Notices:
A. FAQ about the Blog
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2. Do not hotlink the images!!
3. I won't upload the pictures if the photobucket album 'exploded' because of exceeding bandwidth. Just wait for a month or until it is reset by photobucket.
4. Scans are in the title links below, just click the title of the series. If it isn't there, then it isn't uploaded in public sites yet. Those that are not in public sites are usually found in BW Forum = membership required.
5. This is an old blog so no tags nor feeds. Just use the search engines provided below and hopefully, you'll find the past summary you are looking for. ^^
6. Teasers are from Jap raws, not meant to be accurate because I can't read Japanese.
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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.

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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, hrcomic, 89890& BW Forum.

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

To God Be the Glory!

Picture of the Day: Tsubaki & Kyouta from Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu
Saturday, November 7, 2009

Ah..it seems that this arc is a ‘lovey-dovey’/rest arc after what happened in the last one. ^^ This is a teaser for chapter 51. They are currently in a school field trip in an island. Tsubaki said something in the last chapter which made a little lovers’ quarrel and Tsubaki caught Kyouta with a couple of girls coming in his room. In this chapter, while Kyouta is comforting Tsubaki from being seasick, they made up. Tsubaki probably apologize for what she suddenly blurted out without thinking and he explains what’s up with those two girls. It seems that those two girls have brought alcohol. He shoved the girls in his room and shouted for her to leave, probably because he doesn’t want Tsubaki to be caught with those girls. Later on, Kyouta had tossed the girls out of his room. Much later, those students are caught by the teacher. After the explanation, Kyouta wants a kiss but Tsubaki is still seasick. Time to play at the beach and Tsubaki is way too embarrassed. Haha, Kyouta is stunned to see her in a really cute bikini. Even the other guys are ‘wow’ at her so Kyouta put a lifesaver on Tsubaki and takes her out to sea =P Miho is pleased with the reaction =P At the sea, they had a talk and a kiss ^^ Soon, it is time to leave. Kyouta and Tsubaki are sitting behind the van as the other students are riding on the boat back. If I understood it right, that place has a great starry night scene. With a little help from Haru, to Tsubaki’s shock, she and Kyouta will be staying overnight there since the last boat ride has left. Haha..I’m expecting some nice lovey-dovey scenes in the next chapter ^^ Scan by amyangel19910323 for BW.

Free Talk: About Akuma to Love Song summaries
Friday, November 6, 2009

It turns out that blottyparchment is summaring Akuma to Love Song. The summaries are more updated than mine so I’m dropping this series. As usual, it’s more practical since it saves more time and effort on my part ^^ My comment about what’s happening in the series is well, maybe the author is also going for ‘third time is the charm’ with Shin and Maria. First, she gets rejected and this time, he gets ‘rejected’ in a way. In both cases, misunderstanding is also tossed in. Maybe the next time, it will be a success but then, it might take a very, very long time especially given Shin’s personality. ^^; So far, it seems like a stalemate and I thought Shintaro is going to be the one who’ll help resolve it but well, that doesn’t seem like going to happen. I wonder if the author is planning to go for the two to end up together without a third party.

PS. There will be no summaries until Monday because I’m going to ‘archive’.

Word of the day:
God set a goal, yet gave the choice to mortals how time may be spent; Admonishing that worth, not length, will value time's accomplishment. ~ Mortenson from Our Daily Bread

The One [Chapter 62] Teaser
Thursday, November 5, 2009

So, Lele cries and shouts for him to quit saying those stuff since that isn’t who he really is. She says some things to prove that he’s a nice person including using his 1 month allowance for food to buy Stanley’s painting. Eros is shock about that and asks her how she knew about that regarding Stanley. This made Lele confess about knowing about his mother and his escape from the shelter. Eros has a scorn look as he asks her if she finds digging up other people’s secrets interesting and is that the reason why she claims to understand him. Lele protests that it isn’t so. He asks her if she knew that he escaped from the shelter is related to drugs and that is a different, ‘cannot see light’/dark memory of blood and tears. He then implies that because of that, he has a dark nature and she shouldn’t just lightly believe that the things she saw and heard before, is true because there are times when he can’t control himself. Eros grabs her wrist and touches her thigh before ripping her skirt. Meanwhile, Leo is looking for Lele because someone wants to see her. He is puzzled to see Lele’s hairband on the floor near the ‘employees only’ room. Inside the room, Eros pushes frightened Lele down and covers her mouth. He starts kissing and groping her. Lele manages to say his Chinese name and I think he’s startled. Crying, Lele manages to shout, ‘No!’ so Leo comes to her rescue. Leo is shock to see the scene. He asks Eros what he is doing. Lele couldn’t face Leo. [Basically, she’s acting what a girl who was almost raped/raped would do] After a pause, Eros says that it is as what he sees and since Leo has seen it, he can’t continue anymore. Eros just tells Leo to handle things because with Lele looking like that, she is in no condition to see/entertain people. Eros left Leo looking stunned. After he left, Leo goes to Lele who is crying and asking him to bring her home. As the two walk away, a man [MIB-type] calls Gustav to inform him that Lele is just being played around by the twins and should he keep on investigating/stalking Lele. The man says, “Okay, I understand’ then leaves. He didn’t notice that Eros is standing at the corner, eavesdropping on the conversation. Back to Angus, Ulysseus tells Angus that he has something which can satisfy him more than Madame Mode. Angus is surprised and asks who he is. Ulysseus whispers to him, “Remember well, darling! I’ll only say it once. I’m called, Ulysseus Dowlan.” Ulysseus walks away, leaving Angus shock. For details, wait for mellylemon's scanlation ^^

If I didn’t know the reason why Eros is doing that to Lele, I would have hate him for it. I’m not fond of guys who force themselves on girls and taking advantage of the fact that the girl likes him. I don’t know if what Eros did is good though because I think that might leave a trauma to Lele especially since he is her first love. I wonder if Leo would also be turned off by him. Hm..will they realize that Eros is just acting? I think there are some hints of it while he is ‘raping’ her because he looks surprised at times. I guess Eros is in a situation wherein he has to do it because he really needs to hurt Lele to make his father not involve Lele in their family affairs. I guess their father has investigated about Lele and her closeness with the twins else why would he specially hire someone to check up on her. Hehe, Eros really knows how his father thinks/does things. So far, he is one step ahead of his father. I guess Eros will be really busy that he has no time for love especially since there is another ‘enemy’ who is ‘bugging’ Angus. Ulysseus has the inside information on Angus and I think it’s quite unnerving that someone one doesn’t know to actually know about that kind of secret. I felt that Ulysseus seems to be threatening/blackmailing Angus with that secret since in the last chapter, Angus dared him to make him interested in him. It seems that the twins’ outlook for happiness has taken a nosedive. I think it is best for the twins to look for someone’s help because from the way things are going, it doesn’t seem to improve soon and I don’t think that they can solve these problems on their own. Since Eros did this desperate move, I wonder if Angus will follow suit. As for Lele, she might concentrate on work again. I wonder if she starts thinking that it is some sort of jinx that whenever she starts to become famous, there is always some major ‘unfortunate event’ that happens like before her grandmother passed away and now, Eros did that to her ^^; Oh well, maybe the third time is the charm and when she’s world famous, that kind of ‘event’ will reverse and it’s happy ending. =P Scans by whitesunnie/小白 for BW. Next chapter will be on 12/5.

Quote of the day:
The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end. ~ Leon Trotsky

Mei-chan no Shitsuji [Chapters 70-73]
Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Chapters 70-71: It starts with a flashback before Rihito arrived at the harem palace. The brothers were in their SUV and they could see the palace up front. Rihito said that is where Irufan is and he did go back to his own country. Looking out the window, Kento told him that if anything happened to Mei, it will be Rihito’s fault because he didn’t promptly deal with those fiances that things have become quite troublesome. Rihito didn’t reply. Kento exclaimed, “You should know, right, Mei’s feelings..” Rihito sadly said that butlers and ojousama-s are forbidden to love. Kento just said, “You’re still saying that.” Rihito asked him if he knows why. Rihito explained that if an ojousama had some sort of feelings for the butler, it is just a fake love. “The relationship of a butler and an ojousama..is very special. For an opposite sex to stay by one’s side from day to night and serving her loyally, an ojousama who doesn’t have much experience in life will easily misunderstood it as love. It’s also the same for the butler. Protecting her life and she depends 100% on the butler,..one will also mistake his responsibility for love..” Kento looked surprised as he muttered, “Rihito..you..could it be..” Rihito suddenly stepped on the breaks that Kento bumped his head on the window. ^^; Rihito told him to go down for they are now going to walk towards the palace. Kento asked why. He told him that if they are discovered by the enemy, they might use Mei as a hostage. Rihito walked ahead then Kento said, “..hey.” No response. Kento shouted, “Hey..! Whether it is a false love or a misunderstanding, it doesn’t matter..I..I like Mei, and that is all there is to it.” Rihito looked back and just said that Kento isn’t a bit confused that is why he is able to say that. Kento seemed to notice something as Rihito turned away again. He just thought that Rihito is really detestable as he shouted Rihito’s name. Looking at Rihito, Kento wondered what Rihito is thinking. “That guy..why..just like this is enough..Mei..” [I think Kento is irritated because Rihito seems superior since he analyzes his feelings and he wonders why it is okay for Rihito to maintain this kind of relationship with Mei.]

At the palace, Kento wanted to continue what they were talking about earlier but Rihito hushed him and told him that something is strange because it is too quiet. Kento asked if it’s possible that Irufan didn’t go there. Rihito says that the helicopter is here [at the helipad] so Irufan is definitely here. Kento thought that Mei is definitely here. He then noticed something and pointed to a half-naked statue with a heart shaped note stick on one of its breast. Kento exclaimed what that is. He took the note and there is a note in front, ‘Mei’. Rihito asked him to give it to him. He flipped the note and there is a message at the back. “♥Rihito-San♥ I believe that if it’s Rihito-san, you’ll definitely find this.” Kento angrily shouted that he was the one who found it. “Irufan’s butlers have betrayed him and they are after our lives...so, the two of us decided to escape into the desert-- I'll be waiting for you-- Mei" Kento is shock that Irufan’s butlers would try to assassinate Irufan. Rihito seems to be thinking. Then, to Kento’s shock, Rihito told him to go find Mei in the desert. Kento asked what about him. Rihito told him that the Irufan’s butlers are a hindrance so he’ll ‘dispose’ of them first. Kento said that if that’s how it is, then he’ll go with him. Rihito told him not to because Mei is already in the desert and every moment counts since with only Mei and Irufan, they cannot survive in the desert. Preparing to leave, Rihito told him that for all to be alright, it’s really important to save Mei. “I’ll leave it up to you.” Kento protested that Irufan had two butlers and there’s only one of him. Rihito turned around and said, “Who do you think I am, don’t worry, having a class A butler around will just be a HINDRANCE.” Kento is furious as he can only curse Rihito to just go die. Kento headed back to the car as he remembered everything that Rihito told him afterwards. Rihito told him that he’ll catch up with Kento after he finished off what he has to do there. Rihito let him use the car but warned him of the dangerous sandstorms which can easily cause machine-driven vehicles to malfunction so Kento shouldn’t depend too much on it. [I can’t quite read it but] it seems that Rihito is informing Kento that within 50km range from the palace, they can’t communicate using ordinary phones so they can’t communicate with the school and the Hongo family so Kento should remember that.

Sitting at the car, Kento is looking at the map and thought that he can only depend on his intuition and luck. “If I were to escape, I would go to the west where there is a town and since it is very near..” After some driving, Kento hears someone say, “Ah, Shibata’s way of thinking is way too simple!” Kento stepped on the break. It turned out to be a cute little Mei fairy. Fairy Mei told him that if he can think of that then those who are after them can also think of that. “If that’s how it is, then we’ll quickly be discovered – that will be quite stupid --♪” Kento replied, “Then go to the opposite direction, at the east.” Sitting on his shoulder, fairy Mei tapped his ear and said that they don’t have much water and Irufan should more or less know about this place. Kento looked at the map again and said that at the north, there is a mountain area. Fairy Mei happily said that compared to the east which is only desert, it is much easier to pass through the mountain area and there might be some vegetation around it. Holding the steering wheel, Kento shouted, “Okay, towards the north! Wait for me, Mei! I’m going to rescue you right now!” The car won’t start. Kento kicked the car at the side and angrily shouted that it already malfunctioned. “Really useless..!” Just then, he noticed something on the car’s floor. It is Rihito’s S butler pin. Kento thought that Rihito valued it more than his life yet unexpectedly he dropped it. After a pause, Kento suddenly become anxious and worried about Rihito. Hiding in the palace, Rihito noticed that he had lost his pin. He wondered where and when he lost it. He noticed that surveillance camera moving so he realized that the butlers are still looking for Mei and Irufan. Rihito smiled a bit. At the inner palace, Rihito overheard Zin telling Zaki that some equipment is missing so Irufan and Mei could have left the place. Zin then shouted what Zaki is implying when Zaki can only order him around. Rihito entered and asked if they have an internal dispute. The two butlers are shock to see Rihito. End flashback. In the monitor room, Zaki can’t believe it because the surveillance cameras didn’t pick up anything and maybe Rihito just passed through the blind spots. He didn’t notice a small ticking bomb stick on the wall behind him. Boom!

