that Azegami starts to teach Akira a bit. Soon, they begin to win. They didn’t know that this is all Takami’s plot. Azegami has unwittingly confessed that he actually admires Akira for being good at playing the piano. Azegami is embarrassed that he tries to leave. Takami pinches his ears and whispers, didn’t you want to become Akira’s friend. Azegami is embarrassed and says no way but before leaving, he asks Akira if he wants to teach him to play piano. Akira says he will. Azegami is glad then quickly tries to hide his feelings and says he is going. Akira smiles and says that Azegami is such a weird guy. Last scene is Azegami enrolling in Aoyama Piano School. This is a nice chapter since Takami ‘gave’ Akira a friend whom he can hang out with besides her. She is really great to actually beat them in billiards. =P

Chapter 15 is missing. Chapter 16 is Takami going to Akira’s house after having a fight with Taiki. It is because Takami is walking in their house topless with only a towel to cover her breasts. Takami shouted if she also does that in front of Akira. Takami says it has nothing to do with Akira. Back at Akira’s house, Takami exclaims that it would have been better if Akira is her real younger brother. Since her stomach is growling, Takami decides to make dinner since she plans to stay at Akira’s place until Taiki apologizes. While she is cooking, Akira calls Taiki who is relieved that Takami is at his place. He apologizes to Akira for the trouble that Takami is causing and warns him to bear with the things she does. Akira asks what he meant by that. Taiki just says he is just talking to himself and he’ll leave her to him. While they were eating, Akira says it is delicious. Takami says that she really wants him to be her younger brother. Akira just quietly says that he told her that he doesn’t want to be a younger brother to her. When Akira tries to get Takami home, Takami quickly washes the dishes since UFC wrestling is now on the tv. She then tries to do a headgrip on Akira while watching the show. Akira is blushing as he feels her breasts behind his back. Akira tries to get her home again but Takami says she is going to take a bath. Akira asks if she is really staying there. She says she is and she’ll just borrow a t-shirt to wear after she takes a bath. Akira asks if she still remembers what he said before [his confession]. Takami asks what is it. He tries to tell her but Takami just goes to the bathroom.

After she takes a bath, Akira tells her to wear the clothes that she wore before then he is going to bring her home. Takami insists that she doesn’t want to go home. She grabs his hand and brings him to the room to get some clothes. Akira closed the lights and tells her that he has already said this before. He pins her on the wall and tells her where does she think she is – a boy’s house. He tells her to understand that he isn’t his younger brother and it seems she can’t understand that. Holding her hand, he says he is going to teach her. Takami is surprised as Akira bends to kiss her. She instinctively pushes him away that Akira fell near his bed. Takami apologizes and quickly says she is going home. Akira becomes depressed over what he just did. At her house, Takami angrily stomps back to her room. Taiki asks if she is now ‘awake’ over what she is doing. Takami shouts for him to keep quiet. Shin tells Taiki that it seems she now knows. Takami sits below her piano as she is blushing. Remembering what happened between her and Akira, she thinks she doesn’t want to think of Akira as a guy. And that’s the last of the Chinese scans since around January. Actually, this last chapter is recently found the other day when I try to find if it is updated in other sites. There are raws though in BW. In chapter 17-18, because of what happened, the two can’t face each other but with Shinobu and Azegami’s help, the two are okay again. The two guys even help set them up on a date from the amusement park to an expensive restaurant. Takami seems uneasy until Akira plays the piano and they are okay again.

Chapter 19-20 is missing. Then in chapter 21-24, it is a longer arc. In this arc, a rival appears whom I think is like Shinobu – making moves on Takami and is a good pianist - but Julian Clement is around their age. Julian seems to like Takami though he is more on showing off his piano skills to Akira. I somewhat think that Julian is an apprentice of Akira’s father. This challenges Akira to worked hard in improving his piano skills even though he is quite frustrated at first. On Julian’s performance, Akira played something, probably a challenge by Julian. Everyone notices Akira’s improvement and of course, Takami is Akira’s inspiration. In the end, Julian even bows to Akira as if to acknowledge him and they become friends with a hand shake.

I might just end up writing short teaser summaries for this because the Chinese scans are no longer uploaded since January. Another reason is my interest for it is also waning since the story isn’t moving that much. It would be easier to bear it if the art isn’t deteriorating that much. Anyway, for now, if there are new raws, I’ll update this.

Quote of the day:
Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance ~ Samuel Johnson

Skip Beat! [Chapter 120]
Thursday, April 3, 2008 @ 03:15 p.m.

The clock strikes 12 as Lory and Kanae looks at the clock. Kanae looks at Maria’s side of the party and thinks the party has ended because it has somewhat quiet down already. She takes a number 55 tag from her bag. She gloomily looks at it and wonders if she should just go home. She decides to ‘greet’ Kyouko [that she is going] and starts to walk towards Kyouko’s direction. She sees Kyouko standing with Ren. Kyouko looks at Ren then back at the rose. Ren asks isn’t her birthday on the 25th? Kyouko says it’s true but how did he know. Ren says he learns it from Lory. A note says it is obviously a lie. Kyouko thinks it could be from the resume/register form she filled out before and Lory could have read it there. Ren greets her once again a happy birthday. Looking at the rose, Kyouko remembers when she was young, a woman wearing a kimono called out to her and gave her a gift which young Kyouko happily accepted. Kyouko smiles and accepts Ren’s rose. She thanks him twice as she is blushing. Ren says there’s no need for it isn’t that expensive. Kyouko is really happy about it that she can’t stop blushing and smiling. Kyouko happily looks at the rose. Ren is looking at her and wishes that there aren’t people around. A small note says, plans to do something else. Kyouko says the rose is beautiful that even if it haven’t fully bloomed, it is already brilliant and gorgeous. It is the first time she has seen that kind of rose. Kyouko looks at him and asks if it is the king of roses. Ren is surprised then smiles. He says, too bad..the name of that rose is really..

Unfortunately, Kanae interrupted as she is now facing Kyouko with an angry expression. She asks Kyouko if today is her birthday. Kyouko apologizes to Kanae for not going to her [to talk]. Kanae angrily shouts, I’m asking you if today is your birthday?! Kyouko is really scared as she imagines Kanae is like a demon’s face. She says yes, it’s true. Kanae angrily looks at the rose that Kyouko is holding and tells Kyouko to wait a minute. She angrily stomps away and goes to the cloak counter. Kanae gets a bag with a ribbon on it and gives it to Kyouko. Kyouko asks what is it. Kanae asks can’t you see what it is, it’s a gift. Kyouko asks why. Kanae shouts isn’t today your birthday. Kyouko says that’s true but the reason that you’re angry isn’t seem because I didn’t tell you about it. Kyouko says that Kanae shouldn’t have known her birthday so why did she prepare a gift. Kanae starts to fret as she can’t just say that she thinks that Kyouko would like that gift so she bought it. She imagines when she tries to buy that gift, she is forced to go to many stores since it is always out of stock. Yet, Kanae doesn’t want to lose to a rose since Ren’s single rose is more suitable and cool. She had already mustered enough courage to buy that thing and now, she is holding it. She tells Kyouko that she didn’t think too much about it but she just bought it for her. Even if I didn’t know it is your birthday, I thought that you will like it. Are you happy? Kanae blushes as she says this. Kyouko is in tears as she is moved by what Kanae said. Kanae puts the fairy tale inspired make-up kit [the whole set] on the table and it is Royal Snow brand. Kyouko nose bleeds as she happily exclaims that she finally get this brand. She thanks Kanae and she will use them. Kyouko shouts, I’m very happy.

Kanae smirks as she thinks that she has won. Kyouko likes her gift more than Ren’s gift. Kyouko is happily gazing over the make-up. Yashiro is also smirking. Ren says, that’s right. Yashiro is surprised and says that he haven’t said anything yet. Ren says didn’t he plan to coldly say, ‘You’ve lost again’. I’m guessing that is what you’re thinking. Yashiro frets and tells Ren not to be angry for it is different from thinking to actually saying it. When we went to the party, I thought you are going to give it to Maria though there is a chance it is for Kyouko since he remembers Ren gave the rose to the butler whom Ren asked to give it back to him when it is around midnight. Yashiro says he didn’t know why Ren did that but now, he knows. Even if you are prepared and manages to surprise Kyouko, you still lose to someone who didn’t even know that it is her birthday. Ren tells him that the gift, whether big or small, doesn’t matter because it is the thought that counts. Yashiro says well, that’s true. Ren says, and also.. Yashiro notices a change in Ren’s expression so he asks, and also.. Ren remembers when they were young. Flashback: Young Kyouko told him that her birthday is on December 25th but everyone is busy taking care of the inn especially on that day so they celebrate Christmas and her birthday on the 24th. Ren asked isn’t she a bit sad about it. Kyouko asked why, when she can celebrate Christmas and her birthday on the same day, it is more fun and happier rather than being alone at home. End flashback. Ren says no matter if it is just one or many people, as long as there is someone who greet you on your birthday, one will become happy. Yashiro is at loss for words to say then he looks at Kyouko. The inn couple gives Kyouko a gift as Kyouko happily hugs them. Ren and Yashiro happily look at them. Yashiro says that’s true.

Kyouko narrates that the start of December 25th, she was greeted by Ren. When she heard it, she is actually stunned. Then, slowly, she becomes shy and embarrassed as she accepts the rose. I’ve always been used to people greeting me happy birthday on the 24th. Someone taps her shoulder. Kyouko calls him president as she wonders why he is dressed up like an old man. He tells her that he is Uncle Long Legs and asks if she is already prepared, it is time to start the second phase of the party. He looks at one direction and Kyouko is surprised to see the chefs coming out with a huge castle cake with a happy birthday greeting. Someone then gives her a huge bouquet of flowers. Dark Moon cast start to approach Kyouko to greet her. The choir then starts to sing Happy Birthday then everyone surrounds her as they clap their hands to congratulate her on her birthday. Kyouko narrates that she always like celebrating her birthday together with Christmas but she never knew that celebrating it on the day itself, would give her this unforgettable feeling as everyone celebrates it only just for her. And this adds up to one of Kyouko’s happy events that happened to her ever since Shou dumped her. I didn’t know that there is some sort of rivalry between Ren and Kanae in who could make Kyouko happier. ^^; I guess Ren isn’t too bothered by it as long as the rival isn’t Shou. =P Anyway, I’m sure Kyouko will never forget this birthday. Hmm, I wonder if there is more birthday surprise in the next chapter since I don’t see Maria around.

Quote of the day:
Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces into their hearts. ~ Martin Buxbaum

Papillon -Hana to Chou- [Chapter 20]
Thursday, April 3, 2008 @ 11:18 a.m.

Title: Shock. Chou is shock as she sees Kana and Kyuu going into Kyuu’s apartment. Before the door closes, Chou quickly holds the door open. This surprises Kana and Kyuu. Chou exclaims what is Kana doing there. Kyuu rubs Chou’s head shouting she surprised him, why did she just run in there. Your eyes are really sharp or is it your nose is really good? Chou shouts what is Kana doing there. Kana tells Chou that she came to get something that she left there. Chou is shock. She points to Kana who enters the room and asks Kyuu if Kana was there before. Kyuu says that she came once. Chou asks when. He tells her on the day when her grandmother is celebrating her release from the hospital. Chou remembers Kyuu telling her that he can’t come because he has something else to do and Kana telling their father that she went to a guy’s house. She looks at Kana who shouts that she has found it. Kana says it seems she left it there. Kana picks up a necklace from the sofa. Chou begins to remember Inoue telling her that Kana and Kyuu have the same smell. The two of them did it together. Where? In that sofa? And while doing it, the necklace broke?

Kana turns around to say that her necklace broke but she only sees Chou vividly angry, holds her bag up high. Chou begins to hit Kana with her bag repeatedly as Kana shouts for her to stop. Kyuu shouts for Chou to stop it and what is she doing. Chou then starts to hit Kyuu with her bag. Kyuu can only shout that it hurts. Chou shouts that he is stupid, why did he have sex with Kana-! The two were surprised when Chou shouted this. Kyuu is even more shock when Chou is about to throw the chair at him. Kyuu hits her head and shouts what the heck is she talking about. Who’s who had sex together? Crying on the floor, Chou says Kana and sensei. Kyuu shouts how can that be, stupid!! Chou looks surprised that she sits up and asks, really. Kyuu says it’s nonsense. Kana says are you an idiot? Chou is really embarrassed. Kyuu asks how did she jump into the conclusion that they had sex together. Chou says it is because of that smell. Kyuu/Kana shouts, that smell?! Chou is puzzled.

After Chou explained everything, Kyuu says so that’s it because I and Kana have that same kind of smell. Basically, it’s that. Kana also says, ya, that. Chou is puzzled. Kyuu says he remembers it’s still in the trash can. He takes a small bottle and on its label, it says love potion. Kyuu tells Chou that it is a love potion which supposedly can attract the other person into falling in love with the one who has put on the potion in his/her body. Chou asks if Kyuu buys that stuff. Kyuu laughs and says he didn’t buy it. Kana says it is Chou’s classmate, Shinagawa, that guy. Chou remembers her ugly looking classmate. Kana says that Shinagawa believes in that love potion so he keeps on pestering her, it so troublesome. Kyuu laughs that Kana was really bothered by that guy. Flashback: On his way home from helping someone [the text is too small to read but basically, it’s the reason why he wasn’t able to go to grandmother’s welcome home party], Kyuu saw Shinagawa begging something from Kana and won’t leave her alone. Kyuu decided to check what’s up with the two and since Kana is really troubled, he decided to help. Shinagawa is begging Kana to go steady with him for a week and it will just be a test period. Kana is turning him down by saying isn’t he finished talking yet [leave me alone].

Kyuu greeted her and asked what’s up. Kana told him that Shinagawa is bothering her. Shinagawa tried to deny it. He quickly turned around and took out his love potion. He wondered why isn’t it working. Maybe he didn’t put enough of it on him. He put some drops on his hand. Kyuu asked what is he doing. Shinagawa quickly hid the bottle behind his back and said it’s nothing. This made Kyuu suspicious and asked what is he hiding, is it some bad thing. Shinagawa keep on denying as Kyuu tried to reach for it. Shinagawa shouted that he can’t tell him. He tries to get the bottle out of Kyuu’s reach but the contents end up splashing on to Kana. Kana exclaims what is that, it’s so smelly. It was the love potion. The smell is really an indescribable foul smell like a skunk, vinegar, something type of smell. Kyuu shouted for Kana not come near him. Kana angrily shouted that it stinks, how can she go home like that. Since Kyuu’s house is the nearest, they went to his house. Kana got her clothes washed. While she is drying it using a hairdryer, Kyuu is reprimanding/counseling Shinagawa on his behavior which can trouble other people. End flashback.

Chou is shock that even Shinagawa was there. Kyuu says that’s right. Kyuu says that it is most probable that the smell her friend is smelling is that love potion. Kyuu says the smell of the love potion could be the same as the same one that people have after having sex. Chou remembers Inoue shouting that it is the smell that Shinagawa has. Chou tells this to Kyuu and Kyuu says, see.. Holding the bottle, Chou can only laugh at herself as she is relieved that her worst fears aren’t true. Chou starts to cry as Kyuu pats her head saying that she really easily believes jumps into conclusions. Kana looks at the two then quietly leaves the apartment. Kyuu asks if Chou really doesn’t believe in him. Chou apologizes. Kyuu laughs and says it’s okay, she is more interesting like that. Chou is blushes when he said that. Chou giggles as she is truly relieved that nothing happened between him and Kana. The two then notice that Kana has left and wondered when did she left. A scene of Kana walking around, looking melancholic. That night, Chou calls up Inoue about her discovery. Chou asks could it be that Inoue’s father just manages to get that fragrance from somewhere. Inoue says it’s possible because her father takes the train on his way home. Inoue is glad that this smell can also be from that love potion. She thanks Chou for informing her and now, her heart feels light. [She no longer doubts her father] Chou says it’s no problem.

When she hangs up the phone, her mother knocks in and asks if she knows where Kana is because Kana haven’t returned home yet. Chou asks didn’t Kana contact her. Her mother says that’s right, could it be that she is at Kyuu’s place. Kyuu is at a convenient store. He is reading some magazines at the magazine rack which faces the window. Chou calls him up. Kyuu tells her that Kana isn’t at his place and he is outside. Chou tells Kyuu if he manages to get in contact with Kana, could he inform her. Kyuu says he will. He hangs up the phone and sees Kana passing by. Holding the broken necklace, Kana remembers a boy apologizing to her. Just then, a guy greets Kana. He asks if she is alone and where is she going. Kana says she is going home. He asks her where is her house, he’ll bring her there. Trying to get away, Kana walks on by telling him that there is no need for that, her boyfriend is going to pick her up. The guy puts his hand on Kana’s shoulder and tells her that he will accompany her until her boyfriend comes. Kyuu greets Kana and says sorry for waiting. [Pretending to be her boyfriend] The guy quickly apologizes and leaves. Kana is surprised at what Kyuu did for her.

Near the street, Kyuu sits down near a small brick wall [where they put plants on] and says she is saved. She complains that there are a lot of troublesome guys. Kyuu asks if she is trying to strike a conversation. Kana starts to tell him that guys tend to be nice to her at first but in the end, they end up choosing a girl like Chou. Kyuu asks really. Kana says that’s right. When she was young, her father would always think of Chou who is at their grandma’s place. Her boyfriend in junior high have also fallen for Chou. That time, Chou has glasses and pimples that I can’t believe someone like me who worked hard in becoming beautiful can easily lose to her. I liked that guy for a long time and it wasn’t easy to get him to go steady with me so the shock [of losing him to Chou] is really great that up to now, I still can’t trust men. After a pause, Kana continues, I..before I don’t understand as to why I lose to Chou but seeing her today, I finally understand. I cannot be like her to just cry out like that. I can’t just do something and not care what others will say/think. I would tend to cover up my real feelings. I will always test other people’s feelings that I cannot be honest and just act like how I want to act. If I’m like Chou in everything, maybe my relationship with that ex-boyfriend would have changed. Kyuu tells her that now she knows what is the problem, she can take the first step to change herself. Weren’t you being honest right now? Kana is surprised by this. Kyuu continues, if you let that weakness of yours come out, surely there is someone out there who is willing to take you. Kana blushes over this. A pause. Kana says, I really wish that I have met you earlier on. It would have been okay if I have met you first before Chou did. Kyuu looks at her in surprise. Kana stands up and says she is just kidding. She waves goodbye to him and starts crossing street. The walk signal has already changed to stop but Kana keeps on walking. Kyuu quickly runs after and stops her before a car runs over her. He tells her that it is dangerous. He offers to walk her home. Kana grabs his shirt and hugs him. Kyuu calls out her name as Kana says, [even if it’s] only for now, only for now, take me...

Okay, the first thing that got into my mind after reading this is suicidal girls fall for Kyuu. ^^;; I had been wondering about it for some time as to why Kyuu doesn’t have a girlfriend before especially since the girls he counsels falls for him. He is good looking and nice though slightly a pervert. The only theory I can think of is Kyuu is a late bloomer. Maybe the reason why he is interested in making Chou into a butterfly is because he was like that before. So, it seems the misunderstanding is easily cleared up because of the love potion. Inoue can indeed know if people have sex but the love potion just so happens to smell like that. She really has a sharp nose. ^^; As for the twins, ah, Chou is relieved for now but what about later. Chou being angry like that and being violent, it seems that if it did happen, that would be the last straw for her as to what Kana could do to her. Good for her that Kyuu doesn’t mind too much that she didn’t trust him. Also, it seems Kana has fallen for Kyuu. Hopefully, Kyuu won’t oblige..if that is what I think Kana meant. That is the trouble of being too nice that as a counselor, at times, since emotional and lonely people would easily fall in love them. It seems that just like Chou, Kana is suffering from lack of self-confidence. It seems that Kana believes that in order for guys to like her is to make herself beautiful. Or rather, for that guy whom she fallen for.

Unfortunately, it just attracts pesky guys who are just attracted to her appearance and not the one she wanted to attract. Kana is the type of person who doesn’t want others to see her weakness and her true feelings since she is afraid of others hurting and rejecting her. That seemed to have intensified because of what happened with her ex-boyfriend who asked Chou out while they are going steady. She does seem to like him very much that she still keeps the necklace which he gave her, well, I think it is the necklace he gave her. With the mindset of Chou always wins at the end, Kana has been trying to ruin Chou’s chances in finding that guy for her. Too bad for Kana, the one she got turns out to be a dud [Ryuusei] and Chou finds the right guy whom she now wishes she had met first. That is a classic line in romance, if only I have met you earlier than him/her. Haha, that is like what Ryuusei said to Chou that if Chou confessed first then, they would be the ones together. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Oh ya, it does seem that this chapter is like Kana’s punishment after all the things she did to Chou before. Anyway, it says the next chapter will be on May 25th so no chapter for next month. Scans by Yukiru for BW

Quote of the day:
Instead of living in the shadows of yesterday, walk in the light of today and the hope of tomorrow. ~ Our Daily Bread.

Weekly Jump Update:
Bleach, Naruto, D. Grayman, Reborn, Gintama and PSYREN
Monday, March 31, 2008 @ 10:28 p.m.

Bleach [c. -108] turns out to be about the past. I must be tired of all the battles since they arrived in Huenco Mundo that this chapter made Bleach interesting again after a long time, like the revelation that Isshin knew Ryuuken. ^^; The chapter is basically a introduction of the captains and lieutenants way before as they are forming a line up in front of first division. It turned out that some or probably all of the vizards are actually ranked captains/lieutenants. I’m surprised Shinji is actually captain and Aizen is his lieutenant. The ones who maintain their positions since before are Yamamoto, Unohana, Shunsui and Ukitake. They talk about promotions and such. The somewhat significant, I think, is about this Hikafune, ex-12th captain who was promoted to royal service, division zero since Aizen is interested in it. The last scene is of newly appointed Urahara to the 12th divison, who arrived late. From the way Aizen is smiling, he has already start planning of his goal and is up to no good. It is nice that the author is giving us a history of the characters before Aizen and others fight it out. No wonder Shinji and others knew of Aizen. They used to be ranked officers in soul society. I thought they were just some renegade group who hates shinigami. I wonder if Aizen did some experiments on them or what to make them into vizards though it seems unlikely since after they left, Aizen is still experimenting on the hollow-shinigami hybrid. I doubt it is Urahara who did something to do from the way he and Isshin are talking since he mentioned that they found how to do that on their own. I’m still wondering how did Ichigo got his hollow-hybrid. Is it because of the training that Urahara did to regain his shinigami powers or was it there all along? I do have vibes that the vizards somehow got kicked out from soul society is because of Aizen. I actually thought I get to see which division Isshin is.

Shino starts his attack on Tobi as his insects envelop Tobi in Naruto [c. 395]. Just when the insects are sucking Tobi’s chakra and Yamato is about to attack, Tobi disappears. They were all confused by it. Kakashi wonders if he is using some time/space technique while Sakura says maybe Tobi is just letting their attacks pass through him. Hina manages to find Tobi again. Kiba tries to attack him but he fails. Then, Zetsu appears beside Tobi. He informs Tobi that Itachi has died and Sasuke has won. Everyone is shock by the news. Tobi says he didn’t anticipate that. Zetsu adds that Sasuke has collapsed and is already at his limit. This made Naruto and Sakura worry. Naruto shouts to Zetsu to tell them where Sasuke is. Tobi says he will fight them again next time. Kakashi is shock when he sees that Tobi has a sharingan. Okay, my theory is if Itachi is not really dead, I think he just ‘fake’ his own death. Why? It has something to do with Tobi/Madara. I think he also Zetsu knows that Akatsuki is really under Tobi/Madara’s control. If I were Itachi, I would wonder why it was reported before that Sasuke has died in the fight with Deidera. Aside from that, it would seem that Tobi/Madara is interested in Sasuke. For recruit or maybe just the eyes? Anyway, if Naruto and group lets them getaway, they will be back to square one in finding Sasuke. I actually thought Zetsu might tell them about what happened to Jiraiya. Also, Kakashi will be thinking who else would have a sharingan.

Strawhats are easily defeating the flying fish riders one by one in One Piece [c. 494]. Hachi even helps them since Zoro’s injury isn’t fully well yet. Then, Luffy is running out quickly as he shouts it is a masked guy and a cow. They see Duval riding on a huge bull. He is looking at the Strawhat ship and talks about his life being ruined so he wanted to kill that person who turns out to be Sanji. They ask Sanji if he has anyone who has a grudge on him. Sanji knows some but he really can’t remember Duval. Duval fires some harpoons which turns out to be poisoned. While Sanji and others are ducking from the harpoons, Luffy tells Zoro that he has seen Duval’s face and Zoro knows that face, too. Luffy knocks the helmet off to show them. Everyone was shock when they saw Duval’s face. Duval laments that it is all because of the wanted poster so he tries to find Sanji. It turns out that Duval looks like the ugly-drawn Sanji on the poster. Duval cries that soon the pirate hunters and marine will be after him. Why crime did I commit? I’m not even a pirate. Give back my life! Sanji just goes to him and kicks his face shouting, I don’t care. Hehe, after all the hassle that he gave them. ^^; That was really funny. I didn’t expect that Duval will be him. Well, it is indeed a hassle for Duval. Because of that mistake, he will always be on the run though it isn’t really Sanji’s fault. It is the fault of the photographer. =P I wonder if they will help him clear his name..or rather correct Sanji’s picture.

L4 is about to finish off Allen after Kanda and Rabi got thrown away in D. Gray-man [c. 154] but Rinali comes to stop L4. She angrily tells it how dare it mess up her home. L4 is about to attack so Rinali quickly takes Allen to safety. She flew so fast that Allen feels nausea and sick. Rinali apologizes and wonders if it is because it has been a long time she used her boots. The two says they want to protect everyone so they start the offensive. While Rinali is giving L4 a good kicking, Malcolm is glad that the innocence is a match with Rinali. Komui is still unsure if they will win this since Allen is at his limit and Rinali just got her innocence. He then hears something on his earpiece. Allen manages to pin L4 down with his sword. L4 says it isn’t enough but to his surprise, Rinali jumps down on Allen’s sword to drive in the sword. She keeps on doing it as she realizes that her boots are stronger than before. L4 screams for Allen to free him and is about to attack but Rinali manages to kick the sword deeper into L4. Then a huge blast from the wall. Cross who is visibly angry comes out. He tells Komui that the evacuation is off and he plans to make L4 into their guinea pig [for the lab]. Hehe, yay, Rinali is back in action. I like their teamwork. The butterfly on her boots remind me of Tiki’s teases. ^^; Okay, so Allen’s grand entrances are from his sensei..hehe, he must have learned it from him. It is interesting contrast that Allen’s partner is living girl while for Cross’, it is a dead woman. I hope by next chapter, they beat the crap out of that L4.

