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4. Scans are in the title links below, just click the title of the series. If it isn't there, then it isn't uploaded in public sites yet. Those that are not in public sites are usually found in BW Forum = membership required.
5. This is an old blog so no tags nor feeds. Just use the search engines provided below and hopefully, you'll find the past summary you are looking for. ^^
6. Teasers are from Jap raws, not meant to be accurate because I can't read Japanese.
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About this blog:
I usually write about the manga that I'm currently reading. At times, I write about the anime I watched. Since it is hard to share and talk my thoughts about a certain manga series when people don't know about it, I tend to summarize them from Chinese scanlations so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. Feel free to point out my mistakes. ^^ Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things.

Layout Credits:
Diamond Beat pic is from Betsucomi's Official page. The quote's author is unknown. Edited in Photoshop CS2. The background is from GRSites. Fujoshi Kanojo's Yuiko is from Tuku.cc Pleinair by Takehito Harada is from JumpC. Gin and Pleinair edited and animated in Photoshop. Moyashimon germ and Rabi gif are taken from ikunlun forum. Onion is from BW forum. VBR's Ageha is scanned by Amyangel19910323. SB! gif from lynncomic in baidu and Yoru Cafe chibis are from Petit official page. Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu picture in latest entries is scanned by spi684 for BW and the background is from photobucket's JACKIEAYALA.

V.B. Rose
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Past Dreams:
2009

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

Image hosting by Photobucket, Imageshack, and Xtupload.

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

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

To God Be the Glory!

The One [Chapter 63]
Friday, December 4, 2009

And so, Eros spends the night hitting some brick wall in some place with his bare fist as a way of venting his frustration or probably wanting to erase that memory of how he hurt Lele – crying, etc. He returns back home. Angus asks where he disappeared to that he came home so late. Eros’ alibi is he had to take a call from an important client. Angus sees Eros’ injured right hand and asks what happened to that. Eros evades the question by saying that it is nothing, just a small injury, it’s late, I’m tired, you go to sleep too. Angus seems a bit flustered and concerned about it. In his bedroom, Eros tries to bandage his hand by himself but it seems he is having some difficulty doing that. He is surprised when Angus grabs him from behind and tells him that it isn’t just a small injury. Angus asks if he got into a fight while playing bum. Since Angus insists that he spill the truth, Eros plays along with Angus theory about meeting a 200cm tall and 150kg heavy guy who held a knife at some pretty lady for a hold-up and since he isn’t afraid of death, he went ahead and saved the girl. With sparkling eyes, Angus says that description seems like a Leo-type dinosaur and he really admires his brother because if it were him, he would have just run away. He also doesn’t want his pretty face and body to be hurt in any way. Eros kicks him away and shouts if he came here only to say that stuff to him. Angus then tells him that he has something that he wants to ask Eros. “Do you know who Ulysses Dowlan is?” This surprises Eros.

He sweatdrops and asks that Angus spend the night mingling with famous people yet he doesn’t know who’s who. Angus just says that he doesn’t remember them all. Eros asks if Ulysses came and talked with him. Angus says that’s right. Eros tells him that guy is the father of Wheeler, Angus’ rival and is also known as ‘Shipping King’. He doesn’t think it is just a coincidence because that guy is also the rival of Angus’ duke father in the shipping industry. Eros strongly advice Angus to stay away from Ulysses and this is an ‘exceptional time’ so Angus shouldn’t let himself be played around immorally like before. This got Angus thinking that because he was really disgusted by how Ulysses approached him by his father, he doesn’t even want to know what Ulysses his father does for work but unexpectedly, he is the rival of that old man/his father. [Sorry, I actually thought he meant by that old man earlier as Ulysses, forgot that it can also mean his father. ^^;] He also wonders how Ulysses knew about those hidden shameful things about the Gustav family and why Ulysses would unexpectedly look for him. Meanwhile, Lele has locked herself up in the bedroom. Worried Leo and Xiao Qui are knocking on the door for her to open the door and eat something else she gets sick. Lele is reading her mother’s diary. She doesn’t know why she would suddenly want to read it when she didn’t treasure it that much before since she just hid it. It seems that she is reading it in order to find some words from her mother, who is so full of life, that can help give her strength. She drops the diary and faints. Upon hearing a ‘thud’, Leo and Xiao Qui becomes worried as they shout Lele’s name. At some studio, Eros is back to work as he lectures some models regarding their walk/show practice. Approaching Eros, Leo asks him if he knows that Lele got sick because of him. To Leo’s shock-aghast, Eros coldly asks if Leo wants him to take the blame/responsibility for what happened to Lele. Leo seriously asks if that is the real him/Eros. Next chapter, 1/1.

And, Eros is digging himself into a deeper hole. Everything is justifiable in Eros’ case since he is after all just protecting Lele from his father’s goons but still, it is a major risk for Lele’s love for him can easily turn into hate. As they say, there is a thin line between love and hate. Lele doesn’t seem to be the type of shoujo heroine who still likes the guy after experiencing an ‘attempted rape’. I think Lele might go back to her ‘cold personality’ like how her aunt treated her after the death of her grandmother. Well, probably after she gets out of her depression. Hehe, and just when I thought Lele got ‘healed’ by Eros since she is back to her original personality after going to New York, he turned out to be the guy who’ll hurt her again..and Lele might be back to square one. But then, if she’s in that kind of personality, she tends to excel at work. If Eros didn’t patch up things with her in some way which won’t attract attention of the goons or maybe he should just told her the truth, I think Eros will find it really hard for their relationship to be the same as it was before. It took a long time for Lele to ‘forgive’ her aunt. Anyway, Eros might be getting more self-inflicted wounds later on. ^^; As for the somewhat comedy part with Angus and Eros regarding Angus admiring Eros for saving a damsel in distress, I think that is out of place. I guess the author is trying to lighten the mood but I think she failed since I don’t find it amusing and Angus turned into some silly, comedic character which is totally out of place with the current mood of the story. Anyway, Angus has been warned. I think if Angus played his cards right with Ulysses, he can get away with freeing himself from his father’s grip and even get rid of his rival in modeling. I’m not so sure though if he can change from being pawn to ‘strategist’ since as I mentioned, he appears ‘stupid’ in this chapter. Hehe, it would be father-son vs father-son in a way with both father and son ‘dislike/hate’ each other ^^; It’s a queer rivalry. Scans by whitesunnie/小白 for BW. PS. I planned to write teaser at the title but then, that's pretty much what happened and it's only 17 pages short so...

Word of the day:
Yes, love is vulnerable, and there are no guarantees that it will be returned! But God continues to love, and in His strength we can do the same. ~ Herbert Vander Lugt from Our Daily Bread

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 29]
Thursday, December 3, 2009

Narration: “Spring break is over and it’s finally a new school year!” Looking at their parents’ picture, Fumino flashes a v-sign and tells her parents that from today on, she’ll be in her third year high school. Teppei happily poses and says that he’s now in middle year kindergarten [level 2]. Narration: “We were able to smoothly go to another grade level and for everything else to be okay is all thanks to the sensei whom I married--” Kazuma laughs and says that they are really inspired in their speech and their parents are surely very satisfied. The two siblings blush as Kazuma pats their head. Kazuma then notices that Fumino is looking at him. After telling Teppei to go eat breakfast, Kazuma asks Fumino what’s the matter. Fumino nervously asks if he is still with her class – will he still be their homeroom teacher or will it be someone else. Fumino is stunned and aghast when Kazuma asks her that it would be more convenient to hide that they are married if the homeroom teacher is someone else. Fumino can only lamely agree with him. Then, Kazuma giggles and says that he is joking, there is no change. Fumino is shock and blushes really red. Pushing her down, Kazuma says, “No matter when [you] always want us to be together, you are really such a spoiled wife..♡” Fumino angrily shouts that he’s too noisy and what he is doing. Fumino starts screaming, Kazuma is laughing and Teppei happily eats his breakfast. Narration: “..just like this, we still pass the same kind of life but..” In school at section 3-C, Kazuma tells the class that everyone are finally in third year and he’ll go straight to the point. He is going to distribute ‘future aspiration’ forms to everyone and they have three days before they return it back. He wants everyone to carefully think over it before they fill out the forms since this is a very important time in their lives. Fumino looks nervous at the form since she seems clueless about her future aspiration is. Kazuma looks somewhat sad-worried at her. Narration: “And like this..there are also some circumstances, [that] will happen and change--”

During lunch break, Fumino is eating with her friends. They are talking about each other’s aspirations. Sayo and Hanai will continue to jump dance ballet* at the sports hall. [* I’m not sure about that but it is what’s written. ^^; as guest said, jump can also be 'dance'.] Kooka happily says that she wants to be a child welfare teacher. Meg looks it up in her dictionary and says that it is nursery teacher. Looking at Fumino, they says, “How about you?” Fumino is quite nervous. Meg says, “Fumino has a ‘permanent job’! as a newly married woman” Her friends didn’t hear it because while covering Meg’s mouth, Fumino shouts out loud and tells them that she hasn’t decided yet. When asked about Meg, Meg just laughs and says that her job is celebrating/cheering for them. Sayo tells her that they were serious. Fumino is still racking her brains as to what her aspiration is. In the end, Fumino is angry walking Teppei home from school. She thinks, “Last year, I was still doing my best to survive so I didn’t think of anything else! Because I’m already married, after graduation, I can openly..” Fumino’s dream sequence: Touching Fumino’s face, Kazuma says, “I’m going now.” Blushing, Fumino says, “Don’t! [lovey-dovey] We are already outside the gate.” Kazuma replies, “It’s alright, for now, there is no longer a need hide [you].” End. Fumino is blushing really red. She thinks that there is not much difference to what’s happening right now. “One year after, what will I become..” Teppei calls out to her and asks if there is any problem. Fumino snaps out of it and tells him that it is nothing. Narration: “‘Permanent job’..what does sensei want me to do..?” Ding-dong. The door opens in their apartment. Tomo, accompanied by Kazuma, arrives and happily greets Fumino and Teppei. Tomo’s smile froze upon seeing them doing a dog-cosplay. Kazuma says that he forgot to tell them. Tomo angrily grabs Kazuma’s collar and carries him up. [Lol, funny scene] A bit tense, Fumino asks why Tomo is there. Kazuma informs her that he had asked Tomo a favor to take them with him for three days. Tomo happily grabs the two and prepares to leave. Fumino is freaking out and asks Kazuma why. Kazuma regretfully apologizes to her since it is too sudden but he wants her to forget her ‘husband’ in order for her to properly decide her own aspiration. This surprises Fumino. She blushes when Kazuma holds her face and leans his head to hers. He adds, “I’m sorry for deciding this on my own, I know that you are very conflicted [about this]..I don’t want you to be restricted by ‘marriage’, so you should properly think for yourself, what you want to do in the future. [Whatever it is] I will definitely support you with all of my strength-” Kazuma waves them goodbye as she thinks, “Sensei...”

At Tomo’s house, he complains about Kazuma for always doing things on his own initiative that he [Tomo] is always portrayed as the bad guy who took his niece and nephew away. Carrying Teppei, Fumino angrily shouts about being dragged there by Tomo. [They are still wearing their cosplay] Tomo just says, “Yeah..yeah.” Tomo apologizes and tells them that they will have to stay in Tomoe’s room since the room where they used to stay is now occupied by Tomoe. Tomo tells Fumino that if she wants to continue her studying, there is no need to worry about the money since his brother has left enough money for their tuition fees. Tomoe snuggles near Tomo. A note says that this year, she is studying college in Japan. Tomo says that ‘it can’t be helped’ [regarding staying with Tomoe]. Fumino muses that they [T&T] are now living together. That night, Fumino thinks that the ‘future’ is unexpectedly now in front of her but she will first use English to ‘thank’ Kazuma. She is holding her English exchange diary. Kazuma is looking thoughtful while staying out the balcony. “Aspiration huh..” Narration: “I’m still very lonely if I couldn’t see sensei, but I should really think about this. What would ‘I’ want to do one year from now?” Fumino attends meetings regarding what to do after graduation, reads books about colleges/universities and while being a janitor [part time work], she even got invited by Retsu to join his group but she refused. Then, with a blink of an eye.. While eating breakfast with the others, Tomo asks, “So you mean to say that..after three days, you still haven’t decided.” All gloomy and weepy, Fumino says that it seems that she is a type of person who doesn’t have any dreams nor future. Tomo tells her not to say that for didn’t she used to always say that she wants to become a ‘fleet leader’ or be a member of wrestling [sports]. Tomoe happily says that she’s quite courageous [like manly?]. Fumino angrily exclaims that was like 100 years ago. Tomo tells her to just take her time thinking about it and she’ll find it soon. He suggests that she only needs to have some kind of outline [of what she wants to do] at the start. Narration: “It’s easy for you to say, ‘take my time’.” At school, Kazuma calls out to ask her about the progress regarding her aspiration form since she hasn’t submitted it yet. “Is there a problem?” Fumino nervously kept on saying, “So..so..so..Sorry, I forgot to bring it! (lie) I’ll definitely bring it tomorrow!” She quickly runs off and escapes. Kazuma just sighs and it seems that he knows the real situation. Fumino thinks, “Sensei obviously gave me three days worth of precious time, but I wasn’t able to attain any decision, I have no face to go back [home/see him]!”

During lunch break, at the roof, Fumino is eating lunch. Shoma and Meg are accompanying her. Shoma asks her what Fumino is being distressed about because it is only logical that she go to work. “Which means to say-- quickly earn money for yourself and then, move out of my brother’s house!” Fumino angrily looks at him then calls out to Meg and asks her why she brought along this annoying attendant. Shoma shouts not to call him attendant. Fumino says that even if Shoma is all-knowing, she just wants to consult things with Meg alone. Meg happily says that it is much better if the mood is very lively during lunch. “Oh right, which college are you going to attend, Shoma? You’ll choose to study in the United States, right?” Fumino is aghast that Meg is totally talking about something that has nothing to do with her. Shoma says that is quite troublesome and he thinks that a Japanese university isn’t bad. Meg becomes shock-aghast and teary-eyed which surprises the two. Meg starts screaming in English, “Why, Shoma, come to US! I’ve already told papa, ‘I and Shoma are going to get married, I’ll bring him back to the US!” Shoma shouts back in English, “Ah, wait a minute, what did you just say? How come I never heard you say anything about this!” The two are surprised when Fumino says in Japanese, “That’s right, Meg, don’t lie, even if I don’t have the right to say this [interfere with their affairs].” Meg happily says, “Fumino, you can understand English?! Great!” Fumino is also surprised by this and she couldn’t believe it. The two confirms that they were talking in English a while ago. She goes to the LL [video/library? Language Lab according to Jack] room and watches an American superhero film. She nervously thinks that she can understand everything even if there are no subtitles. “I can understand English? I’m so happy.” Narration: “I’m so happy, so happy! What now..is it alright to just simply write it this way? Would I be laughed at? But..” She fills up the form. Carrying some books and the form, she happily goes to the English department room with thoughts of asking Kazuma’s opinion about her decision. She overhears some people talking inside. It’s Shoma talking with his brother. Kazuma tells his brother that regarding universities in the US, the entrance exam isn’t the same as the ones in Japan so he should study first at a prep school. Kazuma just says, is that so. Fumino who is eavesdropping is happy for Meg because Shoma is also considering about going to the US.

Shoma then looks serious and asks, “Oh yeah, brother, you have already decided to let her decide about her aspiration on her own..” Fumino is surprised that Shoma is talking about her when the door is open. Kazuma replies, “Ya, that’s right, I promised her that whatever she decided to do, I will support her.” Shoma asks, “As a ‘sensei’s responsibility? The responsibility for messing up the life of a student is quite severe.” This surprises Kazuma that he looks at Shoma. Shoma continues, “We are only third year high students, later on, we will have a lot of chance encounters and also [possibilities of] falling in love. In the future, if she will be interested in someone else, you won’t also interfere, right?” This surprises Fumino as she thinks, “What..? What did he [just] say..” With a somewhat sad smile, Kazuma replies, “—if that is what she, herself, wished for.” Shoma seems surprised. To Shoma’s shock, Kazuma got hit on the head by some books. Shoma looks out the door and shouts at Fumino who is quickly running away. Shoma then senses a breeze [named Kazuma] passing by him. Narration: “Sensei is really such a nice person, is the one who saved me and Teppei— but..the kindness of this ‘do not want to restrict me’ [treatment] will just make me feel very uneasy.” At the hallway, Kazuma manages to grab Fumino. “I’ve caught a bad student! Then, let’s proceed with your career guidance!” While complaining that she hurt him with those books, Kazuma angrily pulls Fumino who is screaming for him to let her go. Narration: “But, that is only because I’m still immature.” Back at the English department, Kazuma picks up the books. He complains that the cover of the book is ruined. “Geez! Unexpectedly using the dictionary to throw at me..a dictionary should be treasured!” Embarrassed, Fumino apologizes. Kazuma says, “If you want to apologize..” He then notices that the dictionary is quite worn out from use. Thinking that she should make her decision and she should take the initiative to tell him, Fumino surprises Kazuma by slamming her form at his back. “Sen..sensei, here!” Kazuma holds the paper and exclaims, “?! What..” Kazuma is surprised upon reading her form wherein she wrote that she wanted still study at an English school. Really embarrassed, Fumino tells him not to laugh at her. “This is also inevitable, because I find English to be very interesting lately. I obviously hate English before, but during the time when I’m exchanging diaries with sensei, I gradually like it.. --sensei, not only as a ‘husband’, but also as a ‘sensei’, you have changed me!”

The wind blows and the papers are scattered. Fumino bends down to pick the papers up. She is surprised when Kazuma also bends down and touches her hand. “..Thank you,” he says. Fumino replies, “So, later on in my life, I cannot be without sensei, I also won’t have a change of heart--” Narration: “This kind of feeling doesn’t have any hesitation.” Then, the wind blows again that the curtains cover Kazuma’s face. Blushing, Fumino is surprised when blushing Kazuma holds her hand and intertwines his fingers with hers. “I won’t let you have a change of heart *in this life, in this world” [*I think it is an idiom or some Buddhist terminology but I can’t find the exact meaning so maybe it can be replaced with, ‘as long as I live/in my lifetime’ =P] Fumino blushes as Kazuma kisses her hand. The curtains continue to blow as some baseball players, outside the building, didn’t know what’s happening inside. Narration: “Even if the future couldn’t be predicted...but please, you must definitely hold my hands forever--” Back at home, while Fumino is trying to read about Yama [literally Leopard] University, Kazuma is hugging her while Teppei is hugging Kazuma. Blushing Fumino angrily tells him to let her go because she is currently reading about the data regarding the university. She then reads about a teaching course being offered in that university. Just then, the phone is ringing. While Kazuma, with Teppei hanging on his back, goes to answer it, Fumino looks at him and wonders why Kazuma became a teacher. Narration: “If it’s now..perhaps, he might tell me.” Kazuma answers the phone, “Moshi moshi- ..what? Maeda-sensei collapsed?” Narration: “He very rarely mention it, when sensei was in high school-” Everyone looks surprise about the phone call. Last scene, Fumino’s difficult life as an entrance examinee has started. Fumino is studying hard as she tries to give herself a pep talk by laughing and telling herself that she likes English though she has to do her best to get good grades to enter an university.

This is the third Lala series wherein the main/lead character is already a third year high school. The other two are Tamaki of OHSHC and Misaki + company of KWMS! It made me wonder if all three series are going to end at the same time or at least around the same time ^^; This is a heart-warming chapter in a way because it goes to show how someone can help and influence another positively just like what Kazuma did for Fumino and Teppei. I understand Fumino’s uneasiness when Kazuma implied that he is willingly to let Fumino ‘go’ if that is what she wanted. It does seem that Kazuma doesn’t love her enough but then, I guess Kazuma isn’t the possessive type of guy. I think he is a fitting guy for a strong personality girl like Fumino – supporting her in whatever she wants and loving her that makes her feel like a woman with all that lovey-dovey. An ideal guy in a way =P Of course, Kazuma might just say that but he still shows he loves her by being jealous especially if she with another guy =P I think Kazuma is lucky that is all he got after Tomo seeing Fumino in a cute doggie dress. Regarding Fumino’s aspiration, at first, I thought of her becoming an English teacher, too. I think that is a good idea as long as it isn’t in the same school because people might gossip about the two’s relationship especially regarding their past. If not a teacher, I think Fumino can also be a translator or help out Kazuma with making English exams and lessons. That is if she wants to stay home more. Well, since Fumino’s problem is somewhat resolved, I guess the author is now going to focus on Kazuma’s past..starting with his high school life. Hehe, speaking of similarities in other Lala series, also in both OHSHC and KWMS!, it is more on the ‘problems’ that the male lead is facing. =P Actually, VK can also be considered, too, since I’m still waiting to know Kaname’s past. Hm..is it all just a coincidence? Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW and 草莓defer for iieye.

Quote of the day:
Whatever course you have chosen for yourself, it will not be a chore but an adventure if you bring to it a sense of the glory of striving, if your sights are set far above the merely secure and mediocre. ~ David Sarnoff

Skip Beat! [Chapter 149] Teaser
Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It’s late so this is written in a rush. This chapter is actually out in raw-paradise already but the link is currently unavailable. Anyway, from sakura0916 of BW who had seen it, there is indeed a kiss but it is only on the cheek. The mood was said to be, ‘like it was a real kiss’ and Shou’s kiss memory is totally obliterated from Kyouko’s mind. That’s how powerful Ren’s kiss is. Because of that, Kyouko couldn’t act well and she kept on apologizing. It seems that Yashiro has a hunch that Ren did something to her in that short span of time. A bit grudgingly, Ren knows that he is the cause but then, he is quite satisfied with the result. (After all, he is the emperor) Kyouko’s face continues to be red and it seems that Ren is plotting something else. The rest is about Kanae. That other actor who tags around Kanae stole her chocolate. It seems that Hiou said something to him that the actor seems to said something about Hiou’s family = Hiou became famous because of his parents. Kanae is furious that she pinched that actor’s nose then threw him away. She is on fire/furious. Anyway, I can’t wait to see the scans ^^ Yes, I have seen the scans from raw-paradise ^^ Shou demons are exorcised! Lol, now those chocolate memories are replaced by rose, wine glass and that sexy look of Ren. ^^

Free Talk: Series to be summarized & Series that has ended
Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Hiyo! Sigh..I wasn’t able to follow my ‘imaginary’ schedule because of circumstances beyond my control. Explaining them would just seem like I’m making excuses but I’m just mentioning this to let you guys know that I’m still summarizing though slowly ^^; The pending ones are: Faster than a Kiss 29, Reimei no Arcana 9 and Stardust★Wink 10. I’ll be summarizing those in that order except for teasers since I’m expecting Skip beat! and The One for this week. At the rate, I’m going, I might have to drop Majo wa Nido Aegu. I’m still hoping to catch up with it like one paragraph per chapter. Anyway, I’ll just keep on summarizing the series that I want to do and hopefully, there will be extra time for the other ‘somewhat abandoned’ series ^^;

People are asking me if Honey Hunt is ending. I really have no idea. I do know that V.B. Rose has ended a long time ago and I have seen the raws for the last volume. I didn’t like what happened there mainly because of Yukari’s cross-dressing for the wedding and I did felt that ever since the author had a hiatus, the series isn’t the same anymore. She probably got bored or something. I’m still unsure if I want to continue on summarizing it. I was thinking that maybe I’ll just summarize the last chapter when the Chinese volume is out. According to bk1 and baka manga, Papillon -Hana to Chou- has ended in volume 8. We are currently in volume 6. The Chinese volume for 7 is out but no one has shared it yet. She is Mine has also ended as well as Sensei, Kiite yo. Well, the latter for the next month of Betsucomi and yes, it ended when I’m still in chapter 1 ^^; Well, that’s it for now ^^

Honey Hunt [Chapter 28]
Monday, November 30, 2009

At a office of A Meteorite Production, Inc, Keiichi is informed by Ibukaki through phone that he managed to contact h.a.’s manager and was told that Qta has left and will be going to the hotel where Takayuki is. Even if today is Qta’s rest day, he will still go and Keiichi is right about trying to contact Qta. Ibukaki has already informed Takayuki about it and he’s [Ibukaki] currently waiting for Qta at the lounge. Keiichi says that he’ll leave everything to Ibukaki including the possible trouble/hassle that might come out later on. Ibukaki tells Keiichi that he knew that it was Keiichi who hinted this proposal to Takayuki. Keiichi says that he just prepared some things and Takayuki won’t be seeing an artist he doesn’t like. Ibukai protests that even so, it was him who gave that music for Takayuki to listen to, and that is why things progressed to what it is now. “Ah, sorry, there’s one more important thing, Onozuka-shi was really expecting to eat together with his daughter..” At the hotel, sitting in front of a grand piano, Takayuki looks at a picture of young Yura and says, “Yura..” And, currently, the person in question is crying her eyes out. Driving her home, Haruka shouts for her to quit crying. Still crying, Yura apologizes for making him drive her home when he just arrived home. Haruka laments that he should have driven his own car to their house if he knew this would happen. It just infuriates him that he has to drive Qta’s car. Yura apologizes again since he didn’t have time to talk with his mother. Haruka tells her that doesn’t matter and he still doesn’t know what happened between her and Qta. “So, didn’t I tell you to give up on that guy. See, he made you cry so soon! Qta, that idiot!” Yura defends Qta by saying that it is because she thought too highly about her first love and it is inevitable that work comes first. Haruka asks if this is about Qta putting more importance to her father than her.