Zin is shock to hear Zaki shouting out loud. Zin shouts what happened to Zaki. Rihito tells him that stupid prince is irritating but for a butler to betray one’s own master, it’s more disgusting. Taking out his dagger, Zin shouts for Rihito to shut up for what does a mediocre butler, who serves an ojousama, knows. Rihito sidesteps and easily beats up Zin. Rihito steps on the head of fallen Zin and says, “What do you know? The happiness of a butler serving an ojousama.. Stand up! My (younger) brother has already went to save Miss Mei and that stupid prince, for you two, who have committed a grave crime, I’m going to give you to the royal..” Injured Zaki comes in and tells him to wait. He says that they have lost and even if they returned, it’s all over for them. Rihito says that he doesn’t care about that. Zaki asks him to let go of Zin since he is his only (younger) brother. Rihito refuses. After a pause, Zaki tells him that they have Mei with them. Rihito says he’s lying. Zaki says that he isn’t because Mei and Irufan planned to escape and they captured them but Irufan managed to escape. “I’ll give Hongo Mei to you so, my brother and I..no..even if it’s just my brother, please let him go..I beg of you!” After a pause, Rihito tells him to let Mei go first. Zaki tells him to follow him. Still holding on to Zin, Rihito follows Zaki downstairs. Zaki asks if Rihito will really let Zin go. Rihito says that he’ll just see what Zaki does. Inside a room, Rihito sees Mei tied up at the back of the room. Her face is bend down and looking away from him. Zaki tells Rihito that they used drugs to put Mei to sleep. Rihito immediately lets go of Zin and rushes to Mei. Zaki is smiling. When Rihito touches Mei, the head jumped up. It is just a mannequin toy. He looks behind to see the door is closed then smoke is coming out of the vent. Rihito tries to cover his nose as he is bending down. There is a loud laugh. Zin tells Zaki that luckily he thought of it and suddenly saying, that they are brothers. Zaki says, “Isn’t it interesting? Shibata Rihito, do not worry, we will be responsible in settling the dispute with your (younger) brother by getting rid of him and of course, that includes your most precious ojousama.” Rihito has fallen unconscious on the floor.

It has been 30 hours since Mei has been kidnapped. Riding on a camel with Mei as the sun is blazing hot, Irufan looks at his watch. It seems to be a timer with 42:00 on it. He sweatdrops and thinks that there is still 42 hours left and why did he said the time limit will be 72 hours. “But, I’ll just wait for this thing to be over, and Mei will be mine. ♡” Mei asks Irufan if the mountain is really at the north because they still haven’t seen it. Irufan tells her that they should just keep on going and they will see it. Looking tired, Mei says that it seems that she is in a daze. Irufan is surprised and says that she is always in a daze. He thinks that normally, this would be the time to ‘attack’. Suddenly, Mei falls down from the camel. Later on, Mei wakes up to find herself leaning on the camel and a wet cloth on her forehead. She hears Irufan calling her and asking if she is alright. Seems to be a bit confused, Mei asks where she is. Irufan tells her that she has passed out in the middle of their journey. He asks if she can drink some water. Then, Irufan tells Mei to stay and rest at the shadow of the camel and he’ll go dig a hole for there might be some cool water. [It seems that one can find water underneath the sand from dry stream beds] After a pause, Mei calls out to him and sweetly smiles to thank him. Irufan is surprised by that then he turns away to say that for someone who grew up in the desert, he should at least know that kind of thing. Mei then falls asleep. Walking away, Irufan thinks that she’s so cute and if it isn’t because of the circumstances, he might not be able to stop himself. [Ah, that part is blurry so I assume that is what he thought ^^;] Irufan curses the heat because if he can’t find more water then Mei’s body won’t be able to support itself. He curses again that there are still 41 hours left. He sees someone riding a motorcycle. He becomes excited that it would be someone who’ll save them but he quickly hides back down upon realizing who it is. Mei is walking towards him to ask what it is. Irufan quickly pushes her down and shouts, ‘sh!’. He happily tells her not to look down on fainting spells and she should be a nice girl and go sleep. Mei looks at him and asks why he said ‘sh!’ Irufan sweatdrops and just says that he meant that the surrounding should be quiet. Irufan wonders why Shibata is in this place. He had seen Kento driving on a motorcycle which can run on sand. It’s called ‘Mei 2’. Irufan wonders if Kento has figured out that they are there and how did Kento figured it out. He also wonders what kind of people are Mei’s butlers. Looking at sleeping Mei, he thinks that if he called that Shibata, they would be rescued but if he did that, the game will end and he lost. “I..I’ll just look on helplessly, as Mei becomes some other guy’s possession.”

Mei wakes up and asks if Irufan is not feeling well because he has been silent for some time. Irufan tells her that he is fine and she should just go to sleep. Mei then says, “Let’s sleep together.” Mei meant that he rest but Irufan totally misunderstood what she meant. Before he can go near her, the camel snorts out to keep him away. Irufan is gloomy as he thinks that he will inherit this whole place, half of the world’s oil will belong to him and he is the richest man in the world so why does he have to encounter this kind of situation. He has decided to continue on with the duel. He won’t give up Mei to any guy or even to that camel. Somewhere in the desert, Kento stops and says that he didn’t see anything. He looks at Rihito’s S pin. He drives again to look for Mei as he shouts for his stupid brother to quickly catch up. Back to Mei, Irufan peeks out again and thinks that Kento has already gone far away. He sees another figure and wonders if it is the older Shibata. As the man approaches, he realizes that it is just a wanderer because of his Arabian clothes. Mei wakes up and asks what Irufan is looking at. Mei has seen the man that she quickly waves her hands to call the man’s attention. Irufan stops her and tells her what she plans from calling out that guy. The man has collapsed. Mei decides to give some water for the man. Irufan protests that they barely have enough water for the two of them so they can’t afford to give some to that guy. Mei lamely protests but Irufan tells her to pretend that she didn’t see that guy and they should just leave. Mei protests that she cannot bear to just abandon and let a man die in front of her eyes. Irufan shouts, so what since they might be the one who’ll end up dead. “You’re doing that impulsively that you’re not even analyzing the situation. Doing that isn’t kind-hearted but rather, it’s only hypocritical!” After a pause, Irufan tells her that it’s that man’s fate to die there. Looking determined, Mei tells him that there’s no such thing as fate and since she doesn’t want to trouble Irufan, she’ll just give the man her share of the water. She doesn’t want to feel guilty of letting that man die when she is able to at least help him live with what she has. Irufan can only look at Mei who gives the man some water and the man thanks her. It seems that the man has a halo on his head. Mei happily smiles then she faints.

Irufan quickly goes to her and gives her some water to drink. It seems that he is giving her his share of the water since her water is all used up. Mei apologizes for saying big words yet here she is, giving him trouble. Irufan exclaims that she’s not, for the one who is stupid is him. He admits that he has seen Shibata but he doesn’t want to lose the duel and doesn’t want her to leave him so.. Mei stands up and quickly shouts when Irufan has seen him/Shibata and might can give chase using the camel. They then heard some sound. They turn around to see the man whom Mei helped has taken the camel and rode away. Mei shouts for the man to wait and where he is going. Irufan shouts that man stole their camel and supplies. Back at the palace, Rihito is unconscious on the floor. Peeking inside, Zin asks if he’s dead. Zaki says that he just made him sleep. Zin says that it would have been better to just kill him. Zaki tells him not to say that. He says that a S-ranked butler is very rare in the world and he will definitely be a very good gift [to someone?] so just let Rihito just sleep there and not mind him. “We’ll deal with him after we return. The most important thing right now is that younger Shibata who is looking for the prince.” Zin says that he is still pissed off so he’ll just finish something and Zaki should go ahead. Zin opens the door. Zaki shouts that the gas will leak out and if he wants to beat up Rihito, he has time to do it later. Zin didn’t listen as he kicks unconscious Rihito. He pulls him up and says that he doesn’t care if he’s S or what not but he seems very delicate. Zin punches Rihito in the face. Zin is very pleased as Zaki tells him that they should leave. Zin says that he wants one last hit. He grabs Rihito’s hair and [since this part is blurry, I think he] says that he wants to bash in/ruin Rihito’s pretty face so that it won’t be recognizable. Before he can punch, Rihito has already grabbed him and pin his arm. Rihito thanks him since it is because of Zin, that he was able to wake up. The door closes and Zin realizes that Zaki has abandoned him. Rihito tells Zin, “Don’t mind him. Whatever happens, he also won’t be able to escape this place.” Zin asks him what he meant by that. After looking somewhat sad, Rihito looks serious and says, “Since you guys aren’t willing to hand over Miss Mei..then, I’ll use your lives as substitutes!” Kaboom! The palace explodes. Narration: “Even at the cost of my life, I will still protect you. My one and only ojousama.”

Haha..the author is really teasing me since I’m a Mei x Kento fan. Stop giving me hope. Grr..as if Rihito would actually die. There are only two possibilities for that to happen which is none and nil. Anyway, I think this chapter shows off a nice contrast with the two brothers. Rihito is more intellectual and depends more on his IQ. I think this is the reason why he is rationalizing his feelings for Mei when he obviously has feelings for her. If he doesn't have feelings for her, then as a butler, he should stop leading Mei on as if he does. It will just confuse Mei more and I would think he isn't worthy of his S rank. Whereas, Kento, he depends more on emotions or his EQ. I think Rihito knows this so he asked his brother to be the one to save Mei since Kento would depend more on his intuition rather than 'facts'. I find that little Mei fairy cute. It goes to show that even if Rihito knows something more than Kento regarding Mei, Kento also knows something more about Mei that Rihito doesn't know. In fact, they complement each other and together, they can defeat all the other 'suitors'. Irufan is really self-centered. Mei is already in danger and yet he still thinks of the duel. He is obviously taking a risk with just waiting until time is up. I guess Mei is really naive or maybe too nice. I guess she is somewhat like Irufan who don't care or don't think of the grave situation they are in but of course, their motives are different. Mei is selfless to want to save that person even if she risks her own death. I guess what hurts more is that guy is actually a thief who took advantage of her. I guess even if this happened to her, she will still believe people because she is that kind of person. Since Irufan was thinking about that person's fate to die, I guess he is a pessimist and fatalistic. He seems to easily give up just like before when he planned to stay behind at the palace. I guess since he is that type of person, he is naturally attracted to Mei. I think in this way, Mei is similar with Kento because even if she seems to be fated to be with Rihito, Kento isn't giving up just yet and will keep on going. Interestingly, Rihito likes Mei and seems to dislike Kento when both are pretty much the same personality and character-wise. I guess for Rihito, if it's a guy=rival and if it's a girl=love interest. =P

Chapters 72-73: In Japan, at St. Lucia Academy, everyone is doing what they usually do when girly prince/Claris* announces that 24 hours have already passed. [*I invented the name and maybe her male name is Claus. I’ll try using all of the names instead of ‘descriptive names’ but I’m not really sure about their actual name so if anyone knows the real names of the fiance-s/butlers, please, tell me.] Someone asks, “What then?” Claris tells them that it has already been 24 hours and none of the Shibata brothers contact them so shouldn’t they do something afterwards. Nezu laughs and says that Claris is still quite hot-blooded. Ryan, her butler, agrees. Claris is embarrassed as she tells them to shut up. All of the other girls tell her not to worry because Izumi has already thought of things. Izumi then tells Rika that they are going. This surprises Rika and asks what she meant by that. Izumi says that they are going to Arabia and luckily, there’s no school tomorrow. Rika protests why she has to go, too. Izumi says that she has already contacted with Hongo Kintaro and she was informed that Hongo family will not meddle with the duel. Miruku says that is quite a predictable response. Claris exclaims how he could say such things when his own granddaughter is kidnapped. Fujiko says that if that’s how Hongo family replied then the school can’t take action either. Izumi says that Fujiko is right and now, the only ones who can help Mei and the Shibata brothers are them. Rika says, so what, she really hates going to a hot country. Izumi says that she considers this situation as a good opportunity because Rika’s future husband will be from that country. Everyone is shock. Aoyama tries to asks Rika about it but Rika tells him to not to interrupt. Rika tells Izumi that she likes how Izumi said that. Rika tells Aoyama to prepare her most beautiful formal wear for she is going to use her beauty’s brilliance to blind the eyes of those Arabian guys. Aoyama just obeys. Nezu tells Kiba it’s quite complicated and also that guy/person. [? Not sure if they meant Rika and Aoyama’s relationship]

Miruku tells Daimon that they will be going, too. Izumi tells Miruku that she’s staying behind. Miruku protests why and is it because she’s a child. Izumi tells her that if something bad happens, she wants her to ask help from the school. Because if Miruku isn’t here, there will be no sole/sun rank student around there and she wants Miruku to help them in intelligence/information-gathering. Fujiko tells Miruku that she’s staying too and they should give support from Japan. Miruku finally agrees with the plan. Izumi asks another favor from Miruku and that is, for the meantime, Miruku’s Daimon will be exchanged with her Kiba. The butlers are surprised by that. Miruku agrees that it is a good idea. Daimon tries to protest but Miruku says that her Daimon is really great. Daimon agrees when Miruku tells him that he will be of great help and he’ll be able to help Mei. With pride, Daimon says yes. Ryan made Claris go, too. They then notice that Tami and Kanzaki are missing lately. Izumi tells Kiba that she’ll leave the rest to him. Kiba says yes, and wishes them a safe journey. As the airplane is getting ready to fly, Shinnosuke is watching from the window. Xiao Qing [the Chinese butler; interestingly, his name is a female character in the Chinese story, White Snake] asks him if he’s worried about Izumi. Shinnosuke says that it is none of his business. Looking out the window, Xiao Qing wonders out loud if that person is really still alive. Shinnosuke says that it will be pretty brutal of Irufan to kill Mei. Xiao Qing says, “No..I’m not talking about Miss Mei..” Then, there is a scene of ruined structures in the palace with the head of the doll Mei. At the desert, Mei’s eyes look blank. The temperature is 48C, no camel, no equipment, and very little water. The two are taking shelter from the sun over a large sand dune. Irufan is cursing that guy for being ungrateful and he’ll kill him if he ever sees that guy again. Mei apologizes to Irufan that things turned out that way. After a pause, Irufan is frustrated to have encountered such an ordeal when he is the royal prince of that country. “So, didn’t I tell you not to care about that scoundrel, compared to thinking of helping others, you should think of yourself first..!” Mei quietly says, “..Yes..what you’ve said is true..it would have been okay..if only I didn’t mind those other things..” A bit worried, Irufan asks if she is alright. After a pause, Mei asks, “..what?” Irufan says, “Your brilliance, has become more and more dim.” Mei just says, is that so. Irufan stands up and faces Mei.