Tsuna wakes up to a cup of tea in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 187]. Spanner is holding a note with his name written in kanji. He is surprised to see a mosco and even more surprised to see that he is handcuffed. He realizes that he is deep trouble when Spanner points a gun on his head. After getting dressed, Tsuna is worried if he is going to be killed especially since all his things are taken from him but to his confusion, Spanner starts saying he likes things from Japan as they interest him especially the 10th's powers. He tells Tsuna that he will help him in perfecting his X-burner. Meanwhile, some people are still looking for Tsuna since Spanner just told Irie that they have a fight but he can’t find Tsuna after the explosion. As for the others, Ryohei fights with Baishana’s snake and he manages to hurt it. Ryohei says it isn’t good for things to get hit by his fists. And obviously, Ryohei is stronger as the snake’s disintegrating powers won’t work on Ryohei’s punch. Okay, that is understandable since Ryohei’s powers is close combat so it would be silly if he can’t hurt the opponent while he is fighting that way or rather his fists isn’t lethal. The author is really nice to let us know what happened to Tsuna rather than showing him way, way after the fights..uh, like Hibari though I doubt Hibari will have any problems with small fries so no mention of him. Well, there is no mention of Mukoru for such a long time, too, if he’s dead or what. I wonder if Spanner plans to learn about X-burner is because he plans to make his mosco know that move, too.

Gin and others goes after big sis in Gintama [c. 206] by hijacking Kondou’s police car. Since Kondou and Hijitaka realize that she was the girl whom they are writing the letter to, so they decided to join in the search. They find big sis, trying to commit suicide as she emotes about being lonely, and causing problems. Then, Gin and Hijitaka starts to argue about stereotypes of blood types. She jumps down and Gin saves her. Big sis still emotes about being alone so she writes letters and Shinpachi is surrounded by people as evident in his writing. She even tries to push away her sister. Gin says even so, she manages to reach Shinpachi. She sees Shinpachi at the other side of the building. He is holding a huge note asking what’s her name so that he can write to her properly. Gin crashes into the window as big sis replies back with a note of her name. Shinpachi smiles and writes back it is nice to be able to properly write to each other. The last scene is Shinpachi falling asleep while writing a letter with a picture of big sis and young sis with many other girls. So, basically, it is nicer to be a penpal of someone if that person isn’t pretending to be someone else so that somehow, through the exchange of letters, one can touch each other’s heart and change for the better as what happened to big sis.

The sand worm begins its attack as it eats the people in PSYREN [c. 16] . Oboro is surprised that he is spared. Amamiya realizes that the worm chases after them through the vibrations of their footsteps so she informs them using her psy powers to go above ground. Yoshina goes to save Oboro before he gets eaten. Since they are still in low ground, the worm tries to attack them but Yoshina uses his power to injury the worm. It made him so tired that Amamiya has to go save him and she ends up being saved by Asaga. Amamiya tells Yoshina not to use his powers for it is too draining and tells Asaga that his powers is stronger there because they are in psyren. Kabuto wonders what are they talking about. They see some people at the other building and plans to save them. Oboro is surprised by Yoshina’s selflessness of wanting to save the others. Yoshina tells the others to get save those who were trapped and head for the next gate so that they can go home. All of a sudden, the trapped people were killed by someone. It is someone whom Asaga knows..it seems to be his missing friend, Tashio. I do wonder if Yoshina is specially concerned about Oboro is because he is his sister’s crush and if anything would happen to him, her sister will be devastated. Too bad for Asaga, his missing friend turns out to be a villain. I’m sure there will be some scenes of, don’t kill him, he’s my friend. Was he experimented on? Also, Yoshina can’t use his powers yet, it might be problematic. Anyway, I hope the new cast – Oboro and Kabuto - will be helpful.

Thought of the day:
The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we’ll reap tomorrow. ~ Our Daily Bread

Yoru Cafe - My Sweet Knights - [Chapter 5-6]
Saturday, March 29, 2008 @ 11:19 p.m.

Chapter 5: A pretty looking young woman is holding a postcard. She calls out to Hina who is standing outside the café. She exclaims to be Hina that she has found the place and tells Hina that it’s her. Hina recognizes her. Hina introduces her friend to Yoshimi and Nozomu as ‘Zhijia Sakura’ [Sakura is the surname but I can’t find the name in romanji or rather it is translated as ‘Minoru Yoshimi’ so I’ll just use her surname in calling her.] who is her friend since high school. The two guys greet her. Nozomu thinks that Sakura is really different from Hina, is she an office worker. Yoshimi thinks the two women is such a strange pair. Sakura apologizes for just coming uninvited. She happily tells Hina that she got her New Year card and so she thought of coming to see her. But, it seems you’re doing well, that’s good, how are you, since then, have your feelings calmed down? Hina smiles and says it is, thanks. Looking around, Sakura says this place is nice and very quiet. Next time, I’ll come and eat here and.. She glances at Yoshizumi and Nozomu who notice her doing that. Sakura says being surrounded by these workers while drinking tea is really soothing to the eyes ♥ Not bad, Hina, how about giving me one --♥ Hina laughs and says what is she talking about. Looking at Hina, Sakura says Hina is being surrounded by that kind of surrounding, it seems it isn’t quite well-suited with the reason why I came here. Hina asks what is it. Sakura says it’s.. Then, Hina exclaims, group date?! Sakura says it will be on this Friday. It isn’t bad for most of the people joining would be from big corporations. The one who who plans to go won’t be able to come. So, I’m asking you to replace that person hence I’m asking this favor.

Hina is troubled by this as she exclaims that she can’t go to a group date and she doesn’t want to engage in that kind of activity. Also, her husband has just died so she can’t join. Sakura insists that it is just to make the group complete and it is okay even if she just sit there and have a chat with the others. Hina says that isn’t the problem. Sakura says the people she tried to get to come are either working or have a date on that day...she wasn’t able to find any other person so she is asking her..please. In the end, Hina relents and finally decides to go. Sakura is really happy that she thanks Hina and says that she is a big help. Hina says it is only because Sakura beg her that way so she is going but there is one important thing that she wants her to hear. I, have decided not to fall in love again. I have already decided to totally give everything to that person..give them to Kunikazu, so regarding this thing, I’m really perplexed. Sakura apologizes and says yes..is that so..I now know, next time, I won’t ask you again. Yoshizumi looks downcast here. Nozomu calls out to Hina that it is time to buy things else it will be late. Hina looks at the clock and it is already 4:05pm. She exclaims that she didn’t realize it is late already so she should go. She tells Sakura to wait for a moment since she will just go out. Hina asks Yoshizumi to keep Sakura accompany. Yoshizumi says he will.

Later on, while drinking tea, Sakura asks Yoshizumi if it is as Hina said. She is surrounded by good-looking guys like them yet she really doesn’t have any a single feeling [for them]? Yoshizumi says that’s right, not one bit of feeling for them. Sakura asks could it be you are not single. Yoshizumi says no, I don’t have a partner, for now. He asks her why she is quite passionate in getting Hina go to the group date. If they just lack one person, they can just find anyone to fill the group. Sakura nervously laughs and says so you’ve noticed. It is just my assumption. When I learned that her husband has passed away, I have this bad feeling. Do you know what she is like? Yoshizumi says he pretty much knows. Nozomu is listening in the conversation while cleaning a plate. Sakura continues that it is because of that, Hina will tend to cling too tightly on things that reminds her of her past happiness. When she was in the orphanage, she will keep on holding on to this stuffed toy that she will always carry it until high school even if the sewing on the toy always falls apart many times. It is only when she got married when she finally threw it away. So, when I saw the New Year card she sent me, I have felt that she will definitely defend/hold on to this café all her life. Yoshizumi says so that’s why you want her to join the group date. Sakura sighs and says she believes that one can’t give all one’s feelings to only one guy. How can I say this..I want to somehow give her an opportunity to look at the outside world. After all, she is already 23 years old. Even if it seems that I’m just being nosy but because Hina looks quite active/positive, but in reality, she is still very depressed/negative.

Yoshizumi says yes, I understand. Sakura looks at him in surprise as he says, they have the same point of view. I believe that one cannot be forever be bound to the past. Sakura is happy about this as she exclaims that they are similar. Yoshizumi just smiles and repeats what she said. Sakura says but, even if what Hina says those things, but no one really know what’s she is actually feeling inside. Nozomu is thinking, inside..ah, ah, that’s true. The door opens and Nozomu looks up. He greets a tired looking Soushi. Yoshizumi tells Soushi that he has been late lately. Soushi gloomily says because rejecting blind dates [arranged with intent to marry] are really troublesome. Sakura looks at Soushi and exclaims, you are Soushi Sawatari, right? Hina showed me a lot of your pictures before. Ah--! What is a former professional tennis player doing there?! Soushi asks Yoshizumi who she is. Yoshizumi replies it’s the boss’ friend, she asked boss to join a group date. Soushi looks surprised. Nozomu adds the boss agreed to go. This utterly shocks Soushi who quickly retreats to the staff room. Yoshizumi says in a flash, he hide inside the room. Nozomu says that is quite an extreme way of shocking him. Sakura is surprised by this and wonders if Soushi is actually interested in Hina. She asks Yoshizumi why is Soushi there. Yoshizumi just says that it is a long story. Just then, Hina arrives.

On Friday, Nozomu and Yoshizumi are busy preparing the café. Yoshizumi asks if the boss is leaving at 5pm. Nozomu says most probably so. He calls out to Soushi if he is free. The two guys just look at Soushi who is gloomily eating potato chips on the table. Yoshizumi says that it has been a few days already and Soushi haven’t recovered yet. Nozomu angrily says really, when they are obviously understaffed. Hina comes in and calls out to Yoshizumi about the cakes and the meal. The guys are surprised at how nice Hina looked. Hina tells Yoshizumi that the cakes are in the refrigerator while their food is still on the stove. After she tells them the rest of the instructions, she says she will leave everything to them. Yoshizumi waves goodbye and says leave it to me, be careful on your way. After she left, Nozomu says she just dress up, and she actually looks cute! She actually looks quite enthusiastic. Yoshizumi says even so, she herself doesn’t think so, but from her looks, she does seem quite appealing. Soushi is now gloomier than ever as he is slumping down on the table. Nozomu angrily shouts at him, ..what, fall apart again! You’re really such a nuisance! Really! Soushi curses himself for he really thought that Hina looks cute. The two guys look at him. Nozomu says let me say, Soushi, you are already pretty much at your limit. You have also decided not to fall in love again so I know you let yourself and Hina be compared together but you and the boss aren’t the same person. No one knows what the other person is thinking.

It’s 5:30pm and the three guys are eating their dinner in silence. Nozomu then says,..I have thought of it..people drink wine when they are in group dates, right? They murmur, definitely, there will be wine, of course, there is. Soushi angrily shouts at Nozomu why didn’t you realize it earlier, idiot! Are you really a college student?! I find that hard to believe! Nozomu angrily shouts back at him, are you blaming me? Are you blaming me about this?! I don’t want to be called an idiot by you, a simple-minded jock! [The actual term used is simple mind, developed limbs which means, one kept on moving/active in sports, that one wasn’t able to develop one’s brains.] Yoshizumi is holding the food and tells the two to stop quarrelling or they will spill the food. Soushi shouts back, nonsense! So, what now! What if boss get eaten whole by someone in the group date. Nozomu shouts, just as I said, are you saying it’s my fault! Yoshizumi says no, it will actually be quite interesting. Yoshizumi apologizes for it when Soushi is angrily staring at him. Youshizumi tells them that he actually asked where the group date is going to be held.

At the restaurant, the three guys actually go there to watch over Hina. [How sweet of them ^^] Nozomu asks what are they going to do if Hina really made a commotion. Someone says, then, we’ll just quickly rush to her. Won’t she realize that we didn’t open tonight. Let’s just pray that she won’t know. A scene of a couple of women disappointed that the café is closed. The three continue with their conversation: Is she still drinking wine? Still drinking, but in small amounts though she is definitely drinking. It seems her smile is quite hesitant. At Hina’s table, they ask her didn’t she ate too few? Hina just smile and didn’t say anything. They ask her what does she do during her free day. Hina replies that she reads books and just stay at home. The man laughs and says, how nice [like she’s such a good girl]. Hina looks uneasy and thinks, I really feel out of place here. Even if I’m about their age, but what they are talking about seems to be from a different world. Going to the office to work, hanging around different groups of people, and many ways of having fun..it is a world that I never experienced. But, that kind of world, if it is the past me, I probably can, perhaps even now.. Sakura then asks her why is she staring off, isn’t she feeling well. Sakura denies it. She then goes back to thinking. She reprimands herself for thinking that [joining the corporate world]. When right now, there is nothing to be unsatisfied about with my current life. Kunikazu giving that store to me who doesn’t have anything, I’m already quite satisfied. I have decided to take care of that store my whole life, so why am I thinking ‘perhaps’. I’m really disappointed with myself. Sakura is looking at Hina.

Just then, someone says, I’ve arrived late, I’m busy at work, sorry,..eh, huh? Hina looks at him in surprise for it is Hisaki. The guys are equally shock that Yoshizumi spilled the water on himself when he is going to drink. They sweatdrop and collectively wonder, lawyer, why are you here! Hina and Hisaki ask each other if they are indeed whom they thought they are. [Hehe, basically can’t believe that they are in a group date] A guy asks if they know each other. Hisaki says they occasionally meet each other. Someone says, no way, that’s hard to believe. Hisaki tells Hina that he never expect to see her there..what is it? Your face is so red, are you uncomfortable? Hina says maybe it is because it has been a long time since she drunk wine. Hisaki asks if she is drunk, that isn’t good. Back at the guys, Soushi says that they can’t hear what they are saying. Nozomu notes that they are now both standing. Soushi asks what, what are they doing? Hisaki tells the others that he is going to accompany Hina to the balcony for some air, they will be right back. A woman in the group date think are they already in good terms while another guy laments that he has been eyeing on Hina. Sakura just looks at them. Nozomu exclaims that they are going to the balcony, they won’t be able to watch over her now. Soushi angrily says, really that lawyer, he is really meddlesome. Yoshizumi says even so, they can’t do anything about it.

Out in the balcony, Hisaki asks why did Hina join the group date. Hina says that her friend asked her so earnestly and said that they need someone to complete the group. Hisaki says that’s the same for him, too, because of the relationship at work, it is hard to decline, it’s quite troublesome. Hina just smiles about it then she looks gloomy. She thinks, but I really shouldn’t be here. For just a moment, I had unexpectedly think of that. I really loath myself for thinking that way. [about leaving the café and doing something else] My head hurts..I want to quickly leave here and go back to the café. Hisaki tells her that he really doesn’t have any reason to go on a group date. Hina asks if he has a girlfriend. Hisaki is surprised and quickly says no, he doesn’t have a girlfriend. That isn’t what he meant. It’s because..I already have someone inside my heart whom I have decided on. Hina repeats, inside my heart..decided. She thinks that for her, it should be that person..that person alone. Hisaki holds her shoulders and says, Hina..I.. Then he looks surprised. [I really feel sorry for you, Hisaki.] At the restroom, Soushi is going in while thinking that Hisaki is like a stalker. Then, he overhears a couple of guys from the group date talking about Hina. A man exclaims, what, the Takatoh group..no way?! The other man says, I also thought she isn’t bad. She is said to be a salesclerk at a store and she was the wife of the deceased head [of Takatoh group]. They wonder out loud why would a recently widowed woman join a group date. The man says even so, she must have inherited a vast fortune. The other man says, that’s right, if one manages to get her, then one would become rich. The man laughs and says he is now more enthusiastic about this. The other man replies, also, she’s beautiful but she is already eaten by an uncle [old man].

Soushi angrily calls out to them and tells them not to talk such nonsense things to his relative. The man asks who he is, are you a older brother or a younger brother [of Hina]? Soushi gets embarrassed that he was thought to be a younger brother. He angrily says it isn’t like that, but..! Yoshizumi has just come in. He shouts at Soushi as to what is he doing. Yoshizumi nervously shakes pouting Soushi’s head and apologizes to the two guys. This guy has just drank too much, please forgive him. While they go out, Soushi is trying to tell Yoshizumi that those guys are saying those things about Hina. Yoshizumi tells him not to fuss about while inside the comfort room, are you a high schooler? But first, there is something that came up that is quite troublesome. The boss seems to have fainted and basically, it is because of drinking wine. They call out to Nozomu who looks at them, dejectedly. They ask what happened. Nozomu says that Hisaki is carrying unconscious Hina then tells something to people in the group date. Hisaki then takes the boss away. The two guys were surprised. Soushi exclaims, take away..take where? Nozomu says he doesn’t know because he wasn’t able to hear them clearly. Soushi shouts at Nozomu as to why didn’t he stop Hisaki. Nozomu looks surprised then gets angry. He asks, why would I stop him? If the boss create a commotion, I will definitely rush in but the situation isn’t like that. What are we to stop? Stop Hisaki who likes her. Her relationship with us is only as boss and workers, no more, no less. Soushi looks surprised as he wasn’t able to reply back for this is true. In the taxi, Hisaki tells the driver to drive to the café but then, changes it to some place else.

Hehe, when I first browsed this chapter, what caught my attention is the guys going there to watch over her. They really stand up true to their title ‘sweet knights’ ^_^ I think Kunikazu has really hand picked this guys to take care of his wife. I don’t think workers would just do that for their boss whom they just met. It seems that Hina is quite an introvert and tends to cling on the past or someone. She does want to go out and be independent but she feels that she is betraying Kunikazu memories if she does that. It has just been around 5 months since her husband died, assuming it is January, so it does seem to early for a group date. I guess Sakura wants to get Hina to go out already before she gets too attached to the café since Hina might not let it go when she wants to. And so, Sakura must be thinking that Hina still young and she can still start live all over again instead of being a widow for the rest of her life. It’s nice that Hina has a friend who cares for her. Ah, Hisaki, you’re second attempt in confessing to Hina has failed again. Lastly, Soushi seems to have some baggage, too. It turned out he also doesn’t want to fall in love again but obviously, he is falling really fast for Hina. Soushi is the type who can’t hide his feelings that he is really easy to read. Fortunately or not, Hina doesn’t realize it yet when the other guys already know. Hehe, it seems that he and Nozomu tend to quarrel and Yoshizumi acts like their older brother.. ^^

Chapter 6: Looking sad, Soushi repeats what Nozomu said that they only have a boss-worker relationship. Nozomu asks, is what I said, wrong? They were interrupted when Yoshizumi’s phone rings. It is Sakura who is making the phone call outside the balcony. Sakura apologizes for calling while they are working at the café but she wants to ask something about Hina. Yoshizumi thinks but we aren’t at the café. He replies that it’s okay so what is the matter. Sakura says it seems Hina has drunk too much wine and she coincidentally meets someone she knows in the group date who said that he is going to bring Hina home. So, I want you guys to see her when she gets there. Yoshizumi says, really, okay. Sakura says that person is a lawyer with the surname Toudou. Do you know him? Is he really Hina’s friend? Yoshizumi says yes, he is a friend and basically, he is Kunikazu’s adviser lawyer. Sakura says ah, is that it, then, I can believe him. Yoshizumi hangs up the phone as they ask him who it is. Yoshizumi says it is Sakura and she told him that Hisaki said he will bring Hina back to the café. The two guys look surprised. Yoshizumi tells them since that is how it is, we better go back there and wait, let’s go. In the taxi, Hisaki notices that Hina is awake. He asks if she still remembers that she fainted while in the group date. You don’t seem able to hold your alcohol. He is surprised and nervous when Hina suddenly hugs him and then, calls him Kunikazu.

While walking home, the guys try to think of an alibi as to why they didn’t open the café. Yoshizumi tells them to just say that he suddenly got sick. Nozomu then asks, ah, but will he [Hisaki] actually bring her home tonight? If he notices boss’ illness [of attacking a guy when she is drunk], one can’t say if that lawyer who also wants to do it might actually bring her to a hotel. Yoshizumi sighs and tells Nozomu to quit tormenting Soushi who is now looking gloomy. It will be troublesome later on. Nozomu sticks out his tongue and says ha, ha, sorry about that, I just can’t help it because it’s so much fun. But, I think, when she drinks and that illness appears, it is definitely, a manifestation of the boss’ loneliness. She would tend to particularly depend on someone. Want to hold tightly on that person. Because Kunikazu, the person whom she is depending on, has passed away... Yoshizumi says it will be quite troublesome if she doesn’t realize this herself. Nozomu says if Hisaki manages to make Hina realize this, then things will change. Yoshizumi exclaims, Nozomu! Nozomu!..Soushi will.. Nozomu looks at Soushi who has become gloomier. Soushi tells them it is okay, they are there to be ordered at will for boss. At the café, they are in their respective rooms. Yoshizumi seems to be computing something. Nozomu is typing something in his laptop computer, probably studying. Soushi plans to cook some instant ramen because he is hungry. Soushi then hears a loud banging sound. He looks out the door to see Hisaki and unconscious Hina on the floor. He asks what are they doing. Hisaki says he just wants to get the keys from her bag but.. Soushi offers to help him.

They put Hina on the bed. Soushi is hanging up Hina’s coat in the cabinet while Hisaki is stretching his aching arm which supported Hina. Hisaki tells Soushi that he met Hina in a group date and it seems that she is drunk that she doesn’t know what she is doing. Soushi says, ‘good work’ [thanks for you hard work] sorry about that, you have always been taking care of our boss that she always in debt to you. Hisaki realizes something as he thinks,..our? Soushi asks is it tiring? Hisaki asks if they already knew about it, that is why they won’t let her get near any wine at the Christmas party. Soushi admits they do. Hisaki says..honestly..tonight, I didn’t plan on bringing her back here. Soushi looks at him in surprise. Hisaki looks at him and says, because you are here. Soushi looks at him in surprise and thinks, me? Hisaki says I’m going home. I would have want to accompany her until morning but that way, it isn’t good. With a glint in his eye, Hisaki looks at Soushi and says but, I also doesn’t plan on leaving this to you. Could you please leave this room right away. Soushi just says, ah, ah in agreement. Hisaki says, goodbye and heads out, angrily stomping on his way out. Soushi feels sorry for Hisaki and wonders Hisaki has also experienced what happened to him. Soushi is about to cover Hina with a blanket when she grabs the corner of his shirt. Soushi thinks it is the same method as before. Hina wakes up and says, Kunikazu, don’t leave. Soushi tries to tell her that he isn’t Kunikazu but he doesn’t resist when Hina hugs him. Soushi thinks, I’m not Kunikazu. I’m not. But..

Hina pulls Soushi on bed and sits on top of him. She starts to lick his chin and bite his ear. Soushi let her do as she pleases. He remembers what Nozomu said that this is just a manifestation of Hina’s loneliness, she will tend to depend on one person and hold tightly on to that person. Hina has already unbuttoned Soushi’s shirt and starts to give him tongue service near his chest. Soushi wonders if this is mutual feelings or.. Then, he realizes that Hina is about to unbutton his pants. Soushi panics and quickly shouts for her to stop, she can’t. Soushi pushes her shoulder and says, continuing like this, you really can’t. Hina then looks at Soushi and asks,..eh..Sawatari-san? Why are you [here].. She looks down and sees Soushi shirtless, her outer coat almost falling down, exposing her bra and her hands on Soushi’s pants, about to unbutton it. She then screams out loud and apologizes. Sorry! Sorry! Ah..what am I doing! Soushi is surprised by this then even more surprised when Hina’s stomach starts to growl out loud. Hina covers her face as she is really red. She exclaims that I can’t stand it anymore..I can’t believe it..I’m really embarrassed to death. Soushi just looks up as he is slightly blushing. He stands up and wears his shirt back on. He goes out. Hina says he quietly went out..Soushi comes back with some bowls and a pot of ramen. He tells her that he has made some ramen. Since I’m also hungry, let’s eat together. Hina thanks him as she accepts a bowlful of ramen.

While they were eating, Hina says she remembers while at the group date, she met Hisaki then they chat a bit. After that, she no longer have any memories of what happened. What has happened with Hisaki.. It seems that I easily get drunk. About that..are..are you angry? Doing that to you. Soushi looks up and says, no, ah, maybe because it is the second time so it’s okay. Hina looks at him in surprise and says, it’s..the second..time..? While eating his ramen, Soushi notices that Hina has become quiet. He looks at her and almost chokes on his noodles since he is shock to see Hina crying. Hina tries to apologize to him and says she is disappointed with herself. She shouts I really don’t like myself anymore! Let this ramen kill me already! She tries to shove her face into the ramen pot that shocks Soushi so he quickly takes the pot away from her. Soushi shouts for her not to do that even if she is really angry at herself. Hina cries but! I’m the only one who is like that, I’m so laughable! I deeply believe that among the three of them, Sawatori-san is the only one who is the most honest with me! But doing that despicable thing to you which I don’t even know about! Soushi tells her that he doesn’t despise her. Hina says there is no need to explain, it is because she is the boss so he doesn’t have to force himself to say that.

Hina is still going to emote but that last comment made Soushi angry. He grabs her hand and shouts enough, listen to me! I know! You really can’t forget about Kunikazu! Even though you occasionally just put your feelings for your husband to someone else, it is forgiveable! He then says, now..please calm down and eat the ramen. He lets her hand go. Hina calmly asks if it is really just thinking that person as her husband, she just think Soushi was her husband. Soushi says that’s right, it is just a misplaced feeling and don’t easily talk about dying/death. Soushi blushes a bit and looks at Hina who is now smiling. She tells him that he is very interesting. Soushi thinks that Hina is ridiculing him. Hina says, but.. Looking at her, Soushi asks what is it? Hina says ..nothing, the ramen is really delicious. Soushi smiles at her and says, really, that’s good. Hina drinks the soup as she blushes and thinks, he smiled. After eating, Soushi is about to go back to his room. Hina tells Soushi not to tell what happened tonight to Yoshizumi and Nozomu. Soushi says he won’t. He greets her good night. Hina also greets him good night then closes the door. Her legs weaken as she falls down, sitting on the floor. She is blushing and her heart is beating loudly. She is shaking as she says, my heart is so beating fast as if it is going to jump out. Remembering Soushi’s smile, she covers her face and says, really! I actually did that to Sawatori-san.. In Soushi’s room, Soushi is standing behind the closed door. He is also blushing and says..why is it like this..what am I doing..

The next day, at the café, Yoshizumi offers some tea to Hina. He apologizes to her for closing the store without notice just because he has a fever. Hina asks if he is really okay, he can take the day off to rest today. Yoshizumi says he is totally fine now. He asks her about what happened at the group date, how was it? Hina laughs and says that was a bit.. She then remembers thinking if she can join the corporate world. She sadly tells Yoshizumi that a lot of things happened..that she is slightly friovolous. Yoshizumi looks at her in surprise and asks what happened. Hina says if she is like that, Kunikazu will be angry with her. Yoshizumi says no..that isn’t so. That isn’t called frivolous, that is called one’s true feelings being revealed. Boss’ life should depend on her own heart’s decisions. Hina asks herself it isn’t being frivolous but it is really my real feelings coming out? She remembers Soushi’s smile then she blushes. Just then, Nozomu comes in followed by Soushi. Nozomu says, I’m back-- we met on the way so we came here together. Hina turns to them and says, welcome ba-ck! Hina looks at Soushi then she blushes really red. Soushi blushes a bit and stammers as he says, ah..I..I’m back. Nozomu notices this and most probably Yoshizumi, too. Hina narrates, Kunikazu, I..really plan to keep this store my whole [life]..