Feeling sad for Yura, Haruka pats her head. This surprises Yura. Haru asks, “..about that, if for Qta, your father is more important than you, what will you do?” Haruka remembers Shin telling him maintain a good position and use an opportunity to let the girl know that ‘I am here’. Haru thinks that this is that opportunity. He tells Yura, “It’s best for you to give up on Qta, then find..some other guy..who would look up to you rather than your father.” Yura starts crying even more. This has shocked-aghast Haruka. Patting her head, he tells her not to cry over what he said. He thinks that this is bad because he was in a rush and this time, it wasn’t Qta who made her cry but him. Haruka explains that for Qta, Onozuka Takayuki is his other outlet. When Qta was young, he idolizes Onozuka like a god and the reason Qta got into the music industry is also because of the influence of Yura’s father. Flashback: While Haruka is playing some video games, Qta is holding a CD and asked him if he had heard of it. Haruka asked if it is an anime music. Qta said that it is something that their maid is listening to. He wanted to listen to it in their father’s recording room. Haruka told him not to go because that is way scary and their father will definitely be furious. Qta said that the music is really awesome that just by listening to it, it feels like one is high up in the clouds. “Closing my eyes, and listening to this music, it’s like something soft has enveloped me. In all my life, this is the first time I’ve experienced this.” End flashback. Sitting at the hotel’s lobby, with nostalgia, Qta tells his manager that the first music [he heard] has really ‘gripped’ him so from then on, he’ll lock himself up in the recording room just to listen to that music for a whole day. His manager asks if this was when he was in elementary. Qta says that he’s right.

His manager says that Qta’s father should have been very angry because he used to be a very strict and meticulous person especially in dealing with his sons. Qta agrees for before, he almost didn’t go to school anymore. At first, he says that it is because he is very busy doing modeling work with Haruka but he takes it back since they ended up not doing modeling because their father doesn’t like it. His father had firmly forced them to enroll in a prestigious international school. Thanks to Haruka’s luck which is better than his, Haruka wasn’t able to pass the entrance exam so he gets to study at their old school. Around that time, Haruka is also invited by Jone-san to his company. Since that school is multi-language, Qta totally wasn’t able to understand what everyone is saying so he wasn’t able to blend with the others and ended up with no friends. “Later on, because I hate school, I don’t want to go there anymore. As a result, my father really hates me. My mother, too, they don’t even want to talk with me. At that time, when I’m lonely, it’s Onozuka Takayuki’s music that accompanies me.” After a pause, Qta apologizes to his manager for talking too much. Qta’s manager says that it is okay since there is nothing wrong for him to be like an ordinary 19 year old guy at times. While holding his head, Qta says that if he didn’t engage in some talk, he’ll feel nervous and this is such a strange feeling that this is the first time he had experienced this. He thinks that he isn’t this nervous even during concerts. Back at the car [which I think, is parked by the street], Haruka tells Yura that this is a special situation for Qta and it doesn’t really meant that Takayuki is more important than Yura since originally, the two of them [Yura and dad] couldn’t be compared to each other. Yura asks Haruka if her father is really that great because she didn’t know. Haruka says that Yura is more amazing that she’ll ask that because her father is known by whole of Japan to have won the Oscar music awards. Yura says that it has nothing to do about that since she already knew that. “He’s always isn’t at home, he already has another woman, and that cruel father left me with no home after the divorce. What’s good about his music?! I actually think that Minamitani-kun..h.a.’s music and Haruka-kun’s concert music to be much better.”

Haruka blushes and asks how she could unexpectedly praise him. Yura insists that is what she really thought. Haruka tells her, okay and tells her to calm down. Yura then asks Haruka why he is laughing for did she said something that caused that. Looking at her and resting his head on the steering wheel, Haruka says, “No. It’s just that you finally stopped crying and, for you to say such bad words at your superstar father with such gusto. You’re really interesting.” Yura blushes as she exclaims, “‘Bad words’! I’m only saying the truth! Are those bad words?” Haruka laughs and says that it doesn’t matter for he didn’t say that is a bad thing. Yura is a bit miffed at Haruka for laughing but Haruka thinks that is better, rather than for Yura to be crying. Haruka looks away and blushes. “Heavens~ she’s so cute.” Yura mutters that she isn’t saying bad words. Haruka says, “Alright! I’m going to drive now.” Haruka thinks that it is dangerous if they continue being alone like this. Haruka says that even if, they aren’t quite far from her office, he’ll just drive her home. Yura calls out to him. Haruka turns around to face her. Blushing and smiling, Yura says, “Even if I’m really frustrated, but thanks to what happened just now, I have somewhat perked up.” Haruka blushes and thinks, “This is really bad..she’s so cute.” Haruka bends over and kisses surprised Yura on the lips.

Finally, Qta is in front of the presidential suite to meet with Takayuki. Qta is so nervous that he walks in a stiff way. While trying to calm himself, he hears some piano music. It surprises them as his manager tells him that this is Qta’s music. Ibukaki tells him that Takayuki has been listening to that music in his ipod all this time. Qta goes inside and sees, Takayuki playing the piano. Takayuki glances at him and says that music is quite good. This surprises Qta. Takayuki asks him to sit down. “What do you think of this revision? Do you like it? What do you think of it?” Takayuki is surprised when Qta starts singing. Takayuki says that isn’t bad at all. He decides to slow down a certain part. Qta’s manager is amazed at how Qta managed to ‘adapt to that situation’. Ibukaki says that it is quite a luxury for the two of them to see those two together. Qta’s manager says that he thought that Takayuki is someone who is hard to get along with but he turns out to be quite friendly. Ibukaki whispers to him that isn’t true for Takayuki does have a temper which makes it hard for others to get along with him but it seems that there is fate[? Can’t read, blurry] between them. After they played, Qta’s manager starts clapping and says that is really great and perfect. Ibukaki tries to stop him. Takayuki tells the manager to be quiet for he only wants talk with Qta alone. Qta’s manager quickly apologizes. Ibukaki apologizes and says that they know so they will just to go to the other room. After they left, Qta nervous introduces himself. Takayuki smiles and says that he knows and thanks for his CD. “Yura should be very shock.” This surprises Qta. Takayuki says that Qta has a younger twin brother who is in Jones company. “Growing up to be quite graceful [/handsome; not sure whom he is referring to] isn’t surprising. Yura didn’t tell me these kinds of things. I was quite shock to read from the internet regarding the news between you two that I quickly asked a staff about it.” Qta seems clueless over what Takayuki is talking about so he apologizes [that he doesn’t understand]. Takayuki sadly says that it is quite rare for him to return to the country. “I never imagined that while I haven’t seen my daughter yet, I unexpectedly seen her boyfriend first. It’s very good, Minamitani-kun, [you] can always see Yura. I’m very envious.” The last scene is Haruka breaks off the kiss. Both look surprised – she because he kissed her and he because of what he had done.

A lot of things are ‘confirmed’ in this chapter. It is confirmed that Keiichi is indeed the one who set things up between Qta and Takayuki. It’s like ‘two birds in one stone’ since he is helping Takayuki meet with a great artist + meet with his daughter’s boyfriend and get Qta away from Yura which might get Yura to realize who is more important for Qta. The guy is very clever. Haruka has also finally confirmed to Yura what he feels about her. I was hoping that he doesn’t rush this and be more subtle just like what Keiichi did but then, Haruka is no Keiichi. Once again, he repeats telling Yura about giving up Qta because Qta is no good. Yura is obviously oblivious what he really meant and probably thought it is an advice as a friend but that kiss should confirm it that Haruka is saying those negative things about Qta is because he wants/loves her. Okay, I really don’t know if it will confirm it because Yura can be really naive at times these things have to be spelled out to her before she gets it. Haruka really got carried away that I wonder if he will act just like Qta regarding getting Yura in bed with total disregard about her ‘critical’ time in showbiz if he is her boyfriend. Also, it doesn’t seem right for him to be kissing his twin brother’s girlfriend. I would really prefer if he waited for the two to break it off first before he goes kissing the girl. Haha, what are the odds that there is a paparazzi reporter around there? Haha, that would be just amazing if someone took a picture of that and publish it. Yura can kiss her career goodbye and everything goes crashing down. I’m not sure it’s good to learn that Takayuki has a temper. ^^; I guess he just shows it to people he doesn’t like. Actually, I couldn’t get it off my mind but I felt that Takayuki is just using Qta to get to Yura. Ya, Qta seems to get a ‘dose of his medicine’ in a way that I’m curious if he just realized what Yura had felt when he tried to use her to get to Takayuki. I wonder which one is Takayuki’s real motive – like Qta’s music or because he is Yura’s boyfriend? If Qta realizes then, maybe he would be more sensitive with Yura’s feelings. Lastly, it is confirmed why Qta is kind of ‘strange’. His childhood totally sucks. I always thought that Qta is the favorite twin since he is living with his parents but it seems that it is Haruka. No wonder Qta treated his mother like that in the chapter before. No wonder Qta really thinks so highly of Takayuki. The guy’s music saved him from ‘insanity’. I mean, he is still in elementary – stuck in a school wherein he doesn’t understand what people are saying = no friends, he rebelled and his parents hate him to the point of not wanting to talk with him and his twin probably hates him, too. No wonder his social skills are very lacking and music is his only world. I guess it is because of that latter part, he is so into music that a world-renowned musician took notice..with a bit of ulterior motive =P I guess he is some sort of guy Cinderella with that kind of story. I had an idea. Maybe Takayuki should just leave Yura who hates him and just ‘adopts’ Qta who is ‘hated’ by his family then they can happily make music together for the rest of their lives, with Keiichi managing them, and live happily ever after. =P Anyway, I’m curious how Yura will react to the kiss, it is a make or break moment for Haruka. Scans by 豆芽豆芽 and xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Word of the day:
You can trust that God will never leave you stranded alone on the desert island of life without Him, but will satisfy you with His presence and peace. ~ from Our Daily Bread

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapter 31]
Friday, November 27, 2009

The two Kaiji-s are shock to see each other in the fastfood restaurant where they are working. They wonder why..then realize at the same time, “Abe?!” Kotori realizes that the friend whom Abe is referring to is actually Yukito. Yukito remembers Abe telling him that a friend of his [Abe] is going to work in their store. Flashback: Abe has told him that it is the first time for that girl to work so she is a bit nervous so would Yukito look after her. Yukito replied that it’s no problem. Abe said that is good and he’ll be troubling Yukito [to take care of her]. End flashback. Yukito darkly thinks, “What•is•he•saying ‘troubling you’? That Abe! What is he thinking--” The two Kaiji-s are aghast as they look at each other again and both think that this situation is very awkward. Kotori looks down as Yukito starts telling her on how things work in that place which isn’t hard at all and if there is anything that she doesn’t understand.. They were interrupted when someone calls out, “Kaiji” The two answers, “Yes.” Then they blush as they look at each other. A glasses guy tells the newcomer Kaiji to come with him and for Yukito to continue on with his work. Yukito didn’t protest and he just says that he’ll leave it to glasses guy. Kotori is somewhat sad about this. Glasses guy calls out to Kotori again and tells her to hurry to his side. Kotori goes to him. Glasses guy tells him not to daydream and as the cashier, she should first memorize the menu in her head because if she’s slow, it will just irritate the customers. Kotori says okay. Kotori becomes tense when glasses guy continues to say that he’s going to explain how they operate only once and she can look at the manual only once, for her to remember it all. “I really hate repeating the same thing a lot of times so I’ll say it only once.” Kotori can only say, okay. Glasses guy says, “I won’t care about you if you forgot and try to ask me about it again. I hope you will do your best and not to bother the other people around here.” Some of the workers are talking to themselves about feeling sorry for Kotori since she was ‘caught’ by Yamagami who has a habit of making things difficult for the newcomers. “And today, because the boss hasn’t arrived yet, he has become more arrogant. Will that girl be alright? She seems quite naive.” Yukito overhears them but he just passes by quietly.

At home, Kotori rests on her bed since she is dead tired and her body hurts. She mutters that she managed to survive until the end. “Working at a fastfood restaurant is harder than I thought..continuing like this, will I be alright..” Looking at a menu flyer, she thinks that she hasn’t even memorized the menu yet though looking at the flyer, it seems easy. She becomes tense when she remembers Yamagami telling her that he’ll say it only once so if she forgets it, he won’t care about her. “This is bad! No matter what, this is bad because if I don’t remember it, that expert will definitely lose his temper on me.” She then calms down a bit and thinks, “I was really shocked..I didn’t expect that Yukito will also be there..It’s really obvious that whenever I see him, I’m at a complete loss [on how to react/what to do]. But, somewhere in my heart, I still felt a bit happy...does Yukito thought the same way, too..could it be that I’m the only one who felt this way..” The scene changes to angry Yukito who says, “Abe..why you..” After opening the door, Abe welcomes him and asks if he is only going to work in one of his jobs, what about his other part time jobs. Flustered Yukito tells him not to talk about that first but rather what’s going on and what he is plotting. Abe apologizes for being meddlesome but he thinks that they [two Kaiji-s] should properly talk to each other face to face. Yukito asks him what he meant by that. Abe says that upon seeing Yukito like that [when he hugged him], he felt.. Yukito asks what he felt. Blushing, Abe looks away and wonders out loud what he felt. “You said that you are going to get a [motorcycle] driving license and will buy a motorcycle. I think that it is very good for you to do your best in attaining those goals, but..do you know? After you guys broke up, Kaiji is getting the other guys’ attention. Don’t you think that lately, she suddenly became cute? While you don’t feel any threat as the [summer] break passes by, there is a possibility for her to be taken away by some other guy.” Yukito says that even if he said that, but Kotori still resists when kissed so it isn’t that easy. Abe admits that it is a really huge obstacle and for a guy, that is such a blow [to one’s ego]. Yukito understands what Abe is trying to say but the current him doesn’t have the courage to ask if Kotori did went to his house after that rainy day. Flashback: Yukito asked his brother if Kotori came to his house. Masaya just said, “Who knows. If you are really curious, why don’t you go and ask her yourself.” End flashback. Yukito thinks, “But, if there is no basis and I’ll continue on having a blind expectation, and added to that, I’m still worried that perhaps, I might be rejected by her again. At least, right now, I was able to act normal in front of her, if I’m not careful, and I showed a bad attitude again, I might just hurt her again..”

His thoughts are interrupted when Abe notices Yukito’s bracelet. “Is that a wish bracelet? Do you wear that before?” Yukito wasn’t able to answer. Abe asks what he is wishing for. Blushing, Yukito denies that he has a wish. Since Abe is smiling because he doesn’t believe him, Yukito tells Abe not to smile like that since it’s disgusting. Abe teases Yukito by asking if he had a wish, what would be his wish. Yukito knows that Abe is trying to entrap him so he refuses to tell him. Abe happily says that he didn’t expect for Yukito to have a cute side. This surprises Yukito as he looks at the braclet. Yukito declares that he won’t tell Abe and he won’t let himself be Abe’s pawn. Abe says that he’s stingy. The next day, Kotori’s brother asks if she is also going out. Kotori says that she is. Her brother asks why she is wearing her uniform when it’s already vacation time. “Do you have some club activity?” He then realizes something and asks, “Ah~~~is it that, Is it extra classes~~~ I understand, I understand, I understand” Kotori darkly says that he’s deliberately doing that. Her brother pats her head and says, “Breaking up with your boyfriend, then, having extra classes and part time work, to pass the summer..it’s such a miserable [summer] vacation. Compared to a [younger] sister like this, [your] brother is going to the beach for some romance with Mamii.” ← his girlfriend. Pouting, Kotori says, “Ah~~ Really~~ That’s nice. How annoying.” Her brother asks her what’s with her attitude. “It’s rare for me to want to share and give you a portion of [my] pink aura from the happiness of [my] romance--” Kotori looks away and mutters, “Really- it only made me feel disgusted..” Her brother questions her for saying it’s disgusting and starts shouting that their father nor Mamii never said that about him. Kotori starts walking away and saying that he’s too noisy and there’s no need for him to worry about her. At the shoe lockers, Kotori thinks that the beach is nice and during summer, there are a lot of events at the beach yet she has no plans at all. “If we didn’t break up..ah, no, why am I think of such unnecessary things again. What’s important right now is money! Money! I need to earn money! Money--” She is surprised when someone is standing in front of her. It is Yukito. Kotori is flustered and tense as she thinks that they are in the same place again. Yukito opens the shoe locker. Yukito is slightly blushes and after gathering his courage, Yukito smiles and asks her if she is also taking extra classes. This surprises Kotori and she says, “Ah? Ah..yes. You too, Kaiji?” Yukito says yes and it is because he did badly in the midterm and final exams. Kotori tells him that she, too, and basically, she was totally annihiliated.. Smiling, Yukito says, “But, for us to be together [because of it], it’s quite laughable, right?” A bit sad, Kotori just agrees.

In the classroom, the teacher says that after the class, they will have a short quiz and anyone who can answer all of it, can go home. Someone complains about having to answer everything but no one complains again when the teacher threatens that if they continue to grumble, he’ll add more questions to the test. Kotori is in deep thought as she thinks that there is really some sort of unimaginable consistency [being in sync?] between her and Yukito but their feelings haven’t made any progress. “Just now, he acted quite indifferently..I guess the reason is because we have already broken up..” Yukito is looking at Kotori who is sitting in front of him. He glumly thinks that Kotori still calls him, ‘Kaiji’. After class, Kotori sighs in relief that it’s good that this time, it [quiz] is OK. She can now concentrate on her work though she didn’t expect that there will be a short quiz. Going out of the school, she sees Yukito, with a bicycle, is waiting for her. Kotori comments that it is a rare sight and asks if he rode on a bicycle to school. Yukito just says that it depends on his mood for there are times when he wants to ride it. Kotori is surprised when Yukito asks, “Are you also going to work? For your convenience, I’ll bring you there.” Then, the next scene is Kotori riding behind Yukito on a bicycle. Kotori laments that she wasn’t able to refuse again. She tells herself that she shouldn’t keep on doing this else, she’ll waver. “Ah? Ha? Could it be that he’s doing this because he wants me to waver? Could it be..deliberate? No no, since it is Yukito, there won’t be a repeat, for him to trick me thrice..he did say that it’s because it is convenient, so it’s good that we just happen to be going to the same place...yes, it’s only because of convenience..it’s definitely that...” Kotori is blushing when she is surprised by Yukito asking if she is listening. Kotori apologizes for her absent-mindedness and asks him what he just said. Yukito asks if she will be alright regarding the work. Kotori asks what he meant. Yukito says, “I was only thinking that you obviously aren’t good in a job wherein one has to entertain customers [public relations] so why do you still want to work..” Kotori says that he is right. She thinks that she couldn’t tell him that the reason is because she doesn’t want to think of him. Yukito asks if Kotori wants to buy something. Kotori says that he is right. She darkly thinks that she can’t say either that she wants to buy Memories of Fallling in Love 3 game. Kotori asks, “Yuki..ah..Kaiji? Are you also working because you want to buy something?” This surprises Yukito [probably by how she called him again]. He replies that it’s true and it is some sort of motorcycle. Kotori just repeats, ‘motorcycle’. Kotori sadly thinks that the conversation is cut off again. “It has become rare for us to talk like how we used to..” She notices Yukito’s bracelet. “..is that a wish bracelet? Did Yukito wear that before? What is it? What could he be wishing for? What could be Yukito’s wish.. My wish..”

They arrive at the restaurant. A couple of male co-workers comment that they came together. The two whisper to each other that the two Kaiji-s are definitely that. One of them tells Kotori that their [2 Kaiji-s] relationship is quite good. Another guy says that they are quite curious since the first day. “Are you guys going steady? We really felt something peculiar between the two of you.” As Kotori struggles to say something, Yukito tells them that they aren’t going steady. “This girl and I are just classmates, we are only ordinary friends.” Kotori seems disappointed with his answer. The two guys cannot quite believe it that they kept on asking if it is true. One of the guys asks Kotori about it. Kotori says that it is true. Smiling, Kotori says, “It’s true! I and Kaiji are only classmates!” It is Yukito’s turn to look glum. One of the guys says, “Is that so, we were mistaken. Then, would you exchange emails with me? Since we are working in the same place, it is a must for us to exchange [emails] so that we can contact each other.” The other guy also wants to exchange emails with her. Kotori agrees. Yukito just goes to the dressing room. While frying some French Fries, Yukito darkly thinks, “Why are they asking that girl’s email address! Why is it like they are close [/intimate with each other]! Why is that girl so popular!” A girl calls out to him and reminds him to smile because his face looks too scary. Blushing, Yukito exclaims, “Yes, Haruna-sempai.” Yukito then goes back to his dark state and monologue, “Yes, I’m no longer her boyfriend, it has nothing to do with me. Kotori is free to exchange emails with whomever she wants, I don’t care! What is the reason why I’m here? Yes, I came because of money! Money! Money! Money! Money! Money is life! I will be patient!” Yukito wasn’t careful that some of the oil splattered on his hand. Then, he notices that Kotori is being reprimanded by Yamagami about already telling her to ‘remember after he said it once’ just as he said yesterday. “How could you still make a mistake about the orders [menu]?” Kotori apologizes. Yamagami says that is why he hates newcomers and [teaching them] is a waste of time. Preparing to leave, Yamagami says, “Forget it, I’ll do this. You just go and bring the ingredients to the cold storage.” Kotori says okay. She is a bit depressed but to her surprise, Yukito passes by and says, “Don’t mind it.”

Later on, Kotori is heading to the dressing room when she meets the two other male co-workers. They tell Kotori that they are going ahead and if she is also going off work. Kotori says no, she is just on a break. They bid her goodbye. Then, Yukito enters the room. She calls him and timidly says, “Kaiji..that, just now, thank you, thank you for comforting me..” Blushing, Yukito says that it is nothing and it’s no big deal that she has to thank him for it. Kotori didn’t say anything and seems very shy. Yukito asks her what’s with that for she is creating an awkward ambiance. Kotori notices his arm [near wrist of his hand wearing the bracelet] and asks him what is that reddish spot. Looking at it, Yukito says that he got splashed by oil but normally happens when one is frying things. Kotori asks if he is also on a break. She says that there is a first aid kit in the resting area and she can help him treat it. Surprised, Yukito tells her that it is nothing but a small injury. Kotori insists because his skin is peeled off and it might get infected. After treating it, Kotori is now putting a bandage on it. When she looks up, she notices that Yukito is looking at her. She asks, “Huh? Sorry, did I hurt you?” Blushing, Yukito looks away and says she didn’t. Still looking away, Yukito tells her not to mind what happened earlier. Kotori is puzzled. Yukito informs her that Yamagami is like that with anyone especially newcomers.. “It is because of his attitude that some people have resigned..when I’ve started, I was also always scolded by him..then later on, I naturally get used to it..” Kotori is touched as she smiles at him. [He didn’t see because he’s looking away.] Kotori thanks him.

The next day, at the resting area, the staff are gathered together. They have a problem because today, three cashiers are absent. Haruna says that she heard it is because of a cold* and they just confirmed that those people really can’t go to work. [*it is cold caused by extreme heat and being wet, according to Eastern medicine. It usually happens in summer.] Another guy says that there are a lot of people have that contagious cold. A guy mentions about a concert at a nearby theater. “With that situation, then, there will be a lot of customers...” Someone agrees that there are a lot of events nearby. but unfortunately, it is also the rest day of the ultra-fast Yamagami. “Speaking of that, the only one left to be cashier is Miss Kaiji..” They all look at Kotori. She asks, what. One of them suggests that the one who makes and packs the food, to work simultaneously as the cashier. Another one says that even if is like that, it is still quite tiring. “After the concert, the place will be overflowing with customers and normally, we don’t know how to use a cashier.” Someone replies, “But, that also can’t be helped. In any case, we are a huge type of store so it is necessary that we open up some more cashiers.” Kotori starts to become nervous and thinks, “Basically, that means that I’ll be the only one who’s going to be the cashier, right?” ← she has been working for only three days. Yukito then notices Kotori looking gloomy as she sulks at the corner of the room. Yukito asks her why she is doing at that corner and what happened. Looking aghast, Kotori tells him that it is nothing. Kotori starts to think that she might bungle on her job since she is still couldn’t do it well. “Everyday, I’m only just being scolded... Will I be able to listen careful to the customers’ orders? Or, due to panic, I’ll list the wrong items..if I’m too slow, I’ll just make the customers angry.” She becomes stiff as she imagines Yamagami with a cold expression, pushing his glasses and saying, “Miss Kaiji? Didn’t I told you?” like he usually does. Yukito worriedly asks what’s wrong with her since the color of her face really looks awful. “Could it be that you have a cold?” Still tense and aghast, Kotori insists that she is fine as she tries to psyche herself that she can do this. Yukito doesn’t believe that she is okay based on how she looks.

Yukito pulls her out the room and holds both of her hands. This surprises Kotori. Yukito tells her to take a deep breath. After some hesitation and Yukito urging her to do what he said, Kotori did as told. He asks her if she feels less nervous now. Kotori says yes. He asks her if she became uneasy because of what the others were talking about. Kotori finally admits that is true. She is surprised when Yukito puts his bracelet on her hand. Kotori is about to say that it is his when Yukito smiles and says, “Don’t be nervous, it will protect you. It might become a bit chaotic later on, but everyone knows that you are a newcomer. Do not pressure yourself too much, until then, there’s also me, let’s do our best together.” Kotori blushes and is moved by what Yukito said. She looks at him as he goes to his station. At the cashier, Kotori looks at her watch and it is 20:45. She thinks that it will be overflowing with customers soon. She starts giving herself a pep talk. “Even if there are a lot of customers, I won’t panic! When asked, I will be lively with energy! I will not panic while entering the menu. I will properly enter it! Okay!” She snaps out of it when someone calls out to her. She turns around and smiles sweetly [with eyes closed]. “Ah..yes. Welcome, can I ask what you need--” The guy tells her that the concert will be ending soon and the place will be overflowing with customers soon so just opening one cashier might not be able to cope with the situation. Kotori asks, “Huh?” The guy turns to look at her. Both are surprised to see each other. It is the Kousen guy. One of the workers knows him as he calls out to Keigo.