To her surprise, Irufan says that he won’t allow it. He exclaims that she was quite proud a while ago and now, she’s regretting it after encountering this situation. “The number 1 ojousama of St. Lucia isn’t like this..! …. Only you..only you..shouldn’t lose your brilliance. Even if you are in a difficult situation, and it’s ‘dark’ like this, you’ll be calm and relaxed no matter what kind of situation is in front [of you], like that, making you’ll make others jealous of your proactive attitude of perseverance and optimism. An ojou-sama who has lost her light will only be an ordinary girl. I’ve unexpectedly have become infatuated with that kind [of girl]..I will not acknowledge this kind of thing!” Mei suddenly realizes something and says, “Light..” She quickly looks in her pocket to see a small compact mirror. Mei starts climbing up the sand dune as Irufan asks what it is. Mei asks him which direction he saw him. Irufan says if he is talking about Shibata, it’s that direction. Mei starts using the mirror to reflect the sun to send a signal. Mei becomes faint that Irufan offers to be the one to do that. He offers her some water even if it’s the last of their water supply. Holding up the mirror, Irufan shouts, “Damn! It’s okay, no matter who notice this..pay attention here!” Both are hoping that someone would notice their signal. After a while, Irufan says that it’s no good. Mei starts looking at a direction in the desert. To her surprise, she sees the camel going back to their direction. She happily goes to the camel and exclaims that it came back. Irufan asks if it is the same camel since the luggage isn’t the same. Mei asks the camel if it is indeed Camel-kun. It happily greets her. She then notices a sheep [picture] insignia on the luggage. “Could it be..” She looks back at the desert to see a figure of a guy walking towards them. Frustrated and feeling hot, Kento angrily shouts for the stupid camel to wait and why would it suddenly rush off. [I think the note says that Kento has fallen off the camel] Kento is surprised to see them and he asks, “Mei..?” Looking at him, Mei kneels on the ground that Kento quickly rushes to her. Holding her, Kento shouts at Irufan to get the water and cool pack from the luggage. Kento asks Mei if she is alright and tells her to quickly put the cool pack on her neck and armpits. Mei mutters, “..why..” Kento asks, “What did you say?” Mei starts crying as she exclaims, “Why isn’t it Rihito-san~~~!!!”

Kento sweatdrops and is puzzled. Mei goes to Irufan and exclaims, “Didn’t you say that you’ve seen Rihito passed by here!” Irufan says, “Huh? I obviously said Shibata.” Mei exclaims that he’s lying. A note said that Irufan is saying the truth. Angry, Kento says, “I came to save you, yet it seems you’re not happy..” Mei angrily says, “That’s right, you..two-timing fickle guy!” Irufan says that Kento already has some other girl yet he still wants to be a fiance [of Mei]. Kento shouts what they are talking about. Mei darkly mutters, “…phone..the one who called you on the phone..” While there is some ruffling sound, Kento asks, “..phone..? ah..when?” Kento has already made a small tent and tells Mei to go inside first. The two are surprised. Mei goes in and says that it is quite cool inside. Kento explains that it’s because of the insulation material. He tells her to rest inside before the sun sets. He then calls Irufan. Kento gives Irufan a punch in the face that Irufan falls down on the ground. Mei goes out and shouts at Kento. Kento shouts, “Stand up, stupid majesty! Things aren’t over yet! Thanks to that foolish game, you have endangered Mei’s life..do you know what you are doing!” Mei tries to tell Kento that Irufan has his own troubles. “And look, I’m also fine now.” To Mei’s surprise, Kento says, “..it’s not only you..” Mei asks what he meant. Kento didn’t reply. A bit worried, Mei asks, “Where’s Rihito-san? Why isn’t he with you...” Kento gives Mei Rihito’s S pin. Mei is shock to see it. She becomes worried when Kento says, “I couldn’t..contact him..he went alone in Irufan’s harem..____”

There is a scene of Rihito telling Kento to find Mei in the desert. Mei is shock as she couldn’t believe that Rihito went to face the two butlers alone. After a pause, Kento apologizes for saying it to her that way. He casually says that since it’s that guy, things should have resolved smoothly. Mei tries to protest. Kento tells her that she isn’t okay yet, so she should just drink lots of water, eat and then, rest for a while. When Mei is going to protest again, he just says, “Even if you can go, what can you do...if he’s all alone, he can give it his all out in resolving things, ..but, if you are there, his number one priority will be to protect you, even if he’ll sacrifice himself. Because we are your butlers.” Mei cannot answer back. He tells her to go to sleep then they head west for the town. Mei says, okay. She then asks him if he has seen a guy riding on Camel-kun when he found it. Puzzled, Kento says that when he found it, it is only the camel. Mei says, is that so. Kento tells her to quickly go to sleep. She obeys. After looking at the tent, he looks at Irufan and tells him to go get some water and food for himself. Irufan asks if Kento actually prepared his share. Kento tells him that regrettably, there were rations only for three people. Kento thinks that originally, they didn’t plan on being with the stupid prince so there are only enough rations for Mei, him and Rihito. He is frustrated that Rihito is being ‘cool’ because he has thought of this and this is the reason why Kento alone should be the one to look for Mei. Irufan is looking at Kento. That night, Irufan goes to Camel-kun and asks a sincere favor from it. The camel is silent. He asks it to bring him back to the palace. Camel looks away. Irufan says that he would want to lend Mei a hand. “I beg of you..” Camel seems to be thinking about it. Irufan grabs on to the camel’s neck and shouts for it to please help him become a man.

With arms folded, Kento tells him not to do unnecessary things. Irufan asks what he meant by that when he has totally decided on this. Kento says that is why he told him not to do unnecessary things and there is something he would ask him to do. “Instead of me, I want you to be the one who’ll bring Mei back safely to Japan.” Irufan asks what about him. “Could it be..” He tells Kento that they are currently on a duel so how could he just easily bring Mei back. To his surprise, Kento says, “No, you will. You’ve already decided not to do anything that will hurt Mei,...right?” Irufan sits down and looks away from Kento. He asks Kento why he still plans on saving his brother. “I..because of my brother’s command, my butlers attempted to kill me. Why..is there such a difference..” Kento is surprised to learn that it was Irufan’s brother who tried to kill him. Irufan asks, “Aren’t you the same, too..if your brother is dead, then it is advantageous to you..could it be that you didn’t realize this? Don’t say such beautiful words.” Kento says, “Ah..I did thought of, what if Rihito is no more..no, perhaps I still think about it..but, if I just abandon him and not care about him, I won’t feel good about it..I don’t want to have this kind of feeling while being Mei’s butler. Because that will make me feel ashamed.” Irufan sweatdrops and asks, “So you’re saying that you wants to act cool in front of Mei.” Kento says that he can say it like that. Irufan is shock then angrily shouts at Kento that he won’t give way to Kento, he’ll be the one who’ll go back to the palace. Kento exclaims back what a stupid prince can do. Irufan shouts that Kento is just a butler while he is the country’s crown prince. Kento calls him stupid because compared to a crown prince, a butler is a million times cooler. Someone says then it would be better if all of them just go back. The two freeze from fighting when they see Mei telling them that they should quickly leave. Kento nervously asks if what she meant is. Wearing a windbreaker jacket, Mei goes to the camel and asks wasn’t Kento going back to the palace. She had already had sufficient sleep and she’s fine now. Kento tries to protest by telling her to quit saying foolish things but Mei says, “What I’m saying is, in order for you to not be distracted and worried about me, I’ll be going along with you guys!” Kento is really gloomy because he can’t answer back. Irufan says that things turn out that way and that girl is really stubborn. Kento mutters that he knows and her stubbornness is troublesome for him. Mei is worried about Rihito and hopes that he is fine. “There’s nothing wrong with an ojousama saving her own butler..”

Outside the imperial palace of Arabia, Izumi + Daimon and Claris + Ryan find themselves being snubbed because everyone is busy since there is an explosion in Irufan’s palace and and they couldn’t contact Irufan and his two butlers. Ryan comments that they can’t get in if everyone is busy. Claris tries to call someone’s attention but she was just being told to leave since they are all busy. Claris introduces herself and threatens them with something [can’t quite read it ^^;] so they are now inside and being treated with food and refreshments. Claris comments that if she wants to do something, she can actually do it. Izumi muses that no wonder she’s a royalty and has that kind of confidence. The two butlers think that they estimate that the characters like bread type of guy. A note says that bread type of guy is Salamu, Irufan’s brother. [If it’s a joke, I don’t get it ^^; I think bread type of man is like Anpanman ^^;;] Salamu apologizes to them because they are currently in the midst of chaos so what he can do for their honored guests. Izumi says that they are looking for their friend, Hongo Mei and they should know about her. Salamu and others’ mood become dark. Salamu says of course, they do and they have a very deep impression [of her]. Izumi and Claris sweatdrop as they wonder if it is their imagination but it seems that the feeling is like Salamu and others are emitting some sort of malice feeling than normal. Salamu shouts what Hongo family is thinking for sending those two fiends [butlers =P] but because his father and the old head of Hongo family are friends so they close their eyes this time around, about this incident. Izumi tells them to relax for they will properly explain things. Daimon happily exclaims to leave it to Izumi’s brilliant ways of diplomacy. To their surprise and Ryan can only motion for her to stop, Claris exclaims for them to shut up because this incident was caused by their stupid prince. They shout whom Claris is calling a stupid prince and no matter what, Irufan is the one who’s going to inherit the country. Ryan tries to make Claris stop making things worse but Claris exclaims that Irufan is an idiot. Someone shouts for the two of them to be quiet. Someone arrives and says, “Negotiating with these unknown people is a waste of time, Izumi.” Dressed up in an elegant Japanese dress and carrying a fan, Rika declares, “Call out your king and tell him that Kayama Rika has arrived.” Aoyama is standing behind her. All of the Arabian soldiers are blushing at how beautiful Rika is. A soldier tries to tell Salamu who she is but Salamu says that he already knows. Salamu says that Rika has inherited some ancient country’s blood and will fill the number 8 crown princess vacancy of Irufan’s harem. They have heard rumors about her but they didn’t expect her to show up there. Daimon comments to Izumi that Rika’s beauty today has this cold magnificent feel to it that can ‘force’ people [to do what she wants]. Izumi says that Rika wouldn’t want to hear it being said like that. “She is a genius in baffling men..”

Salamu says that this is the first time they’ve met. “Because the king is advanced in years, I’m the king’s representative..” She looks at him then covers her face with her fan while looking away. “I do not talk with minions.” The Arabian guys are shock by her behavior. Claris asks if that is way too excessive/really bad. Everyone is tense but Izumi assures them that it is alright because Aoyama, a class A butler, will protect her and she doesn’t think that things will turn for the worse. Suddenly, an old man is carried out on a chair with many servants behind him. Everyone there prostrates down upon seeing the king. The chair is carried in front of Rika. Ryan is surprised that the king actually appeared. Rika and the king look at each other. Bowing, Rika says, “It’s the first time I’ve come to see you, father-in-law.” The Arabian guys blush as they are entranced by Rika. Izumi and Claris seem a bit worried about Rika. The king then says, “So alike..” Salamu is puzzled. Blushing, the king shouts that Rika is such a beautiful gem so enchanting that only their mother [his wife] could surpass and with that strong temperament with a touch of melancholy, both are a match. “I really like, really fascinated ♡♡♡♡ Everyone! Whatever darling Rika ♡ says, all of you will totally obey her!” Everyone is silent as Rika’s friends sweatdrops. Someone nervously mutters, “Rika..darling?” Narration: “Rika has easily taken control of the king.” Back to Mei and others, Mei is riding on the camel while the guys are walking because there are too many luggages. Irufan asks for how long are they going to walk until they arrive. Kento says that if they don’t take a break, they will approximately reach it by 12 hours. Irufan exclaims in shock about having to walk for 12 hours. Mei offers to let Irufan ride the camel. Irufan refuses. Mei sneezes. Irufan asks if she is alright. Mei says that she is. Kento looks thoughtful then he stops the camel. He says that the two of them won’t do. “I’ll just go back to the palace on my own.” This surprises Mei. She goes down the camel and tells Kento to quit joking at this time. Kento says that he isn’t joking. Holding her shoulders, Kento says, “I will definitely bring Rihito back. Believe in me.” Mei shouts that she doesn’t believe a two-timing guy like him. Kento asks what’s with that two-timing stuff. Mei shouts for him not to play innocent. Irufan is with the camel. He wonders if he can rest after walking for such a long time. He tells camel to put down the luggage so they can rest. He notices that the camel isn’t moving. While angry Mei is grabbing Kento’s shoulder and shouting about the phone call, Kento looks back and asks if she hears something. Kento walks a little further and observes something ahead of the desert. Mei is a bit worried. Kento turns towards them and shouts, “Quickly, hide at the back of the camel’s hump..! A sandstorm is coming..!” Mei is surprised to hear this.