So, what happened that night seems to be the start of Hina falling for Soushi, as in she consciously aware that she somehow is from the way she is acting. It makes me want to say, it’s because Hisaki left them alone. Couldn’t he wait for Soushi to leave to make sure nothing will happen? Hehe From what Hisaki said, I think Soushi didn’t realize that Hina is interested in him. Hisaki is sharper than the others that he realizes this before the other guys. I think Soushi let Hina do that to me is that it is partly feeling sorry for her since she misses Kunikazu and partly because he does like her. The former reason kicks in when Soushi stops her from continuing further than what she already done. I actually thought the author is going to continue on with this ‘drunk and attacking guys’ scenes in future chapters but I’m happy that she didn’t since it gets tiresome soon. So, Hina now knows that she actually does that and Soushi helps her to forgive herself by saying that she just misses her husband. That is partly thanks to Nozomu’s observation. Well, it seems his smile has captivated her that she keeps on thinking about it. Haha, and that one is partly thanks to Yoshizumi who points out that is her true feelings. What Nozomu said is true for if she realizes what she is doing, things will change but then, it wasn’t Hisaki who made her know that, but Soushi. I think it will be slightly hard for them to act normally later on. This is the latest chapter out. Scans by Hiromao for BW.

Word of the day:
Each day we learn from yesterday of God's great love and care; And every burden we must face, He'll surely help us bear. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Shuukatsu!! -Kimi ni naitei- [Chapter 5]
Friday, March 28, 2008 @ 06:37 p.m.

In the library, Yuri is busy thinking typing an email for Ryoji on her mobile phone. Manabi-san, I’m quite indebt to you that day when you took care of me. It was because I’m quite depressed while looking for work. I will adjust that kind of feeling. [Not sure on this line ^^;] Thanks. (^o^)/ Yuri begins to stress over this as she finds that reply too cold but if she types more smilies/icons, it would make Ryoji think that she is really an idiot. Then, she wonders what’s with the subject that she typed – Luc-♥ky Email. If it is like that, it would also seem that I’m really an idiot. She then becomes gloomy for being stupid that she is looking for work right now and yet her brain is not working properly. Some people are looking at her and wondering what’s wrong with her. Mitsu looks behind Yuri and says that is quite a boring email. She takes Yuri’s phone and asks what are you doing, let me see that. Looking at Yuri’s email, Mitsu says even if it is just an email, the way she is doing it makes people wonder and want to grab and see what she is doing. Mitsu is then surprised to see a picture of sleeping Ryoji on Yuri’s phone. Mitsu exclaims, what is this?! Yuri tries to hush Mitsu as everyone is looking at them. Mitsu whispers, what is this about? Why is your screensaver is a picture of Ryoji sleeping. Yuri tells her that it is a long story and things happened. Mitsu threatens her to spill out everything or else, she will scatter that picture to all of Ryoji’s fans. Put in a spot, Yuri tells her. Mitsu asks so you spend the night together, that’s quite sudden, Yuri. Yuri stands up and exclaims that it is just a coincidence, the Shinkansen has stopped so.. Mitsu jokingly asks could it be that they stayed in a love hotel. Yuri is speechless and becomes all red. Mitsu realizes it’s true as she points down to tell Yuri to sit down.

Mitsu realizes something and she whispers to Yuri, so is it good? Yuri exclaims that nothing has happened. Mitsu asks why. Yuri just says there is nothing good about it. She just blushes as she remembers telling Ryoji about the feelings should be mutual before they do it else, it would feel empty then Ryoji agrees. Yuri then notices Mitsu typing something on her phone that she asks what is she doing. Mitsu tells her to put three hearts in the subject like this - Luc-♥ky Email♥♥♥. Yuri angrily calls out Mitsu’s name. Mitsu sighs and tells Yuri so you don’t want him to know that you like him, but it would be regrettable if he doesn’t think of you as a girl. Yuri exclaims that she will be telling that to Ryoji when the time comes like after she finds a job for right now, she still doesn’t-- She isn’t finish talking when Mitsu says, sorry, I have sent it. Yuri is shock and exclaims, no way. Just then, she looks out the window and notices Ryoji walking while holding a racket. The guy with him leaves then Ryoji reads his mobile phone. Yuri realizes that it is her email. Yuri is happy when Ryoji smiles about it. This also surprises Mitsu. Yuri apologizes to Mitsu and says she is going. Before she leaves, she turns around and thanks Mitsu for her three hearts. Mitsu tells her that she will have to treat her next time. While running out, Yuri thinks that it can’t really be said that nothing happened. She can still vividly remember what happened when the water is dripping from Ryoji’s hair, his hand holding her arm tightly and smelling his scent. At times, I feel a bit of regret, maybe it would have been better if I didn’t resist.

Ryoji is playing with a shuttlecock on his racket. He hears some rustling and says, you’re too early. He is surprised that it is Yuri. Yuri waves at him and says, hi. He looks at her and says hi back at her. He then asks how is her job hunt doing, is it proceeding smoothly. Yuri is happy that they can still talk normally. She tells him that she is back to square one, it is embarrassing but she feels that she has to think of what she really wants to do. Ryoji asks do you really have the time to go back to square one. Yuri covers her ears and says, don’t say it anymore--I'm also worried. Ryoji smiles and jokingly asks why when she is generally stupid. This made Yuri heart beat and thought that she just missed a chance to be angry. Ryoji goes into the gym and Yuri follows him in. She asks if he is waiting for someone to play with him. Ryoji says he is just accompanying someone to play because the abdomen has too much meat [fats?] and it [abdomen] seems too big when one isn’t an old person yet. Yuri is surprised and asks if Ryoji is talking about himself. Ryoji seems a bit irked by this as he looks at her, speechless. Ryoji bends down to her and asks didn’t she see it? Yuri gets embarrassed and just says, huh. He asks if she carefully think [remember] about it, does he seem like he has an [big] abdomen. Are you thinking that I’m a person who doesn’t look after my body? Yuri angrily says she never said such a thing. I’m too nervous to actually carefully look but I--feel if you have an abdomen then it isn’t good. Ryoji has been looking at her lips that he remembers stealing a kiss from her during the train ride. Ryoji quickly looks away and walks farther away from her then sighs. Yuri is puzzled by this then quickly retracts by saying that she is lying and she did see his body to be quite ‘thin’/fit. Since Ryoji is still looking away from her, she wonders if he is angry. She then spots a spare racket and some shuttlecocks on the floor.

Yuri hits his back with a shuttlecock as Ryoji angrily looks at her. Yuri happily asks if he is free, how about they play a match. The one who wins can asks the loser any question and there should be no lying, deceiving and hiding anything. How about it? Ryoji looks at her then away. He says that he doesn’t have anything that he wants to ask her about. Yuri exclaims no way, not even my three body measurements? Ryoji says nothing. Yuri taunts him if the reason could be because he doesn’t want to lose to a girl that right from the start, he is already forfeiting the game in case his pride would get hurt. Ryoji doesn’t like this. Next scene is Yuri stunned when the shuttlecock zooms past her. Yuri thinks it is too fast. Ryoji tells her that he doesn’t like to lose in competitions. Yuri exclaims that she doesn’t like losing to someone either. They play some badminton. Then, Yuri exclaims that Ryoji is so childish that he is playing seriously against a girl. Ryoji asks if she wants him to go easy on her. This frustrates Yuri as she wonders why is he playing so seriously. Just then, Yuri trips then rolls and manages to get back up in a weird pose. This surprises Ryoji [though I somewhat think it’s cool ^^] He asks what’s with that weird move. Yuri angrily shouts what do you mean by that, I’m famous in lacrosse with moves like that. Ryoji smiles at her as she smiles back. They then continue on playing.

Later on, while resting near the stairs, Yuri asks him if he did go easy on her. It seems that the difference in their strength is really great. Ryoji says it is hard to say. Yuri smiles and asks him if he has any questions he wants to ask her, his time to do it might be up. Ryoji asks so, what is it that you want to ask me? Yuri looks at him in surprise. She thinks, I actually have a lot of things that I want to ask you. She asks him why is he looking for work. You have already passed the law exam then after graduation, you can just go to the law firm for further studies. You don’t need to dress up and go out [to find work]. It is hot, tiring and a waste of money. You’ll also meet a lot of unpleasant things. Yuri thinks that she is just complaining. She quickly tells Ryoji that it isn’t because she haven’t found work yet. It is just her opinion so don’t misunderstand things. Ryoji says about this, the reason could be that I’m testing other things that I can do. There is no much meaning to it, finding work. I feel that I’m not suitable to do office work because I hate people ordering me around. I really understood this a bit so I stopped looking for work. Definitely, one works in order to live but then, the goal of working shouldn’t be solely because of survival. I think that one’s occupation is like one’s clothes, wherein people can see what kind of person you are. Yuri thinks that it quite applicable to her. She still haven’t decided what kind of occupation she wants to do is because she haven’t clearly look at herself. Ryoji looks at her and says, but, I have not yet finished clarifying things for I really hate a person who just say, ‘look for oneself’. I think that if one is earnestly looking for something, one must look from within one’s heart.

That night, in her room, Yuri has been reading books. Her mother comes in to bring some newly washed clothes. When her mother opens the door, her pile of books fell down. Yuri tells her to just put it at the side. Her mother asks why are all the books outside, really, are you escaping reality? This hits Yuri since it’s true. Her mother tells her that she treats books [and also lacrosse] as her lover. I wonder if you would some day find a real lover to come and comfort you. Yuri is reading a book which narrates, I don’t know what is happiness. No matter how many pains one have, one must definitely continue on traveling the road. Going up is also okay. Going down is also okay. In every step, one definitely becomes nearer to happiness. Ah, ah, yes. When one is at the peak of happiness, there will also be many kind of sadness which accompanies it. Yuri thinks to herself that after hearing what Ryoji said, she remembered this page in her book. She would tend to pause on things and reflect. How could she have forgotten about this. She happily hugs her book as she says that she feels happiness when she finds a book which moves her heart. I feel like I understood a bit what Ryoji said. The next day, Yuri is happily running to school as she plans to apply for another job. She feels a bit frustrated that while she is all confused and everything, Ryoji isn’t like that. I’m jealous of him and yet I’m happy. I want to stand in a place to watch him closer so it made me want to run. Ryoji is my inspiration.

She plans to go on a shortcut that she climbs up a fence then overhears someone confessing. A girl says, I like you, do you know of my feelings? I want to go steady with you. Please, even if it is up to graduation. Yuri is surprised that the guy whom the girl is confessing to is Ryoji. She quickly jumps back down the fence as the bushes rustles a bit. Ryoji says, until graduation..is it mainly to satisfy your vanity or is it to have a precious memory? If it is to make me as a decoration, please find someone else. Yuri thinks that reply is quite cold hearted. This surprises the girl who quickly exclaims that isn’t what she is thinking, she also wants to go steady with him even after they graduate. Ryoji says that he would still go to Kanto for future studies. The girl says she will go with him. Ryoji slightly smiles and asks is she going to find work there or just going to ‘help out in housework’. This embarrasses the girl. Ryoji says my apologizes, at this important time, when that person still haven’t decided things for oneself, I can’t go steady with that kind of person. This surprises Yuri for she fits in that description as she thinks what he said was really mean. Ryoji adds, also, I don’t want to go steady with anyone and it is futile to confess. This surprises Yuri even more that he doesn’t want to go steady. Ryoji then hits her head with a book. He tells her it is a surprise that she is eavesdropping, it is quite a bad habit. Ryoji starts to walk away and mutters, troublesome person. [I guess he is talking about the girl earlier] Yuri looks at him then quickly runs after him. She holds his sleeve and exclaims, Manabe-san, I understand now! What you said about looking for things within one’s heart, I totally understand it. I will look for a job..so..please pray that things will go smoothly. Aren’t we friends? When Yuri said that last line, Ryoji looks a bit sad-surprise. Yuri thinks that there are many things that she wants to ask but she can’t ask nor can she say it out loud. Ryoji just says, Gambatte [do your best]. Yuri just smiles and quickly leaves. But, Ryoji has a hundred-man’s strength so I need to work hard.

Ah..it seems that the two indeed like each other but they both still think that this isn’t the time for a relationship. For Yuri, she plans to confess when she got a job but then, upon hearing what Ryoji said to that girl, she plans to concentrate on looking for job and probably prove her worth to him. As for Ryoji, I do wonder if he is sincere when he said that or he is just irked by that girl’s confession. True or not, he is obviously sadden when Yuri calls him a friend. That pretty much says that’s all he will be to her. I guess it can’t be helped that they are misreading each other’s feelings and they have other priorities. Haha, but then, does love wait? I feel that Yuri has been quite emotional [always crying] in most if all the chapters. Is she really like that or because job hunting is just too frustrating? For her to be quite famous in playing lacrosse, I’m guessing she is quite good in that so to be always losing in job hunts, one can’t help to be frustrated and emotional. Well, she does cry over reading a book so maybe she is emotional like easily cries. ^^; This is the latest chapter upload so the next one will hopefully be out around a month. Hopefully means someone will continue to upload it as the other series. ^^; I think they are trying to narrow the gap between the latest release so 2-3 chapters are coming out per month. After that, one chapter per month like the other series. Scans by Hiromao.

Quote of the day:
They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you make them feel. ~ Carol Buchner

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 60]
Friday, March 28, 2008 @ 12:16 p.m.

[Yey, English scans for this is out, too. Saves me the time to translate it. ^-^ ]

Tamaki dreamt of the past when he asks his mother if his grandmother hates him because she doesn’t visit him. His mother denies that but rather, she is the one whom his grandmother doesn’t want to see because she fell in love with his father. She tries to convince Tamaki that there is no one who will hate him. Because of that, Tamaki thinks that when one falls in love, it will make someone sad and it will cause a fight within the family. When Tamaki wakes up, he promptly forgot about his dream. His dog quickly jumps on him to play with him. Tamaki exclaims to her that they have all the time to play during winter break. He tells Antoinette that Haruhi and the twins are going to a ski trip and he hopes that they won’t let anything bad happen to Haruhi. Remembering Hikaru telling him not to go to the ski trip, Tamaki berates himself for not noticing this before. Hugging Antoinette, he just says, Haruhi and Hikaru’s names. Meanwhile, Haruhi and others has already arrived at the snow ski resort but she already feels that she wants to go home because of the pampering service that is given to them. ‘Butlers’ greeting them, giving them hot drinks if they are cold, helping them put on their skis and escorting them. They want to teach Haruhi how to ski but she turns them down saying that her friends will be teaching her how. She asks Souga if the twins have arrived. Souga tells her that they should be in the hotel right now. He asks if she has any requests regarding the room assignments. Haruhi says she doesn’t have any. He tries to make her spend time riding on a flashy Christmas themed snow mobile but Haruhi doesn’t want to. [Too flashy for her ^^] Haruhi tries to go and find the twins but she trips and falls down. Everyone starts to become overly concern over her that Haruhi wishes that the twins hurry and get there already.

Kaoru tells Hikaru to hurry up since Haruhi is ready waiting up there. Hikaru is moping ala Tamaki as he berates himself for saying those things to Tamaki and yet he is suppose to have fun now with Haruhi. Kaoru asks wasn’t Hikaru suppose to have already overcome those kind of feelings after that 100 yen endurance test. Hikaru isn’t listening as he is still emoting about ruining the relationship in the host club because he hurt Tamaki. Kaoru begins to wonder that lately he has been thinking if they are really brothers/twins. Kaoru tells him to just call Tamaki and just apologize to get it over with. It turns out that Hikaru is ‘stuck’ as he doesn’t want to apologize but he doesn’t know what to say to Tamaki and yet, he doesn’t want to go to Haruhi. [He can’t have fun when he is feeling guilty] Kaoru sighs and apologizes to Hikaru saying that it can’t be helped. To Hikaru’s shock, Kaoru pulls him and did a german suplex on Hikaru. Kaoru reprimands Hikaru to quit making it into a big deal and quit moping around for what’s done is done. He reminds Hikaru that he tends to just say what he wants no matter if it is rude so he doesn’t have to be a coward just because of this thing. He should pull himself together. Hikaru says Kaoru is being mean. Kaoru asks if he had snapped out of it. Hikaru says he did. Kaoru tells Hikaru that he admires Hikaru for actually just being bothered about hurting Tamaki because Hikaru saying those things, he just made Tamaki realize his own feelings for Haruhi. Kaoru asks if it is because Hikaru likes Tamaki, too so he can’t just take Haruhi for himself. Hikaru goes in a state of panic that Tamaki would have realize his feelings for Haruhi because of that. Kaoru is appalled that Hikaru didn’t realize it. He grabs Hikaru by the collar and pulls him as he tries to find Haruhi while Hikaru is still crying over how stupid he was. The twins were shock to find Haruhi lying down on the snow. Haruhi wakes up and greets them that she is tired of waiting for them. They exclaim what she is doing. Haruhi says she is just resting because she went there so early in the morning that she is already tired. She says it isn’t good to be too proactive all of a sudden. Hikaru asks if she is just being lazy. Haruhi calls it taking it easy and suggests they try sleeping on the snow because it’s nice. This had cheered up Hikaru as the twins asks what does Haruhi want to learn, skiing or snowboarding. Haruhi says skiing since snowboarding might be too hard for her. They help put the skis on Haruhi who ends up becoming a snowball when she fell downhill.

At Tamaki’s house, the others have come to visit Tamaki. Honey asks if they really can’t go visit Haruhi and others when Tamaki said he can eat cake and go to an onsen [hot springs] there. Tamaki just nervously laughs and apologizes to him. He says that he has many books given by his father to read and he has to play with Antoinette. Honey asks then why is he reading that book upside down. Tamaki is shock by this that he dismiss it as a new way of reading books. Kyouya asks if something happened between him and Haruhi. Tamaki looks nervous as he denies it. Mori asks then how about Hikaru. This shocks Tamaki into dropping the book and turning into dust. Kyouya says oh, so it’s Hikaru. Tamaki quickly tries to deny that something happened between him and Hikaru. Kyouya asks if Hikaru said something about Haruhi. Tamaki is now lying on the floor crying as Antoinette whimpers with him. Honey says it seems that Kyouya was right. Tamaki asks if they knew that Hikaru likes Haruhi. Kyouya says it is obvious. Honey asks what does Tamaki feel about it. Tamaki feels awful that he didn’t realize it. Honey asks what about Haruhi. Tamaki is shock and holds his chest. He turns left and right on the floor shouting that his heart hurts. Kyouya asks if Tamaki has realized it [that he also likes Haruhi] To their dismay, Tamaki just dismissed it to what a father would feel when one’s daughter is going to become a bride. Honey tries to convince him that it isn’t what he thinks it is. Tamaki asks if it is an illness which he should get a doctor check on. Honey tries to explain something to him but Tamaki is shutting him out and insist on reading more books. As the three leave Tamaki’s residence, Honey tells Kyouya that it seems he has misunderstood. Kyouya says it seem he has also misunderstood. Honey wonders if Tamaki --

At the ski lodge, the twins are shock that Haruhi is going to share a room with Souga. Souga says it is because the twins are going to be together and Haruhi is fine with any room. Haruhi says it is okay. Hikaru pulls her to the side and tells her what if her gender is known. Haruhi assures him that it won’t be found out. The twins tells her that Souga might know when they are going to an onsen together. Haruhi tells them that if Souga goes to the onsen outside, she’ll just go to the one inside. The twins tell her that things won’t happen that smoothly. Haruhi realizes this and imagines what if Souga forgets his towel and manages to see her. Also, trying to hide from the patrolling teachers, she might enter the wrong bed. The twins are surprised that Haruhi is saying things that she won’t normally say. They wonder if it is from some shoujo manga. [I also think that it seems to be scenes from some shoujo manga ^^;] Haruhi says it would be too suspicious if at this time, she asks for a single room for herself. Haruhi then suggests that she share a room with Kaoru who is more calmer and have Hikaru share a room with Souga. Souga is fine with that but the twins are freaking out over this suggestion. Inside the room, Haruhi asks Hikaru if he will go to the onsen outside. Hikaru is a bit nervous and says to wait for Kaoru to come and fetch them. Lying on bed, Haruhi asks him why is Kaoru so insistent on sharing a room with Souga. A scene of Kaoru putting his arm on Souga shouting that he wants to be with Souga. Hikaru exclaims that he doesn’t know and apologizes for being stuck with him. Hikaru has a stick and waving it as he tries to tell Haruhi of the division of their room that she can’t go beyond that. Haruhi tells him that she knows already so please stop saying things like Tamaki would --acting like a kid.

Hikaru becomes gloomy again as he remembers about his problem with Tamaki. Haruhi is tired and her body is aching all over so she promptly fell asleep. Hikaru asks if she is going to sleep without going to the onsen. Haruhi seems asleep. Hikaru is sitting near her while looking at her. She hits him on the head when she suddenly sits up and says that she forgot to call her father. Haruhi asks what is the matter, wasn’t he suppose to not cross the line. Hikaru just climbs to his own bed and denies that something is wrong. He wonders if Tamaki has realized it [he likes Haruhi] and if he did, Tamaki and Haruhi would be –- [together]. Haruhi tells Hikaru if there is something worrying him, he can just tell her but she might not able to help much. Hikaru quickly stands up and heads for the door. He tells Haruhi that he is going to the onsen and just tell Kaoru he already went if Kaoru comes. He tells her to lock the doors and he will come back after an hour and a half. Haruhi wonders what is that about. Hikaru decided to call Tamaki to apologize for he can’t be like that with Haruhi. Hikaru then overhears Kaoru saying about trauma and up to now, Takami won’t realize his feelings for Haruhi. Kyouya says it is more likely it is Tamaki’s own selfish conclusion. Honey says that there are many reasons for it. Hikaru are surprised that the others are there talking with Kaoru and wonder when did they come. Kyouya’s theory is that because of Tamaki’s childhood situation, he has become too attached to a family which is the host club. For him, this family is to be protected no matter what and he won’t be able to forgive things that would destroy it. So, in order to keep things at peace, he will even deny his own feelings for Haruhi.

So from the look of things, until Tamaki get over the thought of ‘falling in love can destroy the family’, there won’t be much happening between Tamaki x Haruhi. I partially wonder if that will happen when his grandmother finally accepts his mother as family. Also, this is winter, soon it will be spring..wouldn’t Mori and Honey be graduating or the author would again stall it? The way Hikaru is acting in this chapter, he does act like Tamaki. Is Tamaki’s habits rubbing on him? ^^;; With this knowledge, will Hikaru have a chance? He can work on making Haruhi fall for him since Tamaki would unconsciously deny his feelings for Haruhi. But then, he might also stop pursuing Haruhi as he would also want to ‘keep the peace’ in the family. It’s quite a predicament..to be selfish nor not. Hmm..why would Kyouya and others have to specifically go there just to tell Kaoru that? Why not just call or something? Maybe Honey still wants to go to the onsen. =P

Quote of the day:
Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible -- the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family. ~ Virginia Satir

The One [Chapter 45]
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 @ 10:52 p.m.

Lele angrily says that hearing Damian calling his father’s name, it seems like it is a dishonor. Damian panics as he cowers down. He shouts, no mistake about it, that sharp, sour, harsh, contempt mouth and that face, it is the same as that woman. Lele happily smiles and thanks him since for her, that is a compliment. Damian exclaims how come she is in his house. I remember you now! I had seen your picture before. You wanted to represent my brand? Haha, too bad that you are eliminated just in the first round! Your qualification is really bad! Just like your mother, you don’t have that level of professionalism so I eliminated you. Lele tells him to think about it. In this world [of fashion], everyone knows what is her mother’s relationship with him and the problem doesn’t have anything to do with her mother’s level of professionalism. Just like the reason you have eliminated me. It is all because of your stupid pride!! How pitiful..after losing to an oriental woman, you have become so afraid! Being like that, do you have any right to talk about ‘professionalism’ to another person? I can think of how you look/judge people, the ‘standard’ would generally not be quite different from you. Being professional doesn’t matter, just to accompany that person to eat and sleep with, that is your ‘recruitment standard’!! Damian is furious as he shouts, You.. There is a man standing behind the wall, unnoticed. Lele sticks out her tongue and exclaims, you want to say ‘go’ to me right? Relax! I hate you so I will quickly go and leave this place!! She then pulls her eye and still sticks out her tongue [making a face]. She shouts I hope that after this, we won’t ever meet again!!! Bye~bye~.

Lele is about to leave when she hits her face on somebody [the man who is eavesdropping]. The man says, so in your eyes, I’m that kind of ‘standard’, huh? But what you said is right, ‘accompanying to sleep with’ I really do that kind of thing but I didn’t do it with Damian. Lele is shock and freaks out that it is Angus. Lele is panicking as Angus pulls Lele to him. Angus tells Damian so what, old man..? Our ‘brand’ and ‘professionalism’ seems to be questioned! This young lady seems to know more than us. Turning Lele around to Damian, Angus declares I want to make her my partner this time! To let her teach me how is it to ‘become a new person’ and definitely study about ‘work ethics/behavior’!! Lele is shock and exclaims what did you say?! Damian is speechless as he is busy having this nervous shock and sweatdropping look. And that is how Lele got the job. ^^ In the newspaper, Lele’s shock look is in picture just as Angus is hugging her and Damian also has this dismayed look. Lol, it’s priceless. In the office, Nick is laughing his head off. He was busy at that time that he wasn’t able to attend the party. Nick exclaims Lele darling, you are really something! I’m really good at looking [judging] at people. He says it is such a waste that he wasn’t there at the party to see it with his own eyes. Lele is still in shock over what happened that she can’t quite know how did things turn out that way.

Lele tells Nick that she is just pissed off at Damian regarding her parents that is why she answer back at him. She really doesn’t want to be a representative of Zac. How would she know that Angus was there and actually did that? Judy happily says it is because she ‘stir up’ the two and who would know that she would have that kind of ‘luck’. There are few people who would actually dare to do that. Lele laments that this isn’t ‘luck’ for she will definitely be killed by those two. Nick looks at Lele and tells her that honestly, this isn’t an easy job, narrow-minded Damien will think of a way to make it difficult for her. If you aren’t able to suit his taste at the photo shoot, he will easily just change you with another model. And, about Angus, that guy has already treated you as a ‘big threat’. Lele is shock and confused by this. Nick exclaims that no matter what, you just protect this job! This is the opportunity for you to be in the country’s stage [be famous]!

While having a facial mask with Leo, Lele says she has already prepared herself for Damian but she didn’t understand what Nick meant about her being a big threat to Angus. As Leo remove his facial mask, he tells her that is why I said you just don’t understand Angus. Lele also removed her facial mask and asks why is that so. While filing his nails, Leo asks her do you think that Angus will just easily let you go? Putting lotion on her face, Lele asks what? Leo says you used to be his fan and then you are no longer infatuated with him. Angus is a ‘prince who doesn’t want to lose’..in other words, what she did is like a ‘great insult/shame’ to him. Lele is shock by this and asks but An Bai doesn’t fall for his charms either. Leo says that isn’t the same, stupid! Didn’t you notice it? An Bai also likes Angus! Even as she is always beside Angus, she keeps herself single so even Angus notice this. An Bai doesn’t want to go to that stage of having a relationship with Angus. The reason is because she is protecting her own heart! Both she and Yang knew clearly that no one can really reach Angus’[heart]... but Yang would rather risk the danger of being heartbroken, choosing ‘previously possessed’ [be Angus’ ex-]! So Nick is afraid that you might also fall for the enemy/Angus. Lele is a bit speechless about this. Leo says it is really luck that Angus isn’t his type since from the very start, he gave his heart to his silver prince. Leo looks out into the telescope and curses. He shouts where has Eros gone to. Having a vacation then he disappeared. Lele narrates that it is about a week already since Yin [Eros] didn’t come home. Everyday, she and Leo eagerly anticipate in looking out the window to see him. But he is like a swallow who flew the nest, he just disappear and no one knows where he went. Leo is crying over not seeing Eros. Lele is thinking with these brothers, no matter if one love that one or the other, one won’t be happy..but then, why am I letting myself worried?