It’s time to sing, “It’s a small world after all.” =P Haha, Keigo is totally going to keep Yukito on his toes but then, with what had happened between the two Kaiji-s, it is very unlikely for Kotori to fall for Keigo. So, I just hope that Keigo would become Kotori’s friend and that way, Yukito can finally realize what Kotori felt when Risa was too close with him. This chapter also shows the uncanny resemblance between the two Kaiji-s that I thought that they are so similar in almost everything that it seems that they are twins separated from birth. Well, it is possible since Kotori seems to have only a father while Yukito seems to have only a mother that I think that both of their parents are single parents. They are both born on the same day and have the same blood type. The first scenes of the chapters show how sync those two are because they are thinking and reacting at the same time. When they start to think of each other then tries to think of something else, they both think of ‘money’ =P They both have a tendency to go on a monologue within themselves and they tend to have a hyperactive imagination. Of course, I’m discrediting that twins idea because they have older brothers who would probably know if they aren’t really their siblings or not. In short, I may have entertained that thought but I don’t want that to happen. I think it would better to think of it as they are soulmates ^^ From what’s happening in this chapter, I think the author is going for making each other know what the other is doing to the other which led to the break up. Aside from what I mentioned about making Yukito know what Kotori felt when he’s popular with the opposite sex, Yukito is beginning to know what Kotori felt if he’s popular with the opposite sex. When those guys are asking about Kotori’s email, I thought, “Hehe, Yukito, you thought you’re the only famous one, eh? Guess again.” It seems that the two are unintentionally hurting each other. Because Yukito had supposedly teased her and at times, he is acting as if there is nothing between them anymore, Kotori has decided to follow suit by calling him by his surname. The same thing happened when he said that they are only ordinary classmates/friends when asked if they were going steady. It is really quite interactive since she started calling him by his surname, he also started to act more casual. That could easily bring those apart but then, there are ‘cupids’ around them and of course, their love/concern for each other. ^^ Those two are spending more time together in summer thanks to Abe. Abe is very wise to think of the possibility of Yukito losing Kotori if he kept on concentrating in earning money for his motorcycle. Yukito should really thank him for setting them up. Then, there is Masaya who is somewhat helping them by not telling Yukito if Kotori went to the house or not. Masaya seems to be telling Yukito to talk things with Kotori. Of course, Kotori’s brother is really an ‘indirect cupid’ because he just mentions beach and it made Kotori wanted to go to the beach with Yukito if they haven’t broken up. I also think it is really sweet when those two are helping each other when the other needs it like Yukito encouraging Kotori and Kotori helping Yukito with his burned injury. I think that after they somewhat understand each other’s feelings/know what the other is feeling then, which had led to the break-up, it won’t be long for these two to make-up and be together again ^^ Scans by 豆芽豆芽 and xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW and 草莓defer for iieye.

Word of the day:
It may seem insignificant to say a word or two, but when it is encouragement, what wonders it can do! ~ K. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru [Chapter 8]
Wednesday, November 25, 2009

“Not thinking of anything, I just went here.” Riko and her friends are listening to what Souichirou is saying. “It is only now when I realize as to why I felt that I’m overwhelmed. Basically..we were basically amateurs” Flashback: Yuu complained that Riko is singing too fast. Riko accused Yuu of playing his guitar too fast. Sou broke the argument up by saying that they will buy a metronome next time. End flashback. “Even if Takagi-san didn’t point it out, we obviously also know that fact. But to be scouted and told, ‘Call your bandmates to come along with you’, within me, the thought of ‘if we have luck, we might be able to debut’ appears. Flashback: Riko excitedly told the other two what they should do for there might be a chance wherein they will get their debut. Sou laughed it off that it is impossible. Yuu said that Souichirou is just saying that in order to make her feel good. End flashback. Souichirou calls out to Sou and asks him to stand up. Holdhing Yuu’s arm, he asks Yuu what his height is. Yuu answers that it is 175cm. Smiling, Souichirou says that he’ll definitely grow taller and he is quite good looking. Yuu slightly smiles in acknowledgement then glances at the side towards Riko who is in deep thought. “So being told that we can debut and also saying, ‘But your playing is awful so just let professionals help you guys play well in the recording.’ That is inevitable. It should be ‘This is what I wished for’. This kind of thinking is more correct but why do I feel so overwhelmed. Is it because in reality, I never expected that things will turn out like this? Not thinking of anything, I just went here. It is only now when I realize that I came here without thinking.” Riko continues to think while Sou and Souichirou are talking.

Aki is now walking inside the company. A man calls out that it’s quite rare to see him in the office. Aki just greets him. A woman who seems to like him, also greets him. He looks up just to see Souichirou coming out of a room where Riko and the others are. Souichirou says, “You came at a good time, Aki.” The door closes and Aki didn’t get to see who is inside. Aki just casually says that there is nothing good about it and he isn’t in the mood to talk with him. Holding the door knob, Soichirou tells him that it’s good because there is someone whom he would want Aki to meet. Aki just passes by and apologizes about not wanting to show his face/become famous. Aki stops walking when Souichirou asks him if he wants to become a producer. Aki turns around and asks, ‘Ha?’ Souichirou says that what he meant was using Aki’s name as the producer for a band’s debut. Aki repeats, ‘Use my name..’ Taking out his cigarette pack, Souichirou asks, “How about it? Do you want to try and become a producer?” Aki is flustered and displeased when Souichirou says, “Since even without being named or a share of profit, you still agreed to do it.” Souichirou meant Mari’s single. Souichirou notices that he no longer have any cigarettes in his pack. He crumples the pack and went with Aki to the vending machines where he can buy a new pack. Souichirou says that it will be with a girl who is totally not his [Aki] type. While lighting up a cigarette, he says, “Currently, she’s a high school student and still very innocent & naive. Whatever you want to do [to her], you are more than welcome to do it.” He looks at Aki who tells Souichirou to quit talking such nonsense. Souichirou laughs and says he meant about doing whatever he wants with the producing and Aki shouldn’t think of other bad things. Embarrassed, Aki tells him that Souichirou is still such a rotten guy. Souichirou tells him not to praise him that way.

While Souichirou is sitting at the lounge, Aki asks what he is thinking. After puffing out smoke, Souichirou answers, “Thinking of work. Business. The product is ‘music’. How to sell it using flowery words [marketing] to the audience in order for it to become money. ‘Crude Play’s Aki is going to produce a band this time’ ‘The lead singer is a high school girl’ ‘The band members are all childhood friends’” Inside the room, the clock is ticking. Yuu glances at Riko [probably to check her reaction regarding what Souichirou told him]. To his surprise, Riko asks him how many times they have thought about debuting this way. Yuu just tells her, who knows. Back at the lounge, Aki buys a drink on the vending machine. Souichirou happily tells Aki to first see the band before talking about other things. “It is a somewhat roughly cute three member band. The lead singer is a..” Aki punches the vending machine button and shouts for Souichirou to hold on for a minute/shut up. “..doing that kind of thing makes me puke.” Aki takes his bottled drink and opens it. Souichirou looks serious and asks, “Then, do you mean that it’s better to trick you? Do you want me to say it this way? ‘Aki, there’s someone whom I would want you to meet. Even if their technique isn’t that skilled yet, they have that fresh radiant feeling of newcomers. In music, they are currently in a critical time so I would want to find someone who’s always dependable [trust-worthy] to guide them. So can I ask you to be their producer?’” Aki looks at Souichirou. Souichirou continues to say that music is a tool to earn money. “Teaching this point to you is my way of expressing my good faith to you, and having a bankable music talent..” Aki interrupts him by saying, “There’s no need for you to say that again. You always say the same thing. Based on what you’ve said, you have your own values. Actually, I already know the outcome since I’m always being comforted [told nice things] to be used by you, BUT there won’t be a door for you to make me use [exploit] people.” Souichirou asks, “You don’t want to do it?” Aki replies that he absolutely do not want to do it. Souichirou tells him that it is okay even if he just sees that person. Aki says that he isn’t interested to take a look. Souichirou insists by saying that Aki might be interested in that girl’s voice. “It’s very deep and it can also vibrate to come out with a really beautiful gruppetto which has a really good interval from high to low [pitch].” Before Aki can reply, someone asks, “Regarding that, is it alright for me to take that?” It’s Shinya. “Can I? ‘Crude Play’s Shinya will become a producer for the first time’ can also become a very good theme.”

Shun’s cellphone is ringing. It was Aki who tells Shun that he has arrived and he’s at the ground floor. Sou notices that Shun will be on the phone for a long time so Sou just bows [to say goodbye] and walks away. He hasn’t gotten far when Shun has hanged up the phone and calls out to Sou to wait for a moment. Sou turns and asks, “Huh?” He glances at the elevator and it rings upon reaching their floor. Shun says, “I’ll specially let you meet with AKI.” Aki arrives and he’s looking at his cellphone. He apologizes to Shun since he got hold up by Souichirou after meeting with him. Sou’s mouth is open in surprise. Aki is surprised when flustered Sou calls out, “Ogasawara..san..?” Aki looks up and is surprised to see Sou. Shun is surprised that Sou knows Aki. Shun asks, “You..why do you know who AKI is?” Aki asks, “..why..are you here?” Still in shock, Sou can only reply, “Ah..huh? Huh? Because..eh? Ogasawara-san is ‘AKI’?” Aki shouts Shun’s name. Shun holds up his hand [= wait] and tells Aki that he totally doesn’t know what’s going on. “What’s with this situation? What’s going on?” Aki sighs as he sits on a cushioned bench. Holding his head, Aki asks what Sou’s name is again. Sou replies, “Yamazaki Sota.” [Reminder: He is called ‘So’ but I write it as ‘Sou’ so that it won’t be confused with the English word, ‘so’.] Aki says that he remembered, he’s called ‘Sou-chan’. Sou happily exclaims that he is right, he is called, Sou-chan. Aki asks what brought him to that place. Aki is surprised when Shun says, “He said that he was called by oji-san to come.” Sou and Aki just look at each other. Shun encourages Sou to tell Aki himself about what’s going on. Sou says that they formed a band and was called by Takagi-san. Aki asks if he calls that guitar group, a band. “Honestly, no matter how one sees it, [you guys] are obviously beginners.” Aki is shock when Sou says, “That..Riko she..” Aki looks at him and asks, “Riko? Why would her name be suddenly brought up? Didn’t you say it before? You said, ‘Riko doesn’t play’.” Sou says, “That is what Yuu said. I didn’t say th..at.” Facing down while holding his head, Aki says, “I really have a bad premonition..” Sou just looks at him and wasn’t able to continue what he was saying. Aki thinks, “No, the truth is, I’ve already realized it early on. My girlfriend is into this singing thing.” Aki mutters about what Souichirou said that the lead singer is currently a female high school student and the band members are all childhood friends. Aki laughs and it seems the other two guys think he has lost his mind.

Aki says, “That’s a close ~ call..it’s a good thing that I turned it down.” Aki thinks, “Really? Is it really great that I turned it down?” Shun just looks seriously at Aki. Aki looks up to Shun and asks, “What now? I have given Riko to Shinya...” With a somewhat irritated look, Shun says, “Let me ask [something first]..who the heck is Riko?” The scene changes to Riko who is in the recording studio while her friends are watching outside. Shinya tells her to sing normally. Riko says okay. Then, the scene changes to Starbucks Coffee shop. [Hm..it seems that the shop there also has a place where one can listen to music.] Aki and Shun are sitting in that section. Shun gets an email from Sou who wrote him that Shinya wants to hear Riko’s [singing] voice so they are now in the recording studio. Shun comments out loud that Shinya is really amazing since he is 100% enthusiastic about it. Aki casually says that it is normal to first hear out the voice. Shun side glances at Aki who drinks his coffee. Standing up, Shun tells him, “Forget it- If you want to consider it like that, then consider it like that.” Shun puts on his sunglasses and prepares to leave. Aki calls his name. Shun says that he’ll be good and go home to continue on practicing his guitar since he haven’t practiced enough. He waves goodbye and says, “Say hi to Kinoko-chan for me. Bye-bye” Aki looks thoughtful then looks flustered. He takes out his cellphone and writes an email to Riko, “I really want to see you right now.” He sends the message. Riko’s cellphone is in her bag which is beside her friends who are watching as Riko is singing in the recording studio. Shinya and Souichirou are also there. Shinya says out loud, “Aki is really an idiot.” Souichirou didn’t reply and his face isn’t shown. Shinya continues, “Please do now show that kind of unhappy look. It couldn’t be helped since the person himself doesn’t want to do it. ..he would want to do it after listening [to her voice]. That is quite true because he is a music [sound] freak. If he heard this, he’ll definitely treasure it...” Aki can only look flustered as he sees on his phone that he has no new email. Shinya is really happy as he puts on his glasses. “You really wanted to give this to Aki, right?” He glances at expressionless Souichirou who just closes his eyes. There is a scene of Aki putting the phone on his head as if [I don’t know..regretting/depressed]. Pushing his glasses up, Shinya smiles and says, “Then, I’ll be more than welcome to get this girl. Taking [her] to become my treasure.” Riko has finished singing.

Ah, poor Aki..before I would understand why he lost his friend-band (Crude Play) and girl (Mari) to Souichirou since it does seem that he is helpless in those circumstances but this time around, I realize that it is all because Aki isn’t driven enough. He has no ambition or goal to do something. He does seem to be pretty much a ‘bum’ who doesn’t care about money and fame. Unfortunately, being like that will cost him big time. It is proven in this chapter. It seems that Souichirou isn’t the ‘antagonist’ but rather, it is Shinya. Shinya is ‘taking everything’ that Aki didn’t treasure. He replaced Aki in the band and now, because Aki doesn’t want to be a producer because of his ‘values/beliefs’ over certain things, he has lost Riko’s beautiful voice which he could use to make lots of beautiful songs. I wonder if Aki can still take it back like hurry back to the studio and ask Souichirou if he can do it instead. Well, of course, if he did that, he’ll have to go against Shinya who, I think, will be his rival. If he didn’t do that and continue on doing nothing, I think he’ll be forever regretting it. Shinya doesn’t seem to be the typical nice guy so I wonder if he might do something with Riko since she is after all, naive and innocent as Souichirou mentioned. She and her band would be in safer hands with Aki. Aside from not wanting to become famous, I think part of the reason why he didn’t want to take this job is because he ‘unconsciously’ rejects it since his worst fears will come true. When Souichirou mentioned about the singer being a high school student, the girl’s voice being low and the band are all childhood friends, I think somehow, at the back of his mind, Aki knows that Souichirou is talking about Riko and her band. Regarding Aki’s ‘values’, I think he is the type of person who doesn’t want to be ‘sink/adapt’ in the system and I think he is really an ‘idealist’. It seems that he simply wants to make music and for others to enjoy it but fame and profit is the last thing on his mind. In contrast, Souichirou, the business man, will use music for profit and twist/manipulate things or people to do that. This is why Aki doesn’t like Souichirou. My analogy would be Aki would be the musician who will play his music in the internet anonymously while Souichirou would be the one who produces records and becomes rich. One thing is certain though, those two are really talented/good in their profession on their own right. This chapter also shows that Souichirou really cares for Aki and he is his favorite. After all, Souichirou knows talent when he sees one. He is indeed somewhat of a guardian for Aki. Too bad Aki doesn’t like him and tries to avoid him when Souichirou is teaching him a lot of things about the industry. I think another reason why Aki doesn’t like him is because Souichirou can be brutally honest and Aki doesn’t want to hear the truth. In this instance, he tells Aki what is job is and if Aki wants, he also made it sound nice if Aki wants hear that. I guess Aki tends to think that Souichirou is just ‘using him in order to become richer and more famous’ so he is hesitant to do things for Souichirou. Well, it can’t be helped his allergic to ‘use’.

Another analogy of what happened here is everyone is cheating in class but Aki doesn’t want to do what everyone is doing so he doesn’t cheat. In the end, everyone gets high grades except him. That seems to have what happened here but of course, here, it isn’t really something ‘morally wrong’. It is okay with Shinya to do what Aki doesn’t want to and he’ll be the one who is going to be rich and famous. Aki doesn’t care about that so it’s okay but then, he lost ‘owning’ Riko’s voice. Everything that Aki doesn’t want to happen is happening again from Riko being into singing and Souichirou discovering but this time around, he voluntarily gives her up to Shinya on a silver platter. I think time will tell if Riko can no longer goof around and date with Aki since she will be extremely busy. She and her friends will be busy practicing like Shun in order to make up for their lack of playing skills and experience. I think their songs would be simpler than CP’s because Shun’s skills ought to be definitely better than theirs. Anyway, as Souichirou said, that stuff can be handled by the professionals, what’s important is Riko’s voice. It was nice of him to still group the three together. I guess playing for some time with someone you know is better than total strangers. Also, Souichirou thinks that it is part of the ‘packaging’..well, he likes the group as a whole. Yuu seems to be the type who’ll easily get flattered but then, I guess he needs an ego boost after all, Riko chose Aki, not him. I’m sure he is wondering what Riko was thinking about Souichirou’s praises. He seems to be the person wherein fame can easily make his head big. As for Riko’s reaction about this good news, I guess she is just overwhelmed by the possibility of a debut and also, she becomes uneasy since it isn’t exactly what she hopes it to be. They are going to have a debut even if their skills are still lacking and it is also because of their ‘marketability’ rather than their music. Riko just got a dose of ‘reality’ wherein things aren’t really what she thought it is and it isn’t really fun and games. Shun turns out to be a really nice guy and I’m beginning to like him since the last chapter. I guess if he isn’t a nice guy then Aki won’t be good friends with him since Aki tends to avoid people he doesn’t like – someone like Souichirou. Shun doesn’t seem to be the arrogant type that he is willing to introduce Sou to Aki. Is it thanks for being honest with him earlier? He even encourages Sou to explain things to Aki. He even exchanged emails with Sou who kept him up to date with what’s happening. Wow, even he is really rich and famous, Shun is pretty down to earth. Kudos to his parents for his upbringing ^^ I wonder if that will change if his band will become a rival against Riko’s group. Hm..but then, Shun doesn’t seem to have a need to be jealous or anything since he is just concentrating on doing his best = get his guitar skills up to par so that he can finally play on his own. In short, it seems that he is improving himself rather than comparing himself to someone else. I guess his lack of skills compare to Aki also makes the guy humble. I guess Shun and Sou’s friendship? will be the bridge between the two bands aside from Shinya and Aki. Oh ya, there is no mention about Shun’s voice..is it good? I tend to think so, else Souichirou won’t be promoting his band if it’s only about good looks. Anyway, the author is getting me hooked on this series since I’m really curious how things will turn out because the lead guy just ‘lost’ the lead girl because of his ‘slowness/lack of initiative’. What will he do next? Also, the way the author does this story, I can totally imagine it as a live action drama later on. =P Scans by 豆芽豆芽 for BW and 動漫花園S組.

Quote of the day:
Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle. ~ attributed to Abraham Lincoln

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 76] Teaser
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tamaki goes to his father to ask about the club’s activities being halted. His father calmly explains things which at times, surprise Tamaki as he continues to protest. Their argument is interrupted when his grandmother comes down. Tamaki quickly changes his demeanor and becomes nice and excited about things which he probably wanted to do with his grandmother. He mentioned about the Dobermans [I think he has given them names ^^;] and sing-dance. Tamaki also mentioned Haruhi’s name. At school, the twins are talking with Kyouya about the club’s activities being halted. Kaoru asks if it is because of what happened yesterday. I think Kyouya says that they could have used any kind of alibi to do that. While Kaoru is protesting, Hikaru interrupts about not happy with what Tamaki did to Haruhi yesterday. Kyouya asks where Haruhi is. I think Kaoru said that she is absent. To the twins’ surprise, Kyouya tells them that Kousaka went to see Ranka/Ryouji about Haruhi studying abroad. There is a scene of Tamaki in deep thought in the classroom so I think Kyouya tells them that Tamaki is battling with himself and thinking of a way to fix the situation. At the park, Haruhi is thinking about things when Kousaka sits beside her to eat lunch. Kousaka mentioned about first love then angrily vents about what Ryouji did to her yesterday. Then, Haruhi is surprised to learn that club activities are suspended. Haruhi asks if it is because of what they did yesterday to see the president. Kousaka mentioned about Tamaki and family..which to choose? Not that sure but Haruhi looks thoughtful. Then, there are brief scenes of Honey and Mori talking about yesterday.

The scene changes to the twins going to Haruhi’s house only to find her bag in front of the door. There is a note which I think said that Haruhi left her bag. They are worried about Haruhi. Hikaru mentioned about Tamaki’s reasons and what Kyouya mentioned about thinking the situation through. Kaoru is surprised when Hikaru seems to imply that while Tamaki is away, it is his advantage. Then, he makes a face [stick tongue and pulls down eyelid] to probably tell Kaoru that he is just kidding. Hikaru said something and I guess he is worried about the situation, too. Kaoru just put his shoulder around Hikaru to comfort him as they walk away. It is getting dark at the park. Kousaka is still telling thoughtful Haruhi about her past life regarding Kotoko. Not too sure who is the first love she is talking about but I’m guessing it is Ryouji and something about Kotoko. She then tells Haruhi about the advantage of studying abroad. She is shock when Haruhi doesn’t seem to be listening to her. After a lot of screaming, Haruhi is saying something regarding Tamaki and it seems that she has made her decision. This had somewhat surprised Kousaka. Next day, the twins wonder if Haruhi came back to school. They are surprised by the slight ruckus as some girls tell them about Haruhi. To their horror, Haruhi looks like what she looked like then. [Check out chapter 1] She’s wearing glasses, loose uniform and messy hair. I think Haruhi said that she has gone back to looking how she looked before joining the club. The twins are totally freaking out. Haruhi is telling them something but when some other girls are asking what happened, they quickly grab Haruhi and heads out. At the hallway, they are talking with Haruhi when Tamaki and Kyouya arrive. Tamaki looks surprised at Haruhi’s ‘old’ look. Haruhi walks to Tamaki and tells him stuff like about Tamaki’s grandmother, stopping the activities, etc. Basically, I think Haruhi decided to be strong and tells him to concentrate and be at ease in dealing with his family problems especially his grandmother. Tamaki smiles and pats her head. He said something and walks away. Haruhi touches her head where he patted her and she smiles. I’m not sure what Tamaki did to the twins..hit their heads as manly greeting or something. The twins angrily make faces at Tamaki. There is a scene of Honey and Mori shouting something. Sighing, Kyouya smiles. They part ways as the twins follow Haruhi and Kyouya walks with Tamaki. So, the host club is formally dissolved.

I seems that Tamaki becoming 'two-faced' but then, I think he has a plan that is why he could shout at his father like that regarding the club and yet become so nice with his grandmother. It is like he is trying to crack her cold exterior. Tamaki’s friends aren't stupid and they know things aren't turning out well and Tamaki’s grandmother/father have something to do with it. It seems that Kyouya knows that Tamaki is desperately thinking about something. Tamaki isn't the type to easily give up what he had built up for a year and after all, his club members are the ones who are there for him before and they are like a family to him. It is indeed best to leave things as it is for now else his grandmother or father might something more disadvantageous for them. It is like young people vs adults. Their power is still limited. Kousaka is quite unlikeable. Haha, just because Ryouji harshly rebuff her and threw water on her, she vents her frustration on his daughter. ^^; I guess Kousaka is going for a different tactic and that is to convince Haruhi about the plan on studying abroad. Kousaka tends to be talkative that she ends up talking about her past ^^;; Anyway, it seems that Haruhi has made her decision and of course, it will be for the best for Tamaki. I think Haruhi is amazing that she can still think calmly about all this after what happened yesterday but then, she is more of a thinking girl rather than emo girl ^^ And, I think this is for the best because it is useless to keep on resisting which could make things worse and they are quite helpless for now. Haruhi doesn't want herself to be hold hostage and be used as a bargaining chip to make Tamaki do what they want him to do. For Haruhi to dress up like that, she/they could also fool the grandma and father that she and Tamaki are severing ties. Tamaki can now concentrate on getting his real family back together. I think Haruhi will wait for him as she will be concentrating on her studies. Anyway, I think that this is just a minor setback. They might lose the battle but they will win the war ^^ But then, I’m curious where the author will bring the story after this. Scan by filion for BW.

Quote of the day:
All adverse and depressing influences can be overcome, not by fighting, by rising above them. ~ Charles Caleb Colton

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 44] Teaser
Monday, November 23, 2009

Finally, it’s out in BW ^^ I think there is a freebie of New Year postcards drawn by the authors. I was wondering why it is mostly ‘Tiger-theme’ but I realized that it is the year of the Tiger next year. Ah, time really flies so fast. In this chapter, the character poll is out. Of course, Usui bags the first prize with 1513 votes and Misaki is second with 1388 votes. From third to fifth are: Aoi, Kanou and Yukimura. For the chapter: The day starts with Usui greeting Misaki and asks what’s with that sour/scary face she has so early in the morning. Misaki is obviously angry at Usui over the perceived lovey-dovey between him and Maria. She says something and he says something about the basketball game. She is going to leave when she mutters about yesterday, and talking in English. She is embarrassed when Usui somewhat smiles and says something like, ‘..ah?’ This made her angry that she screams at him. Probably because she knows that he knows she’s jealous. As the two walk away together and still talking, three student council members are talking about those two. Glasses guy mention about seeing Maria with Usui yesterday. Then, Misaki walks angrily at the hallway while Usui is at the corner, looking somewhat sad. Later on, Misaki is talking with Maria and probably mentions about protecting her [by winning?] and the situation with the guys. Maria seems awed by her. Soon, the basketball game starts. The guys are all fired up. Misaki gives everyone a pep talk and that their section will win this. Everyone is playing really great as lead by Hinata. It seems that Misaki is only like a ‘coach’ of their team because she isn’t playing. After scoring a point, doggie Hinata goes to Misaki who pets him and encourages him to ‘go!’. The other guys talk and mention something about Misaki but Usui just emotionlessly watches the game and overhears what they are talking about.