Hehe..Izumi seems like a female version of Rihito. She’s wise and really knows how to handle things. I guess this is why everyone looks up to her. Finally, their friends are going to do something. I don't know if they are worried about Mei though. Are they just passing time like that as if they don't care or they are passing time like that so that they won't worry? I hope it's the latter. Well, this is a love comedy series so I always have to remind myself not to take things too seriously ^^; I think Izumi making some others stay is a good idea because they are up against people from a different nation. It isn't their 'territory' so they do need people especially kid geniuses to handle things like negotiation or support stuff in case things go wrong. Hehe, even leaving 'useless' people behind like her butler is a good idea since he will probably be a hindrance and they need manpower =P It's nice that Kiba doesn't have an ego but I guess it is exactly because of his personality that is why he just follows what she orders. At first I thought that Xiao Qing is behind the blast because he mentioned about Rihito being dead. I later on realized that Xiao Qing is into tarot card reading so maybe that is why he thought that Rihito is in danger. Hehe, Irufan isn’t that useless after all. He gave Mei the hint about the ‘light’. I’m curious though about that thief. Was he some guardian angel for Kento to find where Mei and Irufan is, by using the camel? I can feel Mei's shock and dismay that it isn't Rihito who found her. Poor Kento..not even a thanks from her but I guess they are 'quarreling' again has revived Mei who feels faint and weak a while ago. I think if it was Rihito, she would have continued 'fainting'. =P I think regarding what Irufan said about bringing out Mei's luster, it is more what Kento can do. If she is a diamond, I think Rihito is the one who found her and polishes her but the one who makes her shine is Kento in a certain way, since with Kento, she is more like herself. I think a single punch is more than what Irufan deserves. As Kento said, it does seem that he did that partly because of his worry for Mei and partly because of his worry for Rihito. No matter what happens between them, they are still brothers. And just like Rihito, he would probably want to fight for Mei, fair and square. I think Irufan is somewhat jealous of them. As I mentioned before, Kento has a high EQ that now, he is talking and quarreling with Irufan as if they are of the same level. It seems that they are now ‘friends’ in a way. I wonder if Kento will end up being ‘friends’ with the rest of the fiances just like the other butlers. Well, I think it will be of help since after all, he’ll be a duke. I like how Mei’s friends ‘infiltrated’ the palace and ‘controlled’ the king. Hehe, what’s the use of ‘power’ if you can’t use it? =P The ojousama-s really shine here. I think Rika really looks gorgeous in that kimono ^^ She shows that beauty is also a kind of ‘power’ since the others have titles, brains, etc. =P I do wonder if she’ll really marry Irufan. I guess when Mei and others are finished with him, Irufan would be a much nicer person. But then, I wonder if Rika can use the king to manipulate things so that she won’t end up as Irufan’s number 8 wife. Lastly, it’s amusing how Mei and others want to be heroes and save Rihito when they are the ones in danger because they have caught themselves in a sandstorm. It’s like asking Rihito to be the one to save them instead. =P Scans by Scans by 星空ツ泪 and yukitokaji for BW

Quote of the day:
Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece -- by thought, choice, courage, and determination. ~ H. Jackson Brown

Picture of the Day: Mei & Others from Mei-chan no Shitsuji
Monday, November 2, 2009

I’m currently summarizing four chapters of this series. ^^ Hopefully, I’ll be finished by tomorrow. If not, the day after tomorrow. Hehe, the summary is becoming longer than expected ^^; It’s the continuation of Mei’s adventure in the desert with Irufan. Will her butlers find her in time? Wait for it ^^

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapters 46-47]
Saturday, October 31, 2009

After Tsubaki asked a couple of girls if they knew Rika, one of the girls asks if Tsubaki has also suffered damages because of Rika. Tsubaki is puzzled. A girl says that there are people, whether male or female, regularly go to their school looking for Rika. The other girl says that females go there because their boyfriends were stolen by Rika and guys go there because they can’t give up on Rika. “Today, you’re the second one [looking for her].” Tsubaki thinks that even Rika’s schoolmates have a bad impression of Rika. The girl tells Tsubaki that she thinks that Rika hasn’t left yet so why don’t she go in the school to look for Rika. Tsubaki bows to thanks them and says that she will do just that. Tsubaki wonders why Haru likes that girl Rika so much. Walking around, Tsubaki thinks that no one is around so maybe Rika has already left. Then she hears someone shouts, “Hey, Rika!” She peeks from the side of the building to see a delinquent-looking guy grabbing a girl’s arm. The girl exclaims for him to let her go. The guy exclaims that no matter what, he can’t forget about her. Tsubaki hides back and nervously thinks that it’s definitely that girl. She wonders how she can save Rika because that guy doesn’t look like a good person and he’s big so he might revenge against her. She imagines the newspaper’s headline about a girl is killed because of trying to be righteous and courageous, with her picture on it. She decides to call for someone to help but Rika is already shouting for someone to come [and save her] when the guy is somewhat forcing himself on her. Later on, someone tells for the guy to stop. The guy turns around and tells the person to mind their own business. He is shock to see a girl with hair all over her face. [Tsubaki’s attempt to look like Ring’s Sadako ^^;] With hand outstretched and using a creepy voice, Tsubaki tells him that girl really hates him for she’s crying already. Tsubaki thinks that with her hair on her face, she won’t be recognized and her coat covering her skirt, he won’t know which school she is from. This way, she won’t be avenged upon but then, she can’t see anything in front. She slips on a piece of wood which shocks the delinquent. Tsubaki is embarrassed to death. She holds up her cellphone and creepily tells the guy to let that girl go or else, she’ll call the police. The delinquent got scared and runs off. Tsubaki laughs and says that no matter what, she was able to settle the problem smoothly. Rika looks shock. Tsubaki dusts off the dirt and turns around to ask if she is Rika. The wind blows and no one is there.

Tsubaki angrily braids her hair as she can’t believe that after helping Rika out, she’ll just disappeared on her without saying any word. She looks at her hand and notices that she is wounded [from falling]. Tsubaki tells herself that she shouldn’t have saved that girl. She is surprised when Rika comes back with a wet handkerchief and puts it on Tsubaki’s hand to clean the wound. Rika apologizes and says that it is her fault. Rika sweetly smiles and tells Tsubaki, “But, I’m really scared so..thank you for saving me.” Tsubaki begins to wonder if this is indeed Rika because she’s cute, nice-weak, and a bit pitiful but she could have used all that as a weapon to separate Kyouta and Haru. Rika says that she wants to thank her so why don’t they exchange email addresses. Tsubaki declines and says that there’s no need, because it is just a small matter. While holding a ticket to Rika, Tsubaki says “Ah! But if you want to thank me, please go to this.” Rika asks if it is already thanks if she went to that school festival. Tsubaki says, “That’s right, Kurose Rika.” Rika is surprised that she knew her name. Tsubaki says that there is a favor she wants to ask her that is why she came there today. “Regarding Tsubaki Kyouta and Halstead Mao’s misunderstanding, I want you to help resolve it.” Rika smiles and says that those are such nostalgic names but she heard that Haru has already gone to United States because of his parents. Tsubaki explains that this year, he transferred to their school and Kyouta is also in that school. Rika says that it’s such a coincidence. Tsubaki says that it isn’t because Haru still believes Rika’s lie so he came to extract revenge against Kyouta. Bowing down, Tsubaki exclaims, “I beg of you! Can you please explain things to Halstead Mao-kun? Just say that Tsubaki-kun didn’t betray him..please let the two of them become friends once again..!” Tsubaki thinks, “Hey, Tsubaki-kun, don’t say ‘forget it’, don’t show that kind of pained expression.” Covering her face, Rika starts laughing that she didn’t know that those two unexpectedly became like that. “Serves him right. In my whole life, I can never forget Kyouta’s humiliation that day.” There is a scene of Kyouta saying that he doesn’t like Rika. With a really happy look, Rika says, “Those two guys are hurting each other, right. The deeper they harm each other, the better!” Tsubaki mutters how could she say that.

Rika then says, “Speaking of that..what’s your relationship with those two guys?” Tsubaki introduces herself and says that she is Haru’s classmate and Kyouta’s..gir..girl..girlfriend. Tsubaki is a bit embarrassed if she’s the one saying it. Rika gets angry and holds Tsubaki’s pigtail [as if looking down on her;can’t believe it]. She says, “Someone like me has been dumped, how is it possible that he’ll go steady with you?” Tsubaki is aghast as she wonders where that pitiful side of Rika went. Rika then realizes something. “No, that’s not right! Ah, so that’s it..so the rumor that Kyouta’s taste is for ‘old fashioned’ is true! If that is so then I really won’t do--” An imaginary rock with the word ‘old fashioned’ is on Tsubaki’s head. ^^; She tells Rika not to talk about that first. “You said a while ago that you want to thank me so you should go to the school festival!” Holding the ticket, with a disdain look, Rika says, “Stop joking around. I don’t want to see Haru, what if he wants to extract vengeance from me? Too scary! If he knows I’m studying in this high school, he’ll definitely stalk me. So, I return this to you, I’ll choose the way I want to thank you. If you refuse it then, I have no choice.. Do you understand what I mean?” Holding the ticket that Rika tossed to her, Tsubaki says, “Then, next time, I’ll just bring Halstead Mao to this place. Then, it will be exposed that you are studying in this place. Well, it’s inevitable. I just hope he doesn’t become a stalker and always bother you everyday--” Rika is nervous and shaking as she exclaims that Tsubaki looks naive so she didn’t expect Tsubaki to be cunning. Walking away while holding the ticket, Tsubaki says that it has nothing to do with being naive. Rika grabs the ticket and exclaims, “I know already! I’ll just go for a moment so there’ll be no problem but I’m not obligated to resolve the misunderstanding.” Looking at the ticket, Rika then says that she will help Tsubaki resolve the misunderstanding. Smiling, Rika says, “That is, if you can ‘win’ against me..”

On the day of the festival, Tsubaki’s classroom is doing a Romeo-Juliet bar. Tsubaki has just finished a beautiful hairstyle for a girl. She happily exclaims that Juliet is finished, and it’s a Romeo next. She overhears a couple of girls saying that it’s great that their class has Tsubaki. Tsubaki feels happy about it. Someone holds her shoulder so she exclaims if it’s Romeo..er..no, it’s Tsubaki-kun. Looking really angry while holding a poster, Kyouta exclaims what is the meaning of this. The poster says, ‘Best Couple contest ☆’ No. 1 Kyouta ♡ Rika. No. 2 Haru ♡ Tsubaki. [I’ll skip the other couples because they’re not important =P ] In some empty classroom, Kyouta says that Tsubaki unexpectedly looked for Rika. He asks her if she wanted Rika to explain things to Haru so that he and Haru will make up. Tsubaki just says that after she did say that but Rika told her if she [Tsubaki] wins the best couple contest, she [Rika] is going to tell all of the truth to Haru. Flashback: Tsubaki said that the commotion of their [her and Kyouta] break up has not yet subsided. Rika says, “What are you talking about. Kyouta’s partner will be me.” Tsubaki protested why when she is the girlfriend. Smiling, Rika confidently said, “Because I think Kyouta also doesn’t want you to win. You’ll partner with Haru.” Rika liked that idea. Tsubaki protested that isn’t good. Rika told her to agree with her condition else she won’t tell Haru the truth. End flashback. Holding the poster, Tsubaki says that’s how it is even if she doesn’t know what Rika is plotting. She says that if Kyouta deliberately lose to them, Rika will tell the truth then, the misunderstanding will be resolved, and finally, he can become best friends with Haru again. Her smile freezes when Kyouta tears the poster. Kyouta tells her that he doesn’t want her to do that and there’s the truth that he wants to tell her. He doesn’t want Haru to be more hurt upon learning Rika’s true nature so even if it’s Tsubaki, he won’t allow it to happen. Kyouta walks away and says that he won’t join that contest so cancel their application to the contest. Tsubaki says that if he won’t join then that means his group will lose without fighting [forfeited]. Determined, Tsubaki tells him that she doesn’t think there’s something wrong with what she wants to do so she won’t cancel their application. “If you want to stop me, then just win against me in the competition!” Kyouta looks surprised.

Soon, the best couple contest starts. There are some girls complaining that Kyouta is now single so what’s up with this new girl [Rika] and also, Tsubaki is really irritating [for teaming up with Haru]. In the auditorium, someone announces the start of the school’s first ever best couple contest with 8 couples joining. Backstage, holding the number 2 tag, Haru protests to Tsubaki why he has to join the contest and why with her. He nervously says, “If Kyouta knows about this, I’ll be beaten up again. Even if I’m at fault, but I’ve just recovered from last time..” While braiding her hair, Tsubaki tells him that it is alright because she already obtained permission. The host announces the first couple as Kyouta and Rika. Kyouta’s fangirls are angry why Kyouta is with that girl and it is infuriating since that girl is cute. Haru is surprised that Rika is there. He pushes away the host to talk with Rika. He tells her that it isn’t a dream, and there is something that he always wanted to tell her. “Can we start all over again..? Even if you said that..[cannot be together again because she really liked him]..breaking up because we like each other, I thought about it for two years and I still can’t accept it.” Blushing, Rika says, “Haru..I also have something to say to you..but I can’t say it..” Kyouta is surprised when Rika starts crying and says, “Because Kyouta threatened me, he won’t allow me to say it.” Kyouta mutters what’s with this girl. He covers Rika’s mouth and tells Haru, “Ah, I’m the one who won’t let her talk, but if you win against us, I’ll let Rika go.” Flustered Tsubaki can only watch while holding the curtains. Haru is about to go at Kyouta for hurting Rika again but the host stops him and tells the love triangle to use the contest to resolve this. The host announces the next contestant as Tsubaki and Haru. All fired up, Haru grabs the microphone and ‘hits’ his fist with Tsubaki’s fist to announce that they will definitely win this contest and save Rika. While the host announces the next contestant, Tsubaki glances at Kyouta who is looking at her. She remembers him telling her that he won’t allow Haru to be hurt again from realizing Rika’s true nature. Tsubaki looks away and looks determined as she mentally says, “Sorry, Tsubaki-kun. I absolutely won’t back out because I clearly know that having a friend is really such a great thing. Because I know that finding a friend is also a lot of trouble. If joining this contest can enable the two of you to become friends again, I’ll definitely do my best in it. Right now, this is something that I can do for Tsubaki-kun.”