In a ranch, Eros is riding a ‘wild’ horse as a couple are watching him. The woman says he [Eros] is a really beautiful child! He is really suitable in this place.. Too bad that he is going back to New York today. The man says Eros roots are from New York and he grew up there! If I get to see him occasionally, I’m already satisfied. Breathing hard, Eros rides the horse back to them and greets the couple, Taylor and Berry [In Chinese, it is Be Li and that is my nearest guess]. Eros gives Berry a kiss and says that she looks beautiful today. Berry tells him to hurry and eat breakfast. She has cooked his favorite wild herbs thick soup. Taylor playfully pretends to be angry and says, hmph, little brat, don’t be so warm to my wife! If you are there, my Berry’s heart will be totally taken by you! Go back to your New York! Eros and Berry laugh over this. Eros asks what, are you jealous, old man? Holding his horse, Eros says relax, I won’t dare take Berry away for he is more worried about Lydia [horse] since she threw me down twice. Taylor laughs and says not seeing him for half a year and she is still wild. She [horse] only recognizes you for she won’t let others ride on her. If you leave, she will be afraid and once in a while, lose her temper. Eros tells Taylor to relax and if he has time, he will come back to see her [horse] since compared to New York, he likes it there.

In Central Park, Lele is aghast at herself and wonders why she unconsciously went there. Is it to find that silver eyed monster? She remembers him kissing her and telling her that she has seduced him because of her loud heartbeats. Lele curses and calls herself stupid for letting her heart beat fast whenever she thinks of it. Seduce him? Is it some kind of joke? How could I who doesn’t have any experience in love seduce a guy? I think the answer to my question is right there. Because I don’t have experience, so when a guy is so close to me, I become uneasy. But, speaking of that, I have taken a photo shoot with a guy and has touched limbs a lot of times yet she never even have half of this current feeling she has. While she is thinking those things, she passes by Stanley [the painter]. Stanley sees her and quickly calls out to her. He apologizes for what happened before and he doesn’t wish to trouble her and her friend. He asks her to please forget about the things he had said. I have definitely got the wrong person..I’m very sorry, goodbye. Just as Stanley is about to go, Lele is about to wave her hand. She thinks, even if in my heart, I have swear to myself not to inquire about things regarding him but-- Lele calls out to Stanley, wait a moment!

Hehe, I actually didn’t except a new chapter to come out but maybe because the last chapter took so long to be uploaded that a new one is already released. This series is sometimes released twice per month or once per month. Two persons actually ‘competed’ in BW to put this up so it is up fast this time. ^^; Anyway, to the story, Lele’s luck is really something. She has a tendency to get ‘discovered’ in parties. Hehe, Nick can laugh about that and he can thank his lucky stars that it wasn’t at that party where Lele pulled that stunt on him. =P Lele would have to work really hard to pull this job off with two of her ‘enemies’ out to get her. I think this is really good since the author isn’t going to the stage wherein Lele would have to deal with other jealous models if there will be one, I think it would be Feidna. From all that talk about Angus who doesn’t treat anyone as the only one for him, I begin to wonder if he will ever fall for Lele – she will be ‘the one’. I also do wonder what Eros would think/do when he learns that Angus is going after Lele. Well, for now, it is because of Angus’ pride or the ‘shame’ that Lele isn’t his fan anymore. While at the ranch, Eros demeanor is really good since he isn’t his cold self that he is actually laughing and smiling. I think the only time that he is like that is when he is with Lele. I can actually imagine as to why Eros isn’t bitter after all that has happened to him in the past. Taylor must have ‘saved’ him and that country-style environment has also helped. I can even imagine him and Lele retiring there in the future. Hehe Also, I think this explains why Eros is quite muscular even if he doesn’t go to gyms, etc. I wonder if he keeps that a secret so that no one would see him actually being warm and friendly. He does seem to hide that. He goes to cities, he pretends to be cold and sometimes a bum but there, he is the opposite. He does seem to be consciously doing that. Anyway, we might learn more of his past in the next chapter. Scans by Yukiru for BW.

Quote of the day:
Luck never gives; it only lends ~ Swedish Proverb

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 4]
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 @ 03:22 p.m.

Komai takes out a night gown for Sumi to wear. He tries to help her dress up but Sumi shoves him away and exclaims that she will dress herself. Komai shouts behind the closed door that tomorrow they will start their training to make her a lady after they moved to the new house. Sumi undresses herself as she is irritated when she remembers Soichiroh calling her poor and that gives him the chills. She thinks she did it all for money and it seems she married someone scary. She sits down on the bed and is surprised that it is soft. She exclaims why is it so soft. In the end, she just sleeps on the floor. She pulls out the handkerchief and remembers her prince telling her not to cry for a smiling face will enable her to find happiness. She wipes her eyes and tells herself not to cry. She then notices an embroidery at the end of the handkerchief with the initials I,N. She is surprised when Soichiroh in pajamas enters the room. He finds her on the floor and asks what is she doing there. She tells him that it is too soft and she isn’t used to it. Soichiroh says then she should get used to it. He carries her from the floor and puts her on the bed. He pulls her nightgown and then says that she had it on wrong – the back is at the front. He tells her to change then stay at one side of the bed. Sumi asks if they are going to sleep together. Soichiroh is already on the bed and he says of course, they are since couples sleep together. He threatens her that if he wasn’t able to sleep because of her, he will throw her into the sea. Sumi gets scared about this also about his threat of also throwing her to the sea if she wasn’t able to become a lady.

The next day, Komai is pepping himself up for his task for training Sumi to become a lady. Then, he smells something delicious in the kitchen. He looks in and is surprised to see Sumi cooking. She greets him a good morning and that she will finish soon. Komai is surprised that she cook a lot and praises her for being able to cook delicious food with only just vegetables. The maids arrive and exclaim what is she doing. Sumi happily says they also have their share. The maids takes the pan from her and tells her that she shouldn’t be doing this. Komai notices that Sumi is still in her nightgown and only donned an apron on top of it. The maid tells Sumi if she does that, they will be scolded. Sumi is confused and asks why, when she is doing what a wife should do and use only reasonable priced ingredients. Soichiroh comes in and tells her not to be troublesome. He tells the servants to throw away all the food that Sumi cooked. Sumi is shock by this. He tells her that making food is the servants’ duty. Komai and a maid throw away what Sumi cooked. Sumi can’t believe that they are really going to throw the food away. Another maid tries to lead Sumi away and tells her to dress up then go to the dining room. Komai sees another plateful of Sumi’s cooking. He decides to taste it and it was delicious.

At the dining table, Sumi still can’t believe they just threw the food away when they could have been given to the children [her siblings] to eat. Soichiroh is reading a newspaper when he hears some noises from Sumi’s stomach. He asks what is it but Sumi says it is nothing. Sumi thinks that she actually haven’t eaten for four days. Komai brings out the food and Sumi is shock that kinds of food that is served which she has never seen before. It includes bread, omelette and salad. Sumi exclaims where are the chopsticks. Komai tells her to use the knife and fork. She is about to eat when she sees something. She asks if that is meat. Komai says it is. She suddenly looks sad that Soichiroh asks isn’t she going to eat. She remembers when she was a kid, she asked her brother what is he eating. He told her that it is meat. Sumi said she wants to try it. He told her that she can’t because if kids eat it, their buttocks will grow a lot of hair. End flashback. Soichiroh calls her stupid and tells her that it isn’t true. Sumi is shock that her brother has tricked her. Komai urges her to eat while it is still warm. Sumi pulls up her sleeve and exclaims, itadakimasu [let’s eat]. To their shock, Sumi takes the plate to her mouth and uses the spoon to shove everything to her mouth. She says it is delicious, what kind of food is it. Komai tries to tell her not to take the plate into her mouth and just use the knife and fork like Soichiroh does. Soichiroh seems to have lost his appetite that he starts to leave the table. Komai exclaims if he isn’t eating, he will go prepare his clothes. Sumi looks at the table and thinks, there are a lot of leftovers and he doesn’t want to eat anymore, it is such a waste. She feels sad that there are many food there and yet the children..are they eating well?

In their small house, Eisuke is treating the children to some sukiyaki [beef pot meal]. The other children are eating except for Fuku [I’m sure I got his name wrong ^^;] who says he doesn’t want to eat. Eisuke brings out a bundle of money and urges him to eat because it is from the money that Sumi earned for them. Fuku says he feels that if he eat it, then Sumi won’t be coming back. The other child asks if Sumi isn’t coming back. Eisuke says that isn’t true. The child asks so where is she. Eisuke says he doesn’t know either. Just then, the bald guy enters and calls out to Eisuke to return the money. He is didn’t see anyone there but sees the empty sukiyaki pot. He exclaims that Eisuke didn’t return the money yet they are eating expensive things. He shouts if he ever finds them, he will kill them. Eisuke and the children are just hiding outside of the house. A child asks isn’t Eisuke going to return the money. Eisuke tells him that they talk about it later. Fuku starts to cry as he says he misses Sumi. Eisuke tells him that he will find Sumi so don’t cry. Meanwhile, Sumi and others are now moving into the new house. Komai tells Sumi that after they moved, would she like to stroll around the courtyard. Sumi says she doesn’t want to. Komai tells her about the roses in the garden and they have already bloomed beautifully. Sumi says she hates those flowers. She asks what happened to the grandfather there. Komai tells her that he already left for Hayama in the morning. Looking at the house, Sumi remembers what the grandfather said about a finding a wife before the deadline and as they have agreed, he will give his assets to Soichiroh. She thinks that Soichiroh married her, whom he doesn’t like, just because of the assets. In the end, they are the same that they are there together because of money.

In a room, Komai is teaching Sumi how to suck up to people like pretending to like a brooch of a matron and asks where it is bought, then, telling a gentleman that he is nice, etc. Komai tells her to copy him. Sumi says she doesn’t quite understand what it is all about but it looks fun. Komai thinks that [kind of attitude] won’t do. Komai decides to start by reading a book. While he is looking at a bookcase, Sumi is also looking at some books. She then notices something. She quickly takes a book and points it to Komai. She thinks that it is the same kind of characters embroidered on the handkerchief. Komai tells her that it is English so they can’t use that yet. She shows him the handkerchief and asks what is written on it. Komai says it is an initials of one’s name and surname. Komai writes S,A to show Sumi that her initials will be like that – S for Sumi and A for Asida. Sumi is delighted about this because she now has an information of her prince’s name. Komai then asks what is that handkerchief about. Sumi blushes and says it is nothing. Soichiroh enters the room and tells them that they will have a guest that night. It is Nicolas who will come to celebrate with them for moving in. Komai exclaims if it is the Nicolas, the Frenchman then he should quickly prepare the best red wine.

Komai goes out to tell the others that they should go and prepare. Sumi wants to help but Soichiroh stops her saying that she doesn’t need to. He closes the door and pulls her on the wall then kisses her. Sumi doesn’t want to do that but Soichiroh says it is for practice. He tells her if she is acting uneasy like that, they won’t seem to be a couple in love. The Frenchman who is coming is a kind of person who likes to scrutinize things like that. He wants them to appear to be mutual in love with each other. He kisses her again as Sumi holds her dress tight thinking that he had said before to discard love. Even if he wants her to put on an appearance of being in love, she doesn’t even quite understand what is love. Soichiroh tells her to open her mouth and to her shock, he is giving her a French kiss. Sumi is uneasy about it and says that it is disgusting. She thinks that during the wedding ceremony, it is only a touch on the lips. After the kiss, Sumi is breathing hard and to her surprise, Soichiroh’s expression soften as he says, Sumi, I’m depending on you. She thinks that before he has just been calling her, ‘you’ but now, he actually called her by her name. Sumi says, yes.

Later on, Nicolas comes in and greets Soichiroh, good evening, bon jour. Soichiroh greets him back. Sumi is surprised that he is a foreigner. Nicolas gives Soichiroh a gift [probably a wine] and congratulates him. Soichiroh thanks him for coming. Sumi is surprised that Soichiroh can talk with the foreigner. Soichiroh introduces Sumi as his wife. Nicolas introduces himself and holds her hand. Sumi is surprised that his hand is so big. When Nicolas is about to kiss her hand, Sumi screams in fright as she quickly pulls her hand away. Soichiroh apologizes as he holds Sumi’s hand. He says that Sumi isn’t accustomed to Western customs. Sumi is embarrassed as she says she thought that after grabbing her hand, he will eat it. Nicolas apologizes about it. Soichiroh angrily shouts at her that it is a Western custom, stupid. Soichiroh then invites Nicolas inside. Sumi is a bit tearful as she thinks that he should have told her about it earlier. Then the door bell rings again. She opens the door and is surprised that it is her prince. Nozomu is holding a bouquet of flowers and greets her a good evening. He asks isn’t she Soichiroh’s wife. He congratulates her and gives her the bouquet of flowers. Sumi wonders if she is in a dream. Sumi tries to say something when Soichiroh re-appears and calls out to Nozomu. Nozomu happily greets him and wishes him luck for just moving. Sumi wonders if they are friends. Holding on to Sumi, Soichiroh tells Nozomu that she is his wife. Nozomu holds out his hand and says that it is the first time they met, he is Nozomu Ijuin, Soichiroh’s childhood friend. Sumi is blushing as her heart is beating loudly. Soichiroh tells her to shake Nozomu’s hands. They shake hands as Nozomu says nice to meet you. Sumi is really happy to be able to hold his hand. She is surprised when Nozomu bends down and kisses her hand.

Hehe..she finally found her prince though I don’t think that knowing he is her husband’s friend is good news. ^^; It seems they are going to have dinner. I wonder what Sumi will do there. I think in meals wherein a poor joining the rich, there is usually that escargots dish. =P Soichiroh seems to be quite an impatient guy. He always screams his head off at Sumi who just can’t help herself since she doesn’t know things. Just a few days ago, she is just trying her best to survive and thinking of where to get her next meal. The last thing she will be worrying about would be how to eat, act, etc in society. Also, it is quite understandable as to why she thinks that throwing away unspoiled food is such a waste. As for her brother, argh, he is really something. I think Komai has gave him the money and he still haven’t paid that bald guy. It is either that or he just borrowed money again. He doesn’t even think of Sumi nor wonder how could she have obtained that money. I surely hope he doesn’t gamble it all away again. Scans by Rayya for BW

Quote of the day:
The waste of plenty is the resource of scarcity. ~ Thomas Love Peacock

Weekly Jump Update:
Bleach, Naruto, D. Grayman, Reborn, Gintama and PSYREN
Monday, March 24, 2008 @ 09:37 p.m.

The captains in Huenco Mundo tell Ichigo and others that they transfer Karakura town and it’s inhabitants to Soul Society so that it won’t be damaged when the captains there and Aizen’s group fight in. Bleach [c. 315]. The current town is just a fake. Aizen is unfazed by this. Aizen calls out to the top three espada, Stark, Barragan and Halibel who appear with Aizen’s group. The three espada are with their respective assistant/assistants. Aizen says he’ll just fight them then go to Soul Society to finish the key. He tells Ulquiorra the he will leave things to him at the palace. Ulquiorra manages to free himself from where Grimmjow has sealed him and says he will. Ulquiorra has reappeared in front of Inoue. Ichigo tells Kenpachi that his job isn’t to protect the town but rather his comrades. He quickly rushes off to where he felt Ulquiorra’s presence as Ulquiorra also senses him and tells him to come. Ah..is Ulquiorra powerful enough to handle all of them or will it just be a one on one fight with Ichigo? The other espada left there is only Yammy. I guess saving Inoue is still ongoing rather than back at square one. ^^; It seems Aizen didn’t come unprepared as the top three espada will fight with him against the captains.

Zetsu is shock that Itachi has died in Naruto [c. 394] and he thinks that Itachi isn’t really his self since he can’t dodge attacks and is vomiting blood. He says its too bad when he is so close to getting Sasuke’s eyes. Realizing that Sasuke won, Zetsu left. The blood from where Itachi has touched him has fallen into Sasuke’s left eye. Sasuke smiles as it is already raining then also collapses beside his brother. They are still surrounded by Itachi’s black fire which seems to be spreading. Back to Naruto and others, they are still fighting Tobi/Madara. They can’t hit Tobi. They try to form theories as to why is that happening. They decide to make Shino attack Tobi. If Sasuke-Itachi fight is some boxing match, it would leave the audience dissatisfied. ^^; So, after the knockout, the other guy also follows. Well, technically, the one who falls first is the loser. Zetsu mentioning that Itachi isn’t acting how he should be made me wonder if this is the real Itachi or is he really just so happen to be ‘dying’/’injured’. It seems it is to justify as to why Sasuke manages to defeat him and well, Sasuke isn’t really that powerful yet as compared to the Itachi that Zetsu knows. I’m not too sure if blood falling into Sasuke’s eye has some significance but I don’t think there will be some body switching happening like say Tobi/Madara or Nagato/Pain. Anyway, it’s time for Hina and her group to show the new things that they have learned since they grown up. Hope this fight in this side will be interesting though I fear it will be more win in one chapter, lose in the next, win again, lose again, etc. ^^;;

As they fight the flying fish riders, Luffy tries to get one of the flying fish in One Piece [c. 493] but ends up drowning when the fishes dived into the water. Franky and Nami has to rescue him with Brook and Chopper who also dove in when they tried to save Luffy. ^^; Marco group tries to get Camie but Zoro has already freed Hachi who beat up the Marco group. Zoro tells him to take Camie and starfish to safety since the ff riders are still attacking especially since Duval offer to pay for their medical fees if they charge in recklessly at the Strawhats. Usopp uses the cannon to hit one of them. Sanji and Luffy manages to defeat one of them. Brook uses his music sleeping attack to bring down some of the enemies. Luffy is intent on riding one of those flying fish that he tries to ride on it again but the pilot is sleeping so they end up crashing into a hut. Duval is there without his mask on. Luffy is shock to see him as Duval puts his mask on. They seem to know each other. I guess Duval is indeed after Luffy. He isn’t with the attacking group that I wonder again if he is Crocodile but from the weapon, it seems to be someone from Skypiea. ^^; Brook’s attack seems to be based on music. I think it is more like status attacks in RPGs.

Komui and Malcolm are shock that Rinali drank her innocence in D. Gray-man [c. 153]. Komui quickly goes to her as Rinali is shaking and her feet suddenly bleeds as to cross-like wounds appears on each foot. Komui and Malcolm think that the innocence is rejecting Rinali. Just then Allen got thrown near Malcolm. Allen quickly shouts for him to quickly leave as L4 is still attacking. Allen tries to block the attack. He is having a hard time but Rabi and Kanda help him. A huge explosion as Komui calls out to the guys. Malcolm calls out to Hevlaska to examine Rinali. Hevlaska becomes nervous as she can’t feel the innocence within Rinali’s body. They were surprised to see the blood from Rinali’s feet starts to form a shape. A figured-shape with wings bends to Rinali as Rinali asks if it has decided to accept her resolve. The figure goes to her feet and thus formed Rinali’s new boots. Yeah, time to kick L4 ^-^ I guess innocence are more effective when their host really wants to fight and not because they are forced to. I do wonder if Kanda and Rabi will be using this technique to fuse their innocence or Rinali is just an exception. It’s nice to see the three guys are teaming up for a while there. Hehe And ya, hopefully, as I wrote before, I hope Rinali will be the ones helping them in contrast for the last arcs wherein they are mostly just protecting her.

Baishana tells Hayato and others to give him their flesh and blood in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 186]. They then see a part of a bear claw then a huge serpent appears. Baishana tells them that his serpent eats box type creatures in order for it to become strong. They ask why did he attack his comrade. Baishana says that Nigella isn’t his comrade for he believes in strong rules over the weak as the white spell would rule the black spell. Ryohei is irritated by this attitude of attacking a comrade so he decides to fight Baishana. He releases his box creature, a kangaroo which manages to hit the snake but then, it suddenly seemed consumed by fire. It turns out that Baishana’s element is storm which can dissipate anything that touches the snake’s scales. Hayato and Takeshi want to be the ones to fight because the sun is no match for the storm. Ryohei tells them that he doesn’t care about those things for he only follow the mission in accordance to being a Vongola guardian. The kangaroo turns out to be just support for as the Sun among the guardians, Ryohei plans to fight all of the adversities with his own body. Ryohei poses for the fight. That was pretty nice, the way he said that. Even if it does seem naïve or making things hard for him since he has to fight a storm element, he still sticks to his mission as what a ‘sun’ element does in accordance to Vongola. Hm..I kind of think that the way he fights is the same as Tsuna since they rely on their fists though Tsuna seems more of throwing ‘fires/blast’ at the enemy. ^^; I hope they get to destroy something there so that we can at least see what Irie is hiding. Haha, I hope Ryohei won’t get switched with his past self midway the fight.

Gin and others were surprised that the girl wants to meet after they wrote that letter in Gintama [c. 205]. At the park, the sister tries to get her younger sister for the date but she ends up running away. Okita poses as Shinpachi and greets the younger sister. It turns out to be a plan of Gin. Gin is communicating with Okita using some headphones as to what to do. While they were talking about this, the older sister overheard them and realize who the real Shinpachi is. Shinpachi apologizes and the older sister said it is okay. She wants to them to play an act wherein they rescue her as they pretend to capture her. They try to tell Okita about this but Okita has subdued the younger sister that she is on a leash like a dog. Shinpachi tries to save the younger sister but she kicks him away. Gin is shock that she becomes attached with Okita as he was to her in some way. The older sister blames everything to herself that she runs off only to be almost hit or was hit by Hijitaka and Kondou on a police car. As usual, just when things seems to be interesting, it becomes messed up again. The author seems to be not in the mood lately and some of the art seems to be still in drafts. Beating the deadline or wasted too much time thinking where the series is going that he has to cram? I’m not too sure where he plans to lead this arc..Shinpachi finding a girl who will suit him or just helping the older sister get over her lack of self-confidence? I do find that girl being on a leash a bit degrading.

Upon arriving there, they get a phone call which Yoshina answers and everything happened as before when they see a vision and someone telling them of their mission in PSYREN [c. 15]. Since the others are in a panic, Amamiya explains to them everything about Psyren about going to the other phone booth. One guy laughs in disbelief when Amamiya said they were in the future. Yoshina tries to beat up the guy but Asaga stops him. Oboro says he will believe if he sees it on his own eyes. They see the map using the phone booth. Yoshina and Amamiya are shock that the whole area is in danger zone. Oboro wants to go alone even as Yoshina tries to stop him since it is too dangerous. Soon, everyone except the three and Kabuto, joins Oboro as he goes out. Yoshina is frustrated by this. Kabuto seems to want to join their group because of Amamiya whom he thought is cute. Amamiya tells Yoshina not to be bothered by it because those people never listen. While they are walking on the sand which covers some buildings/structures, something beneath them senses them. Then, the ground trembles as they see a huge serpent/worm-like creature coming out of the sand. Hehe, this part is like Gantz, they just don’t listen when they are told not to go. They didn’t even think that even if they are kids, obviously they know something that they don’t but they still head out there no knowing of the danger that awaits them. I still think that Oboro will survive this but for the others, survive is slim.

Quote of the day:
Don't be a time manager, be a priority manager. Cut your major goals into bite-sized pieces. Each small priority or requirement on the way to ultimate goal become a mini goal in itself. ~ Denis Waitley.

Vampire Knight [ Chapter 38]
Monday, March 24, 2008 @ 03:13 p.m.

[I’m using the English scanlation in Onemanga for this summary since the Chinese isn’t out yet.]

Past: Ten years ago, Haruka [Yuu, Yuuki’s father, I’ll be using the name they use in English scans] has finished killing off some vampires and told Juri who is at the balcony about how happy they were living together and the result of their relationship are two children. He told her to do what they planned to give Yuuki a different future. Juri agreed to do it though she comments that Kaname will not be happy about that. After she left, it turned out that the other vampires are waiting for them to finish talking. They claimed to be working for Rido and not the council. Haruka told them to quit lying about that. Rido who resurrected himself told Haruka that he just have a good relationship with the council unlike him. He asked why he was made to be confined within the council. Haruka told him that he and Juri just doesn’t want to see Rido because Rido stole/kidnapped their first child. Rido told him that earlier, Haruka should have just killed him by destroying his head or his heart instead of attacking his abdomen. Rido mentioned that if one has received thicker blood from a pureblood, one can heal/resurrect easily. Haruka said since he said it, he will attack his head/heart so that Rido won’t resurrect again. Rido told the others to get Yuuki. Haruka melted the other vampires to become some kind of beast and ordered it to kill its own master. Rido seemed to have created some sort of shield.

Young Kaname came out to see the two fighting or rather the fighting is over. Haruka’s beast has bitten into Rido’s head but Haruka was already slashed by a sword. Kaname realized that sword is from the vampire hunters so he quickly ran to his father. Kaname told his father to retreat for he will deal with Rido. Haruka doesn’t want to. He hugged Kaname and told him that as a father he cannot let his child protect him. Kaname is surprised and tries to protest. Haruka said that he understands everything. Kaname is shock to see Haruka’s face is cracking. He realized that the sword has hit a vital part. Before he shattered into pieces, it seems that Haruka knew that Kaname isn’t really his own son. Kaname took the sword and told Rido that with it, he can stop Rido from resurrecting. He would have wanted to kill Rido slowly but then, he has to make Rido vanish at once for Yuuki’s sake. Kaname pointed the sword at Rido but he can’t kill him. Rido taunted Kaname about this that he will still come back to drink the thickest Kuran blood even if Kaname got his original power back. Kaname withdrew the sword and just make Rido into small pieces. Kaname said he made a mistake in making someone like Rido to be born so for now, shut up while he think of a way to finish him off. Present: Takuma is trying to stop Kaname from being reckless in reviving Rido. Kaname seemed finish and before he leaving, he tells Takuma about how to kill a pureblood. Before Kaname can go out of the room, Ichiru asks Kaname that he wanted to kill Rido since the start so why is he saying that he can’t kill Rido. Kaname tells him that he is the first ancestor of the Kuran and Rido was the ‘master’ who had awakened him.

Some place else, Ichiou is talking with someone. He said that Kaname will be replaced by Rido after he get Kuran blood and this will make the council more powerful. He is a bit worried about the vampire hunters in the school though. That someone answered back that what is there to be worried about except for the vampires who are as powerful as Rido. Ichiou said that even if he [Kaname?] has lived longer, he is still a kid [now] and he will never get the answers he is looking for. Ichiou wondered why did he [Kaname?] raised one of the Kiriyuu twins. The other person said could it be because he was just bored. They don’t need to worry about the other twin, Ichiru and about Zero whom she planned to use had become a vampire and had drunk Yuuki’s blood. Also, Zero proves to be quite hard to control so she had him imprisoned. That person turned out to be the head of the vampire hunter association. In some prison cell, Touga tells Zero to at least resist a bit. He also tells Zero, who isn’t in a mood to talk, to stay there for a while until the situation gets better. He placed Zero’s gun in the cell. After he left, Zero can’t quite think clearly as Yuuki and Kaname’s blood within him are flowing within him.