Then, there is a mention about section 2-1 winning this game. A short crop haired guy seems to be complaining something about Misaki. At the roof, Maria and Usui talk about the competition. Maria happily says being conscious about some girl and something. She is blushing = in love and Usui looks tense-surprise. Finally, it’s the last game 2-1 vs 2-2. Everyone goes to their respective sides first to have a rest. Misaki seems pleased so far. Then, she overhears some ruckus at the side regarding Usui joining the game. They are actually more shock at the dark aura Usui is emitting. Usui looks really miffed about something. Misaki is also surprised and wonders what brought that about. The game starts, Usui seriously plays that he totally overwhelms section 2-1 so the score is 46-6. Hinata tries to win and manages to take the ball from Usui to get a score but still, it is useless since Usui’s group will later on lead by 53-8. Misaki is becoming displeased and irritated as others are saying that Usui wants Maria for himself. Then, during a break or the game is over, Misaki and others give water to their players. Hinata looks really tired but still he is in his cheerful self. Later on, the boys are now surrounding Maria. Misaki quickly goes to her and tells them to back off. Misaki is saying something about the trip as some of the guys are already leaving the gym. Misaki sadly mentions something that probably touched Maria. It is probably because of that, Maria finally confesses to Misaki. Maria then blushes as she probably says that she shouldn’t have said that. Misaki is surprised. Usui is aghast and looks as if he had a headache. The last sound is like ‘Eh?’

Hehe, Misaki being jealous is so cute but of course, it is more fun if it is Usui who is jealous. Misaki has a tendency to have a high pride so she won’t admit it and it is already obvious that she likes him. Whereas if it is Usui, it can prove to Misaki that he really loves her in spite of the fact that he isn’t ready to tell her about his past. I think it is because of what others talk about Usui and Maria, made Misaki more uneasy since why would Usui really work hard in winning that competition. Haha, it turns out that it is because Usui doesn’t want Maria anywhere near Misaki. =P Actually, I wonder though why would Usui be really serious in thwarting the possibility of Maria and Misaki together. I think it is really impossible for Misaki to fall for Maria so why would Usui be so insecure? Is it because given Misaki’s nature, she can’t help but be Maria’s bodyguard against men? Then, that will mean more time away from him. I’m also not convinced that Maria will actively pursue Misaki. Is it really just plain jealousy? I think he should be more jealousy when Misaki is still close with Hinata. I guess this will probably be explained in the next chapter. Anyway, this is a good development since from the love triangle of Misaki being chased by both Usui and Hinata, it has become Misaki being chased by both Usui and Maria. With this new obstacle, I guess we won’t know Usui’s past anytime soon. Lastly, there is a anime design for the couple in this issue. The anime will come out on spring 2010 season. I don’t like Misaki’s character design because she looks more ‘girlie’ contrary to who she really is. Studio is JC Staff. Scans by filion for BW and 鏡花水月 for baidu.

Quote of the day:
Love involves a peculiar unfathomable combination of understanding and misunderstanding ~ Diane Arbus

Free Talk: Those Funny Lala Reports Ads
Sunday, November 22, 2009

I have found this in BW. First of all, congratulations to the ones who thought of these funny ‘Lala reports’ advertisements. They have won in ‘Asia and Pacific Advertisement Festival’/Adfest Best prize in campaign for best of communication media and publications [ Best Film]: Lala Report, Lala Girls Comic Magazine. Those reports are way too funny. Some are missing some ‘sound’ but nevertheless it can easily be understood. Actually, it is not only for Lala, but I think the reports are applicable for all shoujo manga. ^^

Lala Report 1: Because of Lala, longevity has increased. I agree with that funny report and I can totally imagine myself living long because of shoujo manga or any other manga. “Where’s the next chapter?” That is probably what I’ll be uttering until I’m old. =P I think that is based on a Twilight Zone episode I have watched before. The grandmother won’t die because she is always told of a story which ends in a cliffhanger. Haha, I can totally imagine like I’m already old and Skip beat! or Goong or *insert long running manga* hasn’t ended yet. =P “When will s/he finally make a move?” “When will those two finally have a happy ending?”

Lala Report 2: Because of Lala, Japanese guys become good in swimming. This isn’t that funny and the correlation seems a bit way off but at least, it has a good impact on their sports =P But really..does one tend to have less hair because of swimming? Silly me, I belated learned that swimmers are thought to swim fast with less/no hair by shaving. (← ela) Hehe..I thought it is because of swimming, hair doesn't grow that much ^^;; [Edit: Nanami says it's true. Thanks for the info, you two ^^]

Lala Report 3: Because of Lala, there is way too much CO2 in the world. Lol..that’s bad, right? By the way, what series is featured in this report? I haven’t seen it before.

Lala Report 4: Because of Lala, technology in Japan improved. Lol..hehe, they started to photoshop everything into good-looking. Girls had become more focused on good looks..I think that’s a bad thing. Maybe because of this, guys have started to become vain or becomes more concerned with their looks..perhaps drastic enough to go under the knife. Of course, there is another option which is the report 5.

Lala Report 5: Because of Lala, there is an increase of intermarriages. Well, I read that intermarriages tend to produce ‘beautiful’ kids. Maybe this will also decrease Japan’s xenophobia and also their so-called population problem. So, this is a good thing. =P

Word of the day:
We can all live well each day—with laughter, the Lord, and the little things in life. ~ David C. McCasland from Our Daily Bread

Teasers: Vampire Knight 56, Black Bird 37 and Dengeki Daisy 30
Saturday, November 21, 2009

Vampire Knight 56 starts with Kaname telling Yuuki leaving. Yuuki seems to narrate that after a year, her first 'trip outside' ended this way. In another car, Takuma is nervously confronting Sarah about something. Sarah’s hand has melted the glass window she is holding. It seems she couldn’t control her powers yet after eating Ouri. She explains to Takama what happened including the hunter who tried to kill Ouri. Kaname and Kain seem to be investigating Ouri’s dust. There are lots of talk between [amateur detectives] Yuuki and Hanabusa. Geez, they are so cute together <3 Then, they talk with Senri and Rima. Later on, Kaname is listening to what Yuuki and Hanabusa are saying. He is emiting dark waves. After Yuuki mentioned something, Kaname sighs and I think he made everyone leave and he gets Yuuki to sit beside him. They talk about the different pureblood clans and other things. Hunters have a brief meeting. Last scene, Yuuki thinking about something as Kaname sleeps on her lap. I think the last dialogue of Yuuki is about ‘who’ and ‘sacrifice’. Plot summary by 霜影 [with some edits], Sarah wants to become queen. She kept saying over and over again that she wants to fulfill Rido’s goal. She mentions that unlike Rido, she'll be more careful. Then, she mentions how Ouri is killed: First, bite the hunter then use one’s pureblood to manipulate the hunter so that the hunter will become her servant. Then, use that hunter to use a weapon that can stop/hinder the regeneration powers of a pureblood to kill Ouri then let that hunter regain his own judgment commit suicide. But even if he is killed, Ouri is already tired of living forever and did seek death. His expression is of resignation and indifference. Hanabusa and others’ theory is pretty close to what happened in reality but they thought that Ouri committed suicide. Later on, Kaname is shown asking who gave the orders for people to come in the house while he’s away. Yuuki is the one who let Senri and Rima enter. So, they are punished by making them kneel? Hanabusa seems to be going to be locked up in the cold storage ^^; [ to count peas? Double standard =P] Then, mentioned about the pureblood families. Page 25, won’t mention anything unnecessary. Page 26 Kaname hugs Yuuki, very sweet. Later on, they mentioned about the first ancestor but Kaname just passed over the topic. Later at the hunter association, they couldn’t accept Hanabusa’s theory about ‘the suicide’. Zero just says that he thought/anticipated about this matter since from the very thinks that the problems are just starting when Kain said that there won't be a repeat of what happened. That’s it for the summary. Anyway, what Sarah did is pretty much like what Kaname did with Shizuka or Rido did with Haruka. Weaken using a hunter weapon then destroy/kill. When I read that Sarah always mentioned about Rido’s goal, I wonder if she likes Rido either looks up to him or romantically. Well, it seems that Sarah is planning to become the better rival of Kaname rather than those other foolish purebloods. It seems that Kaname isn’t ready to tell Yuuki about his past. Scans by RP in this site. For more details, let’s wait for the English scanlation.

Misao starts crying about the story. Yo starts telling her about ‘wife’, ‘mother’ and ‘kill’. I think Yo said that he wanted to see the person who is the reason why Kyo wanted to be the head. Misao cries again about something..wrecking the family? Yo says something to her about parents and Kyo which somewhat slightly cheered Misao up. I think Yo imagines what it will be like if his whole family is intact and Misao-Kyo having a family of their own, perhaps if they don’t have to worry about the head of the clan stuff. I think Yo told her about making Kyo not lose that light else he be enveloped in darkness. Yo starts to tell her something about Yuri’s death which seems to be related to Yuri’s brother. Not sure if the brother provided the poison and something about Shou. Misao stops him and tries to tell him something about Shou. Misao is surprised when Yo mentions that he knows that Shou’s body is missing during that incident. She learns that Shou is still very much alive. The scene changes to Shou who is looking out from some balcony. A woman informs him something about Kyo, and Yo appearing again. Sporting an eyepatch, Shou turns around and seems to say that he will soon recover from his injury and to prepare the troops? to resolve the dispute? Misao is anxious and worried about the impending fight between the two brothers. So, I guess Misao is indeed the indirect cause of what happened since because of her Kyo wants to be the head but then, I think she just happened to be the reason because Shou does seem to be destructive and unremorseful so it won’t be long before Kyo would want to be the leader rather than his sadist brother. It seems that Shou got part of his violent nature from his father. Anyway, I knew Shou is going to come out sooner or later when they couldn’t find his corpse before. Given his destructive nature, of course, he is going to destroy the clan which rejected him. The rivalry has been going on for years and I think Misao couldn't protect Kyo from the pain of having to kill his own brother because the fighting can only stop if one of them is killed. Other clans will just keep on saving Shou if he is only locked up and there will be people who are sympathetic to him. Well, maybe Misao can protect him from that if someone else finishes off Shou. Hm..would Yo do that? I don't think Kyo will allow Misao to stain her hands. Well, I wonder how they are going to resolve this. Scans by flavia for BW.

Dengeki Daisy 30 starts with a narration about Kurosaki by Teru. Teru is helping Kurosaki do some weeding. It seems that the Teru has an itchy nose either from an allergy or she is coming down with a cold soon. As Kurosaki packs up and prepares to leave while still talking with Teru, a guy is observing them from above the school. Later on, Kiyoshi talks with Teru about smoking which Kurosaki does and two other faculty members. Then, there is a talk about Kurosaki’s blond hair and Kurosaki explaining to some old lady why his hair color is like that. Egawa, an English teacher calls out to Teru to talk with her privately. It seems he is concerned about her grades and does it have something to do with her closeness with blond haired Kurosaki. He seems to imply that Kurosaki is a bad influence. This made Teru angry that she bet on becoming number 1 again by getting top grades or else, Kurosaki will dye his hair black. So, Teru tells her friends about it and plans to study really hard. Later on, Kurosaki carries some boxes of papers when Egawa calls him since he seems to want some of the papers inside. I think Egawa is saying that Kurosaki should know English because of his blood and he mentions about his and Teru’s bet about Kurosaki’s hair. I think Egawa is lecturing Kurosaki about Teru which probably affects her studies. This somewhat irks Kurosaki that he mentions about preparing something and something about ‘Daisy’ being related to Teru. This surprises Egawa. In the library, Teru sneezes. Kiyoshi seems to try to make her rest but Teru is determined to get high grades so that Kurosaki can keep his blond hair. Then, Egawa is being told off by some old lady regarding test questions. Egawa goes in the room and decides to download something from the internet. Someone in BW mentioned about downloading something illegal so perhaps that is why Egawa got a virus set up by someone called Mantis wherein one has to provide a password within three hours else everything in the computer goes bye-bye. There is a scene of Kurosaki fixing the light when he is talking with someone regarding the school’s LAN/network and Egawa’s computer.

Teru decides to go home when Egawa approaches her and frantically asks for her help by contacting Daisy. Teru is still angry at him for badmouthing Kurosaki so she doesn’t want to help him. Teru just left him. But still, she ends up emailing Daisy to help Egawa with his PC. Kurosaki smiles upon receiving it. He notices Teru passing by the corner. He confronts her about having to dye his hair black if she didn’t make the grades. I think she explains the reason why she did that. To her surprise, Kurosaki pulls her to him as if to kiss her. Nah, he just put his forehead to hers to check her temperature. He says that she’s warm. He puts a coat on her and tells her to eat and rest. Teru blushes because of his concern then he goes into wild mode about absolutely not making him dye his hair black. Teru goes home. After a frustrated search for someone to help, Egawa returns to his office to overhear someone talking in English. “Please, ‘Mantis’, you did it didn’t you? It infects my fellow’s [computer]. It’s about to blow up in ten minutes. You’re truly mean. Hey, say it. For god’s sake, dude. It’s a real hassle for me. Ok. How typical. Don’t goof around. See ya.” Egawa peeks inside and is shock to see that it was Kurosaki. Kurosaki types in a very long password taken from Shakespeare’s As you like it, “All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.” Egawa seems to be freaking out how Kurosaki knew English very well but Kurosaki just tells him as to who asked him to help Egawa..none other than Teru. Kurosaki emails Teru about fixing the PC and Teru happily slept that night. In the end, Teru got 100 in all of her exams. To her bewilderment, Egawa now greets her in an embarrassed-aghast way. Teru has protected Kurosaki’s blond hair. The last part, Teru is helping Kurosaki with gardening. She mentions about his hair and starts reprimanding him about something. Hehe..I wonder if the author is dragging things or still showing us their typical days as he thinks something about that possibility of Teru’s brother is alive storyline. Anyway, as usual, there is the ‘almost but not really’ lovey-dovey scenes and asking Daisy for help. It is always added bsho points for lead characters who know a different language ^^ Maybe the author is reminding us that Kurosaki is no ordinary janitor. Also, I think it’s nice of Teru to ask him to help that teacher even if he had badmouthed Kurosaki. Scans by flavia for BW.

Word of the day:
It is crucial to obey God to keep our hearts from becoming hardened to the needs of others. ~ Our Daily Bread

Free Talk: Few Teasers..Lala is out ^^
Friday, November 20, 2009

Lala is out..well, some scans in 鏡花水月 blog. Kaichou wa Maid-sama 44. Scan 1 - Maria said something to Usui that he looks really shock. First time in his life? 鏡花水月’s title for the entry is everyone misunderstood Maria. Scan 2 – Really in a bad mood, Usui in basketball outfit. Everyone including Misaki is shock to see this. Guess it’s rare to see Usui having that kind of expression. Scan 3 – Ah..because Misaki said some sensitive things, Maria said something to Misaki with everyone there. 鏡花水月 said that Maria is Usui’s love rival. Eh? Does that mean Maria is a lesbian and she likes Misaki? ^^;; What a twist! I love it..at least, it isn’t cliche. =P Misaki’s answer seems to be, ‘Eh?’ Maria is blushing and Usui seems aghast. As for Vampire Knight 56, there is a scene of Sarah with some talk about Rido and ‘Queen’. Kaname has become ‘Black Kaname’ as he emits darkness that made Hanabusa and Yuuki kneel down to him in a funny way. I think it’s like reprimanding them. I’m still figuring out what it reminds me of but it does come out as funny to me. Yuuki and Hanabusa are like kids. Oh, I get it, Yuuki being scared-funny like that reminds me of KKWH’s Tsubaki. Then, Kaname holds out his hand to her and she sits beside him while they talk.

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapters 40-41]
Thursday, November 19, 2009

Chapter 40: It’s already 11:10pm. A couple of girls comment that it is already late and times sure flies fast. Chizuru is already asleep. Ayane asks Sawako if she’s alright [= not sleepy yet] and it is fine if she finds some place to sleep so there’s no need to be shy. Sawako mentally thinks that it is alright because even if she doesn’t work, she definitely won’t be able to sleep tonight, this very long night. Ayane notices Sawako’s phone lights up so she asks if someone gave her an email. Sawako looks at her phone and says that it’s true. She assumes that it is her father. While Sawako is half-sewing and half-daydreaming about that hug, she is startled when some girls exclaims about some girl Yui liking some guy named Andy, Shouta’s friend. They approve of the match and say that Andy is a good guy. Yui is really happy about it and says that she got Yuusuke to check [if Andy likes her]. Sawako blushes as she is moved by what she heard. Yui asks Sawako about her opinion (based on black magic). Sawako exclaims that it’s perfect. The girls happily say that it’s true because Sawako’s black magic said so. Sawako tries to explain that she really doesn’t have that kind of power and how could she say such an irresponsible statement. Yui then says, “Is that so? Then..then I’ll do my best and see what happens.” This slightly surprises Sawako and she shakes Yui’s hand. Then, the other girls misinterpret it as Sawako giving some sort of power to Yui. Ayane tries to tell them that they are wrong. Chizuru also tries to tell them that it is just an acknowledgement that they are comrades [ = they are in the same situation]. While sewing, Ayane tells Chizuru that tomorrow is the day yet it seems like it’s too long [until that day]. Chizuru happily says that Shouta obviously want to contact her [now] and he definitely feels uneasy and impatient right now. Sawako is puzzled about their conversation. There is a scene of Shouta frustrated about why they have to make that cart today. A guy tells him that it’s because tomorrow’s the costume parade. Another guy comments that their progress is really bad. Shouta laughs. Narration: “For so many times, that scene replays in my mind, as if, to confirm that the things that had happened [is for real]. Not a dream..” When everyone is asleep, Sawako answers ‘okay’ to Shouta’s email which mentioned about talking properly again tomorrow.

On the second day of the school festival, while talking about not being able to get enough sleep, everyone are busy putting on their costumes. Some girls ask Chizuru if she’s finished preparing. Chizuru shouts that what’s left is rolling up the snake [on herself]. Another girl asks about their female lead. Chizuru says that Ayane is currently fixing her up. Ayane has just finished putting make-up on Sawako. When asked by Chizuru about it, Ayane says that it looks quite good. Sawako passes by a couple of girls and a couple of guys who were talking and they had a shock after seeing Sawako. She is so convincing that Chizuru has to check if Sawako still has feet and a shadow. Ayane laments that she wanted to put eye shadow and manicure on Sawako but right now, Sawako needs to be ‘shocking’ in appearance. At the hallway, Chigusa calls out to Sawako and tells her that Sadako is the Okiku of Banchō Sarayashiki. [I think Chigusa is her former classmate who teaches Sawako how to be scary/tell ghost stories] She explains that it is a tragic love story about a woman who doesn’t trust men and a man who couldn’t be trusted. [To understand the context of their parade, I’ll mention the plot of the ghost story. Okiku is always approached by a samurai lord who tries to seduce her but she always refuses him. He stole one of the ten precious heirloom plates. Since a missing plate would cost her life, Okiku always tries to count the plates but it is always missing one. The guy tries to seduce her again in exchange of overlooking the incident/spare her but she continues to reject him. He drowns her in a well and later on, she became a ghost who always counts 1-9 and shrieks at number 10. So, if you watched the movie Ring, Sadako also comes out from the well for revenge. For more information and versions of the story, check it out in wiki.] Sawako is surprised because she didn’t know that. Chigusa says that it can be interpreted that way and it’s a pretty good role. Sawako says that he’s amazing. Chizuru and Ayane go in a classroom when Soichi calls out to them and asks Ayane how he looks in his ofuda [paper charm to ward off ghosts] costume. Ayane just says that it suits him though she meant that he looks like an idiot. Soichi is happy with that comment. Someone mentions that it is good that they finished the cart and the costumes on time. Someone tries to wake up Ryuu who is still sleepy. While dressing up, Shouta asks a guy if he is wearing it right. The guy says he doesn’t know. Another guy comments that Ayane looks good. Ayane is pleased with that flattery. Ryuu asks Chizuru if she’s a wrestler because of her outfit. Chizuru says that she’s a snake.

Looking at them, Shouta approaches Ayane and asks where Sawako is. Ayane tells him that Sawako is taken away by section C’s Chigusa [and they are talking at the hallway]. Shouta thanks her and prepares to leave when Ayane calls out to him to tell him that it was Sawako who sewed his costume. Shouta blushes. Pin comes in the room and shouts that there isn’t much time left so those who are ready should go line up outside. Shock that there’s not much time, some of the students quickly hurry up. Shouta looks out at the hallway and exclaims in surprise that she isn’t there. Pin asks who. Shouta says Sawako. Pin tells him that he has already seen her so he told her to go out already. When Shouta is walking away, Pin shouts why he is going and is he going to get dumped again. Shouta answers back that what does he care about him going, and who cares about Pin. Pin is totally shock by Shouta’s attitude when he was depressed earlier. Coming out of the classroom, Chizuru and Ayane tell Pin not to bother them and not do any excess things. At the school grounds where a lot of students in costumes gather around, Sawako is just standing and remembering Pin telling her to act just like [how she did] yesterday, and to do her best since Shouta will definitely anticipate it. She grips her fist and blushes. She is surprised when Shouta calls out her name. The two blush upon seeing each other. Shouta probably becomes too embarrassed that he covers his face with his hand. He mutters that it is because of this that is why he doesn’t want to be seen. He removes his hand and thanks her for the email yesterday. Flustered, Sawako tries to say that she should be the one saying that. Then, Soichi arrives as he tries to tell Shouta that if he skips around, he can get more attention but he’ll easily get tired. Shouta says, “Ah, about that, I’m sorry” Sawako says, okay since thought he was talking to her but to her surprise, he meant Soichi as he says, “Right now, right now I want to talk with Kuronuma.” Soichi just stands there then Ryu grabs Soichi’s arm and drags him away. Chizuru and Ayane also push puzzled Soichi away. Shouta tells Sawako that he wants to properly talk with her again. Before he can continue, Sawako looks determined and asks if she can be the one who talk first. Sawako prays that she is able to say this before she loses her courage. Sawako confesses that she was really happy then during the Hatsumōde [first shrine visit]. “It was because I was so happy that I became scared. On one side, I want to monopolize you while on the other side, I do not want to be hated by you...” She thinks that if she says these things, everything might be over for them but.. Sawako continues, “..I want..from today on, to establish a new relationship with you. From today on, let’s start anew.” She thinks that this new start is achievable because the other party is Shouta. “After meeting Kazehaya-kun, a lot of things have changed. After liking Kazehaya-kun, I also began to change.”

Then, someone calls everyone to gather up for the parade. Sawako says, “...just watch! I’ll do my best! As the achievement of a whole year [practice to be scary]...I’ll definitely do a really scary performance [of a resentful spirit]! I definitely can do it.. ” Shouta blushes. He starts to laugh then breaks into a smile as Sawako runs off. He happily calls out, “..Kuronuma! ..I like you!” Their friends smile including Kent when they heard this. Some other students look surprised. Sawako blushes. The parade starts. With some flashbacks when they are together, there are scenes of the parade including Sawako in the cart which looks like a well. Then, they would stop at the judges’ table. Sawako starts to count plates and wonders why a plate is missing. The judges are scared when Sawako starts to crawl on their table. She does the counting of plates on the judges’ table and puts a can of drink on the plate. She scarily tells them to help themselves. The judges are scared when she looks at them. Soon, the sun is setting. At awarding ceremonies has started in the auditorium. Sawako’s class won the refreshment booth category because of the popularity of the black magic counseling. The students go to Sawako and start tossing her up and down while shouting her name. Pin is really happy since he is on his way to his goal [regarding the bet]. Then, for the costume parade, since section 2-D is giving ‘gifts’/drinks to the judges, it is deemed as bribes so they didn’t get any points for that category. Pin is furious as he tries to protests but some people are stopping him from making a ruckus or they are pushing him because it is his entire fault that they got zero points. In the end, they got sixth place overall but first among the second years. They think it’s regrettable that they were accused of bribery since they are doing really well and Sawako’s acting is really good. Then, they said that talking about Sawako, Shouta... Sawako’s friends tell her that they are going to hang out in the usual place. Ayane pats Sawako’s head and calls her name. Then, Sawako notices that Shouta is standing nearby. Shouta tells her that there is no difference. “It’s the same, right?” Sawako thinks that when thinking of it as impossible, as long as their relationship hasn’t ended, there is still that possibility. Sawako starts crying as she remembers Shouta calling out, ‘I like you’ earlier. She tells him that she wants all of him. Shouta holds her hand which she is using to wipe her tears and says, “...It’s the same” Shouta smiles and holds her hand with both of his hands. “This is like a dream..I finally reached you.” Sawako smiles while still crying. Their friends and Pin including some others are looking at them. Shouta wipes Sawako’s tears and they smiled at each other. Narration: “One day, I’ll be able to reach you- I love you more than anyone else.”

Chapter 41: At home, Sawako’s father asks his wife where Sawako is. Sawako’s mother tells him that Sawako is going out to celebrate after the school festival. Sawako’s father takes his drink from his wife and sits on the sofa. He starts muttering that Sawako is now in the age when she’s always going out. He ends up spitting his drink when his wife mentions that when Sawako starts talking about love, it won’t be like that. He looks at his wife who gives him a handkerchief. He just nervously laughs and says that she is right and when Sawako marries, it won’t be really like that. His wife happily thinks that it won’t be long before that happens. The scene changes to Chizuru and Ayane who are talking. Chizuru happily asks if those two are finally together. Ayane says that she doesn’t know. Chizuru says that no matter what, before they head to the celebration party, those two will be together. The scene changes to Shouta who is waiting. Blushing Sawako arrives and asks if he was waiting for a long time. Blushing Shouta says that he has just arrived. As the two happily walk together, there are some dialogue on top by Ayane and Chizuru if those two are coming to the celebration and other kinds of reactions. Narration: “..It’s like a dream..” Starting from the hand to his face, Sawako glances at Shouta. Sawako freaks out when she sees that he’s looking at her. She screams that he is looking at her while she is trying to sneak a peek at him. She laments that she failed in sneaking a peek. Embarrassed, Shouta exclaims what kind of reaction is that. Shouta mutters that he’s hurt by that. Sawako apologizes and says that it is because she’s nervous. Sawako is somewhat surprised when Shouta admits that he is also nervous and this is very embarrassing [for him to be like that]. Shouta giggles and smiles at her. Sawako also smiles as she thinks, “..[we’re] the same..”