Kyouta looks slightly displeased as Rika says that braided girl doesn’t understand Kyouta because if Haru knew the truth, then all of those time of Kyouta pretending to be a bad guy and hurting Haru would have gone to waste. “Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to cooperate and help you.” Kyouta thanks her [maybe as sarcasm]. Rika says that it’s because she’ll definitely win. She thinks, “If I win- you’re going to give Kyouta to me.” So, Haru is fired up to win, Tsubaki is determined to win, Kyouta looks glum and Rika is very confident. The contests are: eating huge snow cone [shaved ice with syrup], touching cats, [Haru did well in those], math problem [Kyouta easily wins], what the guy and girl will answer for a question [both couples fail since their answers don’t match], popping balloon together, piggy-bank race [Haru loses = not athletic type]. So there are two final rounds and the scores so far are: Kyouta-Rika 420 points while Haru-Tsubaki 290 points. [Pretty good for a non real couple that] the other couples are dismayed/frustrated by it. In the next round, they are giving away 200 points to whoever is able to guess the hand of one’s partner just from touching/holding it. In a huge board, only the hands of the guys are ‘exposed’. The girls get their numbers as they line up and start holding/touch the hands. Unless it is the partner, they are not to make any sound. Rika is number 6 while Tsubaki is number 8. They both wonder how they are going to know which hand it is. Rika decides to just throw the game and just point to a hand and says that’s the one but she’s wrong. Tsubaki is the last one. She decides to try and guess even if she isn’t confident because if they win this, they can win against Kyouta-Rika. While holding the hands, Tsubaki thinks that she can’t figure it out. She remembers Haru holding cats so she quickly looks at the rest of the hands. She notices that the next guy’s hand has some of cat hair. She becomes confident that is Haru. She holds the hand in front of her. She thinks that it seems like a dream but she is absolutely sure it is Kyouta’s hand. She is right and to her surprise, Kyouta also squeezed her hand which made her realize that he knows that it is her. Blushing, Tsubaki writes something at the back of his hand with her finger then quickly pulls the other guy’s [Haru] hand and shouts that it’s this guy.

So now, Haru-Tsubaki has 490 score over Kyouta-Rika’s score of 420. Tsubaki is startled when Kyouta calls out to her. Holding up the back of his hand, he asks her what that meant. Tsubaki blushes upon realizing that it was indeed him and he knows that it was her. She just tells him that she involuntarily did that because she’s so happy. Kyouta says that it’s the same with him but he doesn’t plan on losing them. Tsubaki covers her mouth and blushes. Kyouta is blushing a bit, too. She had written, ‘like’ on his hand. Tsubaki thinks that she also won’t lose. The last round is the couples will be walking onstage in their ‘best outfit’ and the audience will decide who the best couple is. Backstage, Rika is wearing a really short Chinese dress. She is confident that with it, she’ll win. She is really happy to hear some girls are saying that ‘it’s so beautiful’ and ‘I’ll lose’. She snaps out of it when someone says, “Is she really that braided girl?” She quickly goes to look and sees Tsubaki beautiful made up in her Juliet outfit. While holding a cross-pendant necklace, Tsubaki asks Rika whose jaw just dropped, what’s up. Rika sweetly asks her to give her the necklace so that she can help Tsubaki put it on. [Naively,] Tsubaki gave it to her so Rika is now putting it on Tsubaki. Rika says that she is really surprised that Tsubaki is dress up like that so looking old-fashioned a while ago is her battle plan to make her [Rika] lower her guard. Tsubaki says that she didn’t think of that and she only tied her hair like that so it’s easier to move. Rika mutters, “It seems that it’s a good thing that I’ve prepared this earlier.” Tsubaki asks what she said. Rika says that it’s nothing and she’s finished putting the necklace on. Tsubaki thanks her and she stands up only to hear a loud ‘rip’ sound. Tsubaki turns around to see Rika had ripped her skirt [that Tsubaki’s legs can be seen] using a box cutter knife. Letting go of the knife, Rika smiles and says, “After winning the contest, the person who’ll get Kyouta afterwards, will be me.”

I’m pleasantly surprised by Tsubaki’s attitude. I thought, wow, she finally got a ‘spine’ and she’s willing to go against what Kyouta wants. I guess after the break up, she has decided to become more proactive rather than just sit there and do nothing. I hope she keeps this up even if it might cause minor frictions with Kyouta who seems to be more dominant in their relationship. Even if I’m happy her sticking with her decision since Kyouta seems insistent on just letting Haru be in eternal ‘ignorance is bliss’ state, I think she is going to make a huge mistake. Tsubaki naively thinks Rika is going to fix things with the two friends if she wins the contest. She went to that school and the girls there already told her about how notorious Rika is that both guys and girls are looking for her because they have 'harmed' them yet she still thinks that Rika would be nice enough to tell Haru willingly. On how she talked with Rika, it is obvious that Rika is an 'actress' who can pretend to be nice as she conceals her real awful character. Tsubaki's too nice. She should just have let Haru know where Rika studies so that Haru can stalk her. With all that stalking, I think Rika would finally break down and confess what really happen =P I think Rika is almost or probably much worse than those other girls who used to bully her when they learned that Tsubaki is Kyouta's girlfriend. Rika is more dangerous because what she does can't be 'proven'. There are no bruises and stuff so she can easily twist things and 'act' to make people believe her. In short, she has no remorse at using people and taking advantage of other people's kindness. I wonder if wanting to thank Tsubaki for her help is just an act. I think that if Tsubaki willingly becomes friends with her, she might end up as Rika’s next victim. Well, from the looks of things, she already became a victim with that ripped skirt. ^^; Rika suggesting that she win the contest before she tells the truth goes to show how unwilling she is to do that. Well, she is doing this because Tsubaki forced her to but she doesn't want to let Tsubaki have the upper hand. I think her pride is also hurt for KYouta to be going out with Tsubaki. Regardless of what she said that Tsubaki is Kyouta’s type, she will still want to 'win' against Kyouta's girlfriend since for me, Rika is the type of girl who doesn't want to lose. And that is one of the reasons why she framed Kyouta for the ‘rape’ incident. It seems that Rika is a bit naive that she thinks that just by winning this contest, she can get Kyouta back..probably to ‘play’ with him then dump him. I guess he symbolizes as the guy who ‘got away’ and as she said, humiliated her for thinking that she’s undesirable.

Given all that, Tsubaki is naive to actually believe that Rika is going to play fair. Given all the things Rika did, it is highly probable for her to pull that stunt. I guess that is Tsubaki's character is the type who keeps on hoping and 'looking' for a person's good side even if that person seems thoroughly hopeless. I mean, it is because of that, that she got Kyouta, right? Of course that makes Tsubaki vulnerable to pain and disappointments. Basically, that side of her character has a good and bad point. Good because she can win people, and bad because she will be in a lot of pain and be taken advantage of. So, I think Tsubaki and Kyouta should have talk things out on how to trap witty Rika in revealing the truth rather than for them to go against each other. Tsubaki is going to have a problem if she loses this contest and it isn't good for Kyouta to always keep this a secret. He shouldn't have let Rika get away with ruining his friendship with Haru. The truth will set Haru free and he will be free from more possible pain if he keeps on pursuing Rika who can still wrap Haru around her little finger. Haru has already lost one of his nine lives =P Hehe, my reason for why he is totally okay after the beating he got from Kyouta. With the help of Tsubaki or even his other friends, Kyouta should do something before Haru does something stupid and loses his 'other lives' for someone unworthy and unrepentant like Rika. Scans by 星空ツ泪 and Amyangel19910323 for BW

Word of the day:
When we feel pressure to conform, character can stand firm on the bedrock of conviction, saying, "This is God's way and it is best." Maintaining our character begins and continues with a decision. Let's make it today. ~ David C. McCasland from Our Daily Bread

Picture of the Day: Kazuma & Fumino from Faster Than a Kiss
Friday, October 30, 2009

I don’t usually write a teaser about this series because the summaries are behind but I just want to make a comparison for this month’s issue of Lala. [Edit: This is from chapter 30] In Ouran, Tamaki doesn’t want to tell Haruhi why he quit the club. In KWMS, Usui doesn’t want to tell Misaki about his past. Hehe, he actually told her to give him a kiss and he’ll tell all but Misaki won’t. If it was Fumino, she might actually just kiss him. Back to the comparison, Kazuma’s former sensei called. Fumino thought that it’s a girl so after Teppei slept, she confronted Kazuma about it. To her embarrassment, the teacher is a guy. Kazuma even teased her to sit beside him and he’ll tell her all about it. Even if she’s embarrassed, she still did it. Anyway, he told her about his past as a student. Nothing much to tell, because it’s pretty much like what Kazuma’s relationship with Fumino. A goofy-smiling English teacher keeps on ‘bugging’ Kazuma and is always nice to him thus softening his heart. Hehe, no wonder Kazuma has a soft spot for Fumino. I think she probably remind him of his past self. Oh wait..I guess it isn’t really a comparison since Kazuma did refuse to tell her much about his father before. ^^; Hm..how about like, because a couple has been together for a long time, it’s much easier to tell secrets/the past? =P Scan by filion for BW.

Picture of the Day: Ichigo of Bleach
Thursday, October 29, 2009

Opps..ran out of power? That’s what I thought after seeing this picture of Ichigo in chapter 380. Nah, that’s just his expression before he plummets down to the ground. Hehe, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen him with a goofy face like when Kenpachi saved him from last time. =P Anyway, he’s heading back to town along with Unohana. That’s good, for they have a healer for the injured/dying ones ^^ I wonder if the next chapter will be back in town or the captains finishing off Yammy. One Piece has a surprising cliffhanger..I wonder if Whitebeard would die from that kind of wound. Well, for sure, Ace is really going to a major guilt trip.

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 44-45]
Wednesday, October 28, 2009

*Crash* Chikai falls down along with some bento boxes. Hanabi is also on the floor. Chikai sits up and angrily calls Hanabi stupid for suddenly coming out when he could have landed safely on his own. He is still going to reprimand her when his expression softens upon seeing Hanabi in pain as she mutters that it hurts. She is pointing to her hand which Chikai seemed to have pinned down upon falling. Just then, a teacher comes in and asks what happened. After seeing Hanabi, the teacher tells her to go to the clinic. Later on, the teacher comments that Hanabi’s cooking is exceptionally good. While putting the food in the bento box, Chikai grumbles why he has to do this. The teacher who is washing the dishes laughs and says that he’s Hanabi’s boyfriend, so he should do this kind of thing when his girlfriend is injured. The teacher tells him that Hanabi fervently begged her to lend that place to her. Chikai just says that is basically Hanabi’s nature to give it all of her best, that idiot. Walking at the hallway, Hanabi looks at her bandaged left hand. She decides to email Chikai. She says that he was the one who helped her tidy up after the ‘accident’, thanks, she just came from the clinic and it’s a sprain. Outside the building, doing some woodwork, Chikai got her message. To Hanabi’s surprise, he wrote, “Idiot.” She thinks that it’s too short. Hanabi repeats her thanks and tells him that today, they are going to Kareshi’s house so they can’t go home together after school today. From the building above, Hanabi shows Chikai her bandaged hand. Chikai just ‘mouths’, idiot. Hanabi happily smiles at him as Chikai had answered her in email, is that so. Hanabi thinks that for her, this injury is like a medal. [Hehe, she is such a M[asochist] ^^;;]

Flashback: Chidori invited Masato to her house. Holding his hand, she happily told him to come in. Masato protested and pulled his hand away from her. Chidori’s smile disappeared. Masato grappled for words to decline her offer since it seems that he isn’t ready/it isn’t the proper time. Chidori looked flustered and apologized for making things hard on him. She said that she has no other intention but just for them to have tea and chat. Masato told her that there is no need for her to apologize since he should be the one apologizing. He called himself stupid as to what was he thinking. Chidori then said that she’ll go prepare tea. End flashback. Masato is standing in front of Kareshi’s house. Three of Kareshi’s younger siblings [two boys and 1 girl] are outside. One of the siblings calls out to Masato. Masato asks where Kareshi is. The girl says, “She told me to tell you that she’s not here.” The older boy reprimands the girl for adding, ‘she told me to tell you’ The girl apologizes for that. Masato is teary-eyed and gloomy upon hearing that. Masato looks up the house and shouts if Kareshi can hear him. “I..” At the same time, Masato’s cellphone in his bag which is on the floor starts ringing. The kids take his cellphone and read the message out loud just when Masato is saying something. “It’s an email from Miss Chidori? Yesterday? Tha-thank you, come again to my house [for fun].” Masato nervously exclaims that’s not it and it’s absolutely not that strange [kind of thing].. The window on the second floor opens and Kareshi tells her siblings to return the cellphone to Masato. The kids are scared so the older kid gives the phone back to Masato. Kareshi emails Masato a message. Masato takes off his eyeglasses. The kids ask him if he’s going home. Kareshi has emailed him, “Let’s break up.” Masato sadly walks away and just left the eyeglasses on the ground. Kareshi is crying.