Okay..so it seems Rido did ‘a switch’ of his brother’s son with their first ancestor. I’m still wondering if it means that when Kaname ‘slept’ before, he is in the body of a kid and then Rido made the switch or he was reborn again in the original Kaname [son] body. If it is the former, it would make sense because of his boast of having the thickest Kuran blood. I can see now why Juri is furious that Rido is now after Yuuki their other child. Hmm..but for what purpose? He wants to rule the world and have all those who have Kuran blood dead or under his control? Also, why would he revive Kaname..is it just to make him ‘owe’ him and resurrect him with blood if he is heavily injured? It seems that Kaname has this sense of gratitude to Rido for awakening him and well, maybe he just can’t kill his descendant. Haha, from being Yuuki’s brother to being her ancestor..would that relationship work? ^^; Anyway, from how things are set up, the villains are now known. I’m imagining it like a chess game which Kaname is fond of. In one side, both the council and the association + Rido’s group. The other side would be Yuuki, Kaname, Zero and others in the school. ^-^

Quote of the day:
Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. ~ Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha

Teaser: Vampire Knight [Chapter 38]
Friday, March 21, 2008 @ 10:02 p.m.

I have only seen three scans. I read from the partial summary that Kaname is the vampire world's first ancestor. What?! No wonder he boasts that his blood is the purest. So, Yuuki and Kaname aren't really siblings. It was Rido who has awakened Kaname for some purpose. It seems that the council of Ancients and Association head are conniving with each other. In the three scans, one is Juri and Yuu talking. The second one is Kaname leaving the room and must have said that he is the first ancestor. The third one is Zero in prison talking with Touga then Touga leaves.

Edit: Found it. First part is about what happened 10 years ago during the fight when Yuri died and Kaname made Rido into small pieces. Kaname leaves the room where Rido and others were. Ichiou meeting with vampire association head and lastly, Zero in prison...thinking of Yuuki..to I think calmly think things over. Oh ya, I begin to dislike the anime art. From the anime pictures in this chapter, it doesn't seem to do justice to the pretty art in the manga but then, it is to be expected when the manga art is too pretty. ^^;

Yoru Cafe - My Sweets Knights - [Chapter 4]
Friday, March 21, 2008 @ 09:08 p.m.

Hina and others are in Kunikazu’s grave. Hina bends down and prays. Kunikazu, it has been a month since I came to the café. I have gotten used to my life there. I’m currently working together with the café’s staff. Today is your month death anniversary. I together with the three guys are now here to ‘sweep the grave’/’pay respects’. Yoshizumi says even if it the month death anniversary, it feels quite lonely. [There are no other people there] When Kunikazu is still alive, he is quite an influential person. Hina says she thinks the relatives won’t be coming either. It isn’t because they have a bad relationship but it seems there is no one trustworthy. Soushi says it seems that even if one is rich, it isn’t really a good thing. Hina then says, that’s right, didn’t Soushi get a lot of awards when he was still an athlete. Soushi says he did. Hina asks what’s going on and if she can be presumptuous, he doesn’t look that wealthy. Soushi just nervously laughs about it. Just then, Hisaki [Toudou, the lawyer, I’ll be using his given name] calls out to Hina and says that the others are there, too. He says he thinks that Hina will be there but he didn’t expect the others will be there, too. Hina says he also came. She thanks him for coming. Hisaki says it has been a long time. Yoshizumi asks Nozomu if Hisaki came to ‘pay respects’, too. Nozomu says could be.

Hina says she doesn’t’ feel that it was a long time because they have met each other a few days ago. The time when I’m going on my way to buy something, then in the café that is near the station, and also at the station..if I carefully think about it, we always meet. Hisaki says that’s right, it is quite intriguing. The three guys look nervous and gloomy as they think, boss, he is a stalker! Hisaki says that Christmas is coming soon. Hina says that’s right. He asks if she has any plans. She says she doesn’t have any plans though she is going to have Christmas party that night. Hisaki asks party? Hina says that’s right, together with the café staff. Nozomu is surprised that Soushi is grumbling that they shouldn’t be talking things like that in front of Kunikazu’s grave. Hina then asks if Hisaki would like to join them. Hisaki asks if it is okay since he is an outsider and he might be intruding. Hina says it is okay because the more the merrier. Nozomu looks at Yoshizumi who just shakes his head and put up his hands. Hisaki smiles and says then, he will politely go. Hina says she will wait for him on Christmas night. Hisaki looks at the guys direction and sighs. He thinks but these other guys will be there, too. The guys are looking at him. Hina narrates, Kunikazu, this is my first Christmas since you left. Thanks to you, it seems that I won’t be alone, this year, what kind of Christmas will it be?

On Christmas night, 6:30pm, Hisaki arrives with a bouquet of flowers into the café. He says, thanks for your..invi.tation. He is surprised to see that there are many customers inside the café. He wonders why are they still open when Hina said that the party will be on Christmas night. Yoshizumi welcomes him. Hisaki asks what is the meaning of this. Yoshizumi realizes something so he quickly pulls Hisaki to the side. Later, Hisaki exclaims they will open until midnight?! Yoshizumi says that’s right, they are quite busy on Christmas night and it seems the boss didn’t tell him the exact time of the party which will be around early morning and if he is willing to wait until then. Hisaki is shock by this and he angrily exclaims that he is leaving for work is still waiting for him. Just as he is about to leave, Yoshizumi says the boss is in the kitchen. Hisaki freezes. =P In the kitchen, Hina is busy baking as she greets Hisaki a good evening. Hisaki gloomily says about that [party].. Yuri apologizes that they are so busy like this and compared to her anticipation, the cakes are selling really well that she wasn’t able to prepare enough..it is so troublesome. Nozomu comes in and asks for around how long will she be able to make them. Hina looks helpless as she looks at Hisaki who also feels sad for her. Hisaki ends up helping her as he wears an apron and gloomily starts beating the egg whites. Hina thanks him and shouts that he is a big help. Hisaki asks could it be that she has thought about this from the start. Taking Hisaki’s coat, things and flower to the side, Yoshizumi says how could it be when she is really naïve.

Hina calls out to Hisaki to tell him how to beat the egg whites like the one she did. Hisaki blushes since Hina is standing too close to him. Hisaki says, uh-oh just as Hina is wondering what is the matter. She tells him that she will be doing something else. Hisaki looks at her and remembers the past [or is he imagining it but I think it is the former since Hina’s clothes seem different] when Hina said she will bake a cake for the first time for Hisaki. After she baked a strawberry cake, she stuck out her tongue and said she failed. Hisaki laughed and tapped her forehead as he said that he can’t do anything about her. End flashback. Hisaki bends down and starts nose bleeding as Hina wonders what’s wrong with him. Afterwards, Hisaki has finished beating the egg whites. He looks to Hina and asks what should he do next. He is shock to see Hina is reading a book. Hisaki asks what is she doing..reading a book leisurely. Hina says that this is a cookbook on how to make cakes. There are still many things that I haven’t studied yet. Hisaki exclaims, during this quite hectic time, you.. He asks for the cookbook and reads it. He closes the book and says he remembers it, it is okay, there is still a way. Hina asks, reading it once, you.. Hisaki says yes. He pulls up his sleeve and says he will do this quickly. He notices that Hina is looking at him. Hina happily exclaims, that’s great! Lawyers are really intelligent or is it because you are Hisaki? Hisaki quickly turns around as he is blushing really red and his heart is beating fast. He says no..not really. He thinks it is a good thing he came to help. Hina wonders what’s wrong with him.

From a radio, Hisaki tells Hina what to do. Yoshizumi and Nozomu are listening to them on a radio as they say Hisaki is really good. Soushi angrily shouts for them to start working since they are very undermanned. Nozomu tells Soushi that he is quite noisy for right now, is already the good part. Soushi angrily shouts that workers don’t do that kind of thing and where did they buy that radio transmitter [bugging device to listen in to Hina and Hisaki]. Nozomu says this is just something to entertain oneself when one is bored. With a teasing look, Nozomu asks Soushi why don’t you be sincere and come listen here when you are really curious? Soushi is blushing as he shouts don’t talk nonsense. Nozomu tells him next time, don’t use returning a plate as an excuse to barge into my room. Yoshizumi asks what are they talking about. Nozomu says ah, it is like this.. Soushi blushes even more and shouts don’t say it, stupid! A customer asks if she can order. Soushi happily calls out and says he’s coming. Soushi goes to the customers and apologizes for the commotion they are making. The woman happily asks if the three of them are quarrelling. Nozomu says but, I know, Soushi is curious of the boss’ reason, when generally, it seems he just look at [concern about] himself.

At the kitchen, Hisaki has finished some cakes. A note says he did almost all of it. Hisaki asks if she has gotten used to living there. Hina laughs and says she did. Hisaki asks if she is getting along with the others. Hina says yes..she feels..she is getting along with them. Hisaki notices some hesitance that he asks if there is any problem with them, are they treating her coldly. Hina quickly denies it and says they are quite friendly to her but it is definitely because she is the boss and also she is Kunikazu’s widow. There are times when she has this unavoidable feeling of loneliness and feels that they aren’t really in friendly terms. A scene of Hina looking at the three guys as they are arguing with each other. Hina sadly says that she doesn’t quite understand them and she doesn’t know what to do to better understand them. I shouldn’t be like this, this is store that person has given me. Hisaki says, if you think it is hard here..feeling lonely, anytime..no, quickly is also okay, come to my side. Poor Hisaki as Hina just quickly looks into the oven and says it is already baked and the color is really nice. She exclaims, no wonder it is Hisaki! Hisaki looks sad as he sighs. Hina says, oh right, about that, it is only Soushi who isn’t the same as the other two. It is only that person who doesn’t seem to treat me as boss and it seems that there is no barrier between them. Why.. Hisaki looks surprised about this. Outside, Nozomu says they are also perplexed as to how to treat her. If it isn’t Kunikazu’s request. Yoshizumi says ah, don’t say it like that. Soushi stands behind them and tells them enough of that [listening in]. The two look nervous since they are caught. Nozomu says, you’re wrong, Soushi, it is a really a great part. Soushi panics and exclaims, could it be..the lawyer confessed?! The two leave and say who knows, let’s go back to work.

The café is closed. Hina happily says, they sold out, good work guys. The three guys are already dead tired as they slumped on the table. Hina sweatdrops and says she didn’t know that it will be very busy on Christmas, she would have...[not have a party afterwards]. Hisaki tells Hina, good work and also, Merry Christmas. Hina takes the flowers and says they’re beautiful, thanks. It has been a long time since I received flowers. The guys look at her. Hisaki says he also brought this [wine] for the party. Nozomu goes behind Hisaki and says, ah, it’s Moët & Chandon champagne, my favorite. Yoshizumi is also behind Hisaki as he takes the box of champagne. He thanks Hisaki for his thoughts, then they will take it. He gives it to Soushi for him to open it. Hisaki asks what is that about, he is giving it to Hina. Soushi comes out with glasses and says it is already poured, let’s start. Soushi gives a glass to grumpy Hisaki who thanks him. Yoshizumi leads the toast for a good work that night and a Merry Christmas to everyone. Hisaki drinks as he thinks he would rather be alone with Hina. He then looks surprised because the drink is sweet. He asks them what happened to the Moët & Chandon champagne that he brought. Soushi asks aren’t they drinking it. Hisaki insists that this isn’t. Nozomu exclaims, it is champagne. Hisaki wonders what is up with that. Hina brings out a bit messily made Yule log cake. She says it is her Christmas gift. Nozomu asks what happened to the shape. She says it is a Yule log cake that she plans to sell but she can’t do it well and this one is the best that she made. Soushi says so the gift is an experiment cake. Hisaki happily says it’s not bad for if it is something that Hina made, he thinks that it is delicious. Hina says it is only the shape that is bad but she thinks that it will taste as it normally should. Yoshizumi thinks that Hisaki deliberately changed the topic.

Hisaki then asks what about them, did they prepare anything for their boss. Nozomu smiles and says of course, they did. Yoshizumi brings out a box and says they don’t know if Hina will like it or not. Hina says it’s big, can she open it. They say she can. Hina is surprised to see baking utensils. Hina looks through the things and happily says it’s a flour sifter, cake molds, and even an apron [? – round skirt]. Hisaki looks dismayed as he asks them if this is a gift. Yoshizumi says it is. I know what you want to say but no matter what he thinks, this is what they can think of in this situation. This is the sincere feelings we have now. When the boss start to make cakes, there are more customers who return to patronize the café and we are very thankful grateful to boss. Hisaki says but, this..will make Hina to further.. [I think feel lonely as she stays with them] Hina looks at him and says no, Hisaki. Hina hugs the apron and says thank you guys, I’m very happy. I will treasure and use them. For now on, I will still strive hard. The guys smiles as they look at her. It seems Hisaki is fine with it since Hina is happy. Hina tells them that she is going to slice the cake and they will drink the champagne that Hisaki brought. Hisaki sweatdrop as he says but this isn’t champagne. Hina narrates, Kunikazu, I’m very happy in this year’s Christmas. Even if you are not here, but I feel you made me meet these people who would be able to guide me.

The café is closed. Hisaki takes a smoke outside. He thinks that there is no more bus at this time and he would have to find a taxi. He looks up the building. He remembers Yoshizumi and Nozomu happily talking with Hina. Then another scene of Soushi reprimanding something to Nozomu who is ‘teasing’ him. Hina looks awkward. Hisaki says very hard, you..being the only girl, it will be hard for you to become a truly significant partner [with them].. He blushes when he sees Hina coming out to the balcony. He tries to call out to her and he notices that she just finished taking a bath. To Hisaki’s surprise, Hina calls out to the other balcony. A bit irritated, Soushi comes out as he seems to be saying what is the matter. Hina tells something while pointing to his hanged clothes. Soushi starts to take the clothes in as Hina is smiling. Hisaki remembers Hina telling him that it is only Soushi who isn’t the same and she feels she doesn’t have any barrier between him. Hisaki is still looking up as Hina and Soushi already went inside. He says, Kunikazu, why..didn’t you entrust her to me..

I somewhat feel sorry for Hisaki especially when Hina didn’t hear his offer/confession. He is just like the guy who is pretty much perfect, nice, etc but unfortunately, he isn’t the ‘guy’ for the lead girl. About his last comment, I was thinking ah, maybe Kunikazu doesn’t want to entrust his wife to his lawyer. =P [I’m not too sure if in Japan, lawyers are notorious] Or, maybe he wants Hina to be more independent and fulfilled in her life so he entrust her to the guys. Hehe, Nozomu just loves to tease Soushi. I really feel as if they are acting like brothers wherein the youngest gets the upper hand. I think Nozomu knows how Soushi feels for Hina because he said that Soushi tend to think about himself only. It goes to show that Soushi has changed because of her. I tend to think that the guys are thinking of Hisaki as an enemy to protect Hina. Hehe Or maybe like brothers who are protecting their sister from the potential suitor =P Scans by Hiromao for BW. Happy Easter! ^-^

Word of the day:
When we look beyond the manger to the cross of Calvary, we will know the reason Christmas brings such joy to you and me. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Teaser: Skip Beat! [Chapter 120]
Friday, March 21, 2008 @ 09:02 p.m.

Lory looks at the clock as it strikes 12. Kanae looks at a number 55 as she gloomily thinks about something. She then looks at Kyouko who is with Ren. Kyouko asks how did he know about her birthday. I think Ren says that he learned it from Lory. Kyouko accepts the rose as she remembers her past of happily receiving a gift when she was a kid. Kyouko is really happy about getting the rose. They were interrupted when Kanae comes between them asking if it her birthday. She looks really scary because Kyouko didn’t seem to have told her. After looking at the rose, Kanae quickly leaves and goes to the baggage counter. The number is for Kyouko’s gift which she left at the baggage counter. She remembers the time when she had a hard time buying it. She then gives a bag to Kyouko. When Kyouko opens it, she was really happy because it is fairy tale inspired cosmetics. Kanae is really happy that she defeated Ren’s gift. Then, there’s a lot of talk between Yashiro and Ren. A past scene of young Ren and Kyouko. The resto-inn couple also give Kyouko a gift. ‘Daddy long legs’ [the old man that Lory hired] come and had the chefs bring out a huge castle cake. The old man turns out to be a conductor as he conducts a choir singing a happy birthday. Kyouko is overjoyed as everyone sings her a happy birthday. I'm sure that day will be one of her happiest birthdays..or even her most happiest birthday yet ^-^

Shuukatsu!! -Kimi ni naitei- [Chapter 4]
Thursday, March 20, 2008 @ 10:24 p.m.

Yuri thinks that even as the typhoon is raging on, her heart also seems to be in a storm. Even without saying much, Yuri knows that she followed Ryoji by impulse. She still goes in with him even if she knew that Ryoji is going to stay in this kind of hotel. They are outside of room 607. Ryoji glances at her and asks if she really is going in. He tells her not to regret it for she can still go back to the Shinkansen and sleep there or some other commercial hotel though in this weather, there might be no vacancy. Yuri looks at him then looks down. Blushing, she says, it is okay. Ryoji opens the door and says they can go in now. Seeing that Yuri’s clasped hands are shaking, Ryoji smiles and says but if one is just going to sleep, any place will do. One can’t complain much if it is cheap and spacious. He then enters the room. Yuri is blushing really red then sits down on the floor as her knees weakened. She thinks she might not be able to insist until the morning. Inside the room, Yuri sighs a relief and thinks I..I didn’t thought that it is a normal looking room. Ryoji says, it is good that the it isn’t a revolving bed and the bathroom is here. Yuri says yes, then she looks at Ryoji. She is surprised and blushing. Ryoji [evilly] smiles at her as he removes his necktie. Ryoji says and there are no mirrors mounted on the wall, right? Yuri can only say yes as she nervously think, could it be that he had realized that it is her first time there.

He gives her the remote control for the television. He tells her to check for the weather report about the typhoon. She gets the remote control and grumpily thinks why is he telling her to do it. Yuri opens the television. The program on is some porn flick – a sex scene as the actress screams ahs and screams it’s great. Yuri quickly closes the television. She starts to become really nervous. Ryoji is smiling as he asks Yuri, so what’s the weather report? Yuri angrily shouts, you do it, deliberately teasing her. Ryoji says, ah, what, I can open it? Yuri is surprised and shouts, no, you can’t, don’t open it! Ryoji asks so which is it, opening it or not? Yuri is hiding the remote control behind her back. Ryoji puts his necktie on her neck and says that he is going to take a shower first. Before he goes in the bathroom, he tells her not to peek. Yuri blushes and throws his necktie at the bathroom door. She angrily shouts even if you want me to look, I won’t look! She thinks that he just makes her furious. While pressing hard his necktie with her foot, she thinks, sorry about that, even if I’m already 21, I haven’t gone into a hotel. So what if you are a bit more experienced than me..! She suddenly freezes then smiles a bit. She takes the necktie from the floor and thinks that Ryoji is really used to everything. Used to this place. Used to having her there. She pats off the dust from the necktie and takes a hanger to hang Ryoji’s coat and necktie. She wonders if Ryoji has went there with his first year girlfriend. Surely he did and he would have said a lot of sweet nothings to her [his ex-girlfriend] but for her [Yuri], he just teases her. Doing that [being sweet] is only when they overcome the boundary of being friends and she isn’t even his girlfriend.

She hugs his coat and becomes a bit teary eyed. She thinks it is irritating that she feels hurt. She tells herself to cheer up. She then hangs his coat in the closet. She sits on a sofa and says, it is good thing that there is a sofa, she’ll just sleep there. Ryoji comes out of the bathroom with just a towel covering him. He asks her if there is anything to wear. Yuri is shock by this as she blushes and quickly looks away. She says she doesn’t know. She keep on looking down as Ryoji goes in and tries to search around the closet and drawers. She keeps on blushing and her heart is beating fast. She stands up and says that she is also going to take a shower. Before she goes in, Ryoji calls out to her and tells her that he has found it. He gives her a bathrobe and says it is hers, else, she might be uneasy [when she goes out]. Yuri looks at him and blushes. She takes it and says, thank you. This surprises Ryoji. While taking a shower, Yuri thinks, teasing her and saying kind things to her, it is ‘the same as before’. She doesn’t want to think that she is chasing after him but being treated ‘the same way as before’ is quite cruel. Ryoji holds his coat then notices something about it. He seems to be blushing a bit.

When Yuri comes out, the room is quite dark. She finds Ryoji sleeping on the sofa. She bends down near him and stares at him. She thinks he looks quite relax and regretful [?]. If I’m his fan and seeing him like this, I would definitely drool. She really wants to take his picture using her mobile phone but he will definitely scold her for it. She smiles and looks at him as she thinks that right now, she feels she is a lucky person. Yuri laughs and says that [she] is quite greedy. Ryoji is awake as he asks, greedy about what, your line of sight is annoying, I can’t sleep. This surprises Yuri. She tells him that she will sleep on the sofa and he can go sleep on the bed. Ryoji turns around and tries to wave her away. He tells her how could a male adult let a girl sleep on the sofa and then, he himself just go and sleep at the bed. Don’t talk about it anymore. You just go to the bed and sleep. It’s already late. Yuri perks up that Ryoji called her a girl so if it isn’t because of that, there will be no problem. Yuri happily says that they decide on it using jakenpon [scissors-rock-paper game]. A bit irritated, Ryoji looks at her then turns around again. Ryoji tells her it is really annoying. Yuri insists that it is okay to do that so that everyone will have no complaints. Ryoji says she is the only one who thinks that way. I said I’m fine so you should listen to me. Yuri blushes as she thinks, I know. She says, but I’m the one who stubbornly went with you, her body size doesn’t match [the bed] so if she sleeps there alone, she will feel bad about it. Yuri then realizes that there is only one blanket and it will be quite troublesome if he gets a cold.

Ryoji sits up and says, I understand, you dislike being the only one person who is squandering [it is like Yuri feels uneasy if she gets the good things without working/paying for it while the other is suffering] then, the two of us just sleep on the bed. Ryoji looks at her and this surprises Yuri. He holds her wrist and pushes her on the bed. He is on top of her as he says, I have said, it is you who came with me so I won’t be responsible. Yuri asks if he is teasing her again. She realizes that she can’t move her hand which Ryoji is holding down. Ryoji says, this time, I won’t let you go. You really don’t have any defense and even saying not wanting to sleep alone in bed, that is like seducing me. Yuri shouts that she isn’t seducing him. Ryoji says she is lying when she knows what kind of place this is. Yuri suddenly becomes scared. She tries to free herself from his grip but she couldn’t. She cries no..let me go. She thinks, No, no way! Ryoji then holds down her other hand which surprises Yuri. Ryoji looks at her and sees her blushing and on the verge of crying. This somewhat surprises him that he loosens his grip. Realizing this, Yuri quickly slaps him hard. Ryoji holds his left cheek and says it hurts. Yuri shouts stupid, if you are really smart, you shouldn’t be mistaken about this situation. Before doing this thing, shouldn’t you kiss first?! And before that, shouldn’t you hug first?! Ryoji asks so if they did that, would it be okay for her. She blushes and shouts, shut up. She adds, and also before that, you should say I like you first before they can do it, isn’t that right?!

Ryoji looks at her in surprise. Yuri thinks that she is like a kid and he will definitely laugh at her. While holding her robe, Yuri says if there is no mutual feelings between each other, it will just feel meaningless/emptiness. Ryoji’s expression soften. A pause then Ryoji smiles and says,..yes, I agree. Yuri is surprised then shouts that he is lying, you better explain the meaning of that. Ryoji laughs and says that Yuri is so much fun to tease. Yuri shakes in anger as she shouts, tease?! Ryoji lies down on bed with his face away from Yuri. He tells her to sleep already and he guesses that he will wake up late tomorrow. Yuri asks if he is sleeping on the bed. Ryoji says, yes. Grabbing a pillow, Yuri thinks she would then go there [sofa]. As she is about to climb down the bed, Ryoji tells her that she can also sleep there [on the bed]. I won’t do anything. I guarantee you. And for frightening you, I’m sorry. Yuri looks at him in surprise then tears starts to fall down. She thinks that she was really scared. She sits down on the bed and cries on the pillow. But now, I’m heart is beating so fast. Whenever I smell the same kind of shampoo, my brain almost wants to do a shortcut. Ryoji is still awake and is looking glum yet blushing.

At the Shinkansen, leaning on the window, Yuri feels awful as she wasn’t able to sleep the whole night. She thinks that in the end, she just became more fatigue and wasn’t compensated. She is already sitting on her seat when Ryoji calls out to her. He says, here as he gives her a bottled water and a small bag of chocolates. Yuri is surprised. He tells her that if her blood sugar is a bit higher, she will feel more comfortable. He says think of it as a return gift. Yuri accepts them and thanks him. Yuri thinks that she is really unromantic. Ryoji is now sitting beside her. Ryoji then remembers something. He asks her didn’t she got his mobile phone number from her friend. Yuri says she did. He asks if she can give her phone to him for a moment. She gives it to him as she apologizes for getting his number without his knowledge. Ryoji says it is okay because he has gotten used to it. Yuri thinks, gotten used to..how pitiful, if I were you, I will definitely don’t want that. Ryoji is typing something then gives her phone back. He tells her that is his new email address. His number being spread around is quite troublesome so he often changes his email address. So, don’t tell it to your long haired friend.

Yuri becomes embarrassed and tells him that she won’t. Yuri thinks that Ryoji knew that it was Mitsu who told her. Ryoji then asks for her email address. Yuri thinks incredible, it seems that following after him is actually a good thing. Later on, while reading a book, Ryoji notices that Yuri has fallen asleep and is now leaning on his shoulder. She is holding the bottled water in one hand while the other hand is holding the chocolate. Ryoji is about to hold her hand and tell her that the chocolate will melt. He then looks at Yuri’s hands. Seeing her sleeping, Ryoji’s expression softens. He bends over and kisses her. Then, he becomes surprised at what he is doing. He blushes as he sits straight again. He touches his lips and curses himself [for doing it?]. Yuri narrates that in her dream, she dreamt that in a fast moving train, she and Ryoji are riding on it as it goes to the ends of the world.

Yuri is lucky that Ryoji is a nice guy else something bad might actually happen. Anything can happen when the two are alone and Ryoji isn’t exactly your frail type of guy. I guess Yuri thinks that Ryoji won’t do that. I think Ryoji has underestimated Yuri’s naivety since what he did is like a joke [teasing] that have gone too far. He does love to tease her. I find that opening the television quite amusing. Hehe I think Yuri is in a bit of a predicament because she is indeed attracted to Ryoji but she isn’t willing yet to go steady with him. She wants him to pay attention to her along the lines of how one treats one’s girlfriend and if he didn’t, she feels sad about it. In this chapter, it is revealed that Ryoji is indeed attracted to Yuri. Hehe, he stole a kiss. =P I’m thinking it is because of what happened that night that he has fallen for her..or maybe, he fallen more for her. Yuri is already happy over an email address as her reward for following him that night...hehe, she just didn’t know that she got more than that.

Word of the day:
Our conscience is a gift from God, it is a guiding light; And when aligned with faith and truth, it tells us wrong from right. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread.

Ojousama wa Oyomesama [Chapter 11 + Side Story]
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 @ 10:14 p.m.