At the karaoke bar, someone shouts, “I like you! Our feelings are the same right!! Everything, I want your everything. It’s like a dream!!” Sawako and Shouta are shock-aghast to find Soichi and someone else acting out the public confession and hugging with tears. Someone shouts that it’s just holding hands, no hugging since he [Shouta] can’t easily just hold hands. Someone exclaims about wanting to see it. Another person says that there should be more distance between the two. Shouta is shaking and blushing really bad. ← couldn’t express what he is feeling. Everyone is shock when Soichi calls out to Shouta. Soichi happily says that because there are people who didn’t see it, they took it upon themselves to reenact the scene. He remembers something about yesterday. He apologizes to Shouta [for interrupting] then starts telling the others about what happened in the classroom. Shouta wants to give Soichi a piece of his mind = punch him. The couple is surprised when everyone starts asking them questions regarding 1.) what happened earlier, 2.) does Shouta really like Sawako, 3.) what does he mean by ‘it’s the same’ and ‘like a dream’ → does he mean a nightmare or a beautiful dream, 4.) didn’t they came together and does it mean they are going steady. Sawako freaks out how to answer but Shouta says that, “You could say that..yes!” He flashes a v-sign for victory. Sawako is surprised by that. Everyone starts asking questions again if it is for real, how Sawako did manages to get Shouta and is it because she used black magic. Shouta exclaims that isn’t true but rather, he is the one who’s really attracted to her. Everyone including Sawako is shock by that revelation. Ayane asks Sawako why she is so shock by that. Shouta looks at Sawako’s direction and asks her if she understands [what he just said/meant]. Sawako nods repeatedly. Sawako wonders if it’s okay. Shouta sighs out in relief since he was almost worried about what she’ll answer. He then exclaims that it’s great [that she understands].

The two are surprised when they notice that everyone is looking at them. Someone says that it seems true. Shouta says that he already said that it isn’t ‘it seems’. Everyone starts saying how amazing Sawako is that she got Shouta..it’s unbelievable and this isn’t a dream. They say that no wonder she’s Sadako and there’s truth to the rumors about her. They start praying to her so that they can lend her spiritual power in order to find a girlfriend/boyfriend [since I think one of those people is a girl]. Sawako tries to tell them that it is just a rumor and she has no power. Shouta tries to tell them that it isn’t true. Ayane comments that things have turned to become more bizarre [regarding what they think of Sawako]. Chizuru says that they all seem happy so they could say that things have turned out okay. Sawako thinks that she couldn’t believe, no, she wants to believe it. A guy offers a toast since 2-D won sixth place overall. Then, for the first song, someone suggests that Sawako and Shouta sing a duet. Shouta asks Sawako if she wants to sing. Sawako says if it is ‘Ginko’ [Title: Silver Love; a 1961 song of a Japanese drama]. Shouta has never heard of that song. Sawako suggests how about ‘Izakaya’ [Title: Living in a Wine room/cellar; a famous song during 1982]. Ayane and Chizuru say forget it since they totally have never heard of those songs. Afterwards, everyone doesn’t want to go home yet so they decided to go some place where they don’t have to spend money. Someone says that they go to the seaside. Sawako thinks that she can do it and she won’t cause others problems. As they walk to the beach, Ayane teases Shouta for staying too close to her cute Sawako. Chizuru says that it’s inevitable because no matter what, ‘it’s like a dream’. Embarrassed, Shouta exclaims that they’re irritating/he hates them for that.

At the beach, Pin is drinking a bottle of liquor when he overhears some girls chattering and laughing. He checks it out and sees that it is Kent with girls from a different section. He asks Kent why he is there and having fun [playing hooky] when he should be at the celebration party. Kent says that he wanted to go but he was invited first by these people. Gesturing to a girl, the girls tell Pin that girl is heartbroken so he should help comfort her. Pin angrily shouts for them to shut up and he grabs Kent. Kent asks why Pin is drinking alone in that place and [if Pin needs it], he is very good at comforting people. Pin shouts at him to shut up. Then, they hear some commotion at the side. A group of people has arrived. Kent says that it is their class and this is good timing. Pin looks back and sees Shouta and Sawako together. Pin notices the strawberry lovey-dovey mood between the two and realizes that Shouta’s confession was a success. Kent happily goes to the couple by calling out to Sawako. He happily says that it’s really good. Glittering, Sawako calls her master. Shouta seems surprised-do not know what to say as he just looks at Kent. Ayane and Chizuru are staring at Kent [as if watching what he’ll do]. Kent grabs Shouta to talk with him privately. Then, Pin calls out to Sawako. Kent tells Shouta not to make Sawako cry again. “That time at the courtyard, you’ve asked why she is crying..? That is because she thought you already like some other girl. “ Shouta is puzzled and asks why and from whom did she heard that. Kent tells him that she heard it from him [Kent]. Shaking, Shouta angrily shouts that it is his fault. Kent quickly retreats and laughs that he’s been found out. Shouta shouts that it is ‘Sawako’ not ‘Sadako’. Kent asks back if he can call her ‘Sawako’. Surprised, Shouta takes that back by shouting that he doesn’t want Kent to [call her that]. Kent somewhat smiles and says that it is alright, he’ll properly call her with affection. Then, Shouta notices that there is another [problem] at that side. Pin is asking Sawako if she said it to Shouta yesterday. Sawako remembers about something. Shouta calls out to Pin. With a twinkle in his eye, Pin grabs Shouta and talks with him privately. He asks Shouta if they are going steady. Shouta says that they are. Pin asks if he is sure and he might be the only one who thinks that way. Shouta wasn’t able to answer. Pin asks if he clearly told Sawako, ‘please, go steady with me’. Shouta says he didn’t but.. Pin shouts that won’t do. Pointing at Sawako, Pin exclaims if he thinks that Sawako is the type who will ‘understand naturally’. He pushes Shouta to Sawako and tells him to quickly say it to her.

Looking at Sawako, he thinks it is true for it isn’t enough to just say ‘do you understand’. Shouta calls out her name. Sawako says, yes. Before Shouta can say anything, someone says, “Will you marry me!!” Sawako is shock. Shouta is embarrassed and tense as he looks behind to see that it is Pin who is saying that. Pin continues, “That’s right, that’s right. That’s what you wanted to say, right. Hehehe ♡” Shouta grabs Pin’s shirt and tells him to go home. Pin asks him whom he should thank that things turned out this way. They were surprised when Sawako bows her head and says, “..let...let me think about it..” Shouta holds her hand and tells her to wait. Sawako looks up to him and she blushes. She shouts, “Ah, please let me think about it for a while~~!” Sawako screams and runs off. Shouta can only shout her name in futile. Pin asks him if it’s okay for him not to quickly run after her to explain. Shouta grabs him and says what kind of good deed is that and now, he is in that kind of situation. With a twinkle in his eye, Pin says that Shouta’s worst case scenario is that Sawako will reject his proposal. “Kuronuma doesn’t seem to be the type one could joke around with, so if you tell her that it is all a joke, she will be hurt...Hahaha, right now, it isn’t even the time about going steady or not. You’re really too complacent! It’s all about being dumped or not! Hahaha!!” Shouta starts moping at the side [ala Ouran’s Tamaki]. Somewhere at the beach, Sawako calls up her father to tell her that she’s alright and she won’t be coming home too late at night. “..what if..” Sawako becomes embarrassed and says that it is nothing. Her father laughs and encourages her to say what she wants to say. Sawako asks, “What would you feel if I get married?” No answer. “Ah..forget about it, just pretend that I didn’t say anything...I’ll be careful [on my way home]! I’m hanging up.” Sawako’s mother asks what happened when Sawako’s father is just shock-frozen-depressed while still holding on the phone. After Sawako hangs up and Shouta arrives, Sawako holds her cellphone tight and closes her eyes. Somewhat nervous, Shouta calls out to her. He tries to say that it isn’t like what Pin had said about that marriage. He blushed and was nervous when he mentioned the marriage. Sawako asks if he is saying that marriage thing is just a misunderstanding. Shouta becomes nervous and says yes so if she’s hurt, she can just hit him. Sawako becomes shock and nervous.

Motioning for him to stop, she tells him, no and wait a minute, after all, she didn’t take it seriously because she knew that it wasn’t him who said it but rather, it is Pin so... Shouta is shock. Looking sideways, Sawako says, yes. Shouta realizes that when she said, “I’ll think about it for a while” meant “let me fantasize about it for a while” Totally embarrassed, Shouta wonders, where is the hole that he can crawl inside to. =P Sawako apologizes for the misunderstanding for she just wants to imagine it and in that imagination, she could see such a wonderful scene so perhaps, she has become quite greedy. Blushing, Shouta says that it shouldn’t just be a sentence of ‘do you understand’. He explains that what Pin said isn’t about that [marriage stuff]. “It is such an important thing yet in the end, I didn’t tell you personally, so I’ll continue from where I left off..will you go steady with me! I will always treasure you.” After looking surprised, Sawako starts to blush and become teary-eyed. She says yes. Blushing, Shouta smiles. Sawako says that she also has something important to tell him. Shouta asks what it is. Sawako tells him not to hate her for saying it. He exclaims that he won’t hate her so what is it. Blushing Sawako says, “I could no longer look at you without selfishness..” [ = I’ll be selfish when it comes to you] Shouta falls on his knees as he says how he could hate her for that. From the path above which is overlooking the beach, Chizuru, Ayane, Ryu and Kent are watching the two. Ayane says that Pin said that ‘Shouta is going to be dumped’ so she became worried that she decided to take a peek but in the end, those two are still sweet [romantic]. Chizuru asks if she said that with jealousy. Ayane denies it by saying that she always thought that those two are a good match. Chizuru laughs and says that she is right that those two are a good match and she shouldn’t have told him that ‘the person farthest away from Sawako is you’. Puzzled, Ayane asks who said that to whom. Chizuru realizes that she has slipped. Ayane asks again so Chizuru nervously confesses that she told Shouta. Ayane asks when she said that. Really nervous, Chizuru says when things start to become awkward between those two. Ayane shouts, “So it’s you!!” Kent tells Ayane to forgive Chizuru because in the end, things turn out okay. Ayane shouts that it is also his fault. She asks why he is there and he should go back to those girls at the other class. Chigusa and some other girls arrive. Chigusa greets Ayane who asks if section C also changed their gathering place. Chigusa says yes and asks where Sawako is. “Is she enjoying some strawberry sweet time? Strawberry, right?” With a twinkle in her eye, Ayane says that it is true and she can see it for herself. Chigusa is happy for Sawako. She joins the other girls. Ayane glances at the side to see Ume looking at the new couple. Ume walks away as Ayane is speechless and looks a bit worried. Kent seems to have seen Ume, too.

So, it took one chapter for her to confess, another chapter for him to confess and one final chapter for them to be officially be a couple. I think this is the first time I have read a confession until officially together taking three chapters. Hehe, I really laughed the first time I read this especially how Pin ‘bullies’ Shouta. That was a good one. I’m amazed at Shouta’s patience that he hasn’t wring Pin and that Soichi’s head yet for all the embarrassment he has to endure that night. Ah, Sawako’s father also had a rude awakening =P I wonder if the next chapter will be a new arc or it is still this same arc with clearing up loose ends like Ume moving on or something like that. Anyway, a lot of people are saying that this series is ending soon but I don’t think so because there is still the possibility of Ayane’s love life. Hehe, I’m entertaining thoughts of Ayane x Kent rather than Ayane x Pin because I think it would be hilarious if it ends up with Ume x Pin =P Haha, punishment for what she tried to do to Sawako before and it would make things a bit unpredictable. Also, there is still no ‘kiss scene’ and I would like to see more lovey-dovey/cute scenes between the new couple. It does seem to be a trend in some shoujo about ‘what happens after the couples are together’ so based on the popularity of this series, I think the author will also tackle subject, too. Maybe, it will end when they graduate or when everyone is happily with their respective partners. Scans by jiezhishou.cn group

Quote of the day:
To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others. - Anthony Robbins

Sengoku Danshi Hana no Ran [Chapter 3]
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

“The part of my heart which is all about Ryou suddenly formed a small crack.” Hana spend the night crying in her sleep. She wakes up and wonders if it is already morning. Rubbing her eyes, she thinks that no matter what Ryou isn’t coming back again even if she kept on trying to contact him. “But for me, who is all alone again, I once again couldn’t go back to the past. The same thing would just happen over and over again...even if I knew that, no matter how many times I thought about it, things won’t change..” There are some barking sounds. “Hideyoshi wants to take a stroll...I don’t want to move..” In the end, she did get out of bed and went downstairs. The two younger guys who are playing with Hideyoshi see her and looks somewhat surprised-pity at her. She is puzzled why when they quickly look away from her. She looks at the mirror to see that her eyes are swollen from crying. After a brief scream, Hana is now putting an ice pack on her eyes as she thinks that it’s really embarrassing to show that kind of ugly face. Hana mutters for them to forget what they have just seen. While Riki [formerly wrong named as Chikara] is playing with the dog, dark-haired guy tells her that isn’t really serious because when he was 9 years old, he was stung by a huge hornet and his face had two swell/bumps. “At that time, I was really shock to death that I thought that I was going to die but right now, I’m still quite healthy.” Hana puts down the ice pack. Dark-haired guy tells her that her eyes are normal again. “Ah, I’m really envious of you.” Hana asks why. Dark-haired guy exclaims that the reason his eyes are small is definitely the after-effects of that incident. From behind, Riki motions that it isn’t true. This made Hana giggle-smile. Riki then gives a small flower to Hana then follows his brother. Holding the flower, Hana realizes that they were worried about her. She thinks that yesterday after she came back, even if they notice her crying from time to time, they acted as if they didn’t know. Smelling the flower, she says, “Thank you.” As Hana put on her glasses, Hideyoshi climbs on her leg. Hana says that it’s time to take it for a walk. She notices that Riki is already holding Hideyoshi on a leash. Dark-haired guy asks if he can go with them. Later on, black haired guy comes out and looks around for them. He wonders where they went.

While walking, dark haired guy says that this is the first time he walked on the streets during peace times. Dark haired guy is curious about the road being really hard. Hana has to tell Riki not to just go in other people’s residence when he went inside a house. Riki asks if it is a residence. Touching a window display, dark haired guy asks if it is glass and it can actually be used as a building structure. He’s very curious about the multi-colored display so he wants to go in and asks what it is. Hana quickly screams for him not to go in because it turns out that it is a lingerie display. Dark haired guy asks why not. Blushing, Hana just tells him not to. Then, they notice that Riki and Hideyoshi are missing. They walk around while calling for the two when they see finally see them at a Buddhist temple. Riki is looking inside a window of the door. Dark haired guy asks what it is. It is a Buddha statue with an imposing look. Hana is surprised to see that the two guys are now praying. On the walk back home, dark haired guy says that he remembered their mother who is a sincere devout. He tells Hana that right now, their mother still went to visit the monks and normally she’s busy following master to the temple in offering sacrifices. “It would be good if okasama is alright.” Hana asks if they are only three siblings and isn’t it lonely that they have to leave home. He says that they aren’t and even if they are all guys, they are really 6 siblings in all. Two older ones then, Ranmaru [black haired guy] then, it’s him, Boumaru and Rikimaru and lastly, the youngest boy. [It turns out that the ‘Ran’ in the title is the name of black haired guy, Ran. ^^; I thought it meant ‘confusion/chaos’ ^^; which is the meaning of his name. So the title means, “Sengoku Man, Hana’s Ran”.]

Bou says that it isn’t easy for their mother since they are siblings who were born in succession. Hana asks, “Succession?” To her shock, he tells her that they are aged, 18, 17, and 16. Since Hana is already 17 years old, she thinks that those two guys look too small. Dark haired guy asks if it is really unexpected. Hana tells him that it is because their brother looks mature. Bou says that it is because Ran’s physique is very much like their father’s. Riki, together with Hideyoshi, goes back to them and he asks Hana what that is. He points to a couple of school girls who are eating soft ice cream on cones. Hana buys them ice cream. While Riki concentrates on eating, Bou happily comments about why it is cold like snow, soft in the mouth and sweet that it feels like he’s wasting it if he ate it all. Hana nervously tells him that it is melting. Bou quickly starts licking and says that he doesn’t want to waste a single drop either else he’ll regret it for the rest of his life. She happily looks at Bou and thinks that like always, he’s quite talkative. Then, she observes Riki whom she thinks that although he has a scary poker face, it subtly changes based on his feelings. “Ah, he looks content.” Riki has finished eating his ice cream and looks at Bou. Bou gestures to his brother that is his and Riki can’t steal it. Hana smiles that from the start she thinks that they are troublesome but right now, she feels like she has been saved. “It’s good that I’m not thinking of anything.” She then notices a magazine cover of Ryou behind the magazine stand where the guys are sitting. She closes her eyes and thinks that she doesn’t want to think of anything regarding Ryou. “I don’t want to think about it anymore..!” Bou says that he’s finished eating it. “We can’t bring that back and I wanted Ran to eat it, too.” Hana happily suggests that they buy something else. Later on, they arrive home. Bou happily goes to where Ran is and tells him to listen to him. Ran grumpily asks where they went. Bou excitedly tells Ran that, in that place where they walked the dog, there is.. Ran reprimands him that while His Majesty is in pain, they are having fun in some place. Bou nervously tries to explain but Ran wouldn’t listen as he tells him that they are changing shifts so they should go to His Majesty’s side. Bou goes out of the room. He takes out a box of Angel brand chocolates.

Like that, three days had passed. Hana wakes up from some swishing sound. She wonders what that is. She looks at her cellphone and it is 4am. She goes out to check what it is. It is Ran swishing a pole at some bushes. She wonders why he is doing that so early in the morning. [Hehe, her expression is like what’s this weirdo doing. =P] Groggily, she walks back inside when someone asks, “The girl there, where is the toilet?” She is shock to see an unknown [samurai-looking] man looking at her. The man asks, “Also, can I ask where this place is? Azuchi [castle] or Mino?” Hana realizes that it’s the guy who is always sleeping. She wonders if it is okay for him to be hanging around there [since he has just recovered.] She points to the side and tells him that is where the toilet is. They were interrupted when Ran shouts for His Majesty and asks who is hiding him. Hana somewhat sweatdrops [probably because she’s going to be blamed again]. The man asks if it is Ran. Ran arrives to where they are and he addresses the man again. The man yawns and says that he’s quite sleepy. Ran tells him not to walk around else it might affect the recovery of his wound. He whispers to the man that this is a place that he has never seen before and he should put his guard up against some unknown strange people there. Hana thinks that the one who’s strange is him. The man bows over that Ran quickly tries to help him. The man tells Ran not to worry since it is just a case of low blood [supply] and he needs to eat something to increase his vitality especially since he is hungry right now. Hana suggests about eating some congee. Ran reprimands her for being rude regarding how she’s talking with the man. Hana admits she doesn’t know who the man is. The man asks, “Me? I’m Oda Nobunaga.” Ran tries to protest why he said that. Hana is totally shock as she thinks, “Nobunaga? The one in history books?”

In his room, everyone gathers around Nobunaga who narrates what he heard from them. He says/clarifies that he remembers staying in the Honnō-ji [temple] when some witty army [his allies turn traitors] attacked them and then, they got themselves to pass through a machine which would later bring them to that era. Grandpa says that is true for the current era is 400 years later from the era when they lived. Bou exclaims, so that is why [things are strange there]. Nobunaga is in deep thought. Ran notices this then asks, “Assuming that conjecture is true, can we still go back to our original era?” With knitted brows, grandpa tells them that is not a question of ‘can go back’ or ‘cannot go back’ but rather, during the fire incident, the ‘time whirlwind’ machine that brought them there is already gone so even if he repaired/made a new machine, it might not bring them back because the ‘time whirlwind’ machine isn’t perfect. “There is also the possibility that the fire, which could also be a factor, has been the means for them to pass through. Just investigating the other reasons for that to happen will need a lot of time..” Later on, Hana is carrying some book about Nobunaga when he notices Bou sitting at the porch. Hana wonders if they really came from the past. Followed by Riki, Nobunaga walks at the hallway and calls Hana. Hana is surprised and asks him if he doesn’t need to lie down and rest. Nobunaga says that his body will become weak if he kept on lying down. He asks her to accompany him for a walk outside. Hana is shock. Bou wants to go with them but Nobunaga tells them that they will be staying there and didn’t he tell them that there is no one there who wanted to harm him. Bou protests that his brother instructed him that there should always be a person accompanying him. Nobunaga happily says that while Ran is sleeping this is an opportunity that he can take advantage of. He also says that he had rested enough and it has been a long time since he walked around [exercise]. Bou tries to protest again but Nobunaga darkly tells him that he isn’t allowed to go with them. Shock, Hana thinks that this guy is really Nobunaga. [Trivia: Nobunaga is also known as demon king, Ma-O. There is a ‘legend’ about it that he got hit by an arrow in the jugular vein yet he seems uninjured. But in this case, I think Hana realizes it is him because he looks scary like a demon.]

So, Hana walks Nobunaga outside. Nobunaga looks somewhat surprised by the sight of the city as he asks if this is the capital. Hana is a bit nervous since she isn’t quite sure how to introduce things to him. Pointing towards a street, Hana tells him that place is reportedly going to Honnō-ji. While walking in the streets, Hana notices that a lot of people are looking at Nobunaga. “It’s really unbelievable...in order not to attract attention, he had put down his chonmage [top knot; samurai-like hair] but still, for some unknown reason, people in the streets would turn to look at him. So it seems..he isn’t the same with the people of this era..I can’t describe it..the aura?” Nobunaga’s coat has fallen off. Hana picks it up and says, “That..about that..” Nobunaga turns around and asks her what it is. Hana asks how she should address him. He says, “You decide, because this is your era.” Hana happily smiles and says, “Then..Nobunaga-san.” Hana puts his coat back on him. She looks at his back and thinks, “An unexpected shift to a totally unknown world, what could one be feeling..” Pointing at a temple gate, Hana asks if he wants to see the current Honnō-ji. Back at the house, grandpa is looking for Hana. He finds the two young men at the porch. Bou tells him that Hana went out with His Majesty since he wants her to be his guide. Taking out a dvd movie about Nobunaga, grandpa asks the two if they want to take the opportunity to study what happened then. Grandpa plays the movie. The two are shock that there is a small person inside the box. Riki holds up the lcd tv that grandpa shouts that isn’t a person and it will break. He pats the two’s head and tells them to just sit and watch. They are shock when the people in the television start to address someone as Nobunaga. Pointing at the television, Bou shouts that isn’t His Majesty and it’s a trick. Grandpa tells them to relax because that is just a drama/play. They continue to watch then they are shock when it was mentioned that the enemies are in Honnō-ji. Ran enters the room and asks where His Majesty is. While his brothers look aghast with Bou teary-eyed, they says, “His Majesty..he..” On the television, the character Nobunaga is in a burning room. Ran is shock upon seeing on the television wherein a samurai informs Hideyoshi about Nobunaga’s demise at Honnō-ji. Bou says that they were attacked in Honnō-ji. Ran doesn’t want to believe it and he assumes that it is some sort of sorcery.

At Honnō-ji, Hana and Nobunaga are looking at some monument. Hana is surprised when Ran and others arrive. Ran calls out to Nobunaga and asks what she did to Nobunaga. Nobunaga says that he said that no one is to follow. He calls out Ran to look. “It seems that Honnō-ji is my grave.” Ran is shock to see that monument is a grave. Hana and grandpa look tense. Riki pulls Bou’s sleeve and points to three other monuments at the side. The brothers are surprise as Bou says that it is their graves, complete with their engraved names, ‘Mori Ranmaru, Mori Boumaru and Mori Rikimaru.’ Shaking, Ran draws his katana and exclaims that this is the work of a demon [akayashi]. “Idiot, what is your motive?! Why should we be tricked by this kind of thing?” He points his katana at surprised Hana. Hehe, after seeing last scene, I wanted someone to hit Ran with something since he is always ‘targeting’ Hana. Hey, don’t kill the messenger. Is it some kind of twisted attraction? Nah, I think it’s because he is always inside the house that he hasn’t seen the modern world and probably the truth hasn’t sunk in yet. Maybe aside from the disbelief that he/they are in the future, it is also because that movie and the graves signify to him that he has failed to protect Nobunaga. He probably just needs a scapegoat to vent his emotions and well, he will not hit grandpa nor any older people so Hana is the easy target. I’m hoping Nobunaga will show his ‘demon face’ so that Ran would back down or probably he’ll just stop at that moment. Hm..I wonder how he managed to bring that katana there. Isn’t it illegal in Japan? Unless of course, the police probably thought it is fake. Anyway, I’m happy with this development because this goes to show that our historic figures aren’t going to return to the past to change history =P Going back and forth time stories can be quite confusing for me since I can’t keep track with the changes at times. For your information, not only Nobunaga is a real historic figure, but those three siblings are also real people. Because of this, I think the author is going for what if historical people from the past are still alive in the future, how are they going to adapt. I think most stories are all about the girl going to the past and it is easier to adapt that way. It is much harder if it is the other way around especially if that person is from feudal Japan. I think even if they try to tell others who they really are, no one will believe them.