Later on, Kareshi’s friends come to visit. They ask if she is alright. Kareshi thanks them for visiting. Kareshi is sitting up from her futon [so I guess she is crying-sleeping most of the time]. Kareshi thanks them for coming to see her. Hanabi says that they are worried since she isn’t replying to their emails. Hanabi asks if she is feeling better now. After seeing Hanabi’s bandaged hand, Kareshi asks what happened to Hanabi’s hand. Hanabi laughs and exclaims that she has been too enthusiastic with her love attack plan that, this had happened. Kareshi then looks down and tells them that she and Masato have broken up. Her friends are stunned then exclaims why and when did it happen. Kareshi says that he was stolen by some girl. Touching Kareshi’s shoulder, Hanabi asks if this is okay and did she talk properly with Masato. Everyone especially Hanabi is stunned when Kareshi says, “The feeling of having one’s boyfriend stolen, Hanabi can’t understand it, right?” Hanabi takes her hand away from Kareshi. Kareshi then bends down to cry as she apologizes [for that remark]. Hanabi narrates that what comes to her mind, every time she says she likes Chikai, is Kareshi’s expression, before she always thought that it was because Kareshi was worried about her. Ding-dong. Chikai has arrived to walk Hanabi to school. Chikai asks her to give him her school bag. She asks why. He says just says, ‘hand’ → her hand is injured. While carrying both their bags, Chikai walks ahead and looks back to see Hanabi crying. He asks if she is so happy that she’s crying. Hanabi shouts that it isn’t so. Then, tears kept on falling. Narration: “Uno Chikai only asked once why I’m crying. I didn’t answer, I couldn’t answer.”

At the street, Hanabi pulls the bag from Chikai and tells him that it’s okay for him to walk her up to there. Chikai insists that he’ll bring her bag up to her classroom. Hanabi is surprised by this. She exclaims that there is no need for that because it will be too much of a hassle to explain and it will just lead to a misunderstanding. It might be peculiarly noticed that they are eating in an empty classroom. Hanabi says that it is only in the morning when they walk together and she can say that they occasionally meet each other but if he is carrying her bag. “This ‘temporary’ thing, won’t everyone notice it?” Hanabi is also tense that Kareshi might see them. Chikai didn’t listen to her as he keeps on walking ahead that Hanabi lost her grip on her bag. In Hanabi’s classroom, all of the girls are looking at Hanabi’s direction as Chikai puts her bag on her desk. Hanabi nervously looks at Kareshi’s desk. It’s empty. Chikai hits her forehead and says, “See ya.” Hanabi thanks him. After Chikai left, the other girls go to Hanabi to interrogate her about it since it seems that their relationship is quite good. Hanabi just says that she is injured. They ask about her injury and if Chikai helped her carry her bag just because she is injured. Hanabi wonders what she should do next as she tries to explain that isn’t up to that degree yet [their relationship]. The other girls are already saying that Hanabi is really great and they are frustrated [since she got Chikai first]. Atsumi, together with Mii, tells the others that they just happen to be on the same way [thus they meet coincidentally]. The other girls ask if that is true. Later on, at the hallway, Hanabi thanks Atsumi and Mii for their help since she can’t properly explain this ‘temporary time’. Hanabi asks about Kareshi. Atsumi says that she will be absent for another day. Hanabi looks sad. Atsumi tells Hanabi that even if Kareshi said that –Hanabi couldn’t understand the feelings of someone whose boyfriend was stolen– but she thinks that Kareshi isn’t criticizing Hanabi for stealing Chikai from his girlfriend. Hanabi doesn’t seem to believe that. Atsumi tells her that didn’t Chikai told her that Christmas night that it has nothing to do with her. Hanabi just laughs since she knows that it is just cold comfort. “According to Uno Chikai, I basically don’t have the strength to steal him away. This is the truth that I knew deeply that night. But, what if, I’m not around..” There is a scene of Chikai together with Yukine.

Four girls look stunned upon seeing Masato without his glasses. He still looks sad. They whisper if that guy is really from their school, he’s so cute. After he walks away, they say that since he is wearing overalls, he is probably from the work craft section. One girl says that among the work craft section, she still thinks that Chikai is more handsome. Another girl says that it seems that Chikai is already together with the freshman from their section. A girl says that she felt a bit disappointed even if it is just Chikai carrying the bag of that girl this morning. Another girl says that her kouhai said that the girl [Hanabi] denied it. Smiling, Shinichi muses out loud that up to here it has already spread and that those two lovers are really noticeable. The girls exclaim, so it is true that they are lovers since Shinichi is the guy who’s always with Chikai. At the restaurant where they work, Chidori is stunned upon seeing Masato without the glasses. Masato tells her ‘good work’. Chidori exclaims what happened to his eyeglasses. Masato just laughs-sad, and says he doesn’t need it anymore because those eyeglasses are a pair. Chidori has a clownish-smile. [Totally reminds me of SB! Shou’s smile after he did ‘that’ to Kyouko.] She pats his head and tells him that next time, they’ll go to a happier place to have fun in order to help him forget. At the place where Hanabi works, the boss greets Atsumi whom he calls ‘gummy*’ and Chikai whom he calls a good-looking guy. [*- like gummy bears but in Chinese it is ‘soft candy’ like gummies, gumdrops, jellybean. I think it’s cuter to call her gummy instead of ‘soft candy’ ^^; I don’t know what the exact term in Japanese. Hm..I wonder if he calls her that as a different way for calling chubby or because she’s always smiling = sweet? ] Hanabi went there with the two of them. Gesturing towards Chikai, the boss asks him that since Hanabi is able to stay with him does it mean that he’s a girl. Chikai tells him no because he has that [thing]. Hanabi shouts for them to quit talking about that. Embarrassed, Hanabi tells the boss that she wants to take a leave of absence for a few days because she has injured her hand. The boss says that is a huge issue. He teases Hanabi that the feeling of being wrapped in bandage is very obscene. [I think he means ‘bondage’] Aghast, Hanabi angrily tells him that it isn’t so and calls him an obscene guy.

The boss notices that Chikai is looking at him. He smiles at Chikai and tells him that he’s just joking and he doesn’t have that kind of desire towards Hanabi. “There’s no need for you to worry, handsome boy.” Hanabi blushes and exclaims in shock. Chikai asks him what he meant by that. The boss just says that he is talking to himself. He asks Atsumi if she’s going to work today. Atsumi says she will later on. Hanabi thinks, “What is he saying worry! It’s impossible! Totally impossible..” Chikai looks away and says, “..ah.” They look at the side to see Sasa. Sasa says that he was surprised that everyone is there. Wondering what to do/explain to Atsumi, Hanabi just tells her that Sasa is a regular customer there. Atsumi whispers to her that it is alright, she knows everything. This surprises Hanabi. The boss asks why Sasa is also there. Sasa says that he just happen to pass by there. The boss comments that the youngsters’ cultural festival is so fun. Just then, his cellphone is ringing so he tries to answer it but it falls down on the floor. Hanabi’s eyes widen upon seeing the cellphone as the boss picks it up. Hanabi tries to ask something after seeing the picture of Princess Ami-sensei is on his cellphone. The boss holds up his phone and says that she [Ami] is his wife. Sasa is stunned. The boss says, “Gummy knows about it.” Atsumi looks flustered and almost teary-eyed as Sasa probably looks at her, still stunned. Not much expression from Chikai. Hanabi’s expression isn’t shown. Atsumi is holding tight on Hanabi’s sleeve. Later on, Chikai is walking ahead followed by Hanabi at a park, I think. They aren’t talking. Chikai looks back and holds out his hand to her. He pulls her scarf and shouts, “Doggie, you’re too slow—” Hanabi barks. Chikai looks at her being depressed then he walks ahead still holding her scarf. Hanabi then says, “Why…is Uno Chikai here?”

Hmm..it seems that they won’t even make it to the deadline because Hanabi is guilt-ridden over stealing Chikai from Yukine as Kareshi, intentionally or not, implied. It seems the thing with Sasa has also bothered her but I guess that will be explained in the next chapter. Too bad, it’s just when she now has Chikai’s full attention because he’s ‘caring’ for her because of her injury that was somehow caused by him. I wonder if Chikai is doing all of that because he is just a gentleman in nature or as the boss mentioned, Chikai actually has feelings for Hanabi. Maybe Chikai just doesn’t know/isn’t conscious of it. If the boss is right then, I guess Hanabi really did cause the break-up of Chikai and Yukine. Hanabi is right though that if she isn’t there, those two might not have broken up. I wonder what desperate things Shinichi will do if those two ‘breaks up’ since he seems to be actively spreading the news that Chikai and Hanabi are lovers. I wonder if Kareshi would actually look pretty, too without the glasses. She seems to be plain because of her family background. Anyway, Kareshi is really hurting but her remark to Hanabi is really unnecessary. It’s like she’s venting her frustration on the ‘other girl’/Chidori on Hanabi when Hanabi is just comforting her. Actually, what Hanabi said is good advice about the two talking about it properly but Kareshi just thinks the worse of Masato and think that he is already two-timing. Pretty much what Yukine thinks, I guess. Well, it can’t be helped because Kareshi has already some family problems and she couldn’t handle anymore stress from her love life. It seems that they are doomed to split up because Kareshi isn’t allowing Masato to explain and she easily gives up on him. Well, it is also because of her answer to Masato’s proposal before. Masato doesn’t seem to be trying hard and he should stay away from Chidori. That’s pretty much the things that Chikai did. ^^;;

Okay, it is like history is repeating itself but I guess somehow, those two will make up later on. It seems that this series has overlapping same themes but different circumstances. Aside from that ‘boyfriend stealing’, Hanabi’s situation is the same with Shinichi’s. The difference is she’s a girl and he’s a boy. It seems that Atsumi is also going to pursue her ‘unrequited love’, too. I think Atsumi is the closest girlfriend of Hanabi among the girls. Well, right now, it seems that she might have a chance with Sasa so all four girls will have their own love life ^^ I wonder if the author will also include Chikai’s other two friends, too because when this series started, I thought that the friends will just be on the sidelines but the author actually gave each of them their own respective love problems. Well, maybe adding those two would be too much if all the characters are ‘lovey-dovey’. ^^; Of course, it’s finally confirmed that the boss is married to Ami. I’m amused with that couple because both are all about ‘love’. Ami is about romantic love and the boss is about the ‘sex’ part of love since he seems to be into obscenity =P I begin to entertain the idea that these two used to go to that school together and probably met there, too so they are closely affiliated with it. If that is so, the author is also going for a ‘what happens after they graduate’ type of scenario. I wonder if we’ll get some sort of flashback or a side story of those two how they end up together. I’m also curious if the boss has good instincts with love just like his wife. It is because of what he mentioned about Chikai being ‘worried’ when he is somewhat ‘flirting’ with Hanabi. If that is so, I wonder if he actually knew why Sasa kept on going to his store which specializes on cute things for girls, unless of course, he is the type who knows about everyone else but clueless about himself. Hehe, maybe he will be the male counterpart of Ami who in a way ‘guides’ the guys in this series as much as how Ami ‘guides’ the girls in this series. ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Quote of the day:
Truth springs from argument amongst friends. ~ David Hume

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 39]
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Chizuru, together with Ayane, sheepishly smiles and says that it’s a good thing that Ryu knew where Shouta was. Ryu says that it’s because he just talked with Shouta. Chizuru asks what they talked about. After a pause, Ryu says that it’s a secret. Chizuru can only complain why. There is a scene of Shouta telling Ryu that Sawako is always misunderstood because she wasn’t able to express her true feelings and he likes the Sawako who kept on trying her utmost best [to express herself]. “I also won’t want to give up..because I like you.” In the room, Shouta hears the door slightly opening. Shouta calls out if it’s Ryu. He approaches the door and sees Sawako through the door’s glass window. He is like 1-2 meters away from the door. He mutters her name. The two look flustered. Sawako grips her fist and thinks that she can’t stop shaking since it’s the moment for her to tell him of her affections. Before she can say anything, Shouta apologizes to her. “Sorry for making you cry. I’m very sorry for making you feel awkward. ...I’ve kept on saying things without care or regard [of you]..I’m sorry. If there is something you want to tell me later on..at that time, just tell me. I want to hear it. ..it’s okay no matter what it is, my feelings won’t change.” Sawako just says, “..okay..” She remembered him telling her that his ‘like’/love isn’t the same as her ‘like’ and what he said just now about ‘it won’t change’. He somewhat looks away and tells her that if she is looking for Chizuru and Ayane, they would most probably be outside.. Sawako quickly shouts, “..No! I came to see Kazehaya-kun! ..I have something to say..I have something to tell you so I came here..!” She thinks that it isn’t okay for things to be like this. She tells him that it’s alright for him to just stand there. “Please listen to what I have to say.” Shouta blushes a bit and says, “..okay!” While touching the door, Sawako tells him that until now, if she does something, everyone would always say ‘I’m sorry’ to her so when she first met him, he smiled and said, ‘Thank you’. It made her very happy. While remembering him said that he never treated her equally/the same as like the others, Sawako thinks that even if it’s like that, she is still very happy because it seems that the world has color now. “Kazehaya-kun has changed my world and with his presence alone, he has changed my ‘everyday’.”