Yuuga is all dressed up in his school uniform. He turns around and says, I’m off. All the servants are lined up to the doorway as they say, take care on your way, master. Towako, who is followed by Tsubaki, calls out to Yuuga. She says he forgot his neck tie. She puts it on him a bit too tightly. Blushing, Towako points to her lips and says that he also forgotten something very important. Yuuga says that is too funny when he is just going to school. Towako exclaims saying it is too funny is too much. Yuuga says so what does she want him to say and don’t call him master. It is September 1, the start of school. Towako asks isn’t he going, she has to go in and change her clothes. Just then, Setsuna and Utsugi arrive. Utsugi asks if they are finished preparing. Yuuga’s expression quickly soured. He complains, you guys again, please, disappear from my sight. Setsuna laughs and evilly says even if I have to chase you to hell, I will definitely separate you from my sister. Yuuga shouts, ah, too noisy! Towako is happy for she thought that two are bonding. Utsugi approaches Tsubaki and greets her. He says he rarely sees her in a school uniform and it really suits her. Tsubaki says that is why I hate you. Utsugi freaks out and asks why when he just praised her. Tsubaki tells Yuuga to take care and the car is already ready because they aren’t going to the same school. Yuuga says goodbye and left. A small diagram shows that third year high Yuuga goes to ordinary school, third year high Towako goes to exclusive girls school, second year high Setsuna goes to exclusive boys school, first year high Tsubaki and junior high Utusugi go to some other school. After Yuuga left, Towako and others quickly start to change and prepare for school.

In school, a couple of girls and a couple of guys greet Yuuga. Yuuga is relieved that the car only brought him halfway so that they didn’t see it. A girl says that they weren’t able to contact him during the break and only heard that he is working in some other place. Some girls apart from Yuuga’s group are talking about Yuuga having a haircut. A girl asks if Yuuga has a girlfriend. Another girl says he doesn’t. The girl asks so who are the girls beside him. There is Saho is the unwavering iron girl because she is the daughter of a representative [congressman] that even teachers are afraid of her. The other one is Reimei who is quite bewitching that the guys who likes her can’t escape and currently, her goal is Yuuga. Because of those two, the other girls can’t get near Yuuga. In class, Saho, who is Yuuga’s seatmate, complains about hearing her nickname being ‘iron girl’ when it doesn’t make sense. Reimi is clinging on to Yuuga and says she finds Yuuga really interesting. Reimi notices the ring that Yuuga is wearing. She asks Yuuga about it and doesn’t he hate wearing such things. She is about to touch the ring when Yuuga tells her not to touch it. This surprises Reimi as Yuuga says that the ring is no big deal. This made Reimi and Saho suspicious. Reimie says how scary. Yuuga says he has been always like that, they must have forgotten. Just then, someone calls out and says that there is a female transfer student and the guys will be very happy about it. He has seen her walking through the hallway, it’s really great, she is very beautiful, and her black hair flows in the wind.

Just then, the teacher enters the room and tells everyone to sit down for he is going to introduce the new transfer student. Yuuga is shock to see that it is Towako. All the boys around him are screaming and fussing about Towako. Towako introduces herself and tells them that she is from an exclusive girls school and it is the first time she is going to that kind of school so there are many things that she doesn’t know. She hopes everyone will help her. Someone whispers that school Towako mentioned is a school for rich girls so why would she transfer to their school. Another wonders if it is because of their uniform. Curly haired guy says she is so cute as if she is from another world. He then notices that Yuuga isn’t listening to him. Towako is really happy that Yuuga is really surprised when she enters the room. She happily thinks that from now on, they can go lovey-dovey together as they go through school life. The teacher tells Towako to take a seat. Approaching Yuuga, Towako points to Saho’s seat and asks if she can sit there. Yuuga is utterly shock that he wants to disappear. Saho is furious. Reimi says that’s unfair, then, she would also want to sit next to Yuuga. All the other girls start to raise their hands and say they also want to sit next to Yuuga. Towako is surprised by this as the teacher tells her that Saho is already sitting there so.. Towako thinks that is quite problematic. Yuuga thinks he thought his heart is going to jump out.

To everyone’s shock, Towako pulls out a huge bundle of money from her wallet and asks how much does Saho wants for her to give that seat to her. She only has this much money now. Saho angrily says, stupid, do you thinks because of money, you can do anything, what kind of person are you. Saho slams the table and shouts, stop kidding around! Yuuga quickly goes between them and tells Saho to stop. Saho is surprised by this. Yuuga apologizes and says that Towako doesn’t quite understand things, he will talk to her. Towako asks what’s the matter. Yuuga shouts, stupid, come with me. Reimi asks Yuuga if he knows Towako. Towako says I’m Yuuga’s.. Yuuga quickly covers Towako’s mouth that everyone is looking at them. Towako tries to free herself but Yuuga only tells them that she is family. He quickly tells them, see you later as he grabs Yuuga and goes out of the classroom. It made everyone wondering what is that about. Somewhere in school, Yuuga shouts what is Towako doing there. Towako says because it is said that ‘the wife should be with the husband’ and she just wants to surprise him. Please do not be so angry. Yuuga says he isn’t angry but it is because of what she just did. He asks if she really wants to study there. Towako says she does. He tells her not to use money to solve things for it will make others angry. Towako says she doesn’t want to do it either but before in her school, she gets to choose where she wants to sit. Yuuga says enough, also, don’t tell anyone that we are married. Towako protests about this. Yuuga says it will be quite troublesome if the others knew and there will be a lot of questions asked since he is just depending on a scholarship to study. Yuuga says her ring will be quite problematic, too. He asks for it then he puts it on his necklace. He puts the necklace on her. He says it won’t be too noticeable since her hair is long. Towako looks a bit sad and thinks that she knows what Yuuga is saying but.. Towako asks Yuuga if it would have been better if she didn’t come for she only wanted to make Yuuga happy. Yuuga is surprised by this then gives her a hickey on the neck. Yuuga whispers in her ear, stupid, how can I be unhappy. He says they should go as Towako happily goes to him.

In the gym for the opening ceremonies, Yuuga goes into another shock for the day. [Lol] It is Setsuna who is also in their school and currently surrounded by girls. Pointing to Setsuna, Yuuga exclaims to Towako as to why is Setsuna there. Towako says it is because Setsuna also wants to come. Yuuga shouts for her to deter Setsuna [from going to his school]. Towako says that Setsuna said his illness is better and if he gets an attack while in the exclusive boys school, it will be very bad. Yuuga shouts I don’t care. He then gloomily says ah, ah, really, not only at the house but also at school. Towako wonders if the two guys relationship isn’t that good. Just then, a temporary teacher is being introduced. Towako says the new teacher looks familiar. Yuuga says the new teacher gives him a bad feeling. And the third shock for the day is the new teacher is the guy from the monkey island. Later on, the two are talking near a building. Towako asks what should they do when that guy knows that they are married. Yuuga says he really thought that he won’t see that guy anymore but then, maybe that guy won’t remember them. Yuuga tells Towako that they should not have anything to do with that teacher and if he is in class, they would just not raise up their heads. Towako says, okay. Yuuga then whines why does the situation keep on turning bad, he no longer have any quiet place to rest. Towako frets over this and tries to pacify Yuuga. Looking at them afar, Reimi and other girls are complaining why are Yuuga and Towako together. Reimi says she doesn’t understand, when did Yuuga have a rich relative. It’s really suspicious. Saho says it would be better not to mind that other people’s business. Reimi is displeased as she looks at the couple and says, it just makes her angry.

At the faculty room, Towako just talked with a teacher and she takes her leave. She sighs a relief that it is good that it isn’t that guy [new teacher]. She wonders if it is just a coincidence that guy is also there at school. She tries to hurry for Yuuga and Setsuna are waiting outside. She thinks that she is giving too much trouble to Yuuga, it seems it isn’t good to do this thing.. Suddenly, someone grabs her and covers her mouth. Outside, Setsuna and Yuuga are waiting for Towako near a bench. Setsuna is uneasy as to why it is taking Towako too long to get there when she told them to wait there. Setsuna gets angry and points at Yuuga. He shouts why is Yuuga not at his sister’s side. Yuuga says why is he asking why, the homeroom teacher wants to talk with Towako at the faculty room and he can’t let others see them together especially that guy [new teacher]. Setsuna is getting nervous that if something happens [to Towako] in this school... Yuuga starts to look nervous. Last scene is inside the social studies[?] room, the door is locked. The new teacher is still covering Towako’s mouth. He says, hi, I’ve come to get you.

It is a good thing that Yuuga’s heart is quite healthy else he won’t survive the many shocks and surprises in a day. Hehe I feel as if the author is bullying Yuuga. ^^;; Speaking of bullying, I wonder if Towako will get herself bullied by the other girls especially Reimi since they are jealous of her. I do wonder what their reaction will be when they learn she is actually Yuuga’s wife. Will they back off if they knew? I think that someone has send the monkey guy to that school. It is no coincidence that he is there. Why is he after Towako? Also, Towako is so stupid to try to offer money for a seat beside Yuuga. I guess she is just desperate. Hehe, it’s amazing what Setsuna will do because of his sister complex for Towako. Hmm..I wonder if Towako can get out of this situation by herself or the two guys will help her? Also, it seems that the ninja bodyguards have some sort of romance going on, too. =P

Side story: It is about Yuuga before he met Towako. Past: Reimi always took his picture on her mobile phone but Yuuga always cover his face when she does. As the others laughed about the picture that Reimi tried to take, Yuuga asked what do they do with the picture they took. Reimi and Saho looked at each other and told him that it is fun to look at it later on and think of that feeling when it was taken. Yuuga returned home and thought he still doesn’t understand that feeling they are talking about and there is no other thing that he wants to reflect about. A picture of him, his sister and mother is pinned on a board. Their faces aren’t shown. He is just a cold hearted high school student who doesn’t think his past and future is interesting. A past that cannot be changed. An unsure future. I always thought that either of the two has meaning. As that day [his birthday] approaches, that is what he thought. A door bell rang so he opened the door. He is surprised to see a ninja girl [Tsubaki] and others standing outside. Tsubaki said good day, Yuuga-young master, we have come to fetch you. Huh? They grabbed him and tossed him into the car then drove away. Eh? He is the tied to a post. What? Towako bowed to him as she introduced herself as his future wife. Yuuga is really confused as to what is this all about. Married when they just met! Towako keep on raving about it that he doesn’t understand what she is saying. Could it be that he is having a dream. What is happening?! Yuuga angrily shouted even if I’m dreaming, don’t do that, how could I marry you! Towako is shock then started freaking out. It seemed that the situation is like that about this family tradition is for them to get married just because they are born at the same time. This person [Towako] is also thinking that way. He doesn’t understand all this.

A scene of Towako telling him that since one year old, she gets a picture of him. She gets one every time it is her birthday. Everyday, she thinks of things related to him. ‘I want to see him soon; he is definitely a great guy.’ Towako said she didn’t thought he was this kind of person. Yuuga thought that his picture which Towako is looking at is some other person as she imagines that he is some Yuuga-young master. Yuuga imagines himself with a crown and laughing haha. While they are together, Yuuga notices that Towako is so naïve, stupid and yet innocent as they happily ate together, Yuuga made her hair into pigtails, Towako fell into the traps and looked into his shorts. He started to think of the future if it will change if he is with Towako. He is then sitting beside sleeping Towako. He wondered about his picture that Towako is always looking at, it seems that person isn’t him. If it is the Yuuga-young master, he would definitely accept her love. He wondered why he is into that mood. He touched Towako’s hair and thought what is it like to look at the future with someone you love. Scene changes to Towako looking for his picture in the pond. Yuuga shouted what is she doing. Towako said she is looking for his picture. He tried to get her out of the water as Towako thrashed about saying that she has always been looking at that picture and she might not be able to see him again if it is gone. He brought her up out of the water and told her that there is no such person, the real one is right here. Yuuga narrates: I’m also jealous. It is the first time I have this crazy feeling. His opponent is just a picture. It could be said that it is all because of this girl.

Present: Towako happily looks at an album and says that Yuuga is really cute when he is young. This kind of smile can’t be seen anymore. Yuuga sweatdrops and looks at her. Yuuga says isn’t that the one which fell into the water. Towako says she had it reprinted and she is now keeping it in a safe place. She says that last year’s picture is also nice. Yuuga looks a bit gloomy and tells her that even if she keep on looking at those picture, he won’t turn into ‘Yuuga-young master’ Towako says she knows and she is happy to look at the pictures because it is Yuuga’s past. Yuuga looks surprised. Towako says at this time, it is also a good opportunity to take a picture. She calls out to Tsubaki if she has a camera. Towako happily tells Yuuga that taking a picture together then looking at them together is really ‘happiness’. Yuuga looks surprised again then he smiles. Yuuga narrates, now, I somewhat understand that kind of feeling of re-living that past moment [through the pictures]. Tsubaki gives Towako a camera. She looks at Yuuga that they have a picture. To her surprise, Yuuga takes her picture on his mobile phone when she turns to him. Towako blushes and asks what is he doing. Towako tries to get it but Yuuga says why, it looks good. Yuuga tells Towako to also give him all of her pictures when she was young. Towako asks why, she doesn’t want to. Yuuga says it is unfair for she always secretly takes his pictures. As Towako protests and Yuuga is smiling, Yuuga narrates, going to the future together, is not bad at all. The last scene is a picture of Towako which he took and saved it on his phone.

Aww..this goes to show that Yuuga now finds his future more interesting thanks to Towako. He is somewhat like a boy Cinderella. =P He is given this chance and good for him, he didn’t waste it. It will be amusing to see how Towako can melt his cold heart further. ^-^ Actually, it is also amusing how many times he is freaking out over things when he is with Towako. For a self-confessed cold hearted student, the emotions that he has been experiencing because of Towako is really something. ^-^

Quote of the day:
Each photograph is a story captured in a single moment ~ M.Lopez

The One [Chapter 44]
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 @ 03:14 p.m.

Looking surprised after learning that a female model ‘insults’ Damien for trying to get her boyfriend, Lele asks, pregnant? So did that made Damien give up. Lele wonders why does hearing about that female model makes her feel warm and as if they are close. [There is a small drawing at the side of the author saying, that’s because it’s your mom] Leo laughs out loud, defeated..it is more like embarrassed to death that he won’t dare come out. For a executive chief of Zac to try to steal the man of a small-time model, it is quite unacceptable/shameful. Unluckily for him, Damien’s rival, the executive chief of F.Fin is also in that restaurant. A scene of F.Fin chief laughing at Damien as she shouted, your legs are short and can’t give birth, how pitiful! And since that day on, rumors about it circulated around that Damien was the ‘talk of the town’ for the whole year. Lele becomes nervous and says so that’s the reason why Damien doesn’t like female oriental models. Hehe, who told him to be so low to try to buy a guy for a one night stand. Lele tells Leo that she doesn’t want to go to a perverted old man’s party. You can go on your own. Lele starts to leave but Leo says, but today, there are many ‘goddess’ who are coming. He starts to narrate the names of models that made Lele quickly u-turns back to him and says the party is about to start so let’s go, else we will be late. Leo happily smiles over this.

At the party, Lele is raving over the famous models like Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen whom she admires, Gemma Ward and Sasha Pivovarova who look like twins, and, long legged Nadja Auermann who is talking to Karmen Kass. Lele asks would Angus be working with one of these models. Leo says it is nothing to be surprised about because Angus has already worked with them before. They are there just because of Damien. Leo says that Angus new partner will be from that group of new models. It has been said that Damien has already decided among them and he will announce the one he has chosen at the party. Lele is surprised when Leo says he has just seen Angus. That guy, no matter where he goes, everyone turns around to see him. Leo tells Lele that they should go and greet him. A lot of women are going to Angus to greet him. Lele narrates that she can see that what Leo said is true for all eyes are looking at Angus as he have this irresistible charisma. In that party, from supermodels to television stars, everyone is looking at him. Even a naïve girl like her would know that there is something between him and them, as if they have this ‘usual’ relationship. When Angus is alone, Gina, a woman, approaches Angus who greets her. Gina tells him that her husband will be going to Paris for a month so if he is free, how about going to her place for a ‘visit’. After Gina leaves, a couple of girls go to Angus and hug him. They shout that they miss him, welcome back and his short hairstyle suits him. They kiss him.

Lele feels ill and thinks that she actually seen the proof of the rumors circulating outside. Lele laments that even if she has seen it for a hundred times, she will never get use to that scene. She thinks that it seems he is different from her perception of him before. When he was there alone, he looks quite ‘cold’. But he isn’t the same as the guy who played that trick to her [pretending to be Eros during the photo shoot in Japan]. Is she mistaken? When she sees his eyes, he has this ‘loath’ and ‘impatient’ look. Lele thinks that Angus is deliberately doing that to look cool. Guys who wants to be ‘cool’ would want to act ‘bad’. And with ‘girls’ around, it gives them the feeling of being a ‘man’. Lele pulls Leo’s sleeve and asks wasn’t Angus currently going steady with his friend, Yang. Why didn’t Yang come to protect his man? Leo looks a bit sad and says because, Yang knows..that Angus doesn’t treat him as the one and only. Didn’t you see it? Many people wants to go near Angus and he isn’t rejecting anyone. But Angus never love anyone and treat him/her as the only one for him. That guy..doesn’t love anyone. Lele looks surprise-sad over this. Lele asks so why does he spend his days like that, doing all sort of things with those many people, isn’t he tired? Leo says, who knows, maybe it is a ‘playboy’s game’ Thank goodness my Eros isn’t the same. But then, there is someone who doesn’t get seduce by that ‘god charm’.

An Bai [Angus manager] arrives and starts shooing the girls surrounding Angus away. An Bai then reprimands Angus to ‘abstain’ himself as she grabs his glass of wine. She threatens him that if he keeps on drinking, he better be careful for in the middle of ‘going home’, she might toss him out the road like a stray dog. Leo greets An Bai and says that she is becoming more and more ‘fierce’. An Bai cries as she thinks, ‘fierce’, calling her like that doesn’t make her happy for she is really such a nice lady and it is all this guy’s [Angus] fault. Angus greets Leo and says, ah, Lele, our little friend has also come. Lele is angry about that little friend comment. Angus says it is quite unexpected that she is brave enough to go there. Lele asks what does he mean by that. Angus says she must have heard about the Zac executive hating female oriental models. That is why you are eliminated at the first round [to be his partner]. Lele is shock that Angus knew. She quickly clings on Leo’s arm and says so what? Today, I’m here as Leo’s female escort. Leo smiles and says that’s right. Angus asks if she is disappointed that she lose the opportunity to work with him. Lele looks ill. Lele says that’s right, I admit that I feel disappointed about it. Angus happily says you’re quite sincere. Lele adds but I’m not that disappointed. Angus is shock and thinks, what?! Lele says because lately, she has surpass her ‘infatuation’ over him. This really surprises Angus. He says, really. To Lele’s surprise, Angus approaches her and is standing too close to Lele. Angus asks, really..you didn’t feel..‘very’ disappointed? Didn’t you want to know what kind of the world is ‘1+1=7’? It is only I, who can give you the experience of that ‘extreme’ feeling.

Lele pushes him away and nervously says, Of course, I believe you..but I’m already eliminated. Angus grabs her head to prevent her from escaping. Lele says, when I said I’m no longer your fan, did that made you angry? Angus is speechless as he let go of Lele’s head. Lele is trying to inch away from Angus as she says, you don’t have to be angry.. Angus head grows large as he gets more angry and asks, eh? Lele says even if I don’t think you are charming, I’m sure there are many other people who thinks you are charming.. Lele realizes that the more she talks, the more mistakes she is making. Angus’ head grew larger as he is angry. He asks, is there more? Please continue. Lele sweatdrops and decides to make her escape. She tells him that she wants to go to the comfort room so she’ll leave first. While walking away, Lele thinks nervously that it seems Angus is the type of playboy who thinks the world revolves around him. He can’t stand that even a single person would not look at him. Who told you to call me ‘little friend’ from the start and I’m just telling the truth. Lele shivers as she remembers that cold stare of Angus.

Lele curses that the house is too big. She asks a waiter where is the comfort room. The waiter says go straight then turn left. She did as she is told but she didn’t see any room which looks like a comfort room. She wonders if it is in that library so she decides to go in and see. Meanwhile, a man tells Damien that it is almost time since the VIPS and media are already there. Everyone is waiting for his announcement as to who is Zac’s ‘female lead’. Damien tells the man to go on ahead and greet the guests first. He will fix some things in the library then he will go. The man says, yes. Back in the library, Lele’s mouth is open in shock. She looks at the picture and thinks, isn’t this my father?! Why is my father’s picture here?! Below the huge picture, there are small picture frames. Lele thinks, not only one but there are many here and including one with mom!!! Lele is shock to see some drawings on her mother’s picture. She asks who drew those on my mom’s face, this is a treasure [photograph] which I haven’t seen before! Lele remembers Leo’s story and Lele somewhat realizes that he is actually talking about her parents. She is surprised when Damien shouts, who are you? Who told you to go there? Lele holds the picture tightly and she turns around. She says, ‘you..messed up old man’. She is furious over the drawings on her mom’s face. Damien is surprised and asks, what did you say?! Lele angrily shouts, I said you are childish, narrow-minded, doesn’t have any character, and very low [pathetic], messed up old man. It seems you are a ‘short legged insect’! No wonder you are defeated by my mom! With that character of yours, even if my mom didn’t hinder, my dad would also not look at you!! Damien shouts, you are Teng Ye and that woman’s child?!

Hehe, Lele seems to inherited her mother’s feistiness that she doesn’t care who that person is but she will speak her mind. She just ‘insulted’ two powerful and famous men in one night! Hehe If Lele gets this job, I think she will have problems later on since her partner will be Angus. I have a feeling that even if Angus is pampered and spoiled, he seems to be looking for love. I wonder if his father who took him wasn’t able to provide it. Haha, is a Lele-twins love triangle still possible? The author is implying that even if they are twins, it is the upbringing that shapes one’s character though in Lele’s case, it is partially from her genes. It is only now that I realized that there is no chance that Eros will be in this party because I just remembered that Eros doesn’t like going to parties. ^^; There is no date written as to when the next chapter will be so the rough estimate will be after a month or so.

Quote of the day:
Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. ~ Author Unknown

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapter 9]
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 @ 04:21 p.m.

Hanabi gloomily remembers Ami saying, ‘Go fall in love’. Fall in love with who!!? Ami tells them to fill up the ‘Knit Love’ form as to whom they want to give the knitted gift [are they in love, lovers, crush, etc] + short description and what kind of knitted gift it will be [sweater, scarf, gloves, others]. Hanabi raises her hand and says, I have a question, Ami-sensei. Ami says no, call me Princess Ami-sensei. Hanabi asks what about the girls who really doesn’t have anyone in mind to put in the form. Ami is surprised and asks if there are really girls like that. She asks those kind of girls to raise up their hands. Hanabi raises up both hands. Mii also raises her hand. Hanabi is happy that Mii raises her hand. Ami says it is too bad when Mii is quite pretty. Hanabi goes into shock when she realizes that Atsumi actually has someone in mind. Ami says in this situation, she will give them a week extension for their deadline. Sge tells them, and during that time, go fall in love. The other girls then scream out happily over the Knit Love project as Hanabi is gloomy and exclaims, Love is what!! While they eat lunch, Hanabi is still strung up over the project. She says Kareshi is lucky for she already has someone in mind – to give the gift. Atsumi asks what is Kareshi going to make. Kareshi says a blanket so that they can use it together. The other girls blush as Kareshi tells them not to copy. Kareshi asks what about Atsumi, she didn’t expect her to have someone she likes. Atsumi says she doesn’t really know if she likes or not but she is happy to eat with that person and she knows around 10 people like that. The three girls decide not to ask further about it. Hanabi gloomily wonders what should she do. Mii says it is quite troublesome. While thinking of some guy whom she can talk with, Hanabi suddenly has an idea.

Three girls ask Chikai about it. Chikai agrees if it is project. They were very happy that they quickly take out their measuring tapes and measure every part of Chikai’s body. After they are finished, the three girls drool in happiness. Chikai asks what are they making. They say a scarf. Chikai wonders if that was sexual harassment. They are happy that Chikai agrees and won’t his girlfriend get angry. Chikai smiles and says as long as it remains in the closet, it’s okay. The three girls freeze in shock. Chikai then notices Hanabi walking by together with Atsumi. Hanabi thinks that Chikai is really vile and irritating among boys that she actually thought of him first. In I-B, Sasa points to himself and asks, give me? With a tense expression, Hanabi says yes. She is uneasy because there are many guys around. Hanabi informs him of their strange project which is giving a knitted project to the guy one loves. Sasa asks, love.. Hanabi tells him not to mind that for the only person she is able to easily talk with is him so she thought of using his name for the project. Sasa smiles and agrees. Hanabi is happy about it. Sasa even suggests what kind of design for the scarf will be nice. They discuss a bit about it that Atsumi says in amazement that Hanabi seems happy talking with a guy. Hanabi asks if it is true. Sasa laughs and says, that’s good. Hanabi thinks he is cute. Just then Sasa’s friends come by and asks if Hanabi is Sasa’s friend. Hanabi’s mood grows dark as she is uneasy with the boys surrounding her. Sasa saves her by telling her that she can go since she has already told him what she wanted to say. He gets the others to go in class as he waves goodbye to Hanabi by waving his hand below. In tears, Hanabi says that Sasa is such a nice guy. Atsumi is surprised by that reaction. They didn’t notice that Ami is spying on them using her binoculars.

During cooking class, Atsumi is asking Kareshi about one’s heart is moved. [It is somewhat along the lines of heartbeat, being in love] If she eats a lot because of Sasa, does it mean that she is in love. Kareshi says that it is a bit like that. Hanabi thinks that she has read about that in the library. While walking in the nature path behind the school, she sees Chikai sitting down at the side. Hanabi exclaims what is he doing there. Chikai says he should be the one saying that because he always walk in that path. He stands up and starts walking away. Hanabi thinks but it seems as if he is waiting [for her] since he is sitting. Hanabi freaks out that it is impossible, what is she thinking. Chikai then asks if she still has something that she cooked during class. With hand outstretched, Chikai asks her to give it to him since he is hungry. While Chikai is eating what Hanabi cooked earlier, Hanabi gloomily thinks that he is just waiting for that food. She asks how did he knew. Chikai says he overheard it from the other girls. Chikai says it is delious, 100 points. Hanabi blushes over this and wonders if it is because he said it is delicious that her heart is moved. He then crumples the plastic wrap and throw it on her face. He says he can’t litter there so he is giving it back. Hanabi denies anticipating Chikai to say it was delicious. Chikai says, for her, he is really ‘nothing’ [doesn’t matter to her]. Hanabi angrily asks what does he mean. Chikai says he will ask it first, what does she plan to give him [knit project]. Hanabi is shock and shouts are you stupid?! Saying that nonsense words! Chikai walks away as he says that he can only accept it, he doesn’t mind, but he won’t use it. Hanabi exclaims what. Chikai continues that it shouldn’t be too big. She is furious that she uproots the grass and throws them to Chikai. She shouts, who would give it to a person like you! Chikai is surprised to see Hanabi really red and in the verge of crying. She quickly runs off as Chikai just looks at her go. Behind the blushes, Ami [the stalker] is watching and is speechless.