Curiously, the author portrays Nobunaga as a nice man contrary to other stories/games. I actually like the guy and I like his interaction with Hana as if he is some sort of father-figure. When Hana mentioned about Nobunaga attracting attention because of his aura, I thought that maybe Hana will ‘discover’ Nobunaga as some actor. ^^ He already has the charisma and they can put him in some samurai flick which could even be about himself. Everyone will praise his acting skills when he is just acting himself. =P If that is not it, maybe how about writing his own biography. Grandpa can help since he is a history buff. I don’t think the sibling have to go to school anymore because they are already in their teens. I assume that they have some basic education because they are, after all, serving Nobunaga. For Riki, I think he can be some sort of animal trainer. Bou tends to talk a lot about the food he is eating so maybe with some additional vocabulary, he can be a food critic =P The problem would be Ran who is quite rigid and strict. I think the way he is handling his siblings and Nobunaga, he acts like a mother who always nags and worries too much. Just basing on his looks and since Hana is into showbiz, maybe he can become a model. Exercising early in the morning, I think Ran is very fit and muscular. He will be a contrast with Ryou from looks to character especially regarding loyalty. Anyway, I think our historic figures got a ‘second life’ and now can enjoy their ‘retirement’ in peace ^^ I’m curious though how they would adapt if it isn’t what I imagined. =P Oh ya, there’s also the possibility that all of them will be ‘idols/actors’ since Hana’s aunt’s agency has vacancies. I remember that Riki is a hit with some girls in the last chapter. At first, I’m not too happy with the pacing because it seems slow and Ran is being mean to Hana then I thought, this is good because at least, it is different than the girl going gaga over the guy at first sight or vice-versa. Ran has zero knowledge on how to treat a girl so most probably he has zero knowledge about love. He does seem to be a workaholic and overly loyal type while his younger brothers are sensitive, considerate and knows how to treat a girl like Hana. So, it’s like all of them would make good ‘boyfriends’ replacement for Ryou except for Ran but we all know those two will end up together because the title said so. =P Hehe, it would be amusing how they would later on tell their children how they met. Bou and Riki are so cute. I wonder if they spend a longer time there, they would become fat because of all the junk food that Hana is giving them. Probably not, since they seem to exercise a lot, too. Anyway, so far so good, though based on the pacing, this will be a long series and it might take a long time before Hana can make Ryou regret dumping her. It’s good that Hana is moving on and it is special thanks to her ‘visitors from the past’. I also hope that they would become like a ‘family’ to her. As I mentioned before, she almost lost grandpa in the fire and lost Ryou but because of the time machine, she gained ‘brothers’, ‘father’ and possibly, a ‘lover’. Lucky Hana ^^ Scans by 動漫花園S組.

Quote of the day:
Superior to a kind thought is a kind word; better than both is a kind deed. ~ Author Unknown

Free Talk: What's coming up
Monday, November 16, 2009

*shock* No way..am I dreaming? Kimi ni Todoke 41 is already out. Why? Isn’t it too early? That chapter is so cute, funny, romantic and unexpected again. ^^ Anyway, tentative schedule of summaries: I’m already doing Sengoku Danshi Hana no Ran 3 so that will come out first, then Kimi ni Todoke 40-41 and Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru 8. Poor Aki..still in denial mode.

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapters 48-49]
Monday, November 16, 2009

Chapter 48: The host shouts that it is finally the last round for the finalists. They are to show off their charisma on stage and the truth is there are only two major contenders in the competition. This is already the last main attraction of the festival because every year, everyone would be racking their brains on thinking about how to dress up. The host is also eagerly anticipates this based on the information he had heard. “So, let’s wait for a moment..” Backstage, Rika has ripped Tsubaki’s dress with a box cutter knife. She said that if she wins this contest, Kyouta will be hers. Tsubaki is very displeased as she looks at the torn skirt. “You..what are you doing?! Even if you desperately want to win, you shouldn’t do this..” Tsubaki angrily shouts at surprised Rika, “This dress is just borrowed! It’s borrowed from our Romeo and Juliet bar! I should apologize to the ones who are responsible for our class’ costumes...Rika-classmate, you’re coming with me!” Rika is surprised that Tsubaki is only angry about the dress. Rika tells her to quit joking around because they are currently in a competition. Tsubaki angrily insists that compared to the competition, one should apologize first. Rika shouts that she doesn’t want to and Tsubaki should let her go. Haru perks up when Rika shouts, “Haru, save me!” The ever loyal Haru quickly goes to where Rika is and calls out her name. A girl happily exclaims Romeo since that is the costume that Haru is wearing. A glasses girl shouts that is the girls dressing room. Rika hides behind Haru and cries [with tears] that Tsubaki wasn’t careful and she ripped her own skirt yet Tsubaki is blaming her for it. Haru asks Tsubaki about it. Tsubaki tries to explain that it isn’t true and Rika used a cutter to do that. Tsubaki is shock when Haru asks if she is implying that his Rika is telling a lie. Tsubaki is furious when Rika has the guts to even stick her tongue/make a face at her. She is standing behind Haru so Haru didn’t see it. Tsubaki shouts, “Hey, let me say something, do you even know the current situation?” Shielding Rika by spreading his arms, Haru shouts that he will protect Rika. Backing away, Rika thinks that with this, she can now win the competition. She didn’t notice that her hair starts to get tangled on a rope which is used to pull the curtains. While Haru is insisting that Rika won’t lie, Tsubaki tells him to quickly think of a remedy for the outfit because they will lose to Kyouta’s group and he won’t be able to hear what Rika wants to truly say to him. They were interrupted when someone screams. They see that Rika’s hair is entangled on the rope of the curtain ‘machine’. While in pain, Rika asks for help.

To Rika’s shock, some girls are more concerned about not being able to pull up the curtain if her hair is stuck. Rika is furious as she shouts that what’s more important is for her hair to be untangled. The guys at the men’s dressing are wondering what’s the ruckus is about. Kyouta overhears this. Someone is trying to untangle Rika’s hair to no avail. Haru tries to do it but ends up hurting Rika more. Some people are worried about the time. Tsubaki notices something at the side. Then, Tsubaki tells Haru to step aside for a while. Haru shouts that he’s helping Rika. Tsubaki tells him that she has a good idea. Haru obeys since he remembers that Tsubaki is good with anything related to hair. Rika says that it hurts and Tsubaki should be quick about it. Tsubaki says that it will be over quickly. “Leave it up to me.” She takes Rika’s cutter and swiftly cuts Rika’s hair off the rope. The girls including Haru are in shock. Rika holds her cut hair and says that Tsubaki is very cruel. She asks if this is Tsubaki’s revenge. Tsubaki holds her face up and tells her not to move. “Didn’t I tell you?! Leave it up to me..!” Tsubaki starts taking off the flower pins and bands on her hair and starts using them to fix Rika’s hairstyle that she now looks like a cute Chinese girl. Rika looks at the mirror and says that it’s really awesome. Tsubaki tells her that she only did that as an emergency solution but later on, she should go to the beauty parlor to fix her hair. Rika thanks her. Kyouta comes in and asks if Rika isn’t finish yet since they are going out first. Tsubaki turns to Kyouta and calls his name. To Tsubaki’s surprise, Rika stands up and says, “Hibino-classmate, thank you..This way, I’ll be able to win against you.” Rika walks away, leaving a shock Tsubaki. The host exclaims that it’s finally the last round. Kyouta notices that Tsubaki’s hair is all messed up and her skirt is ripped. He asks her what happened to her. Tsubaki snaps out of it as she quickly hides her hair and the torn skirt. Kyouta tries to ask about it but he was told by the others to quickly go on stage since the host has already called out the first group.

Kyouta and Rika walk on stage. Kyouta’s fans are infuriated with Rika yet they acknowledge that she is cute. Rika whispers to Kyouta what’s with his [waiter-type] outfit and he should have at least fixed his necktie. Kyouta says that she’s just putting too much effort in it especially that hairstyle. “Who helped you do that?” This stunned Rika. She tells him that she could at least do this little thing by herself. Kyouta doesn’t believe her as he says that surely, it was Tsubaki but Tsubaki has no reason to help a rival win. Rika is miffed by what he said. As they are about to return backstage, the guy-in-charge tells Tsubaki and Haru to get ready. Haru asks what they should do. Tsubaki thinks that she cannot go onstage looking like that, so they have no choice but to forfeit that round. Later on, everyone is now on stage. With all the ballots gathered in, the best couple winner is of course, Rika and Kyouta. Kyouta and Rika go in front as the host interviews them. Tsubaki thinks, “Everything is just a waste. Like this, Tsubaki-kun and Halstead-kun cannot become friends again. I wasn’t able to help them.” The host then exclaims, “Now, let’s start the real event! The winning couple’s victory kiss!” The foursome have various expressions ranging from shock by Tsubaki and Haru, gloomy by Kyouta and surprise by Rika. “Ha?!” Haru angrily shouts at the host to quit kidding around. The host asks why he is so excited and if those two didn’t kiss, they couldn’t be acknowledged as winners. Tsubaki is aghast over this. Kyouta says it’s really idiotic for who would actually do that kind of thing. To Kyouta’s surprise, Rika says that he cannot decline because he is already hers. “I’ve already gotten your girlfriend’s agreement wherein if I win, Kyouta is now mine. Right? Hibino-classmate! You’ve said that, right?” Tsubaki is surprised and says, “Ah..that..yes..” Kyouta looks surprised. Tsubaki continues, “bu-but, that is..” Kyouta just says, “..ah, really.” He puts his hands around Rika’s neck and continues, “If our win isn’t acknowledged without a kiss, then it can’t be helped.” Tsubaki is aghast-surprise by that. Fangirls are cringing and aghast that some couldn’t even look. Some people are holding back Haru. [I think] the audience is shouting, kiss-kiss. Rika holds his arms and says that finally, he is hers. “Let’s continue from where we left off, compared to Haru, I’ve always wanted to do it with Kyouta. Quickly let me experience it..the kind of kiss you use to arouse girls..” Kyouta leans over to kiss her. The host shouts, “Come! Quickly kiss the girlfriend whom you love!” While covering her mouth and closing her eyes, Tsubaki thinks, “No..!”

Tsubaki is obviously used to being bullied that she is more concerned about the ruined dress than getting angry at that Rika for ruining her chance from winning to contest for Kyouta to gain his friend again. I'm not sure if it's good that she has a misplaced priority ^^; Rika is really cunning to pin Tsubaki as the ‘bad one’ so that ever loyal Haru will defend her. I think this is part of the reason why Kyouta couldn't tell Haru about Rika's true nature. With that beautiful face + lies, Rika can almost get away with anything. Good thing that Tsubaki is calm and everything as she explains things to Haru. Haru is really bad in determining people's characters or maybe he's just plain dumb. I think after the time he's with Tsubaki, he would actually believe that Tsubaki is capable of blaming someone else for that ruined skirt. It's also proof that she's willing to help Rika get untangled from that rope that Tsubaki's too nice. Rika is lucky that Tsubaki isn't vengeful that she could have made Rika bald by cutting more hair than she needs to. =P Haha, that will be the ultimate punishment for vain Rika. Okay, it seems that Kyouta is the only one who's not naive and stupid among Tsubaki and Haru who are too nice for their own good. Kyouta has seen the ripped dress and Rika's hairstyle. He already knew what happened. Rika somewhat confuses me. Even if she is like that, she knows how to say 'thanks' even if she would, in the next second, do something which is beneficial to her/mean to the other party. I've gotten curious about her like why she is like that. It seems that there is something behind those things she is doing which is all about 'me and me'. Is she's a spoiled brat? No parents to guide her and no friends? Too bad the author won't be exploring much of her character. I think we could have understand her more if we learn more about her rather than to just dismiss her to just some 'mean girl'. I actually thought that Tsubaki would rip the dress to make it a short dress in order to win the contest but then, I guess she isn't going to risk that else her classmates will get angry over the borrowed dress. I also thought that with her talent, she can fix her hair in a jiffy even without hairpins and stuff. Hehe, I think Tsubaki needs to work on her quick thinking in regards to how to be creative in times like this which would be beneficial to her future job as a hairstylist =P I love their reactions about the need to kiss. Lol, talk about insult to injury on Tsubaki's part. She's stupid to agree on giving him to Rika if Rika wins even if that isn't the context she meant or she is confident in winning. Maybe Tsubaki forgot about it else she wouldn't have given up so easily about that last round in the contest. I think it's because Tsubaki tends to do/say things unnecessarily which at times causes love quarrels between them. Kyouta can be sensitive at times about Tsubaki's instantaneous blurts that makes Kyouta think that Tsubaki doesn't really love him. This time, it's like Tsubaki is easily giving up on him. Why no protest? Why just close your eyes and let that girl just kiss your boyfriend? She needs to work on this for the sake of their relationship.

Chapter 49: Everyone, including Rika, is shock upon seeing Kyouta kissing someone. It turns out that Kyouta has pushed Rika away since she is currently down on the floor and he is kissing Tsubaki in front of everyone. After the kiss, Kyouta tells Tsubaki that this is his win. “In accordance to our agreement, you’ll absolutely not tell Haru about Rika’s true nature, right?” While Haru is helping Rika up, the host nervously tells Kyouta to wait a minute for he is mistaken since he is supposed to kiss his winning partner. Kyouta just replies, “Ha? Just now, you’ve said, ‘Kiss the girlfriend whom you love’, so I’m not wrong in doing that.” Holding blushing Tsubaki to him, Kyouta says, “Because my girlfriend is this girl.” Fangirls are shock that those two had made up and his girlfriend is still Tsubaki. Rika angrily asks if he didn’t hear what she just said about winning = Kyouta is hers. Rika angrily shouts at Tsubaki for trying to break the agreement. Tsubaki tries to explain something about the agreement but Kyouta says, “Idiot. For you guys to make an agreement on your own, how could I just stand there and be indifferent about it, then, just like that, I become your thing. Tsubaki should also know about this so you said okay, right?” Tsubaki says that is true because she thinks that it is meaningless and she did wonder why Rika would use that as a condition for their agreement regarding the competition. “Tsubaki-kun isn’t an object, so whoever he will belong to, Tsubaki-kun will be the one who’ll decide that. Isn’t this way of thinking normal?” Kyouta says, “Yes, unless one is an idiot.” Rika is embarrassed and angry for being made a fool. Haru is totally clueless about what they are talking about.

Outside the school building, Rika is angrily walking away while Haru chases after her. Holding the feather scarf that Rika dropped onstage, Haru apologizes to her about not winning the contest and she shouldn’t submit herself to Kyouta again. This made Rika stop walking. Rika asks, “Submit to Kyouta..? Me..?” Haru asks didn’t she always submit herself to Kyouta because Kyouta threatened her about what happened that day [rape]. Tsubaki and Kyouta, who were running after them, have just arrived. Putting the feather scarf on her neck, Haru tells her not to be remember that painful incident anymore and from today on, he’ll protect her. “Do not think about anything regarding Kyouta, no matter what happens, my feelings for you will never change.” After a pause Rika asks, “Is that true?” Haru blushes. He calls her name gestures to hug her but Rika turns around and angrily tosses the scarf on Haru’s head. She shouts, “You’re really disgusting!” Kyouta is shock-aghast while Tsubaki seems pleased about this. Rika tells Haru, “Do you know why I would talk with disgusting you who is always surrounded by cats? It’s only because I wanted to have H with you! But you’re totally useless because you only know how to kiss--” Kyouta shouts for her to shut up. Tsubaki holds him back. Rika continues, “Even if it is like that, I still continue on going steady with you because I have a different objective. I hoped that you’ll introduce me to your best friend, Kyouta. That thing about being ‘forced’ by Kyouta, it’s just a lie. All of it is just to seduce him. Kyouta only likes ‘old fashioned’ girls so there’s no way he’ll lay his hands on me.” That comment made Tsubaki loosen her hold on Kyouta since she’s being called ‘old fashioned’. ^^; Flustered Rika shouts, “I also don’t want to see you again! If you dare stalk me, I’m going to call the police!”

After Rika left, Haru just stands there. Tsubaki is a bit worried about him since Rika should have said it with a bit of tact/consideration. She is surprised when Haru falls sideways to the ground. Haru couldn’t believe it and why it is like that. Kyouta tries to call his name but flustered Haru looks at him and says, “For over two years..to go as far as to always hate..Kyouta who didn’t do anything wrong..?! And even doing that kind of thing to the girl Kyouta really cherishes..” Haru starts crying in remorse. “I’m sorry..Kyouta, I’m sorry..” After being taken aback by what Haru said, Kyouta tells him not to talk about that anymore. He bends down to face surprised Haru and says, “If you want to apologize, it’s fine if you just apologize to Tsubaki. It is also normal for you to have misunderstood after seeing that kind of situation, and at that time, my relationship with girls is really messed up but, you really shouldn’t have involved Tsubaki.” Soon, there is a bonfire in school. The host announces the first ‘youngster’s proposition’. [I think it’s like confessing to the one you like in public ^^;] Near the bonfire, a guy confesses and a girl rejects him. Meanwhile, Kyouta’s fangirls are looking for Tsubaki around school to get her to properly explain things. They still couldn’t believe that Tsubaki and Kyouta made up, also that kiss. “I’ll definitely get that Hibino!” Tsubaki is hiding on the second floor’s balcony together with Kyouta. Tsubaki exclaims that is really scary and it is all because Kyouta kissed her in front of everyone. Tsubaki is surprised when Kyouta asks if that guy is okay and that is why it’s better for Haru not to know Rika’s true nature. To Kyouta’s shock, Tsubaki tells him, “It’s quite surprising that there are times when Kyouta’s brains aren’t working...” “Ha?!” He is surprised when Tsubaki explains that compared to knowing about Rika’s true nature, Haru is more shock about the fact that he hated Kyouta because of that incident. “I think that it is because Kyouta is always not trusted by people so regarding most things, you had that attitude of just giving up. But even if your actions are normally nasty, if you haven’t done it, it would be best for you to say that you didn’t do it. Because I’ve also experienced* that before so I really understand the pain of not being believed by someone who’s really important to you. Until joining this competition, the reason why I’m always committed to telling the truth to Halstead-kun is because I firmly believe that when he knows that Kyouta-kun didn’t betray him, he will feel really happy about it.” [*iirc, when she accused Miho of telling everyone that she is Kyouta’s girlfriend so she was bullied]

Kyouta looks surprised as Tsubaki happily smiles at him and says, “Because the two of you are best friends.” Kyouta happily hugs her and says that she is a really super nice girl. “In spite of losing face at that time, it’s really great that I’ve made you my girlfriend once again.” And, he kisses blushing Tsubaki as the fireworks are lit on the background. Next day at school, Tsubaki is using a cloth to cover her head as she stands in front of section 2-3. She is still afraid of the others’ reaction over the public kiss that she doesn’t want to go in the classroom. She is surprised when Kyouta grabs her cloth off her head and asks her what she is doing since she looks really suspicious. She tries to tell him whose fault it is when some fangirls shout that they have found her. They ask her what method she used to make up with Kyouta. Someone tells them not to do that. It is Haru with a new cropped haircut and of course, as usual, he’s carrying a cat. Haru tells them that he won’t forgive them if they try to break off the relationship of those two. The girls are shock as they wonder who he is. Kyouta tries to tell him something but Haru asks if it [haircut?] feels ‘new/rebirth’. “Even if it can’t be done quickly but I’ll definitely make Rika as my past.” He smiles and continues, “..And also, I will still do my best, so that one day, I can become Kyouta’s best friend again.” Haru is totally shock when Kyouta tells him that there’s no need for him to do his best. “Right now, we can become best friends again, because I originally got along well with you.” Tsubaki is happy about this. Haru is touched by what he said. To the girls’ shock and Kyouta looks mildly surprised, Haru kisses Kyouta’s cheek and says, “From now on, I’ll be under your care!”

Hahaha..good work, Kyouta ^^ That's what I like about him, he tends to pull those kind of surprises when people least expect it. Well, he's the one capable of doing it and getting away with it since Tsubaki is way too nice and timid at times. Hoho..it seems that Tsubaki knew that Rika couldn't easily get Kyouta that way as if he is a thing to be given away. Tsubaki gambled on this and Rika is stupid enough to believe she can easily get him like that. I guess that kind of punishment for prideful Rika is enough because she is no longer embarrassed privately by Kyouta, she is now embarrassed in front of many people. Not only embarrassed but rejected. If the former incident made her never forget it for the rest of her life, what more about this recent one. I would want to think that she will reform herself but then, she might end up much worse as she is currently now - stealing boyfriends and going from one guy from another. It's such a tragedy that a pretty girl like her is ruining her life like that. Well, Tsubaki got her way because Rika is going to tell the truth to Haru. Poor Kyouta, he looks so shocked. Well, Rika is the vengeful type so she is indeed going to make Kyouta pay by wasting all those time and effort he spent to pretend to be the bad guy. Hehe, she even rationalized why Kyouta doesn’t like her by thinking that she isn’t his type. ^^;; Just like what Tsubaki thinks, Haruis finally set 'free' from that lie and he can believe in Kyouta again. It is like bygones be bygones. Haruis a nice guy and he is really remorseful over what he did. Thankfully, Kyouta easily forgives and lucky for him to have such a nice girlfriend like Tsubaki ^^ He shouldn't let her go again. I guess the author is also saying that after all the hardships that Tsubaki has undergone before, she now knows how to cherish the people important to her and be more proactive. It's evident that she has become stronger after all of those things have happened and with her new found experiences and lessons, she is able to help and comfort him ^^ She even gains a 'bodyguard' in the form of Haru who will now help her drive away those pesky fangirls of Kyouta. Lol, I wonder if that last scene is a joke like Haru is now infatuated with him and don't want to have any girlfriend anymore after Rika =P Or, is it the joke about being a foreigner, he likes to kiss people. Of course, for conservative Japanese, it is a shock. I wonder if those girls will think Haru is gay =P Too bad, that's the only scene we get from Kyouta. I would want a funnier expression. =P Scans by 草莓defer for iieye and Amyangel19910323 for BW.

Quote of the day:
A righteous heart is the fountain of beauty. ~ Our Daily Bread

Mei-chan no Shitsuji [Chapter 74]
Saturday, November 14, 2009

The chapter starts with a scene of Mei together with Kento. Mei says, “I’m sorry, Rihito-san, although I really like Rihito-san but it seems that it is only infatuation. I want to go steady with my childhood friend Shibata and be together with him for the rest of my life!” Kento also apologizes. After a pause, Rihito smiles and says, “...I understand.” Narration: “No matter when, I will always be praying for your happiness, because I’ll forever be Miss Mei’s butler.” Mei, together with Kento, waves goodbye as they walk to the sunset. Rihito just looks at them. [The author wrote the title of the series then, Fin below. =P] Rihito wakes up in a start. It’s all a dream. He is pinned down by some rubble. He wonders where he is then notices the head of the Mei doll at the side. “That’s right..because those two butlers decided to finish off Kento and Miss Mei so I detonated the bombs that I planted earlier in order to thwart them. How much time had passed? I should quickly go to Miss Mei’s side. Ah..damn..I can’t move my body..and..I think I broke 2-3 of my bones...I can only wait and be rescued..” Rihito exhales. “I also don’t know what happened to those two butlers..no, what’s more important is Miss Mei..has Kento found Miss Mei..is she alright now..Miss Mei..” After a pause, Rihito thinks, “Calm down and think, even if I didn’t do that, there are still many other ways that can hinder those two butlers..my heart is in disarray [/confused] when it is involves Miss Mei, so confused to the point that I hate it.” Rihito falls asleep. “Confused..confused..--” He dreams of hugging/kissing Mei. [I think it is during the Lucia/Shiori arc since Mei is in a gown.] Blushing Mei looks at him. “Miss Mei..?” Mei says, “I’m sorry, Rihito-san...although I really like Rihito-san, but...” Rihito curses that he kept on having that dream lately. “It hurts..” [It’s most probably, because he’s pinned down.]

There is a scene of Mei and young Kento during junior high. “Those two met ordinarily as classmates..” Then, a scene of Rihito and Mei. “While we met as ojousama and butler...” Someone says, “That is fake love” The scene changes into a butler who is lecturing the other butlers. The butler-teacher whom I think is Sakuraba tells them that inexperienced ojousama-s will have a favorable impression of them, of the opposite sex, who are serving/waiting on them. “That is but natural..but do not let this favorable impression confuse you. Even if you feel that you like the ojousama, that is just fake love. That is just the unconditional trust that you gave them which is mistaken for love. Wait until the ojousama-s find their true partners and they will graduate from being with butlers but there is no need to be miserable [and watch as they go], you only need to continue on becoming loyal butlers, then the bond between you and the ojousama-s will never disappear..!” [I guess Kento skipped that lesson =P ] Rihito thinks, “...it’s such a boring class..just listening to it made me think that cocoon has grown in my ears. Even if that is the case, I still reminded myself, because I’m the grandson of the S butler, Shibuya Hideto who had committed a taboo. Compare to anyone else, the more I should become a ‘loyal ideal butler’..but I have met Miss Mei..” Remembering the time when Kintaro told him to sleep with Mei, Rihito thinks, “Hmph..he ought to have really anticipated my response, but when he got a grave illness, he finally said the truth..” That is Kintaro saying that a butler is not enough. “Butler..” Rihito ‘sees’ Mei in a wedding gown, smiling. This startles Rihito. “This is bad..consciousness..starts to become fuzzy..from the..non-stop bleeding..in this ruined place..also, if there is no water then..” Rihito cringes in pain. “[I’ll] die.” Rihito breaths hard. “I’m not afraid of death..even if I’m no longer here, there is still Kento, Miss Mei should be alright..Kento has already become a fine [young] man, even if I’m not around, the two of them can work things out together...”