Sawako tells him that she did totally different [opposite of what she usually does] things during that time to Shouta so this time around, do not say ‘I’m sorry’ and only listen to what she has to say. “Thank you for smiling at me. Thank you for talking to me during that time. ..Thank you for being nice to me. ..You’ve taught me these feelings that I have not experienced before, thank you.” There is a long pause. Sawako then says, “That’s not it..” Shouta is about to call her name when Sawako says, “I like you.” Shouta is surprised. Teary-eyed Sawako keeps on saying, “..I like you. I like you. I like you. ...I like you. I like you..” Sawako thinks that she couldn’t and doesn’t know how to convey all of her feelings but only, she likes him. While reading ‘like’ in her mind, Sawako is surprised when Shouta tries to open the door. She exclaims that he shouldn’t because right now.. He has opened the door. Sawako is teary-eyed and blushing. She thinks, “..making you see my face, it’s really embarrassing..” Shouta looks surprised then he grabs her hand and pulls her inside the room. The door closes and no one is at the hallway. The bell is ringing. Outside, while everyone is leaving/saying goodbye to each other, Chizuru is telling Ayane if they should go ahead first. Ayane says that she is still concern/curious about what happened. Just then, Soichi passes by calling out to Shouta. Chizuru nervously exclaims if those two will really be alright. Ayane tells her that it should be okay and just leave Soichi to Ryu. Soichi sees Ryu and asks where Shouta is. Ryu just keeps on smiling. Chizuru asks Ayane if it will be alright because Ryu can’t tell a lie. Ayane just says that even so, the person they are talking about is Soichi who is an idiot. The two become nervous when Pin is asking them if they know where Sawako is. Chizuru exclaims that they don’t know. Pin says that they’re useless. Ayane protests about it and asks what it is, she’ll just tell it to Sawako. Pin says that they won’t understand even if he tells them. Pin starts giggling and says that he thought of something really good and doable. The girls nervously think that it is definitely something not good. Pin turns around and says that maybe she is in the classroom. The girls exclaim in shock. While pushing him away, they shout that Sawako has already left for home. Pin shouts that if they knew, why they didn’t say so earlier. They just shout that they forgot and only remembered now that Sawako has left. Pin just protests what’s going on. Soichi overhears them and he decides to look for Shouta in the classroom. The scene changes into section 2-D. Everything is quiet as Shouta is hugging Sawako. It is only when Sawako slightly grabs his shirt that Shouta pulls away and calls her name. This snaps Sawako up. Blushing face and teary-eyed, she looks up at him. She wipes her tears in a way that she won’t look at him and kept on saying, “I..” Shouta tells her to wait, not to look away but look at him. “..I..always felt that it seems you couldn’t look [upfront] at me.”

Sawako puts down her hands and looks at him as Shouta is still holding on to her shoulders. The two look at each other but they quickly part away when Soichi slams open the door and exclaims, “Ah, I’ve found you, Kazehaya!” Soichi is surprised to see Sawako and asks didn’t she go home already. “Pin was looking for you.” Sawako is surprised by this. Soichi says that it seems really important. “Speaking of that, what are you two doing?” Sawako goes into shock as she wonders what were they doing -> Shouta holding her seems totally out of this world. Sawako becomes dark and tense as she backs away. This puzzles Soichi. She is pretty much freaking out over what happened. Before Shouta could call her, Sawako has shouted that Pin is looking for her. She quickly runs away. Shouta can only shout for Sawako but it’s futile, she already left. Soichi happily asks what Shouta was doing a while ago since he was looking for Shouta for such a long time. Flustered, Shouta says he’s still asking that. Weakened, Shouta sighs and bends down. Soichi asks what happened. Shouta just tells him that it was an important thing. Soichi is clueless so he says forget it, and asks Shouta if it’s okay for the snack, that will be served during the assembly in a little while, to be 7 parts salty and 3 parts sweet or should it be 8:2. Shouta angrily shouts that any will do. So, flustered Sawako is still running off and flustered Shouta seems a bit surprised about what happened. At Chizuru’s place, Chizuru exclaims, “Fail?!” Ayane quickly covers Chizuru’s mouth as some other girls say that even if they made a mistake, they can turn in into men’s clothes. Ayane says okay. [They are sewing for the costumes so the other girls thought that Chizuru made a mistake.] The three huddle together and start whispering. Ayane asks if Sawako has already confessed. Sawako nervously says, “Pretty much.” Chizuru exclaims what she meant by that. Sawako says that she wasn’t able to say one-tenth of her feelings. Chizuru nervously asks what did Shouta said. Sawako stares off and remembers the out of this world experience she had → being hugged by Shouta. Ayane becomes tense that she also asks what did Shouta said. Sawako becomes nervous as she wasn’t able to tell them. Then someone shouts if everyone is working. Pin exclaims in shock to see that Sawako is there. The other two girls exclaim why Pin is there. Sawako has forgotten all about him. Pin says that as the homeroom teacher, he has something that he wants to talk about with Sawako regarding tomorrow’s performance. Ayane exclaims for him to tell Sawako about it tomorrow. Chizuru complains why her mother let Pin in. Pin tells Sawako to come with him for he’ll tell her about a good idea which will help them earn high points from the judges. Sawako nervously says yes. Ayane comments out loud that by just looking at Pin’s expression, it is surely something malicious [= literally, ‘bad heart’ in Chinese] Sawako becomes nervous about this word, ‘malice’.

Outside the room, Pin is happily telling Sawako what to do during tomorrow’s performance. He is surprised when Sawako is covering her face from embarrassment and cries that she has no alternative but to have malice when looking at Shouta. Pin becomes nervous and congratulates her. Sawako says that she isn’t worthy to be praised because Shouta has clearly said that his feelings won’t change. She tells Pin that it’s all over for her and she doesn’t know what to do. Pin sighs and asks if she actually thinks that Shouta and other people don’t have malice. Pointing to his chest, he says, “It’s ‘heart’. Of course, they have it, too.” Giving her a small bag of groceries, he tells her to put it [each per] plate of all the judges tomorrow. Sawako just says okay. He tells her that to have malice is but natural. Sawako says okay. Pin says that what she talked about with him [Shouta?] today, she should say it again to him tomorrow. He says something about being reckless and troublesome. Then, he bids her goodbye. Blushing, Sawako says yes again. While walking, Pin realizes that it seems what he just said something quite philosophical. He turns around and thinks that he should hurry and find Shouta. Somewhere else, Shouta tells some guys about using the toilet next. Ryu is already sleeping on the floor. Shouta takes out his cellphone and is about to use it when Pin arrives. He calls out to Shouta, a student who only has malice. Shouta quickly pushes him out and shouts for him to leave. Pin protests while saying that malice [‘bad heart’] is still heart. Shouta shouts that he knows so Pin should go. Pin angrily shouts to the others that Shouta’s brain is filled with malice. The others wonder what’s up with Shouta and Pin. The girls at Sawako’s side are excited with the preparations and someone exclaim she got a message from Ju[?] about Pin going there [boy’s side] and they didn’t make any progress. Ayane asks Sawako when they are going to talk tomorrow. Sawako says before the parade. Back at the guy’s side, a guy asks Shouta what Pin meant by malice. Shouta laughs and says that he also wants to know and he wonders what’s up with Pin. Soichi laughs that Pin still likes to mess with Shouta. Another guy says that Soichi keeps on eating the snacks. A guy is waking Ryu up. Shouta sighs and write an email to Sawako. Subject: Tomorrow. Message: Let’s talk properly again tomorrow. Narration: “Anticipating. Heart beating. Uneasiness. ..Quickly, I want to quickly see you. It has been a long time since I felt that tomorrow is so far away.”

So, finally, she manages to confess and unfortunately, they are interrupted again. ^^; The author seems to be going for the ‘third time is the charm’. Honestly, I’m not that too excited because I think it’s just a matter of time for these two to get together. It’s just somewhat predictable or maybe because the first confession didn’t turn out okay so surely, the next one will be okay. Hehe..ah, it was partly okay this time. ^^; Also, it seems that the author is aiming for everyone, as in all their friends including Pin, to have a hand in getting them together again. Of course, the lesson is, even with everyone’s help, the people involve should also have the initiative to do something. Scans by BW and PSS scanlation group. By the way, thanks to jac, I learned that there is already a chapter 40 scanlation in baidu. ^^; I might just wait for the nicer scans since I’m already summarizing some other series and Kimi ni Todoke is in no danger of becoming a ‘backlog’. Well, in the next chapter, it is basically ‘kimi ni todoke’ [reaching you] as Shouta makes his public confession. ^^

Quote of the day:
Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. ~ Author Unknown

More Stuff about Ouran High Host Club 75
Monday, October 26, 2009

*Ugh..* Oh dear, oh dear..after reading the Chinese scans of this chapter..it is much sadder than I thought. It really hurts the heart with the things they are saying especially what Tamaki said to Haruhi. Poor Haruhi..no wonder she’s so sad-hurt that stormy night. Here are just some additional stuff about the chapter: That day, Haruhi made all of Tamaki’s favorite dishes. It seems that Tamaki’s excuse for not joining the club is because he is busy with other things regarding Suou businesses which he wanted to do and he wanted to concentrate on that. Also, he is ‘freeing’ Haruhi from her debt. He is going to pay the rest of what she owes the club so she can leave the club anytime. That what made Haruhi shout that she doesn’t accept that reason and she wants him to tell her the truth why he’s quitting and what did his grandmother told him. Tamaki pretty much flatly told her that it is none of her business. His grandmother’s ‘threat’ about Haruhi is somewhat like Tamaki not knowing his position for he kept on troubling/causing trouble to Haruhi and messing up her life so he should take responsibility for it. It is either he stop troubling Haruhi and severs his ties with Haruhi else, they will make Haruhi leave the school. When Kyouya asks if he is going to just give up everything to respect his grandmother’s instruction, Tamaki says that it isn’t so/it isn’t like that. Haruhi turns out to be a lot gusty than I thought. Not only she knew that Tamaki’s grandmother has something to do with what he is saying/doing, she wants to meet the grandmother herself to ask her about the reason why Tamaki is quitting. Kyouya is already thinking that Tamaki’s grandmother won’t just easily let Haruhi go since she has been deemed as a hindrance. This is proven when Kousaka goes to Ryouji with documents for Haruhi to study abroad in the United States. She even told him that it is not wise to reject it. The proposal is for Haruhi to study abroad as an exchange student until she graduates high school, and all expenses will be paid by Suou. It’s a great help for someone like Haruhi and this is a rare opportunity to come by for a family like Ryouji’s. That’s when the water splash comes from as Ryouji says not to look down on them.

At the company, Haruhi and others want to talk with Tamaki’s grandmother but the receptionists tell them that she isn’t in the company. That is when Tamaki’s father meets with them. He tells the receptionists not to tell this incident to his mother. At the lounge, Tamaki’s father just says that if Tamaki won’t talk about it, he won’t say anything either to respect Tamaki’s wishes. Haruhi says that she knows that Tamaki doesn’t really want to quit the club and since he mentioned about Tamaki’s wishes, why did the servants in the second residence fired and Antoinette taken away. Tamaki’s father just says that he appreciate them and thanks them for becoming friends with Tamaki. “But..my head hurts..right now, for me, your [everyone/not only Haruhi] existence just causes more trouble.” No wonder everyone is tense-displeased. That’s when Tamaki enters and asks why they are skipping class. When Haruhi says that she wants to know the truth, Tamaki shouts that she’s too noisy/shut up, go back! This startles Haruhi. Tamaki looks flustered and troubled as he says, “Haruhi..please..for you to be like this just causes [me] trouble..!!” And during that night with the earplugs, she had remembered what Tamaki said that from now on, he isn’t going to let her get out of his sight. Ah..so much for that. This somewhat reminds me of what KWMS’ Usui is doing to Misaki. ^^; I thought that Tamaki’s father is just some ‘happy fool’ but I’m surprised that he actually said that to Tamaki’s friends. So, my theory is Tamaki and probably his father, too, have some sort of plan but they need everyone especially Haruhi to be clueless about it. I guess it is somewhat to ensure/trick Tamaki’s grandmother won’t suspect a thing. Anyway, Haruhi is tired from the surprises and emotions for today but with the guts she showed this time, I don’t think she is going to give up easily after being rebuffed like that. Maybe Haruhi and the others will think of something. Hm..I wonder how they will react when they learn that Tamaki’s grandmother tries to ‘buy Haruhi off’ through studying abroad + all expenses paid. It’s like two birds with one stone. Haruhi is away and she is paid off to stay away from Tamaki. Well, I guess some of you don’t like how the series is turning out but for me, it’s okay since I’m curious on how the author is going to deal with this cliche plotline since there are indeed a lot of stories with that rich-poor love story.

Quote of the day:
Spiteful words can hurt your feelings but silence breaks your heart. ~ Author Unknown

Teasers: Vampire Knight 55, Ouran High Host Club 75 and Kaichou wa Maid-sama! 43
Saturday, October 24, 2009

For VK 55 and Ouran 75 raw scans/pictures, check out this link site. Thanks, Amy..I actually saw the VK chapter late last night. ^^ Hehe, seeing the cover of Lala made my heart sank a little. Yes, I do want Yuuki x Zero but then, I guess the Kaname fan in me made me sad for him because Yuuki would most probably be breaking his heart soon. I’m actually amused with some Chinese fans who mentioned that seeing that cover made them not want to buy the magazine and someone starts giving some unsolicited advice to Kaname regarding Yuuki when s/he doesn’t know what’s the chapter is all about yet ^^; Guess, they are Kaname fans and I can relate to what they are saying =P From comments in BW, it turns out that the tragedy in VK 55 is just Ouri being killed off. He turns out to be Sarah’s fiance and, it seems that Sara ‘ate’ him because she knew that Kaname ‘ate’ Shizuka. Some sort of power play, I guess. The other one dead seems to be a vampire hunter who either committed suicide or bitten by a vampire. Haha, I’m starting to entertain [from BW] vergil_devil’s suggestion that Zero and Yuuki should just elope and stop making Kaname suffer especially since Kaname has enough problems as it is. Hehe, but then, I guess Kaname brought this to himself, too. ^^; Let’s just wait for the English scanlation to know what exactly is happening in that chapter.