Hanabi then stops walking and looks at her wounded hands. She covers her face and says the pain is like the one in her heart. She still keep on insisting that it isn’t love. At home, Hanabi is on bed, looking at the wooden dog charm. Nanpa seems to be jealous that he bites her mobile phone from the charger. He looks at the picture of the grass dog and thinks it isn’t the same as before. Since he sees that there are people taking its picture within the picture. He learns that it is quite huge. Hanabi looks at the wooden dog and thinks that she knew that Chikai will be there yet she still walks in that small path. At school, in the faculty room, Hanabi gives the form to Ami and Sasa’s name on it. Ami asks if it is the pretty boy. Hanabi is surprised and asks how did she know. Ami says there are still 5 days before the deadline. Hanabi is puzzled and says that she has already decided so it doesn’t matter. Ami asks if she truly sincerely in giving it to that other person. After a screaming match wherein Ami says, really and Hanabi says yes..really, Ami looks a bit sad and says, really? Hanabi is puzzled by this. Ami says that’s good. Hanabi asks what is the matter. Ami says it is nothing, if that is how it is, that’s good. Hanabi is still puzzled. Hanabi starts to act as if nothing is the matter even as Ami’s question about her sincerity echoes in her head. Being sincere and one’s heart move, she doesn’t understand this and she only understands love a bit. She sees Sasa below who waves at her. She happily waves back. In Chikai’s class, glasses guy is wondering out loud, is this love? He asks Chikai about having a group date with Mii and her classmates. Wasn’t he thinking of ways to get close to that girl named Hanabi. Chikai calls him stupid for does he think a girl like that will go to a group date. They were interrupted when someone calls out to glasses guy. It is Mii who asks him what is his name. Glasses guy is surprised and says he is Shinichi Oyama. Mii starts to leave as Shinichi exclaims what is that about. Mii looks at Chikai. Chikai thinks, again. He gloomily says, ah? The other boys are shock that they playfully hit Chikai and reprimands him for saying that to Mii. They tell him to apologize just as Mii already leaves.

After school, Hanabi is once again walking in that path. She reprimands herself for doing it again when she is already hurt and she will once again feel all sorts of negative feelings. Hanabi stops walking when she hears someone say, I had my sights set on you. You are a bit like my ex-boyfriend. Hanabi looks up to see Chikai behind the fence talking with Ami. Ami apologizes for talking that way to a student since she knows she shouldn’t be doing this. Hanabi is surprised over Ami’s expression that she thinks Ami is really serious about this. Chikai is about to say, about that.. Ami touches his lips, chin and neck. She says that lips, chin and neck are the same and since he looks the same, the voice will also be the same. Please, call me by my true name..call me Akemi.. Hanabi shouts, no--! She climbs up the fence and pulls Chikai’s collar. Chikai and Hanabi fell down on the ground. Hanabi thinks this isn’t about one’s heart being moved. Chikai angrily turns around and says, you.. but he stops since Hanabi just scratch the ground and gloomily says it’s no use.. She grabs Chikai’s shoulder and shouts to Ami, because this guy has a super love love girlfriend! Ami looks in surprise. Blushing and seems to be on the verge of tears, Hanabi shouts so even if you like him..it is also useless!! Chikai looks at her in surprise.

Is that an indirect confession or what? =P I think Chikai is no fool and he will actually realize what Hanabi really feels for him. It is really something for Hanabi because she actually grabbed him as in touched a boy. So much denials and in an instant, it goes down the drain. Geez, how would Hanabi explain to herself what did she just did..if that isn’t love/infatuation. I guess Chikai is really a lady killer. How many hearts has he trampled on? It makes me wonder if he really likes her or not though it seems that Chikai treat the girls in their school the same way. He isn’t easily fazed by Mii, doesn’t change his conditions to the girls in accepting knitted gifts for Hanabi, etc. I wonder if Chikai’s ego will grow since Hanabi, self-confessed ‘can’t stand guys’ has fallen for him. Then, there is Sasa. From their interactions, he does seem to be just that friendly and nice guy. If Hanabi has fallen for him, it would make things easier. Also, Sasa doesn’t seem to show any romantic feelings for Hanabi either. Lastly, Ami is really interested in Hanabi that she has become like a stalker. I do wonder if she is just testing Hanabi as to how she will react upon seeing that scene or she is really serious. From her hairstyle and the way she said that Chikai is like her ex-boyfriend, I actually thought..ah, Ami..are you Kagechika from Parfait Tic? =P

Quote of the day:
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts. ~ John Locke

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapters 12]
Monday, March 17, 2008 @ 10:59 p.m.

Kotori is surprised to see the girl as she comes out wearing a girl’s uniform. [Haha, it turns out that the top uniform of their school are similar for the boys and girls ^^;; Stupid me.] Kotori exclaims, you’re the one from the clinic. The girl comes out and says, I’m found. Kotori thinks the girl is really beautiful that she even blushes. The girl smiles and asks if the guy earlier is her boyfriend. Kotori only exclaims in surprise. The girl touches her face and says, you’re really cute and quite naïve. Kotori looks at her in surprise and asks, naïve? She then gives Kotori a bomb onigiri and says she has bought one too many. Kotori realizes that the girl is the one who gave her a bomb onigiri before. In class, Kotori keeps at looking at the girl as she realizes that she is the same as the one looking at her in the clinic and the one who gave her the bomb onigiri before. Her hairstyle isn’t the same as when she first saw her. It also seems the girl’s ‘image’ has changed that she didn’t recognize her. She wonders why the girl calls her naïve. What is she referring to? Is it because I didn’t realize it was her? Yukito notices that Kotori is in deep thought. He breaks off part of his eraser and hits it on Kotori’s head. Kotori looks back and wonders what is the matter. She only sees Yukito smiling at her. Kotori is puzzled. She thinks that Yukito isn’t the same as his calm self. Today, there are many things which feels strange.

In home economics room, the teacher tells them they are going to make [I think] chocolate shaped cookies. She says to form into groups in accordance to the paper which is on the blackboard then try to make the cookies as accordance to the recipe on the blackboard. Kotori wonders if Yukito likes sweet stuff. She admires those girls who give the baked goods from cooking class to the guys they like. She wonders if she gives them to Yukito, will he eat them and will he be happy about it. She then notices Harada and Motoki exclaim that their group member is Kotori. The two quickly go to another group asking if they can make them together. To Kotori’s dismay, Harada and Motoki are gossiping as they whisper to embarrass Kotori about not being able to go steady properly as the other girls are laughing at Kotori. Onigiri girl calls out loud for Harada and others to speak out loud. They shouldn’t whisper when they sound as if they are experienced. Harada is furious but the teacher already tells them to start baking already. Kotori looks at onigiri girl in surprise. She offers to make the cookies with Kotori. While mixing the ingredients, Kotori finds herself staring at the girl again as she thinks she is really beautiful. The girl notices this and asks, huh. Kotori quickly thanks her about giving her the bomb onigiri before and apologizes for not recognizing her earlier. The girl says that it is okay because she is busy outside of school that she haven’t been attending classes. Kotori asks what is she busy about. The girl smiles and apologizes that she can’t tell because it is a secret. Kotori apologizes again saying that it is her fault for asking that. The girl exclaims that Kotori has apologized again and she is going to over whip the batter. Kotori apologizes about this again. The girl says it is okay because she likes fresh cream.

She asks if she is going to give the cookies to her boyfriend. Kotori exclaims in surprise. The girl asks if she is going to make heart shapes. Kotori asks if she makes ‘like’ shaped cookies, will he be surprised. The girl smiles and says if she is a guy, she will be definitely be happy. Kotori blushes that the girl asks what’s the matter. Kotori says, how can I say this, I’m happy. Kotori thinks that this feeling she has, it seems she has experienced this before. Kotori says that it is the first time that she can talk a lot with a girl in her class and it is definitely because of her that it is made a lot easier to have a conversation. Kotori thanks the girl. The girl is surprised then laughs that Kotori is very cute. Kotori is puzzled by this. Kotori blushes and says no, she is a naïve and weird person that she didn’t even remember they met before. Isn’t that the reason why you said I’m naïve? The girl says she didn’t mean that, she is actually referring to her and her boyfriend. She tells Kotori that her boyfriend is jealous so he deliberately try to make Kotori angry. Remembering Yukito saying that she watch his PE test, Kotori is surprised and asks, jea..jealous?! The girl says in that situation, it is quite normal. Kotori is still confused and wonders could it be true about earlier, showing that girl’s picture in the magazine is that he is trying to make her jealous. The girl tells Kotori that their [Kotori and Yukito] relationship is quite good that it seems they are playing [playing house?]. Kotori is embarrass and shock about this. Kotori says that she is really great, does she have super powers. Kotori thanks the girl for telling her because she really didn’t know. She asks what’s the girl’s name. The girl says, my surname is Ibuki..Ibuki Natsume, nice to meet you. Kotori is really happy as they bake the cookies together.

In class, the boys think that it really smells good for they heard the girls are making snacks. Abe says that Yukito is lucky for he’ll be able to get some. Yukito gloomily asks, really. Abe is surprised for didn’t he heard their love story yesterday. [Hmm..the art at times look the same anyway, it seems that Abe is one of the guys that Yukito hangs out with. I thought it was a different guy ^^;;] The girls are then coming back in class. A girl offers some to Abe who is thrilled about it. Yukito looks at Kotori who wanted to give the cookies to him but she is embarrassed since everyone is there. The homeroom teacher then tells everyone to sit for class is starting. He announces that there will be no classes tomorrow for the two day PE test. After dismissal, the guys asks Yukito about going out since he isn’t going home with Kotori. Kotori glances at him and thinks that there are still people near him. Kotori just waves goodbye and quickly leaves which surprises Yukito. Kotori thinks that she wasn’t able to give him. Yukito is gloomy as he didn’t get any cookies. It’s 16:05 and Kotori is already at the waiting place where she will meet with Hikaru. She opens the bag of cookies and looks at them. She wonders if they will still be okay if she gives them tomorrow. She laments her own cowardice for she should have just given the cookies to Yukito. She wonders if in the current situation, is it okay to still meet with Hikaru.

It’s almost time as it is already 16:15. Kotori thinks that what Natsume said is right, if Yukito is currently jealous, it won’t be appropriate for her to see Hikaru. If Hikaru is a guy then will Yukito be unhappy about it? She remembers in that game when Hikaru goes to meet with other girls, she is also unhappy about it. She thinks that her situation is becoming like the game. If Yukito feels the same way as I do. She holds her DS in one hand then the bag of cookies in the other. She decides to leave. She runs off and thinks, sorry, Hikaru, I still can’t see you today. I don’t want Yukito to misunderstand. Sorry. Later on, Harada is hiding behind the bushes. She wonders what is Kotori up to when the appointed time has already passed. She angrily curses that even Yukito isn’t there when she specifically left that note for him. A boy asks Harada for how long will he wait when no one is coming. Harada tells the boy to just wait there for she’ll treat him with some food. She says if a Kaiji girl comes, he should say he is Hikaru then just talk with her about anything. She tells him not to forget to hug Kaiji when she gives the signal. She wants Yukito to see that hugging scene. While Harada is still complaining, she didn’t notice that someone is behind her and that someone has heard everything she said.

It’s already 1645. Abe[?] asks isn’t he going home yet, that’s rare. Yukito says something is up. Yukito overhears a couple of girls whispering that it is Yukito. One of the girl approaches Yukito and offers her the cookies that she baked during cooking class. Yukito apologizes and says, he can’t accept it. Yukito’s friend then calls to him. He says doesn’t he look free, would he like to help prepare for the PE test, the teacher has grabbed him and tells him to help. Aren’t we friends? The homeroom teacher says friendship is nice that he is very happy, so let’s go to the field. It is too late for Yukito to realize what’s up for his friend is already clinging tightly on his arm. In the shoe lockers, Kotori sees that Yukito’s shoes aren’t there anymore so she thinks he already left. She wants to talk to him so she tries to call him. Unfortunately, Yukito isn’t answering his phone. After they finish in the preparation, the homeroom teacher gives Yukito a drink. [I don’t know if it will be significant later on or not but Yukito says, ‘thank you’ in English that the teacher tells him to say it in Japanese]. Harada is still waiting. Yukito hurries out of the school as it is already dark. He looks at his phone and it is already 18:00. He is surprised that Kotori has been trying to call him four times – 16:58, 17:15, 17:20, 17:43.

At the train station, Kotori is sitting on a bench. She looks at her phone and still no answer from Yukito. She doesn’t want to call again for it would seem that she is a stalker. She also doesn’t know Yukito’s friend’s email either. My world is really small. I don’t quite understand friends. I didn’t notice that Yukito is jealous. I’m really naïve. She is then called out by someone. It is Abe. Abe asks wasn’t she suppose to be with Yukito. Kotori asks him if he knows where Yukito is. If he knows, can he tell her. Abe asks could it be that he is still in school. He had asked Yukito for them to go home together but Yukito said he won’t go yet so he thought Yukito is with her. Kotori says, really, thanks, Abe-chan then I’ll go back to school then. Abe laughs and says it’s a rare sight, she can call him Abe for everyone calls him that way. It is okay because you are Yukito’s girlfriend. Abe says Yukito doesn’t know his email address but if there is anything about Yukito she wants to ask, she can ask him. Abe gives Kotori his email address. He then says that Yukito feels quite gloomy because he wasn’t able to get any cookies. Kotori then thanks him. As Kotori goes down the stairs, she thinks that today, it seems her distance with Natsume and Abe has become smaller. She was able to chat with others like friends. I want to be like that with more people. I should do my best to approach and talk to others. Kotori waits for the train when her phone rings. It is Yukito. She answers it and then hears someone from the other side of the platform, calling her name. It is Yukito. To her shock, Yukito jumps down into the train tracks to get to the other side. Kotori screams that’s dangerous. Yukito climbs up and says he just can’t help it when he saw Kotori. Kotori quickly hugs him.

At the bench, Yukito is thrilled about the cookies. He laughs at one elongated one and says it is like ‘stool’. Kotori exclaims, what? She then says that there is a message in it. He should just arrange them. Yukito arranges the letters and it says, ‘SUKI’. Yukito blushes and asks if it is KUSI. Kotori exclaims it is SUKI. [That means ‘like’ in Japanese] Kotori blushes as Yukito says it is great for it is the first time she said she likes him. Yukito tells Kotori that a girl wants to give him some cookies but he feels weird about it. When that girl said that, he feels depressed for he wants the ones that Kotori made. He smiles and thanks her. Kotori blushes and says, I..I..like Yukito. Kotori thinks this important words, there are times when one needs to say it to the other so that the feelings can be communicated. Yukito smiles and replies I also like you. The two then talk about eating the cookies as Yukito offers the can of coffee that the teacher gave him. They were interrupted when someone calls out to Yukito that they are always seeing each other. It is Kera who asks if she is Yukito’s girlfriend, don’t go lovey-dovey in this place. Yukito exclaims, Kera, why is it you again. Kotori freezes. Kera looks surprised and then says, ..no way..Kaiji..? Kotori Kaiji?

It’s nice that Kotori is slowly coming out of her shell as she is becoming more at ease talking with Natsume and Abe. I still think that Natsume is Hikaru and I hope with her help, Kotori can thwart Harada’s plans. I’m really happy that Kotori didn’t fell for that trap..well, thanks to Natsume. The author doesn’t seem to want to make the ‘villain’ do what they want for usually within a 1-2 chapters, it is somewhat resolved. I’m happy about that else, it will be quite frustrating to read. I really hope Kotori doesn’t go back to her shell for I think it is Kera who is the one who teased Kotori about her name. Kera mentioned about someone having a strange name in their class. Anyway, with Natsume around, I’m sure everything will be okay. Also, as usual, the scenes together of the couple are really sweet. ^-^ I don’t recommend doing the jump on the train tracks though. =P

Quote of the day:
Words are the voice of the heart ~ Confucius

Weekly Jump Update:
Bleach, Naruto, D. Grayman, Reborn, Gintama and PSYREN
Monday, March 17, 2008 @ 12:45 p.m.

Inoue is surprised by Aizen’s announcement about destroying Karakura town in Bleach [c. 314]. Aizen confirms it and he will make the ouken [key of the royal family]. With Tousen’s help who uses that ‘loud speaker’ incantation, Aizen is able to talk to Ichigo and the other ‘trespassers’. Aizen announces his intent to invade the human world. He tells them that he will leave Inoue at the fifth tower. They can get her if they want because he no longer have any use for her. He kidnapped Inoue to make soul society reinforce their own defenses rather than defend the human world. He also manages to get Ichigo and others to go there since they attempt to rescue her. He succeeded in luring four captains there and imprisoning them there. The captains realize that they can’t get out of Huenco Mundo without Urahara’s help. Aizen says that Gotei 13’s strength comes from the captains. Three captains defected. Four captains are trapped. So, it will be easy for him to finish the rest. He will destroy the town, create ouken and defeat Soul society. After that, they will deal with Ichigo and others. Ichigo panics and plans to go somewhere but Kenpachi informs him that the other captains will be defending Karahara town. Just as he said that, Hitsugaya and other captains are already there ready for battle. Mm..is Aizen overconfident or he is really powerful? There are 6 captains and 4 vice-captains. It doesn’t include Urahara and others plus Shinji and others. It might be quite a long fight/arc again and well, I’m not sure how the author is going to focus on this since if he concentrate on the battle in the town, it will be quite a long time before we get to see what is happening to Ichigo and others just like what happened in Naruto. Maybe the author jumps from one battle to the next just as he had been doing lately. ^^;

So, Itachi approaches Sasuke trying to get his eyes in Naruto [c. 393]. A white snake is seen on the ground. Scared, Sasuke quickly throws every attacks he can on Itachi but Susano protects Itachi. When Itachi has cornered Sasuke, he tries to get his eyes but Itachi suddenly collapses. The snake slithers on the ground and it seems Itachi’s right arm has that Orochimaru curse. Ah, that’s how the whole battle ends? ^^; Victor just ‘drop dead’ on the ground. I guess Sasuke will manage to keep his eyes intact. Will he take this opportunity to stab/kill Itachi while he is down? Ya, technically for now, Sasuke wins. Unless there is a sudden reverse again next chapter. ^^;;

The flying fish riders retreat from Strawhats in One Piece [c. 492] as ordered by Duval. Duval wants to be the one who will finish a certain guy [within Strawhats] off. Duval calls out to Marco and others to thank them for indirectly bringing the Strawhats to him. Marco plans to capture them and sell them in his human trade. Hacchi thinks they can’t do that because Strawhats are powerful. He is also getting nervous that he is going to meet them again. The Strawhats finally arrive at the base. Duval asks if that person is certainly there. They say yes. Strawhats finds a cage but Hacchi has squirt ink on himself so that they won’t know that it is him. Hacchi calls out to Camie that it is a trap so they should leave. Nami, Zoro and Sanji are suspicious of Hacchi so Sanji calls out loud how’s Arlong. Hachi slips as he tells them that Arlong and others are in jail and only he escaped and set up a takoyaki stand. Usopp informs the new Strawhat members about Hachi. Luffy is still interested in the takoyaki while the others don’t want to save Hachi. Hachi tries to tell Camie to just leave him but Camie and Papagg don’t want to. They jump out the ship and gets caught by Marco and gang. Sanji wants to save Camie but Nami tells him that they can save Hachi, too since he isn’t really a bad guy and they did promised Camie. Luffy agrees even though he obviously more concerned about getting to eat some delicious takoyaki. Underneath, Duval and other flying fish riders are waiting. Luffy quickly saves Camie and Papagg from Marco. He tells Zoro to free Hachi. Hachi thanks Luffy for saving them and warns them that they are surrounded by the flying fish riders. The riders then head upwards to attack them. Luffy says they don’t care if they are from the sky or under the sea, they are going to fight them. Strawhats get ready for battle. Okay, so it isn’t Croc else why would he be underneath the water. I’m guessing that guy is after Zoro now since Duval mentioned of a wound. I have a feeling Duval isn’t the main bad guy of this arc since they are getting to fight this early.

Rinali narrates about dreaming about the earl and everything then becoming relieved that it was all a dream in D. Gray-man [c. 152]. She will wake up from the smell of Komui’s burnt cooking. She says that she had always imagined this scenario – that everything is just a bad dream. At present, Rinali tries to get the innocence. Suddenly someone comes and attacks L4. It is Allen in full Clown gear. Allen got thrashed again and lands near Komui. Komui is surprised as to how can he still move after all those wounds. Komui realizes that it is the innocence forcing Allen to keep on fighting. Rinali manages to get the innocence. Komui realizes this but he seems to be hesitant to go to her even as Rabi urges him. Kanda gives Komui a kick and reminds him of why he is in the Black Order. Komui remembers the times he is with Rinali as he sends her off and welcomes her back home. Komui decides to go. Holding the cube in her hand, Rinali tells the innocence that she is able to fight in this nightmarish world because of her brother and others. She wants this feelings to become strength so that she can protect everyone. She will follow it until the very end but it must promise her that it will enable her to return to her brother’s side. Just then, Komui arrives there. The cube melts in Rinali’s hands. Rinali smiles at him and says, I’m going. She hopes he will say take care on your way so that she will later on happily say, ‘I’m back’. Tears fall from Komui’s eye as Rinali drinks the innocence. Ah, it would be nice if Rinali would save Allen this time around. I wonder how she will look like after taking in that innocence. As usual, Allen’s entrances are really awesome, but it is the delivery that is not that good. ^^; I guess Komui is a bit conflicted as to whether go or not. Good for Kanda who knock some sense in him. Hehe, Kanda just goes straight to the fight and probably hates moping people. =P

Tsuna manages to stop king mosco in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 185]. It turns out that Spanner is inside it. He comes out and says that is quite a move. He sees Tsuna unconscious after he hit the wall. Spanner notes that it seems Tsuna haven’t perfected that move. He points his gun at Tsuna and says farewell as he is about to pull the trigger. Meanwhile, Hayato and others are still walking around. Hayato says he heard Reborn’s voice. Ryohei says maybe outside communication can get in now because they destroyed the surveillance system. Hayato wasn’t able to hear it properly because they are underground. Hayato panics that something could have happened to Tsuna but Takeshi and Ryohei jump on Hayato to prevent him from running to Tsuna. They tell Hayato not to worry about Tsuna. Lal is still unconscious. They are trying to get to the white circular thing that Tsuna saw in his dream. It is estimated that they will reach it around 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Irie is asking if there is any news from Spanner. They tell him there is none but there is an explosion. They ask if he wants to talk to Spanner. Irie declines for he promised Spanner that he won’t interrupt the fight. He will wait for Spanner to contact him. They tell Irie that there are 5 intruders. They calculated the possibility of the main computer being attacked first then the communications + command room and lastly, Irie’s research lab.

They suggest that they divide their forces into three and it will include those who are under house arrest. Phantom Night and Iris [afro girl] assign to computer room. Gamma, Tarazu and Ginger assign to communication + command room. And, Baishana [turban guy] and Nigella [tattoo face guy] assign to the research room. Irie protests about putting Baishana near his lab because he and his box is dangerous. They tell him that it has the least possibility of being attacked. Because Irie insists, Phantom Knight will be assigned to the lab. It turns out that Irie just doesn’t want something in his lab to be revealed. Just as the Cervello orders someone to do tell the others of their new orders, the guy informs them that Nigella has already went to the research lab. Back to Hayato and others, they were talking about the tight squeeze in the vents when Ryohei motions to silence them. They see Nigella being wounded as he shouts what was done to his bear [box]. He falls down and they see Baishana waiting for them. Looks like a powerful enemy. Are they already in the research lab? From Baishana’s flute, I wonder if he is somewhat like a snake charmer and gets the box animals of others. Maybe it will be three vs one. Since Spanner haven’t reported yet, maybe someone saved Tsuna or Spanner didn’t kill him yet and has planned something else. I wonder if Tsuna didn’t use his full power because he knew Spanner is inside. I really actually thought he is just controlling the mosco from elsewhere. ^^;;

The picture that Shinpachi sent is a picture of Okita beating him up in Gintama [c. 204] . The younger sis is glad that her sister’s letter is replied by someone. Older sis said she actually used younger sis picture and pretended to be her. It seems she is quite insecure but as forgiveness, her younger sis urges her to reply back. She replies back and thanks Shinpachi for replying. She asks what does he do in Edo. After Shinpachi and Gin argue about sending that picture to the girl, Kondou appears and tries to give some advice to Shinpachi about how to reply back. Instead of telling the truth of working at the Yorozuya, they decided to change how they phrase the words in order to make a good impression. They include about Shinpachi having a sister. This made older sis to reply back, still pretending to be young sis, to tell him about her older sis who is sickly but is now better though she still being antisocial. Shinpachi and others wonder how to change the flow of the conversation from the sister to the two of them again. Just then, Hijitaka comes up to get Kondou to work. They decided to ask his help. Hijitaka manages to get the flow of the conversation from the sister about wanting to help her sister to wanting to meet her. Hijitaka then erase about the meeting her part because Shinpachi is too shy for it. They send the letter and it is only later on that he realized that he didn’t remove Kondou’s words about ‘doing it’ with her sister. The younger sis is furious about this reply and tells her older sis to stop replying back. To her shock, older sis wants to meet this guy. Later on, Shinpachi calls out to Gin and others that he got a letter. Gin and Kondou plan to put the blame on Hijitaka who protests that it is Kondou’s fault. To their shock, the girl wants to meet with Shinpachi. Hehe, yeah, things are more fun if Shinsengumi are involved. =P I wonder if they will still ‘pretend’ when they meet or confess the truth to each other? It is always difficult when one lies about one’s self in pen pals. I think the girl is a bit different that she responses different from that letter.

Amamiya is surprised that Yoshina only uses pure emotion to start up his psy in PSYREN [c. 14]. Yoshina is too cute as he is really happy over this that he quickly snaps a picture to show off to Asaga. To their surprise, they are summoned again to psyren by Nemesis Q. Amamiya thinks that it is too fast and could it because Nemesis Q called for them when Yoshina completed his training. They start to prepare as there is ringing in their head. While walking around, Asaga is wondering about psyren as to how far is it in the future. He then remembers his friend Tashio, whom he is looking for and who also have a psyren card. Somewhere else, a guy named Kabuto is chased by some men because Kabuto tries to hit on the guy’s girlfriend. He turns out to be some playboy. He calls to his journalist uncle for some chit-chat. It turns out that he also has a psyren card. Amamiya informs Matsuri that they are leaving. Soon, everyone goes to psyren. Yoshina and Amamiya go to psyren and is surround by people. Oboro is with them. Amamiya seems surprised by this. Then, Asaga finds himself with Kabuto on the rooftop. They greet each other as there is a scene of a cottage in the mountain. The author is slowly increasing the cast. I guess Yoshina will be a bit of a wild card as he is quite different on how he uses his powers. I wonder if he has to be frustrated and angry in order to use his powers. Also, why is Asaga and Kabuto not with the others? Maybe Nemesis Q have something else in plan or the usual ‘missions’ is changing from what Amamiya knew before.

Quote of the day:
f you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody. ~ Chinese Proverb.

Yoru Cafe - My Sweets Knights - [Chapter 3]
Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 05:09 p.m.