Rihito imagines Mei holding on to Kento and happily looks at him. Rihito goes into a foul mood as he clenches his fist. “Whom am I kidding..” Rihito tries to free himself. “I really want to see her..Miss Mei..” He remembers being told that it is just fake love. Rihito shouts, “Shut up..! I..” He thinks, “Who cares if I’m mistaken about that fake love, I li..[Miss Mei]” [It’s pretty much a confession] To his surprise, someone lifts up the pillar and exclaims, “Mei ♡ I found you..” It is Tami whose smile froze upon seeing Rihito. All gloomy, Tami puts down the pillar and says, “I’m mistaken..good night.” Rihito starts shouting, ‘hey’ at him. Kanzaki tells Tami that Rihito also needs to be rescued. “In Japan, it is called, ‘Samurai’s comradeship*” [*In Chinese, it’s ‘qing yi’ = feeling + justice/righteous] Tami asks, “Qing Yi?” [*feeling + fish; a pun] Kanzaki gives his hand to Rihito as he asks him if he can stand up. Rihito asks why they are there. Kanzaki says that they heard everything from those two. Rihito is surprised to see Irufan’s two butlers all tied up. They hear some sounds of helicopters. Kanzaki says that they finally have arrived. Daimon rushes to them and asks why they [Kanzaki + Tami] are there. Kanzaki tells him to treat Rihito’s wounds first. Ryan looks at the side where Tami and Irufan’s butlers are. He asks what happened to those two. Claris and Izumi ask where Mei is and if she is with Kento. Rihito exclaims, “Search for them..quickly organize a search team!” Afterwards, a soldier tells them that they understand the situation but they cannot do anything about it. Claris angrily protest what he meant by that. Izumi asks why. The soldier says that it is because of the sand storm. “There is an enormous sandstorm in the desert which started this morning in front of the palace. Everything will all be rendered useless whether it is helicopters, land vehicles, or other machineries. If we recklessly search, I’m afraid I cannot even guarantee [the safety] of our own lives.”

Claris says that is such a fast decision to make for isn’t their crown prince also in danger so they should more serious in... The soldier laughs at her as he says, “We have other princes. It’s okay even if His Majesty Irufan also..[perishes].” Claris and Izumi are surprised-displeased to hear that. Claris angrily shouts that talking with them is useless. When they are alone, Claris asks Izumi what they should do next. “How about getting Rika to ask the king to give the order so that we can use the army?” Izumi says that there is no need to do that. “We can’t just rely on orders...if they originally have no intention to search, then it will only just stall things.” To her surprise, Daimon and the other butlers including Tami are all dressed as Daimon says, “Miss Ryuunoji, we are all prepared to depart, and just awaiting your orders!” Izumi tries to protest but Daimon tells her that if they back off just because of this little thing then, when he returns back, Miruku would definitely denounce him. Claris tries to talk to Ryan about it but Ryan just winks at her and tells her, “Isn’t it very embarrassing for a knight to just look on and not help a lady in distress?” Blushing, Claris says that he is right. Izumi tells them not to force themselves for courage and recklessness isn’t the same. Kanzaki replies, “But as butlers, there are times when, even if we know that it is reckless, we would still forge on ahead.” Izumi and Claris are surprised when bandaged Rihito goes out of the helicopter. Rihito says, “What kind of butler would one be if he couldn’t even protect one’s own ojousama.” Izumi and Claris protest since he had multiple fractures. Rihito just looks determined as he thinks, “Miss Mei, I’ll quickly save you--”

Hehe, I guess Rihito is forced to confront his true feelings after being stuck there that he almost thought that he’ll die. Hehe, someone in BW asked why it took 74 chapters for him to realize that ^^; At first, it’s okay for him if he dies but just the thought of Mei x Kento, he’s jealous that he doesn’t want to just give up on life just yet. =P I think that’s good since he isn’t timidly just believing what others made him think what he is feeling for Mei. Also, I think Sakuraba can say that because his ojousama has become a nun. ^^; This will perhaps made Rihito become somewhat like Kento. Actually, in the cover, he seems like Kento with that confident pose since Rihito is usually too formal and everything. It made me wonder if later on in the series, Rihito would be more like what Kento is (more feelings) and Kento would be more like Rihito is (more brains/maturity). I actually like that idea so they would be like ‘perfect men’. ^^ Also, if I remember correctly, their grandfather has fallen in love with his ojousama so I think the two possible ‘futures’ of that incident will happen to the brothers. Rihito will be an example of a butler marrying his ojousama while Kento would probably be an example of giving up the ojousama. The latter would probably be like what their grandfather did. No wonder Irufan became like that. He’s spoiled and dispensable since there are many ‘back up’ princes. Hopefully, after this incident, he’ll become a better guy, actually, the same goes for all of the fiance-s. Somehow Mei’s fiances would end up being match up with her friends so I begin to wonder who Kento will end up with. I don’t want the ‘all three together’ ending because I feel sorry for the other one as if he can’t move on with his life. Hehe, that would be pretty much like Rihito’s dream/nightmare. ^^; Tami is also having a ‘shock’ moment of his own just like what Mei had when it was Kento who saved her instead of Rihito =P Well, Mei is going to have her wish of Rihito saving her come true. ^^ I’m beginning entertaining scenarios of what happens afterwards like Mei and Kento ‘babysitting’ Rihito because he was injured. Hehe, Kento might want to get back at his brother for all the teasing he suffered before =P Scans by lili111384 for iieye.

Word of the day:
Life will at times be difficult, often it is painful, and for now it is imperfect. But still it is good, for in all these things nothing can separate us from God’s lavish expressions of love ~ Julie Ackerman from Our Daily Bread

Stardust★Wink [Chapter 9]
Thursday, November 12, 2009

Hinata is holding Mochiduki’s shoulder and says, “I’ve decided to go steady with Mochiduki-classmate. I have joined the art club because I like Mochiduki.” “Huh?”← Anna. Mochiduki faces Hinata and says, “I’ve always like Tokura-classmate, too.” “What?”← Anna. Hinata leans over to kiss Mochiduki. “What what what?!”← Anna. Then, Masshiro’s face appears as he says, “Didn’t I tell you so? So, it is off my hands if you cry about someone later on..♥” Anna wakes up from the clock’s alarm as her mother calls her to get up already. While Coco is lying on her foreheard, Anna looks aghast as she says, “It’s that dream again. Totally weird. I’m really weird lately.” At school, Anna tells her friends about having that same dream every night. Anna exclaims that is true. “In every dream Hinata and Mochiduki-classmate would appear, then, they will say, ‘We are going steady.’ And every time, when I was in shock, Mashiro-kun would appear with that ‘I told you so’ expression. When I wake up, my whole body is wet from perspiration. Because of this, I wasn’t able to sleep lately..what the heck is going on..” Her friends are speechless. Princess asks Ryuu if Anna hasn’t realize it yet and ever since she became a member of the art division, she kept on talking about Hinata and Mochiduki that it really makes one want to ask, ‘Why are you asking this question again!’. Ryuu says that from an outsider’s point of view, it seems like Anna is fighting over her feelings that is coming out that is why she ends up confused but she still keeps on insisting to death on ‘childhood friends cannot become lovers’. Ryuu tells Anna that this dream has a secret meaning and that is, she likes Hinata. Anna shouts why she is saying that. There is a sign on Anna’s face regarding her ‘childhood friends cannot become lovers’ policy. Princess tells Ryuu that she is getting really impatient and can she tease Anna. Anna turns around when Princess tells her that she knows what it is. “That dream, is definitely a FORESEEING DREAM ♥” Anna is clueless about what she meant so Princess explains that it is a dream which can become reality. She had seen it on the television and surely, it is a foreseeing dream. “The two of them will surely and quickly go steady. Isn’t it great- Anna is a girl with special powers-♥” Ryuu is whispering to Princess as to what she is telling Anna. Ryuu tries to tell Anna that Princess is just joking around but it’s too late. Anna has totally believed that it is a foreseeing dream and she has that kind of power. “No, no, it is impossible, that unbelievable thing-- yet dreaming about it so many times, it’s not normal so perhaps it is indeed a foreseeing dream.. This is really ridiculous!”

Later on, Anna is with the art members as they are going to paint the artwork. She is observing Mochiduki who suggested to Hinata that they use light blue color. Hinata agrees with her choice. Anna gloomily thinks that the two’s relationship is becoming better as each day passes. For her, Mochiduki is obviously emitting a pink air [romance] and what’s left is to determine if Hinata also thinks the same way. “What does Hinata think of Mochiduki-classmate..but, I couldn’t ask the person himself..Ah, I really want to confirm it! Could it be that no one knows?” Suddenly, Sou appears at the door and asks Hinata how the painting is going. Hinata says that they started coloring yesterday. Sou happily says that is good and he hopes that in their respective fields of cheerleading and arts/painting, they will be winners. “Gambatte!” Anna realizes that there is someone whom she can ask and that is Sou. She calls out to Sou. Outside the room, somewhere else in school, Anna tells him that she half believes and half doubts that she had an foreseeing dream but seeing the situation between those two, it would seem that it isn’t entirely impossible. “It’s also possible that Hinata also likes Mochiduki-classmate!” Sou asks her who brainwashed her. Anna exclaims that it isn’t about brainwashing. “I really dreamt of the same dream for some days already! Isn’t this really weird?!” Sou says that the one who’s weird is her and if her brain is really okay. Anna says, “That’s why I’m asking you, have you heard anything about it, Sou?” Sou replies, “Nope..” Anna happily asks if that’s true. She becomes gloomy and speechless when Sou tells her that he won’t be asking Hinata about it. “If you are really curious, then you should go ask Hinata himself, why are you asking me?” Embarrassed, Anna exclaims how she could ask Hinata about that matter. “Forget it, since you don’t know, I’m sorry for calling you out. Thank you.” Sou looks thoughtful. As Anna is about to leave, Sou says, “For me, it’s not important what Hinata thinks of that Mochiduki. What’s crucial is what you will do?” Anna turns around to look at Sou. “If those two have mutual feelings for each other, will you support them?”

Back at the room, Anna is in a blank state as she just sits there while holding a paint brush with paint on it. She thinks that she couldn’t answer Sou’s question because she originally haven’t thought of it since she is only thinking about what Hinata thinks of it. “If their feelings are mutual, if that is how it is, I’ll..?” She snaps out of it when Mochiduki calls out to her and holds Anna’s hair up. After apologizing for startling her, Mochiduki says that it is because her hair had almost touched the paint. Anna thanks her. Mochiduki suggests that Anna ties up her hair. She goes to her bag to get an elastic hair band. After saying thank you, Anna thinks that Mochiduki is such a nice girl. Anna is surprised when Mochiduki suddenly screams and looks scared while she is carrying her bag. When Anna asks what the matter is, Mochiduki exclaims that it is nothing and it’s just that she has thought of some urgent thing that she has to quickly go home. Mochiduki gives her own hair band for Anna to use then she quickly heads out of the room with her bag. Anna is stunned as Hinata asks what happened since Mochiduki is acting strange. Near the stairs, Mochiduki is looking in her bag. She wonders what she should do and why is it in her bag. Anna comes out and says that Mochiduki has only one hair band so it’s alright [Mochiduki can use that]. Mochiduki is so shock that she tosses something towards Anna. It is a small furry animal. After a loud scream of delight, Anna is holding the little animal as she asks if it is Mochiduki’s pet chipmunk. [Ah, the Chinese word is squirrel but the author wrote the word ‘chipmunk’ in English and since it looks like Coco, so I guess Coco is a chipmunk and not a squirrel. ^^; According to research, chipmunks have stripes which both animals have.] She calls out to Hinata to come and see it. Anna happily tells Mochiduki that she has a pet chipmunk too named Coco. Hinata who has just arrived says that she’s too noisy and what’s up. Mochiduki is surprised and shock to see him. Anna happily shows him Mochiduki’s chipmunk. The chipmunk looks a bit excited when Hinata is holding it on his hand. He says, “Nice to meet you..and your name is?” Mochiduki tells him that it’s Koku. Anna looks really excited. The scene is called by the author as ‘Boy meets Chipmunk’. Later on, Mochiduki explains that Koku went in her bag after she played with it last night. While Koku is climbing and playing on her hair, Mochiduki says that after waking up, it couldn’t just stay still and be quiet. She then cries for it to be a bit calm for a moment. Hinata says that chipmunk seems to really like Mochiduki. Blushing, Mochiduki asks if that’s true. Showing a v-sign, he tells her that compared to Anna, Coco likes him better. Anna angrily protests that isn’t true.

Mochiduki happily says that she wants to see Coco, too. Anna says that she has a picture and would she want to see it. Mochiduki says she wants to. Anna says that if she likes the picture, she can send it to her through email. Mochiduki is excited and asks her to please do so. They were interrupted by the teacher who asks what they are doing there – talking and not working. The teacher asks what they are holding a while ago. Someone exclaims that it is nothing. Anna then pushes the teacher away for them to talk. While Mochiduki is still hiding Koku behind her, Anna turns around and ‘mouths’ that she’ll give Mochiduki the picture later on. Hinata tells Mochiduki that he is going back and she could go home since Koku is too pitiful to be left in her bag. She apologizes so he asks why she is apologizing. “After seeing you, I’m so happy, bye-bye Koku.” Mochiduki blushes as she looks at Hinata. At home, Anna’s cellphone rings. Anna answers it. It is a message from Mochiduki who thanks her for sending her a picture of Coco. She mentioned that Coco is cute and unlike Koku, Coco seems to be very quiet. She commented that Koku is really happy about being in school that until now, it is very excited. Mochiduki also attaches a picture of Koku. Anna happily thinks that it is so cute. Anna replies back that she is also really happy to have seen Koku and she would like to see it again. Her cellphone rings again and Mochiduki writes, “Hinata also likes the chipmunk, definitely.” Anna is surprised why Mochiduki would mention Hinata. Her cellphone rings again when she hasn’t replied to Mochiduki yet. The message says, “Today, Koku went to school with me, it’s really bad (>_<) but because of many things that has happened, I managed to encounter a good thing. (^_^)♪” Anna is happy about this. “Tokura-kun seems to also really like chipmunk, he even pet it. I’m a bit jealous of Koku.. But being able to see this side of Tokura-kun, I came to like him even more.” Anna goes into shock when she reads, “I think that I should do what Mari said, after the end of the sports meet, I’m going to confess to Hinata. >_< We’ll talk more about this at school. (happy-tense emoticon) Good night. End.” After being stunned, Anna wonders who Mari is and Mochiduku could have mistakenly emailed her instead. “And, I have seen that message...she said that she’s going to confess to Hinata, isn’t this the same as that dream...” She remembers the dream wherein Hinata telling her that he’ll go steady with Mochiduki. Anna thinks, ‘No’ at all the images of Hinata with Mochiduki and all the flashbacks between her and Hinata. “I absolutely do not want that thing.” Anna starts crying as she says, “Supporting them..I cannot do it..I’m really stupid, only when things progressed to this level, I’ve become conscious of my feelings.”

Haha...I don't know whether to say that Anna is really dumb or her stubbornness about 'friends are ≥ lovers' is just too much. Haha, she even believed her friends tease that she now has powers of clairvoyance. ^^; Wow, her stubbornness is so intense that she’s really going to 'see' her nightmare come true since she's not doing anything about it. It can't be helped since she is in denial. If Anna is stupid/clueless, Sou isn't, that is why I'm really wondering why he's reaction is just like that. I'm sure he realized that Anna actually likes Hinata or is he dismissing it to like what Anna felt for Mashiro? Is it because Sou values Anna that he even gave her a hint about whether she'll support those two? What he said is very revealing because it can actually help Anna realize her feelings for Hinata and would make her really think why those two ending up together would bother her so much. I guess Sou isn't very selfish because he could have made Anna oblivious of everything until it's really too late. Hehe, Hinata is really good with animals. Maybe, he should consider painting + animals =P I think that Mochiduki is way too 'tense' and everything for Hinata. Hinata is a bit hard to read that I don't know if he actually likes the two girls. Maybe just like Anna, he is clueless and well, he's currently clueless about what's happening with Anna. Why didn't he ask her why she is staring off like that lately? She’s obviously acting out of the ordinary. I guess it's because they are currently very busy. What I fear though is that Mochiduki will think that Anna is fooling her by acting as friends when Anna actually likes Hinata. That can make Anna back out again in facing her feelings. Actually, I hope that won't happen because it will be too cliche. Funny that many guys are after Anna and being dumped by her but the one she really likes is slipping away from her. I think Anna cried like that in the end of the chapter because she really thinks it's too late and her nightmare will come true. Also, she thinks that Hinata likes that girl. Well, I think that confession will be good plot-wise because it will help us realize if Hinata do like that other girl and it might help him realize he likes Anna, depending of course, on the reason of why he would reject her, if he does reject Mochiduki. I wonder if Anna and Sou will eavesdrop. Also, I wonder if things didn't turn out well for those two, will Anna confess to Hinata? She might just go back to her usual mindset since there is no 'imminent' threat to losing Hinata again and well, she really thinks friends cannot be lovers. She has that mindset for years so I don't think it's easy to just give up on that idea. Anyway, I'm curious what will happen in the next chapter because I think that is a crucial turn point as to where the series is going to head. PS. Jinx, sorry, I did plan to put up chapter 10 along with this entry but then, what happened there isn’t a good enough incentive so I’ll do it later on. ^^;

Quote of the day:
The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: Be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge. ~ Elbert Hubbard

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 46-47]
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

After Hanabi said, “Why...is Uno Chikai here?”, Chikai turns around and asks, “---..huh?” At the shopping mall, at some seats near the escalator, Sasa asks Atsumi if she knew everything since before. Atsumi says she did. Atsumi blushes when Sasa said that he feels that she is really awesome. [For being able to keep the secret?] Still forcing himself to smile, Sasa tells her, “Do not worry, I’m alright! Originally...I totally didn’t expect it to progress, and I never thought of conveying my feelings to him. It’s like after putting down the saved treasure box, one can’t get the treasure anymore!” Flustered, Atsumi says, “The one who is ‘awesome’ is Sasa-kun..for being able to still smile like that it’s really..‘awesome’! You’re amazing, Sasa-kun.” Sasa looks at her in surprise as Atsumi is a bit teary eyed. Sasa seems to break down a bit that Atsumi starts to bawling out loud, “I want to hug you--! I want to hug you and that should make you feel better...” This made Sasa smile and laugh. At Ami’s knitting store, Ami is talking with her husband, Gengen-chan, then she asks why he sounds so down. [I think the boss is younger than Ami.] Gengen tells her he is, a little bit but then how did she know. Ami angrily tells him that it is thanks to love and age. Gengen tells her that he has hurt someone [Sasa]. Ami says if that is so, then he should go apologize. Gengen says yes but aren’t there times wherein if one apologizes, the other party would be more hurt. Back at the park, Chikai asks Hanabi what she meant by what she said. He angrily pulls her scarf and says that isn’t he there because he is helping her carry her bag. Hanabi shouts that she didn’t mean why he is there right now but rather, what happened earlier. Thinking of Sasa, Atsumi and Kareshi, she says, “Perhaps one wasn’t able to convey [couldn’t reach the other person], perhaps the original thing, that one is suppose to convey has changed that one unable to convey it. So like that...other people’s hurt also makes me feel really hurt[/upset].”

Chikai asks, “So what has that got to do with me? Why would you say, ‘Why is Uno Chikai here’?” Hanabi tries to say that there is something else as she remembers what Kareshi told her about not being able to understand the feelings of someone whose boyfriend is stolen. Hanabi also remembers Chikai and Yukine together. She says, “Perhaps..because of me that one couldn’t convey [couldn’t reach the other]..and there’s no way of conveying.” After a pause, Chikai lets go of Hanabi’s scarf. He says, “—That..you’re talking about my and Yukine’s situation? Why are you raising up that topic now?” Hanabi looks surprised as she thinks that, “I know that there are things that I’m powerless. If there is a bright place..then definitely, there is also a shadow.” Chikai asks, “You, didn’t you like me?” Flustered, Hanabi answers, “Li..like..of course, I like, but..” She thinks, “Uno Chikai is in front of me, this kind of miracle, gave me incomparable happiness. “It’s obviously a miracle, but..” Chikai asks, “Before, weren’t you still happy?” Flustered Hanabi replies, “...that is true, but..” Hanabi is stunned when Chikai drops her bag on the ground and says, “ ‘But but’ I don’t know what you are trying to say-- You're really annoying..quite troublesome.” Chikai walks away. Hanabi picks up her bag and walks home. She thinks, “I obviously want to protect the injury yet, I will use it to carry this heavy bag. I obviously know that there is a shadow, yet I still carry on with that heavy love..” At home, Hanabi hugs Nanpa. “Am I annoying? It’s true, I’m very annoying~~ I know, I’m very sorry that I’m very annoying! I’m very sorry I’m that annoying!” Nanpa ‘tells’ her according to the television, a young girl’s love will become troublesome/annoying. Chikai arrives home and Cleo happily greets him. [I don’t know which of the two says it but most probably] Chikai says, “..obviously things are going well like this, but..”

At school, the girls are busy gossiping about Chikai going out with that ordinary looking girl and they don’t look like they are a match. They wonder if it is just a rumor but it was confirmed by Chikai’s friend, the glasses guy. Later on, Mii looks really angry at Shinichi who looks scared just from seeing her looming over him. Mii says, “I heard you are spreading rumors, you big-mouthed scoundrel.” Shinichi protests that it is alright because it seems that the relationship of those two are really good. Mii asks, “Only ‘seems’ ‘good’, right? Then, let me ask you, a bluish color green, is it blue?” Shinichi exclaims that it is still green. Looking a bit sad, Shinichi asks why she is angry. Mii says that it is because he is recklessly telling it all over the place when the people involved haven’t announced it yet. Shinichi asks, “Is it really only because of that? Perhaps..you still like Chikai.” This made Mii angry. She grabs his necktie and shouts, “I have already said it! You are the one I like!” This surprises Shinichi and made him blush. He becomes an ‘flower’ and sweetly calls her name. Mii is angry that he has to make her say that. “Why..can’t you understand.” At section 1-L, Hanabi looks surprised that all of her classmates are looking at her and doing all sort of cute/flirting poses. They all become disappointed because Hanabi is alone for they thought that they would attract Chikai by making themselves pretty. Hanabi tells them that she already told him that they aren’t lovers and he won’t be always carrying her bag. Hanabi is sad upon remembering Chikai telling her that she’s annoying. “It isn’t even a simple relationship of simply carrying my bag now.” She is surprised when someone tells her that her backpack looks cute. Hanabi turns around to see that it is Kareshi. She thinks that Kareshi finally came to school. Hanabi tells Kareshi that she is using that so that the pressure won’t be that great on her hand. Kareshi says that she should just get Chikai to help her carry it. Hanabi is surprised and remembers what she told Chikai that she will also feel pain from other people’s pain. Hanabi tells Kareshi that their relationship isn’t really like that. Kareshi says that Hanabi is also saying the same alibi that she is telling others. Hanabi looks surprised. Kareshi then apologizes. “I’m the one who caused you to say that alibi..I’m sorry, Hanabi.” [Hanabi is covering up her relationship with Chikai so that Kareshi won’t be hurt and Kareshi seems to realize that.] Hanabi thinks, “Perhaps, I’m feeling that..if I’m unhappy, I can somehow comfort other people’s sadness.”

It seems that there will be some sort of party for the third year students so everyone is busy preparing/decorating the auditorium/gym. Most probably graduation since it is going to be March soon. Kareshi gives something to Masato. [I couldn’t figure out what it is but it seems like a tool or something.] Masato asks how she knew that he wants to use that. Nearby, a couple of girls are telling each other how cute Masato is. Masato takes it and calls Kareshi’s name but Kareshi just looks away. This made the girls realize that the cute guy is Kareshi’s boyfriend. They exclaim that it is much better for him not to wear glasses and was he just wearing glasses with no grade. They are envious of Kareshi. Kareshi says, “Don’t wear glasses anymore, Masato-kun. Right, anyway, you aren’t my boyfriend anymore.” The two are flustered as Kareshi quickly runs off. The two girls wonder what happened. At the balcony [second floor overlooking the gym], two girls tell Hanabi that it’s alright for her not to help in putting up the banner. Hanabi thanks them and apologizes for not being able to help. A girl says that it can’t be helped because she is injured. The girl then exclaims that Hanabi looks sideways to see Chikai carrying a ladder. Chikai just passes by her. The two girls are shock why he just passed by. While holding her injured hand, Hanabi thinks, “I unexpectedly thought, if the world only has me and Chikai, can we then easily be together? Simply be together, will treasure the things a bit too much.” [Sorry, I think that last sentence is wrong and too literal ^^; But maybe it is about being possessive if they are just alone or there are still many other precious things to consider because there are pictures of everyone in the background.] While helping Chikai carry the ladder, Shinichi happily says, “Chikai..that..Mii said that she loves me.” ← A note says that she didn’t say it to that degree. [Ah, for Japanese, ‘like’ is a lighter love while ‘love’ is really deep love usually marriage.] Chikai lamely says, “Ah—Isn’t that great. Why are you telling me?” Shinichi says, “I’m really sorry but compared to you guys, our progress is much faster ♡ You should call me sempai.” Chikai looks at him and says that there’s no need for him to feel sorry. Shinichi asks, “Ah, spilling the beans?” After a pause, Chikai says, “You and Hanakou*, I thought before that both of you have some similarities in that aspect.” [*Haha, finally, I confirmed Chikai’s nickname for Hanabi. It’s a pun from ‘Hana’ = flower. ‘kou’ = duke/companion/sometimes used for (male) dogs. It turns to be just reading the kanji ^^;;] Shinichi protests that it isn’t true. Looking somewhat sad, Chikai says, “It seems not.”

At the arcades, Masato is playing UFO catcher as Chidori cheers him on. He fails to get the prize. Chidori happily says that it is really fun. Her smile disappears when she notices that Masato has that somewhat sad look. Chidori asks how he usually dates [Kareshi]. Masato tells her that they go to houseware stores and hardware stores. “I..like the types of screws..Kareshi likes the samples of cloths..It’s really fun, that kind of date.” Chidori is flustered. Chidori quickly grabs Masato’s hand and tells him that this kind of date isn’t bad either. She leads him to a purikura/photo-stickers booth. Putting coins inside, Chidori asks, “Is it your first time? You should choose this! ‘Natural’ Choose the picture quality— Just like this!” Chidori happily poses with v-sign and Masato just looks surprised. The machine says that the picture is really good and now, another shoot, so get ready. Chidori says, “In the course of one’s life, you can gradually forget about your girlfriend. Forget about her.” Masato notices that Chidori is leaning to kiss him. After the count of three, Chidori is pictured alone since Masato has quickly moved out of the booth to evade her kiss. The machine is now praising that picture and is about take another picture. Masato exclaims, “I’m sorry..I’m sorry, Miss Chidori! I, couldn’t forget Kareshi!” Masato runs off. The machine then says to show that nice smile. Chidori’s face isn’t shown. [It’s probably that scary, creepy look again]. Masato goes to Kareshi’s house and sees Rino, Kareshi’s younger sister. He asks her if Kareshi is at home. Rino happily says that she isn’t. “She really isn’t. She went to work.” Masato waves goodbye and says, “Ah, went to work! Okay! I’ll be coming back!” Rino waves and says, “Bye-bye.”

Then, someone calls out to Rino, “Hey..little girl, are you a child of this house?” Nanpa’s narration: “Humans, always and easily makes mistakes. Geez, they are such troublesome creatures.” Hanabi’s mother is walking Nanpa when a kid shouts, “Ah! It’s a doggy! So cute!” Hanabi’s mother turns around and asks the kid if she likes doggies. The kid says, “I like doggies, doggy taking a stroll?” Hanabi’s mother says, “Yes, taking a stroll ♡ little miss are you taking a stroll, too? Taking a stroll with your mother?” The kid turns out to be Rino walking together with Chidori. [*shock* kidnapper?!] Rino replies, “Not my mom.” Smiling, Chidori says that she is a relative. Hanabi’s mother apologizes for the mistake. Rino says, “Rino is going to ride a bus with sis*.” [*as respect; not necessarily blood related] Still smiling, Chidori says, “Rino, let’s go quickly, doggy is still taking a stroll.” While being lead away, Rino exclaims, “Bye-bye, doggy!” Jiu-jiu, Rino’s shoes squeak. Hanabi’s mother tells Nanpa that she thought it is a young mother. Nanpa just looks at the two and thinks that the smell of those two isn’t the same. Nanpa’s narration: “Humans always err. Since they aren’t honest [/open], they always make things complicated.” Hanabi sees her mother and Nanpa walking along. She happily greets them. Nanpa’s narration: “—Hey, Hanabi..what gives these troublesome creatures, [to have] a bit of redemption, I’m afraid it’s a little bit of..gambatte! Gambatte!” [Gambatte = do your best; perseverance] Hanabi happily [about to] hold Nanpa who is greeting her. Then, there are various scenes: Chikai looking sad-serious, Shinichi happily bringing ice cream [one cone has too many scoops of ice cream] to snobbish Mii, Atsumi working, Sasa staring at some place, Masato going to where Kareshi is working and lastly, the sound of ‘jiu-jiu’ from Rino’s squeaky shoes.

I know Chidori is bad news especially how she easily ‘turns off’ her smile when things aren’t going her way even to the mention of Kareshi’s name. I did thought that she might be like the antagonist of the movie Fatal Attraction but I never imagined that she will be copying what that antagonist did. Wow, kidnapping..is this something a young girl can get away with? What does she plan to do with Rino? Is it to just frighten Kareshi/Masato of what she is capable of if she doesn’t get what she wants? While Kareshi is busy looking for Rino, Chidori will try to get Masato again? Or, is this some sort of punishment for Masato since he rejected her like that? Will she just disappear with Rino and never to be found again? Jilted girls can be very scary especially someone likes Chidori who seems to be mentally stable. She has successful hide that dark personality of hers from Masato or Masato just didn’t notice it. Kareshi is the only one who had seen it. Well, with that stunt, Chidori takes a new level of scariness. I guess Kareshi and Masato are just unlucky that they have encountered this kind of girl. Chidori should have taken this slowly because Masato can’t easily forget Kareshi. After all, he did propose to marry her. I think that shows how serious he is with Kareshi. Ironically, because of Chidori’s pushiness, Masato has come to realize that he doesn’t want things between him and Kareshi to end up like that. Hehe, he isn’t going to let her steal another kiss. Well, Kareshi is still being timid and everything. At least, I think, she knows that it’s her fault that made Hanabi and Chikai ‘break up’ that Hanabi is now downplaying her relationship with Chikai. Well, I guess Hanabi is indeed the type who can’t be happy if what she did is someone the reason that causing her friend to be unhappy. Chikai did acted quite cold for him to just drop her bag off like that and left. I’m thinking that perhaps he doesn’t want ‘buts’ and ‘unsure’ since he does seem the type of guy who wants the full attention of others. Chikai is actually a bit hard to figure out but it does seem that he is somewhat disappointed with Hanabi if I’m not mistaken with his expressions. Hehe, for both of them to have a nice doggie waiting for them at home to comfort them..I almost wanted to have a dog, too. =P

I think Kareshi, Hanabi and Shinichi need to think really hard first before saying something. What they say tend to bring out the wrong impression or hurt feelings. They seem to be the types who are quite emotional or in Hanabi and Shinichi’s case it seems that they think too much about things. I don’t quite understand what Chikai meant that Hanabi and Shinichi aren’t the same because for me, they are the same. Those two are still bringing up the past. Hanabi is feeling guilty now and Shinichi is still insecure. Both Chikai and Mii are the same that they don’t like ‘annoying’ and ‘troublesome’. So, I think those two couples are representative of couples who are different from each other ‘opposites attract’ and our representative of couples who are really the same with each other are Kareshi x Masato and Sasa x Atsumi. Sasa and Atsumi are the same because they are ‘different’ from the others. Sasa is bisexual and Atsumi is chubby. I don’t see any other chubby characters in this series. Both handled rejection/disappointment really well and they can easily bounce back. As the two said of each other, they are pretty ‘awesome’ in a way. I hope Sasa will give Atsumi a chance. As for Ami and Gengen, I guess the author is going for older woman-younger guy theme between those two but I don’t know if the author will tackle much about their love story. Maybe the age gap isn’t that big either. ^^; Anyway, the author has managed to put some excitement in this series that I’m curious what’s going to happen next..what will they do when they realize that Rino is missing and how are they going to rescue Rino. Nanpa can only follow the scent to some extent but if they are riding on a bus and going to who knows where, it might be harder but at least, we have witnesses. I think all of the cast will come together to find Rino. Maybe, this will help them bond together or somewhat of an ‘ice breaker’ for Hanabi and Chikai. That also depends on what Chidori plans to do with Rino. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW and 草莓defer for iieye.

Quote of the day:
Speaking your mind is an awfully dangerous thing to do. Choose your words carefully. ~ Rick Beneteau

Chitose etc. [Chapter 1]
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

This is Wataru Yoshizumi’s new series for Margaret. She’s the author of Marmalade Boy, Ultra Maniac, Spicy Pink, among others. In Chinese, this is called ‘Summer Love Premonition’. The plot is 15 year old Chitose moving to Tokyo to find a boy whom she met one summer day. It’s a summer love that she doesn’t want to end. By the end of the chapter, she did found him but then, his reaction isn’t what she expected it to be. =P

Narration: “I thought that we met because of fate.” At Narita airport, a girl calls out her brother who came to fetch her. After the greetings, her brother asks if she got all her luggage. The girl happily says that she does and the rest will be just delivered. After apologizing for making him fetch her, she asks if it’s okay since he’s working. Her brother says it’s okay if he doesn’t finish his work this week and from today on, he’ll leave the household work up to her. The girl happily tells him to leave things to her. Her brother laughs and says that he’ll anticipate it and they should go. She happily says, okay. Narration: “I’m Kinjou Chitose, 15 years old, a girl from Okinawa. From today on, I’ll be staying in Tokyo with my brother.” Her brother shows her a two-story apartment where he lives and says the room is 201. Chitose asks if she should greet the neighbors. Her brother tells her that he already did that when he moved in and the person in room 203 is very beautiful. Chitose says he is saying that again and he should find a girlfriend and settle down already since he is already 24 years old. His brother says, soon, soon. He shows Chitose her room and tells her to leave her things there and rest. [Her brother usually calls her by the nickname, Chi.] Chitose thanks her brother for everything. Her brother smiles and says that it is all for his cute sister. He then goes to prepare some ginger tea for her to drink. Chitose rests on her bed. She thinks that even if she is a bit apprehensive about leaving Okinawa but it’s alright, since she wants to come to Tokyo, the Tokyo where Kou-kun lives. “Kou-kun..I’ve arrived. We’ll see each other again, wait for me.”

Flashback: Six weeks before in Naha, Okinawa, Chitose is walking in the streets when a plump, glasses older guy called out to her and asks if she is interested in show business. Giving her his business card, the man introduced himself as Oosawa from Tokyo Office Takalada [Performing] Arts Company and he is a talent scout. Oosawa is currently going all over the country to look for cute girls. Since Chitose has a dazzling quality to her, would she want to become an idol, he asked. Chitose thinks Oosawa is suspicious so she declines by saying that she isn’t interested. Oosawa held her hand and shouted for her not to say that easily but listen first to what he has to say. Chitose shouted that she doesn’t want to so would he please let her go. Chitose thought that this guy isn’t going to let her off easily. Oosawa shouted that he only needs 10 minutes. A good-looking guy helped her by getting the man’s hand off her. He told Oosawa to let go because she doesn’t want it. Oosawa pulled his hand from the guy and just told Chitose to give him a call if she changed her mind. The guy muttered that there is no way Chitose is going to call him. Chitose thanked him. Narration: “Unexpectedly coming to my rescue..an exceptionally good looking guy..he is Kou-kun.” She blushed upon looking at Kou. Kou asked her to let him see that business card. Looking at the card, Kou said that he never heard of the company before so maybe it’s possible that it is a fraud. “There’s an acting club in my high school so I’m quite familiar with that field.” Chitose is surprised and asked if he is an actor. Kou says that he is just an ordinary person. Chitose apologizes and says that it is because he is so handsome that she thought he is one. Kou laughed and thanked her for that comment. He asked her if she is a local of that place. Chitose replied that she is. He asked her if it would be okay for them to drink tea together if she knows of some nice place.

In some traditional-looking restaurant, Chitose introduced herself. Kou said that he is also in first year high school. “I’m called Furuya Koushou*, just call me Kou.” [*also, Koushu/Kosho from other translations] Chitose learned that he is from Tokyo. She asked if he is traveling alone. He told her that he is with his friend but they lost each other at Kokusai [international] street. He wanted to use his cellphone but unfortunately, he left it at the hotel so he decided to just stroll by himself. Chitose said that he is empty-handed and doesn’t he have a travel guidebook. He told her that he doesn’t have one and he thought that he’ll just manage things on his own. Chitose offered to be his tour guide. He asked if it is okay. Chitose said that she doesn’t have anything to do that day and he can consider it as thanks for helping her out a while ago. He thanked her and said that he’ll leave it all up to her then. Chitose is really happy about this. She thought, “This is like a dream. Unexpectedly getting along with a super good-looking guy from Tokyo! What luck, when I’m just supposed to bring the thing that mom forgot!” Kou told her that he wanted to see a nice sunset. She recommended that they go to Kitaya’s Sunset Beach and nearby, there is the American Village and a Ferris wheel. Later on, they are riding on a Ferris wheel. Kou commented that it is quite fresh/different that the glass in the Ferris wheel is colored [tinted?]. Chitose explained that it is protection from ultraviolet rays. Kou said that the sun in Okinawa is quite intense so the ultraviolet rays are a bit strong. Chitose exclaimed not to think it’s only a bit strong and don’t belittle ultraviolet rays since it is bad for the body. Holding an umbrella and a tube of sunscreen lotion, Chitose informed him that if the sun is intense during the day, Okinawa people don’t go out and the majority of the people in Kokusai street are tourists. “In order not to get sunburn, we bring an umbrella and sunscreen! Having long sleeves to cover the arms is also effective! But, no matter how much attention is given to it, one’s skin is still exposed to the sun.” Kou happily told her that it’s good because a tanned skin looks healthy and he really likes it. Chitose blushed. She told him that after they go down, they are going to some stores in American village and later on, at Sunset Beach. She suggested that if he wants to see the sunset, they can go to a gravel-side[?] of the sea park wherein there is a barrier there that has some nice drawings. [It’s like a wall with drawings wherein people sit on the wall facing the sea to watch the sunset] “Do you want to go there?” Kou said, “Yup, bring me there.” She happily thinks that the way he said that is cute.

At the wall, Chitose asked him if it is the first time he came to Okinawa and if he liked it. Kou replied that it’s really great. “The sky and the sea are all beautiful, also the whole sky filled with stars and even the food is very delicious! Next time, I want to go to the outlying islands!” Chitose told him that she would like to go to Tokyo, too. “My brother is staying in Tokyo. I would want to go and have fun there, too. But, I always don’t have the opportunity to do so.” Kou told her to go to Tokyo and during that time, he’ll be the one who’ll act as the tour guide. Chitose said okay. He then said that the sun is now setting. They watched the sunset. Chitose stole a glance at Kou. She blushed and thought that he is so man[-ly]. Kou said that it is really beautiful and Okinawa people are lucky that they can see this view everyday. He asked if she is used to looking at it so that there is no special feeling [of being moved by the view]. Chitose told him that even if it is beautiful, she doesn’t deliberately go to watch it and also, there is still that ultraviolet rays [to worry about]. Kou laughed out loud that she is still concerned about the ultraviolet rays even if it’s a sunset. Embarrassed, Chitose told him not to laugh and inland people don’t know how scary ultraviolet rays are. She didn’t finish what she is saying when she is surprised that Kou is leaning towards her. He gave her a kiss on the lips. She blushed as he smiled at her. Narration: “We’ve decided to meet again tomorrow at 10am at the same place in Kokusai Street where we met. –But, on the morning the next day, I had a high fever.” Chitose is shock to learn from the doctor that she have H1N1 [also called swine flu] influenza. She asked if it is the new variant of flu. The doctor said that it is because seasonal flu doesn’t appear during this time but no matter what kind of flu it is, the treatment is still the same and there’s no need for a detailed check-up. “What’s critical is for you not to transfer the sickness to others so you shouldn’t go out for the meantime. Chitose protested that she has an important appointment. The doctor told her no, she is prohibited to do so. Chitose is nervous because there is no other way for her to contact Kou. Kou had told her that he forgot his cellphone so they can just exchange email addresses tomorrow. [He didn’t memorize his email address? ^^;] She wanted to go because they might not be able to see each other again and she absolutely does not want that to happen. “After seeing him, I’ll clearly explain things to him, and ask how to contact him. Ah, I should also apologize that I might have passed the disease to him yesterday. No matter what, I should see him!” She became dizzy and fainted on the floor. Narration: “In the end, I wasn’t able to go on the appointed place. We met each other only once.”

At home, Chitose is really gloomy. She is surprised when her brother came in the room. He explained to her that it has been a long time since he came home so he came to visit and brought his work with him. “I heard that you are quite depressed because of the flu. You’re quite healthy now right, so what happened?” Chitose is teary-eyed and cried to him. After telling him what happened, Chitose is surprised when her brother suggested that she go to Tokyo. Her brother happily told her that she can live together with him and he’ll handle all the living expenses and lodging. “You’ll only help me with the household chores and assist me in buying some things ♡ Lately, my workload has increased so I’m very busy that I thought of hiring a house caretaker. But if Chi comes to help me, then, I also think of renting a more spacious place.” Chitose told him to wait a moment for how could he suddenly decide on it and what about school. “And, even if I go to Tokyo, I might not able to..” Holding his laptop computer, her brother told her that Kou said his high school has an acting club so did she asked where it is located. She said that it seems to be near Shibuya. After researching on the internet, her brother showed her a school on his laptop computer and said that it’s Private Haisawa Academy. He suggested that she transfer school before the second term. Chitose exclaimed if it’s that easy to transfer school. Her brother said of course, although he isn’t sure, but because of the current low birth rate there, there is a lack of students. Chitose blushed at the thought that she’ll be studying in the same school as Kou. She exclaimed for herself to be calm and it is impossible because their parents won’t allow it. She thought that if only she is like her brother who studies in a university then she probably be allowed to go.

Her brother smiled and said, “It’s alright, leave it to me.” She is happy then she doesn’t want to believe that it is possible. Her brother asked, “But, you like him, right? Are you going to let the memory of that one and only day [together] just end like this?” After a pause, Chitose thought that right now, she should be brave. She declared, “..No! I don’t want it to end! I’ll go! I’ll go to Tokyo!” Her parents are shocked that Chitose aimed to become an idol. Showing Oosawa’s business card, Chitose’s brother told them that Chitose has been scouted by Office Takalada. “It’s very famous in the showbiz industry! (lie)” Chitose blushed and let her brother do the talking as she thought, “Papa, Mama, I’m sorry..” Her brother told their parents that because Chitose has talent so she was asked to go to Tokyo to have some sing and dance training. (lie) “Also, he told her to transfer to Haisawa Academy that has an acting club. (lie) Chitose is also very interested in that kind of world so no matter what, she would want to give it a try! (lie)” One of their parents ask if Chitose can actually do that. Chitose’s brother says that she won’t know if she doesn’t try. “Didn’t I also dream of becoming a novelist? So how about challenging her to give it a try?” Their parents wanted Chitose to pursue it after she graduates from high school. Chitose’s brother told them that the in showbiz, the younger you are, the greater the advantage so she should start now. “Don’t worry, she’ll be living with me and I’ll watch over her.” Chitose said, “Please, let me go!” Their parents looked at each other. To their delight, their parents agreed to let her go since they said it that way.

Narration: “Later on, in a flash, bro did the formalities to transfer to Haisawa Academy and also renting the place where the two of us will stay.” On the phone, her brother informed her that he rented a place near Haisawa Academy and she can even walk to school. “If I let you ride on an unfamiliar subway, it might be harder for you.” Narration: “So, that is how I started my life in Tokyo.” End flashback. In the school, Chitose introduces herself to class. She looks around and thinks that Kou isn’t in that class. She manages to notice her seatmate, a black haired guy. [hehe, my senses tell me that he’ll be the ‘other guy’ of a love triange =P] She nods at him and he also nods back. She whispers to him if he knows what section a certain Furuya Koushou is. He tells her that he is in section 5. “Do you know Kou?” Chitose says that she knows him a little. She happily thinks that she’ll go see him during lunch break. The guy is looking at her. At section 1-5, she was told that Kou isn’t there right now and he should be at the activity/clubroom since he usually stays there. Chitose asks him where clubroom it is. The male student tells her that it is on the activity floor at the side of the sports field and there are many classrooms there. Blushing, she thinks that they will see each other soon. “Even if we were together for a few hours, I still can’t forget him. Kou-kun is definitely the guy destined for me. After missing that appointment with him, is he hurt..perhaps he’s very angry. I will properly explain things to him and apologize to him. Afterwards, I’ll tell him that I want to be with him that I transferred school..Kou-kun will be definitely be shock- will he be happy..” She stops at a door with a fan with the word ‘ま’ [ma] on it. She wonders if this is it and what kind of club it is. She dismisses that thought and knocks. She opens the door and says that she’s going in. She is surprised to see a long black-haired girl standing up while a guy who is sitting, hugging her. [pretty much lovey-dovey] Embarrased, she quickly closes the door and exclaims, “So..sorry, for disturbing when you guys are busy, ah, I’m looking for Furuya Koushou--” She is surprised when the guy says, “Huh? Looking for me? What’s up?” Chitose opens the door again and sees that the guy is actually Kou. While the other girl has her arm on his shoulder, Kou says, “Ah-huh? You..that..sorry, who are you?” Chitose is in a state of shock. Narration: “Could it be--he isn’t my destined guy?”

What an unexpected ending to this chapter ^^ Talk about reality bites. After all the lies and hassle to get there, he forgets about her. If I were her, I’ll probably in shock, too and I wouldn’t know what to do next. Ah, cry to my brother about it? Blame him for this mess since he after all encouraged her? Maybe her brother is also a romanticist, after all, he is a novelist. Well, I felt a bit of ulterior motive to all of it because no matter what, he’ll get an errand girl and housecleaner. In short, he’ll get more with their deal even if he is acting like such an ideal brother. =P Chitose is really rash and naive to quickly move to a new place hoping that the guy whom she met in one day in summer to actually fall head over heels over her. If you read Kaichou wa Maid-sama, it’s pretty much like what Hinata did but Hinata is more logical since they have been together for a long time when they were kids but what Chitose did is really a gamble since she met and interacted with the guy for only one day. I guess it can’t be helped because she has been given the opportunity to pursue him and she doesn’t want to regret not trying. Since Kou even stole a kiss, it made me wonder if the guy is a playboy-type since he claimed to have forgotten about her. Does he have too many girls? I don’t think it’s easy to forget a girl who took her time to tour him around in Okinawa. That isn’t something that one would easily forget because it is a different experience. It is indeed fate that they meet again but I guess work is needed to jog his memory. Actually, seeing him with that girl and for him to forget about her, it seems that the feelings aren't mutual. She can't get him out of her mind and he totally forgot about her. I wonder if it is a blessing in disguise for her not to meet with him that day else, she would have been his 'victim'. Unless, he is ‘acting’ with her since he seems to be in the acting club. Anyway, it seems that it will become a love triangle since that other guy seems interested in her. Maybe he is the destined for her. Nah, just looking at the covers, it will be Kou. Anyway, I'm curious how she will react and what will she do in the next chapter. Will she tell him or not? I also wonder if the author will pursue that acting side of the story or it is just a set-up for the alibi to transfer there. Well, let’s just see how the author goes about with this kind of set-up and hopefully, it’s good. ^^ Scans by 草莓defer/橙路 for iieye and BW. PS. The series is currently not available in public Chinese sites, I’ll put up the link when I find it.

Quote of the day:
Some choices we live not only once but a thousand times over, remembering them for the rest of our lives. ~ Richard Bach

Teaser: Hapi Mari -Happy Marriage!?- [Chapter 11]
Monday, November 9, 2009

It seems that chapter 10 is very important because the two said some really nice stuff to each other. He finally confessed that he wants to get everything that belongs to Mamiya, and she is just a pawn that he is using to do that. To his shock, Chiwa doesn’t care about that anymore and told him that she already heard about it when he was talking with the doctor. Chiwa says, “So, there is no need for you to act in front of me, even if you didn’t do that, I still won’t leave you. In exchange, I want you to tell me your true feelings from here on.” Hokuto asks, “Are..you really an idiot? Just now, I just told you that you are only a tool for me to attain my goal, but you still...” Chiwa smiles and says, “Yes..I’m an idiot.” Hokuto hugs her and says, “Since you’ve said that, afterwards, you are not to go out with any other guy. You are not to trust in some other person but only me, because you are also the only one whom I’ll trust. Bear that in mind” “Yes.” Anyway, before they head home, Chiwa offers to drive him part of the way because of his huge eyebags which he claim that he wasn’t able to sleep because of the sound of the rain. =P He accepts since sometimes, he needs to depend on others. ^^ Last scene is somewhat funny wherein Taeko offers Hokuto some of her concealer (make-up) because his super huge eyebags =P In chapter 11, it is already December. While he is looking for a charger, I think, for his cellphone when he opens Chiwa’s drawer to see a small gift in it. From the comments of others in BW, it is the gift he bought for her birthday and she hasn’t opened it yet. ^^; It seems he took it. Then, the scene changes to Chiwa talking with her co-workers. I think one of them has found a boyfriend or something. Chiwa thinks that before she is always alone during Christmas but now, there is Hokuto. She even nosebleed from dreaming that Hokuto is dressed up as Santa ^^;; I think on the way home, she remembers that gift Hokuto gave her. She tries to look for it in her drawer but she can’t find it.

The next day, it’s now her turn from having eyebags since she spend the night looking for it. Hokuto is now eating breakfast with her. He says something which freaks Chiwa out. She goes to office, really stressed out and she didn’t notice that a stalker-type guy is following her. Later on, she goes shopping with her co-worker and decides to buy something for Hokuto. She goes to his room and looks over his things but to her shock, she couldn’t afford any of those branded high-class stuff. When Hokuto comes home, he asks why she is reddish and if she has a fever. He touches her forehead that when he said something but she quickly runs off. In the end, Chiwa seems to have only bought cake and the stalker is following her. At the office, Hokuto seems to be having some sort of problems then he meets with the new guy which I assume is his father. They seem to treat each other indifferently/not like relatives. Anyway, the stalker is harassing Chiwa who seems to be deranged type rather than a pervert type. Scared, Chiwa bites his finger while his hand is holding her mouth to keep her quiet. She runs off and somehow comes across tense-looking Hokuto. Hokuto calls the police and probably threatens the guy that the guy scampers off. He is about to give chase but Chiwa is holding tightly on him. He comforts her. At home, Chiwa is flustered and tearful about something and it seems to end that both have no gift for each other. He holds out his hand to her and probably says that she should smile on this day. She smiles and takes his hand. ^^ While she is making dinner in the kitchen, she must have said something that made Hokuto lean on her back and his hand is on her hand on the counter. Ugh, if only I knew what are the things he is telling her. She is teary-eyed and blushing but he noticed that she is shaking so he breaks it off. During dinner, I think she thought that it is the first time he touched her that way. Then, he says something which made her embarrassed in a funny way. I’m really curious about the stuff they say but shuro mentioned in BW, Hokuto has changed and he has been treating her really nice ever since she told him that she won’t leave him in the last chapter. It also seems that Hokuto is already conscious of ‘occasions’ without the need of Taeko informing him about it. The only romantic part I got from the comments is Hokuto asks her what she would want for Christmas. Chiwa answers that she wants kitchenware. Chiwa asks him what would he want as a gift for Christmas and he replied, “I want you.” Scans by shuro for BW.

Quote of the day:
A hug is a great gift - one size fits all, and it's easy to exchange. ~Author Unknown