The next day, Hina has a headache. She gloomily apologizes to Yoshizumi and Nozomu for the trouble she is giving them. Yoshizumi just nervously smiles and says it’s okay, don’t mind it. Nozomu also nervously smiles and says they won’t know what to do if she keeps on apologizing to them every time they meet. Seeing a tray of fruits, they ask her what it is for. Hina says she wants to try making cakes. She heard them say that they would buy the cakes outside so she wants to see if she can make them because women like sweets. She is still a beginner and still needs to learn how to do it. She happily tells them if she can make them well, it will increase profit and they can get a raise in their salary. Yoshizumi’s eyes twinkle as his head repeats, a salary raise, a salary raise. Yoshizumi quickly tells Hina really, that’s a good observation, I support you-- Nozomu sweatdrops and wonders why every time money is mentioned, Yoshizumi’s eyes does that. Just then, Soushi enters the café and is blushing. He calls out to Hina, boss, come here a minute. Yoshizumi greets Soushi, welcome back. Hina asks why is Soushi’s face really red. He says, her washed clothes. Hina asks huh. Soushi exclaims that she is hanging her washed underwear out in the balcony. Do not hang them exposed like that! Room 201 is also a girl so I had been quite careful about hanging underwear outside, would you please--

Yoshizumi gloomily thinks that he can actually imagine it. Hina thoughtful says, she doesn’t mind. Soushi angrily screams, it’s me! I do mind! What are you saying! Yoshizumi tells Nozomu that Soushi dares talk back to the boss. Nozomu tells Soushi, I can understand your feelings because last night-- Flashback: Yoshizumi asked Hina doesn’t she remember anything. To Soushi’s shock, Hina replied yes, she just remember chatting with Soushi. End flashback. Nozomu continues Soushi, because of that, your pride has not yet recovered. Nozomu holds Hina’s shoulder and tells her not to mind Soushi for he is just losing his temper. This shocks Soushi as he exclaims, losing my temper--! Nozomu tells Hina to hurry and go to the kitchen. Soushi asks Yoshizumi why does Nozomu like Hina that much, though normally he would say she is cute but she already said that she won’t fall in love again. No matter how close he sticks to her nothing will happen. Yoshizumi says that is why it is like that. Because she won’t fall for anyone, Nozomu can just get close to her otherwise, Nozomu won’t easily be so friendly with another person.

Hina happily carries some plates of desserts from the café. She is in the hallway at the second floor, she sees Yoshizumi comes out of the room. He sighs while carrying some papers. He notices Hina and asks what is the matter. She says she did some cake experiments and she would want them [guys] to try it. The ones she did earlier isn’t good but she thinks these ones are better. Hina notices that Yoshizumi has come out of room 302 which is Nozomu’s room. She asks why is he in there. Yoshizumi tells her that Nozomu has left his paper/thesis at home and he needs that today so he called and asked him to bring it to his school. Hina offers to do that for him since she is free. Yoshizumi gives her the directions. He apologizes for asking her [since she is the boss] to do this. He thanks her for helping him since he is actually quite busy. Hina goes to Nozomu’s school while holding a note with the directions. Since she sees a student passing by, she figures that she is near the school. She is then surprised to see a red gate. Nozomu calls out to her and asks why is she there. Hina gives him his paper and says that Yoshizumi is quite busy so she is the one who will bring it. She smiles and tells him next time not to forget such an important thing. Nozomu blushes and thanks her. Nozomu invites her to his school. Inside, Hina walks with him and happily says in the university, even outsiders can go in. Nozomu says it is a liberal school. Nozomu notices that Hina is looking around that he asks if she finds something interesting. Hina says she yearns for college but because of some reasons, she wasn’t able to fulfill her dream, and also because she got married. Nozomu smiles and says there is no age limit for college. Isn’t she 23 years old this year, so she still has a chance. Hina smiles and says, yes.

She then asks what course is Nozomu taking. Nozomu says he is in his first year legal studies. I want to become a high class staff, entering the provincial hall/government. I doesn’t want to enter the world of law. Hina asks if he wants to become a government official. Nozomu says yes. He looks dark and evil as he says, then, become a representative [congressman] of [rich] people who doesn’t know anything about the world and those who love money. The first directive as a congressman would be to make them submit to me. Then, I will dominate Japan, that is my dream. [Bwehehe =P] Hina looks fearful of Nozomu as he shouts, wait for me, stupid people. Hina says but, if that is all, won’t it be better for him just to become prime minister. Nozomu sweatdrops over this. Nozomu exclaims, that! can I? Becoming a prime minister deviates from the theme. Just then, a guy calls out to Nozomu asking if he took notes on Yamada’s civil law. Nozomu says he did, what of it. The guy asks if he can borrow his notes. The test will be coming soon but he haven’t been able to attend classes for a month because he has something to do. He has already asked their other classmates but they said that Nozomu’s notes is more complete. Nozomu says sorry but can you find someone else. The guy is surprised. With a serious look, Nozomu says my notes isn’t meant to be shown for someone who skipped classes. Let’s go, boss. The guy pleads to Nozomu to share even a little bit, he will thank him. Nozomu says, then, I’ll tell you clearly, it’s troublesome. Why should I show it to anyone even if he is from a royal race or family. The guy is a bit stunned as Hina tries to call out to Nozomu who already starts walking away. Hina just bows to the guy then quickly follows Nozomu. While eating at the cafeteria, Hina asks Nozomu if his relationship with that other guy isn’t good, did they had a fight. Nozomu says they didn’t. Hina says don’t say it like that. Nozomu says he doesn’t like people who uses others, he totally dislike it but he rather likes using other people. Hina laughs and says how could it be using, when that guy asked him quite earnestly. Hina notices Nozomu thinking of something. Nozomu looks quite angry and dark. He asks isn’t she eating anymore. She says she isn’t. He says, just three bowls, isn’t it too few.

At Queen’s Café, Nozomu cheerfully greets a couple of customers and leads them to their seats. Hina is sitting near the bar and looks at Nozomu. She thinks that he is quite warm with the customers. She is really curious about Nozomu’s attitude before. When she first met him, he was like that – how he treats the customers – that she thought he is a friendly person but she feels now that he isn’t like that. She wonders could it be that Nozomu hates men..no, because he has a good relationship with the other two. Yoshizumi and Soushi are looking at Hina and comment that Hina is always looking..yup, always looking and staring [at Nozomu]. Yoshizumi tells Soushi that he heard that they had a date in the college this morning. Soushi exclaims, date!? What will happen, didn’t she said she won’t fall in love again. Yoshizumi says don’t ask me. Soushi then asks so what does Nozomu think. Yoshizumi replies I told you not to ask me. Yoshizumi offers a cup of red tea to Hina. Hina asks him what kind of person is Nozomu. Yoshizumi looks at her in surprise and asks, huh. She asks why is Nozomu, who wants to become a government official, a staff in this store? Yoshizumi says about this, don’t ask me. Nozomu calls out orders for mocha coffee and volcano ice cream. He says if she is really curious about him, don’t ask someone else, just ask him. Nozomu smiles and says I won’t escape, I’ll wait for you to ask. Hina just looks at him. Soushi tells Yoshizumi, does that make sense, it feels that it doesn’t make sense. Yoshizumi just tells him to shut up.

On Queen’s Café day off, Hina rings the door bell at Soushi’s room. She offers him some of the experiment cakes she made since she wasn’t able to give them to him yesterday. Soushi thanks her. Soushi asks to whom is she giving the other plate. Hina says to Nozomu for she has already given Yoshizumi’s share to him yesterday. Hina says she doesn’t know if Nozomu is currently there or not. She rings the door bell at Nozomu’s room. Nozomu comes out and is surprised to see Hina. Hina says this is his share of the experiment cakes and he said that she can ask him questions. Nozomu sighs that Hina actually took his word for it. He tells her to come in even if his room is a bit messy. Nozomu gives her a cup of tea to drink. He asks why does she bother with such a small matter. Everyone have that time when they treat others coldly. You really don’t understand people. Hina tells him that it really bothers her because he is quite friendly especially to her who has just arrive there. Will it be strange if she is bothered by it? Nozomu looks at her in surprise then his eyes become cold. Hina says no matter if it is small or big, I feel that if someone needs me, I can’t ignore it. Thinking this way, isn’t this common [for most people]? Nozomu asks what do you want me to do? Do you want me to change to become a good guy and do everything what others ask me to do? Hina exclaims no..ah, that is quite extreme. Hina then feels her speech is slurred and she is becoming dizzy. She feels that Nozomu’s voice is coming from her head and it is too loud. Nozomu says it is indeed strange when she mentioned about why he is friendly with her when they have only met each other just recently.

He caresses her cheek as Hina’s breathing is labored and her face is quite red. He asks, you are curious about me, why? Hina says it is because she is their boss so she wants to understand them more. Nozomu answers, what? Is that all? She asks what does he mean. Nozomu is now on top of her as she is lying on the floor. He says honestly, I have a question. Wanting to maintain your moral integrity for deceased Kunikazu, do you really think that you can live alone from now on? Even if a good guy like me would come close to you like this, you won’t have any feelings? I’m sorry boss for saying this to you but what I said is my sincere words. Hina is surprised then tears are forming in her eyes. Then, there is a loud knock which is followed by more loud knocks. Nozomu is puzzled that he opens it, exclaiming, coming, what is it. Nozomu is surprise to see Soushi. Blushing, Soushi says he came to return the plate..the cake plate. Nozomu asks so why did he come to his room. Soushi asks if the boss is there. Nozomu lets Soushi in. Hina is surprised to see Soushi. She wipes her tears and asks how is the cake. Soushi is shock to see her crying. He nervously asks are you rejected?! The two look at him and are puzzled. Nozomu shows Soushi a bottle of wine. Soushi looks at it and says, brandy? Nozomu exclaims it is because before, the boss didn’t surprise attack him so he is really angry. That is why he put in some brandy in the red tea. Hina is puzzled and asks, attack? Nozomu says but he didn’t thought that he will see the effect immediately.

Soushi grabs Nozomu’s collar and exclaims isn’t it absolutely forbidden to give alcohol to boss. He gloomily asks Nozomu if he still wants to see that hellish scene. Nozomu gets nervous and apologizes. Hina exclaims, hellish scene?! Hina cries and asks what did she did, what did she did that night. The two guys say, ah--no, you don’t need to know. Nozomu bends down to Hina and says, boss, I think there are some things that are better not known. There are things that people doesn’t want others to know. About that vile trick, I’ll apologize. Sorry. Hina looks a bit sad as Soushi speechlessly looks sideways. [I think he knows] Hina thinks Kunikazu, am I too anxious? Someone treating me nicely and getting along with friends are two different things. I thought I understand but.. After they left, Nozomu eats the cakes that Hina brought. He is talking to himself. How tolerant, really. Doing this kind of thing to the boss, an employee would have been fired. Saying, ‘you guys are the employees chosen by Kunikazu so I’ll also believe in you’...what would you believe? You haven’t even seen this kind of person. Ah, it would have been better if I had asked another question. He remembers Hina telling him that when others need her, she can’t ignore it. Nozomu says, what if I say, I really need you, what will you do? Really..very naïve for everywhere, there is an opportunity to take advantage [of others].

So, this chapter centers on Nozomu. He is quite a complicated character. From the way he reacts from people asking favors, it seems that he has some trauma of someone ‘using’ him. Yoshizumi mentioned about Nozomu getting close to Hina because she won’t fall for him. That somewhat reinforces my theory. Maybe someone had tried to become close to him and it turned out that someone just wanted to use him or want something in exchange. He kept on describing himself as ‘good person’ to Hina. It seems that even if he said that Soushi has hurt his pride because Hina forgot all about the incident so he is acting that way, it turns out that Nozomu’s pride is the one who is really hurt for Hina didn’t attack him. He even tried to get her drunk again. Hehe Also, why would he work there in the café? For Yoshizumi, it might have meant for more money. For Soushi, it is somewhat ah..related to Kunikazu, I think as thanks. But what about Nozomu? Why can’t he tell Hina the reason? I wonder how long have the three guys been together for it seems that they quite know each other. I find myself amused to think that the three are actually like brothers and their characters are like in the birth order theory. =P I’m beginning to think that Kunikazu ‘brought’ Hina there more on to have them as family rather than for suitors. I do find the topic of ‘using’ quite interesting. In school, there are those who would ask to copy notes, etc but then, if you keep on obliging them, when do you draw the line to decline? Is it when you feel like you are being used? Just limit it to people you like? Or as what Nozomu did, decline to anyone even if they will think you are selfish and not nice. I think Hina is fortunate to be surrounded by nice people or maybe she is just naïve because she tend to think that people who is nice to her are her friends. Why do I have a feeling that Nozomu is already practicing his dream of dominating people on Hina? ^^;;

Word of the day:
Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from looking to God.~ Our Daily Bread

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 12]
Friday, March 14, 2008 @ 02:49 p.m.

In the cover page, Fumino has just woke up. Sensei, I can’t sleep well at night, I want to be by your side. Remembering the night when Kazuma touches her hair and said, ‘what’s wrong with me’, Fumino thinks, since that night, I had always been dreaming of Sensei’s fingers [touching her hair]. In the morning, Kazuma has been teaching Fumino and Teppei on how to make onigiri [rice balls] for their bento box. Fumino asks, date? Kazuma says, right, date. He then points out that she haven’t made the rice round yet so she can’t put the nori [seaweed] sheet yet. Fumino blushes and goes into shock mode, scattering the rice on her face. Kazuma tells her that Ryuu has complimentary tickets to the aquarium/oceanarium. Tomorrow on Saturday, would you want to go? Fumino exclaims that there will be many people there and there is a chance that the students in their school will [be there]. Kazuma says the place will be quite far away and he will also disguise himself so it will be okay. He tells Teppei to come, too. Teppei happily exclaims, penguins. Fumino blushes and thinks, date. Kazuma then points to Fumino that there are many rice grains on her face. Fumino closes her eyes and waits for him to remove them but to her dismay, Kazuma just gives her a mirror and tells her to tidy up before going to school. Teppei happily eats the failed onigiri for breakfast as Kazuma goes to prepare for school. Fumino narrates: Ever since the day when I was locked in the storage room with Shoma, I’m also feeling a bit uneasy. It is because sensei has changed a bit. That is --

At school, Kazuma is checking everyone’s attendance. Fumino is looking quite frustrated and thinks no way, what if the situation this morning is like this-. She imagines Kazuma holding her and tries to kiss her while saying, Is this the bento/meal done for me? How very clever, Itadakimasu! [Let’s eat] ♥. She would be blushing and exclaiming, no, wait, starting this in the morning.. [End imagination] Fumino thinks, that kind of evil jest, this manga should have given me a good start!! Kazuma asks out loud what is the matter with Fumino for her face is quite terrifying. The other students are looking at her. Fumino narration: That is – Sensei doesn’t want to touch me anymore!!! Later on, at the kindergarten, while carrying Teppei, Ryuu asks, Ah, Fumino, will you listen? Have you already did it with Kazuma? Fumino blushes and angrily kicks Ryuu’s face. She shouts No!! and not even a kiss. Ryuu is shock and says ha, really? Why not? Fumino protests it isn’t so [not Kazuma’s fault], it is my fault, because before every time when I’m near Kazuma, I will feel embarrassed and I will quickly retreats. So of course, this will happen. Fumino thinks, ‘Not wanting to touch’ makes me feel lonely but she can’t say that carelessly. Ryuu pats her head and says how pitiful, it will be okay. It is because you guys, didn’t go through the phase of being in love. If you start from being lovers, won’t they be dating? Fumino looks at him in surprise and thinks, ‘lover’. That night, after they taken their bath, Fumino is studying in the living room. Kazuma also sits on the table and tells her that they have already rented a car courtesy of Retsu [young master of Higuma-gumi] but he and Fumino will be riding on Ryuu’s dragon rider motorcycle. Fumino asks why? Kazuma says because this is a date ♪. Fumino blushes as she imagines riding on the motorcycle with Kazuma. She wonders if she should make a bento box. Kazuma looks at her neck and sees that her hair is still a bit wet. Kazuma just tosses a towel on her head and tells her to dry her head well. Fumino is a bit gloomy about this as Kazuma sighs and leaves while scratching his head. Fumino narrates: That’s right, becoming a ‘wife’ when before that, it should have been becoming a ‘lover’. We jumped that part!!

On the day, Fumino and Teppei looks surprise as Kazuma calls out, sorry for making you guys wait, transformation is finished. Kazuma has dressed up in casual clothes and has kept his glasses that he looks young. Teppei happily goes to Kazuma and exclaims that he looks cool. Ryuu signs a V-sign and says he is the designer. Fumino is already nose-bleeding as she thinks that Kazuma is really disguised well that he won’t be exposed [that he is Kazuma the teacher]. Kazuma calls out to her that she turns around and asks, yes. Kazuma is already sitting on the motorcycle and offers Fumino a coat. He tells her to sit behind him. He says, today, nice to meet you. Fumino thinks that her heart is beating so fast already when the date haven’t started yet. Fumino is about to get the coat and says, okay, I will -- To her shock, Shoma sits behind Kazuma. Pause. Fumino shouts, Shoma!? Shoma gives Kazuma a snack bento box. He says, how are you, brother, sorry for the trouble before [when he has a fever], I brought an apology’s consolation gift. Shoma pouts and asks Kazuma is he going some place. Fumino kicks Shoma’s back and shouts for him to wait, is he neglecting her. Shoma just says, it is really the season of noisy insects. Fumino shouts, hey! Kazuma smiles and says they are going to the aquarium and everyone will go on a date. Shoma looks dreamily and says,..aquarium. Kazuma asks if Shoma wants to go, too since they have a car. Fumino is shock by this. Shoma blushes and says, if isn’t like he really wanted to come but rather, because he is free today. So, they head to the aquarium. Fumino rides behind Kazuma on the motorcycle while Shoma, Ryuu and Teppei are in the car. Ryuu is happily exclaiming about Shoma being cute and he is Ryuu, Kazuma’s friend. Shoma is still blushing tells him to please be quiet and just drive. Fumino is wondering if it is okay to bring Shoma along for doesn’t Shoma objects about the two of them. She didn’t get to hear what Kazuma is saying so she asks, ha. Kazuma tells her to hold on tightly. Fumino holds on to him tightly and thinks she is really happy. She wonders if she will be closer to him when they get there.

At the aquarium, Ryuu says that they go see the underground aquarium first for he wants to see the sharks. Teppei shouts he wants to see penguins. While Teppei happily looks at the fishes, penguins, etc, Fumino is unhappy that Kazuma is standing beside her at a respectful gentleman distance. Fumino thinks she can still do something. She tries to hold on his arm and thinks, it is okay, there is nothing to worry about. To her surprise, Shoma grabs her hand and pushes Kazuma aside. Shoma tells Fumino to come for there are many deep sea fishes [the ugly ones] that look like her. Fumino can only waves her hands as Shoma is pulling her elsewhere. Later on, Shoma is standing between Fumino and Kazuma while they are watching the fishes. At the dophin-sea lion show, Fumino is angry that Shoma is again sitting between her and Kazuma. Fumino gloomily says, wait a minute, Shoma. Shoma asks what. She whispers, this is a ‘date’, how about seeing the mood. Shoma snubs her and says, it’s okay if I’m here. Kazuma just worriedly looks at Ryuu who laughs at him. Fumino is really angry at Kazuma and thinks didn’t you just said that you are very jealous of Shoma so why would you sit apart from me? Kazuma is pointing something to Teppei that Fumino punches his shoulder from behind. Just then, the host announces that there will be a trick challenge and if they manages to do it, they will have a gift. To their surprise, Fumino volunteers herself when she angrily shouts, no problem!!! Everyone laughs as the host agrees to let her join since she is quite enthusiastic about it. While holding a hoop to toss to the sea lion’s nose, some kids are angry that it is unfair since she is older. Fumino shouts for them to shut up. Shoma sighs and says a fool’s greed. Kazuma says that isn’t so. Fumino calls out to Teppei to toss together. Fumino carries Teppei who manages to toss the hoop on the sea lion. Kazuma smiles and says that opportunity might not come again. Shoma just looks at his brother.

Fumino is inside the women’s comfort room and thinking that this is a date. The next part will be touring/sight-seeing the place so she should enjoy this simple happiness. Just then she overhears a woman asking, ah, sorry but are you alone? She peeks out to see a couple of women talking to Kazuma who is waiting for her. The woman says that she is there with her friend and if he can, would he want to do something together with them for the day. Fumino blushes as she realizes that the women are trying to flirt/hit on Kazuma. It seems that Kazuma looks handsome now compared to when he looks like a plain ordinary glasses wearing teacher. She doesn’t understand why he does that. Kazuma shows his wedding ring and apologizes to the women by saying that today he is with his wife. Fumino blushes and is happy about this. The women doesn’t believe Kazuma and asks if his wife is really there, isn’t that ring just used to ward off women. Kazuma smiles and says no, it’s true, I’m currently waiting for my wife. Fumino holds her ring pendant and wonders if she should go out. She looks at herself on the mirror. I didn’t wear make-up. Wearing childish clothes, having a childish hairstyle..age..can I go to that person’s side? Someone then says, sorry for making you wait, darling. Have you been fickle?

Kazuma and the two women look at Shoma in surprise. The women scream and quickly retreats. Shoma sticks his tongue out at them and says, how impolite. Fumino is surprised and wonders if Shoma is being nice. Kazuma nervously asks if Shoma is.. Shoma asks what is it, didn’t he just helped him. But honestly, how can a ‘wife’ become a laughingstock. Kazuma asks if he is getting worried. Shoma says he is just saying he is lucky. Fumino peeks out and wonders if she can come out now. Shoma continues, it is like this, the way you treat that girl, it is quite cruel. I have never seen you treating her as if she is the one and only girl you love. Didn’t you treat her as a ‘family’ but rather as a ‘wife’? Fumino is already wearing her ring on her finger. She thinks, ‘family’, not as a ‘wife’ nor as a ‘lover’. After a pause, Kazuma says --that’s right but --. Kazuma is surprised to see Fumino standing in front of them on the verge of tears. Fumino says sorry for making you wait. She quickly turns around and runs off just as Kazuma is about to call her. Shoma says this isn’t bad at all, you will know later on. Kazuma hits him on his head and exclaims, stupid, later on it will be you. [who will know?] Shoma looks at him in surprise and thinks, hitting me and calling me stupid. The two women are watching from the side. They wonder if it is a love triangle. I think Kazuma runs after Fumino. Fumino narrates no matter what, I always giving others trouble.

At the kid’s playground, Ryuu is playing with some other kids for he can’t resist his ‘want’ to take care of kids. Ryuu asks Teppei who is holding a dolphin stuffed toy if he wants some frozen snacks. Teppei says yes. Ryuu asks if Teppei really likes that dolphin toy. Teppei hugs it and says yes because it is partially belongs to Fumino. The dolphin toy is the reward for the hoop toss. Ryuu leaves Teppei with the other kids. Then a couple of kids were whispering. They have told bully kid who was among the contestants in the show earlier. The bully tells Teppei that he is the one in the sea lion contest and he used a cunning trick to win that reward. While still running, Fumino thinks that as a ‘wife’ or a ‘lover’ she knows she wasn’t able to do them well, even so, even so Sensei.. Just then she overhears some people shouting that’s dangerous. She looks up and sees the bully kid sitting on the handrail of the sidewalk. He teasing waves the dolphin toy as if to toss it into the sea. The other kid holds on to Teppei who is trying to get it back. Just then, Teppei accidentally pushes the bully who losses his balance. Fumino quickly kicks the bully inside the handrile to safety and tosses the dolphin toy inside. Fumino narrates, this is the utmost best of me, not able to consider my clumsiness..what am I trying to hide... Teppei is shock over what Fumino did as she is now the one falling into the sea. [déjà vu from chapter 5 ^^;]

Teppei shouts, Ma-chan! And Super Kazuma saves the day. Lol He grabs her while holding on the handrail. Ryuu supports Kazuma by holding him. Kazuma says by not touching her, he is able to restrain himself temporarily. [He is explaining why he is treating her like family] Kazuma blushes just as Fumino is blushing and is about to cry. She then cries out loud, surprising Kazuma. When they got back up, Kazuma panics and shouts it is good that they are on safe ground. He quickly carries her and runs off while Ryuu is comforting crying Teppei. The two siblings are crying out loud. ^^; Fumino narrates,..so I want to communicate [my feelings]. While Kazuma is carrying her off, Fumino says, sensei..sorry, [I’m] not family..I’m okay now, even so, I still like you. Kazuma is happy that his knees weaken as he bends down. Fumino apologizes and asks if she is heavy. Kazuma covers his face as he is blushing. He says, I said the reason why I’m not touching you is I’m trying to overcome my consciousness of you. Fumino is surprised and puzzled. Kazuma rumples his hair and says, ah..okay, if I don’t say it properly, it won’t be good. Fumino is surprised that Kazuma looks serious at her. Kazuma says, I like you. Everyday. Your frankness. Your recklessness. For me, it makes me makes me dizzy with extreme happiness. Fumino blushes starts to cry again. Kazuma blushes and says this kind of disgusting/bad confession, it is a first time for him since birth. Fumino thanks him. Kazuma says let’s go back. Fumino says okay. While they walk back, they hold their hands. Fumino narrates, from now on, definitely, they will start to walk on that hesitating and clumsy step to being in love. Kazuma says, ah..it will be hard to become a ‘teacher’ again after this. Fumino says I will do my best to become a ‘student’.

The car returned first to the house. Shoma looks at his watch and asks why haven’t his brother arrived yet. He looks around and thinks it is strange for they left together. Just then, Ryuu’s mobile phone rings. Ryuu wonders what is the matter as he answers it. Kazuma shouts from the other line, Stupid Ryuu, the motorcycle won’t start --!! It is already raining hard where Kazuma and Fumino are. Fumino is using the coat to cover her head. Kazuma tells Ryuu that they are in the highway when the motorcycle broke down. They are now on the side road. He tells Ryuu to quickly pick them up. Ryuu says he will quickly go there. Just then, Retsu takes the phone from Ryuu. He answers the phone, this is Higuma-gumi car rental, I’m very sorry but renting of the car ends at 9pm ♥. The car is now repossessed. You and your wife should just camp outside! Retsu hangs up the phone as Kazuma goes from shock to furious. Fumino asks what is the matter. Kazuma shouts, ah, I can’t stand it! He tells Fumino that they should quickly find some cover else they might catch cold. Let’s run for it to that hotel. Fumino goes from shock to freaking out just as Kazuma is running to a Arabian looking hotel – provincial castle. Fumino narrates, we, husband-wife, have not yet pass through the path of being lovers, we have already moved to another step. Last scene, Shoma is freaking out as he exclaims you..what are you planning. Retsu shows v-signs and says he also uses his brains, we’ll fetch them in the morning. You can turn into a pervert wolf. Teppei exclaims pudding man. Ryuu laughs and says Retsu, you haven’t changed since you were in college.

Hehe..even if some scenes/situation are used again, it’s nice that Kazuma confessed. Will something happen between them after that? It is amusing how Shoma is the ‘third wheel’ in their date. He is really jealous of Fumino and is trying to keep them apart. Too bad for him, Retsu has other plans. =P And, Ryuu is going along with that plan. I think Retsu will be beaten to a pulp later on by Kazuma. Or would he be thanking Retsu if something good happened? Hehe I serious doubt that Shoma will be looking for them since he is known for his ‘bad at roads’. Anyway, the author takes a break so the next chapter will be out in Japan on April 24th. Scanlated by Tongs and Raws by windgrey for BW.

Quote of the day:
Love is knowing you will spend every day, of every week, of every month, of every season, of every year for the rest of your life with this person, and thinking, This is exactly what I want. ~ love is by me!