As for Ouran 75, Tamaki informs everyone about his decision which is about quitting the club, I guess. The twins and Haruhi protest but Tamaki didn’t listen to them. He even coldly rebuffs Haruhi. Haruhi seems to be heartbroken that she quickly packed the food she prepared specially for that day when they finally are going to eat with Tamaki. She left, followed by the twins and the others (Honey and Mori). Kyouya just look at the direction where Tamaki left. He goes there to see the poor guy crying on the floor =( Kyouya steps on him about putting up such a strong front. Tamaki tells Kyouya about his meeting with his grandmother. Lots of talk but, I think he was blackmailed regarding Haruhi because her name is mentioned by his grandmother and there is a mention of school. Back to Haruhi, the others try to comfort her but to their surprise, it seems that she knows that Tamaki said those things because of his grandmother. In class, Kyouko seems to have excused himself after receiving a message on his cellphone. I think he pretends to want to go to the clinic and asks Tamaki to accompany him. It turns out that Kyouya is going to bring Tamaki elsewhere. Kyouya informs him that Haruhi and others went to see his father and probably, it will cause trouble if his grandmother learns about it. At Haruhi’s house, Kousaka is shock at Ryouji’s made up [girl] face. After recovering, Kousaka gives him some documents. I think it is Tamaki’s grandmother’s wish to send Haruhi away -> study abroad. Inside while having some drink, Kousaka said something about ‘future’, ‘situation’ but it angered Ryouji probably because they were looked down on that he splashed water/tea on Kousaka. Elsewhere, Haruhi and others went to meet with Tamaki’s father. Tamaki’s father thanked them for their concern regarding Tamaki and he said something that made everyone surprised-tense. Maybe he said it’s a private matter.

Just then, Tamaki and Kyouya enter the room. Tamaki seems to be telling Haruhi that she shouldn’t have skip class. Haruhi seems shock when Tamaki said something about being ‘confused’. Later on, they all head back. Kyouya noticed that Tamaki’s father is talking with someone on the phone. I think Tamaki’s father just gave orders for the host club to be closed [no activities] forever. Everyone except Tamaki and Kyouya brought Haruhi to her house. They seem to be worried about her because of the coming stormy weather – Haruhi’s scared of thunder. Haruhi probably says she’s okay since she looks cheerful enough. In the house, Haruhi notices two washed cups again and thinks that there was a visitor. Then, there is a thunder. She freaks out and quickly tries to find the earplugs that Tamaki gave her. Looking at the earplugs, she remembers the time when Tamaki hugged and comforted her. In the last scene, Haruhi hides underneath a blanket and teary-eyed. She made some sound so I’m amusing that she’s crying, all alone in that stormy night. =( Things aren’t well and it seems that Tamaki’s grandmother is ‘winning’. Hm..it seems that Tamaki’s father isn’t an ‘ally’ either. I guess he has his own motives that he doesn’t want Tamaki’s friends to interfere with his own plans. Ah..it’s really sad to see those two crying..okay, Tamaki’s crying is usually for comedy effect though I have a feeling that he might be crying when he’s home alone, too, later on especially regarding how he treated Haruhi. I did entertain the thought that Tamaki might appear in her house or something but then, I think he has to somehow, stay away from her to protect her. I’m wondering though why didn’t Hikaru stayed. He should have insisted even if she says that she’s alright. It’s a missed opportunity. Is this the first time we’ll be seeing Haruhi cry like that? Well, I think Tamaki and Haruhi can only depend on their friends for support and help. I guess Kyouya needs to step up his investigation about things so that they can be more prepared on what to expect, will happen = lessen the pain, in some way and they won’t be caught off guard. I’m sure Ryouji will help her daughter even if he isn’t ‘happy’ with Tamaki because he will prioritize his daughter’s happiness. Ah, but then, he might want her to stay away from the Suou-s because he might think that Haruhi will only get herself hurt. Hmm..^^; I guess it’s a bit hard to say because Ryouji did go through that kind of relationship wherein many people disapprove. I think that might be the purpose of his side story. Anyway, I don’t think that things are going to improve soon.

KWMS 43 starts at Cafe Latte, Satsuki is thinking about the menu and it seems that Usui isn’t going there lately. She wonders out loud if Usui is busy and if Misaki knows something about this. Dressed up as a strict teacher, Misaki angrily says, well..probably, she doesn’t know. After the shock, Satsuki goes into some fangirl mood about how S[adist] Misaki is, as a teacher. It turns out that there cafe theme for the day is teachers. Misaki looks displeased as she remembers that night when she asked Usui why he is at Maki’s place that day. Flashback: I think Usui tried to say it isn’t him or some alibi but Misaki shouted for him not to make this thing as if she doesn’t have any concern about it. I think she asked him about his past/background. Usui just sighs and tells her that it is as she said, he is a pervert alien. It seems Misaki is shouting for him to answer properly but whatever Usui told her made her angry and flustered. In short, he isn’t going to tell her. End flashback. That part in the caf‚ ends with Misaki giving some books for the three idiots to study. The next day in school, Misaki notices some ruckus at the school building nearby. She goes to check it out and it seems some male students are ogling at some girl..well, Misaki heard a girl’s voice. She goes into demon mode which made the guys scampering away. She quickly checks out the girl in trouble who turns out to be a grown up woman, wearing sexy dress. [It’s obviously that woman is the one whom Tora is talking with in the last chapter. The woman is typical of the ‘girly’ type, seems like the opposite of Misaki.] The woman explains what happened – why she was in that situation. Misaki helps her up and wonders who this woman is. When the woman stands up, I think she just flipped her skirt since Misaki starts blushing, looks tense and shock. [Ah..saw the woman’s panties? ^^;;] Soon, the woman is making a ruckus in the school because she turns out to be a teacher in that school..English teacher? Her name is Miyasono Maria. I think she is going to be a co-faculty of 2-2 section. The guys are rejoicing. Usui just yawns and Maria is looking at him. Soon, the guys are ‘harrassing’ Maria that even the other homeroom teacher can’t do anything about it. It’s up to Misaki to save her. Hehe, she goes into demon mode and off they leave. Usui just glances at her. At the hallway, Misaki is telling something to the other teacher and it seems he is just embarrassed for being helpless. Misaki tells Maria to wear something more conservative. At the faculty room, Maria is listening to what the other teachers are talking about Misaki – helpful yet a devil? I don’t know what Maria told them but she is acting ‘helpless’ and seems to want them to teach her something. The all male faculty goes ‘gaga’ over her. In her last sentence, I can only read ‘poor taste’..I wonder if she meant the school or Usui’s taste for women.

At the student council room, Misaki mentioned about Maria and some sort of ball game then she promptly leaves. Yukimura asks Usui something about today and ‘notice’. Usui just sighs, scratches his head and quietly leaves. Yukimura is puzzled. At the hallway, Misaki stops walking and mutters something...ah, about Usui not saying anything? The next day, Misaki is exasperated at Maria’s outfit. I think Maria tells her that now her cleavage can’t be seen but Misaki has a problem with her skirt which is too short. Maria is displeased then she starts crying-whining about being short as compared to Misaki. Misaki 165cm while Maria 149 cm. [I think Maria meant that she has to wear short skirts so that she’ll appear tall] Misaki is confused at what’s her problem is but I guess in the end, Misaki just lets it go since she sighs and said something. In section 2-1, some PE guy mentioned about some basketball game with some special prize trip coupon for the winners. Everyone is bored/not interested in it until one guy suggests that it be something related with Maria..ah, date/she’ll be the adviser for the trip for the winners? Misaki is surprise at how all the guys in her class become really excited about it that they all left to inform others, leaving Misaki and a few girls in class. Because of the pressure, the teachers agree to it and posted it on the bulletin board. Misaki is aghast and decides to let it be. At the gym, Misaki shouts at the guys playing about they are going to win. They seems stunned about it..why she want to win? Not sure who but it is imagined that Misaki will end up protecting Maria from the ‘wolves’. [Maybe Misaki doesn’t really want to give it all since she doesn’t want to play bodyguard] There is some talk but I guess it is mostly about Misaki’s competitive spirit about their class becoming the strongest or something. Of course, Hinata is ‘gaga’ over her..puppy eyes, ears and sparkles ^^; Then, there is some narration about the practice..which seems to be a rumble..probably with their own motives about winning. There are some students just watching at the sides, not interested. The day before the meet/game, Misaki is walking around the school and hears the voice of Maria below the stairs. She wonders whom is Maria talking with in English. Ta-da, it’s none other than Usui. [The scene reminds me of Skip Beat! ^^;] The English is unreadable but Maria calls Usui, “Takumi” ← in English. Misaki quickly hides then probably wonders why she is hiding. She can’t hear clearly what they are talking about but Misaki is totally shock and flustered when she heard Takumi says, “Maria” ← in English. She suddenly grips her chest and I think she assumes that it is just some indigestion about something she ate yesterday. ^^; She then quietly-sadly goes up the stairs again. Usui probably sensed her since he is looking up the direction of the stairs. Then, Usui and Maria talk some more..I can’t make sense of it but probably Maria asking him if he’s confused but he said something about the past but it’s in the form of a question. At the gym, the guys seem to be easy going until Misaki appears and tells them about a special training. Misaki looks really furious that she kept on shouting and telling the guys how to play. She gets the basketball and angrily hits the basketball court with it. The guys are all scared. Misaki shouted something about Usui’s name..hehe, I guess she’s cursing him already..like Usui..stupid or something like that ^^;;

Those poor guys, Misaki is venting her anger, frustration and jealousy on them. ^^; Well, it seems that we have a lovers’ quarrel but it can’t be helped because Usui isn’t telling anything to her. I do wonder why he is so secretive about it. Does he fear that she won’t like him anymore if she knew or he doesn’t want her to be caught up in whatever problems he has? Interestingly, even if they are not in speaking terms, he still goes to the student council to see her. =P As for Maria, she really knows how to use her assets in dealing with the guys and teachers there. She does seem to be a contrast with Misaki in how she dresses and how she deals with the guys. It seems that Maria is there to convince Usui regarding something and well, unintentionally, for now, make Misaki jealous. I think Misaki will have her hands full with the things that are happening regarding Maria since she seems to be the ‘designated bodyguard’ and her problem with Usui. I guess she wants to win because she doesn’t want Usui’s class to be with Maria. It seems that Misaki misunderstood the closeness of Usui and Maria since they are calling each other’s first names. Usui might need to fix/explain things before they drift apart. Maria seems like an acquaintance or relative type to me rather than lover though. Anyway, there’s trouble so how are they going to solve this.

Hehe, the picture above is from La Corda d'oro..it’s so cute. It’s Romeoes and Juliet theme for the side chapter. I wonder if Lala authors will do this kind of covers well, because Ouran did a Rapunzel before. =P I’m not reading this series though but to those who are, who has the high chance of ending with the girl? Is it the serious violinist? The rightmost guy in the picture who isn’t ‘wooing’ her? All of the scans here are by filion for BW except for VK which is scanned by 爱夹夹大人 for baidu.

Word of the day:
Hidden under the "rock of trial" that has brought you "very low" is a special blessing. Roll your burden on the Lord, and in time you will find the divine favor. ~ Henry G. Bosch from Our Daily Bread

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 28]
Friday, October 23, 2009

So, after they arrived from the school trip and Fumino is giving away some souvenirs to Teppei, Kazuma informs them that on their next vacation/weekend trip, they will go to a place where Teppei wants to go. This is his reward for taking care of the house. Just as Fumino is giving Teppei a small figurine, Teppei blushes and becomes extremely excited. Fumino is worried that Kazuma is already tired but Kazuma says that it’s alright. He then hugs Fumino and says some things like just by hugging her, his tiredness is gone and he’s re-charged. Blushing, Fumino starts screaming. Their lovey-dovey is interrupted when Teppei shows them a flyer from his kindergarten school for a cross-country competition with the parents. At the country camp, some women ask if that girl [Fumino] is Teppei’s older sister, so who is that guy → Kazuma. Fumino freaks out because she has totally forgotten about that problem since Teppei looks super excited about this trip. Kazuma just happily explains that he is Teppei’s neighbor who coincidentally is also Fumino’s homeroom teacher, so as Teppei’s friend, he went along with them. The women accept the explanation so they told them to do their best [gambatte] and left. Kazuma tells Fumino that it is best to keep it short because if it’s too long-winded, other people will become suspicious. Ryuu calls everyone and tells them the rules of the race – go through little obstacles per pitstop and whoever passes the goal first wins. The winner will get three pieces of gold medals. The other kids are excited over it since it isn’t really a ‘toy’. Fumino laughs and says that Teppei surely would also want..it turns out that even Kazuma is ‘gaga’ over it along with Teppei. ^^; [Not surprising since Kazuma did want a medal before that Fumino practiced really hard for the volleyball competition.] Kazuma starts shouting out loud to Teppei that they’ll definitely get that gold medal. Fumino thinks that she’ll also do her best if Teppei wants that medal.

A hat then ‘floats’ to Fumino. Just then, an old guy apologizes to her and says that it is his granddaughter*’s hat. [*his son’s daughter] They look at each other and a lot of flashback passes by them of their past encounters. Fumino shouts that it’s the education administrator head/Director [formerly mistaken as guidance counselor but I’ll call him ‘Director’ for easier typing than his proper title.] Director shouts why she is shouting. Fumino nervously looks at the side because of Kazuma but to her shock, Kazuma just happily greets director who is equally surprised to see him. Director shouts that the two of them are really [a couple]..but Kazuma just laughs and says that he’s only the ‘big bro neighbor’ who joined this activity and if there’s any guilt about things, it’s all hidden/past. [I don’t quite get it but probably let past be past] Director just angrily shouts that they can’t trick him. A little girl pulls director’s shirt and asks if he got her hat. It turns out that his granddaughter is Emily [from Teppei’s side story]. Fumino gives the hat to Emily and tells her that the wind is strong today so it’s best to tie that hat [to her head]. Emily says that she doesn’t want to because she’ll look like a farmer. Emily says that she is going to say something to Teppei. Before she could, Ryuu already fires the gun to officially start the race. Director quickly grabs Emily and shouts that they couldn’t just give the gold medal to them [Kazuma and others] so they don’t have time to care about them [Kazuma and others]. “It’s alright, Emily! That fake family couldn’t possibly get the gold medal! Ha ha ha ha” Teppei is surprised when Kazuma and Fumino are showing their scary faces as they say, whom he is calling a fake family. Fumino grabs Teppei’s hand and exclaims that they will definitely get the gold medal. On the first pit stop, Kazuma’s family is just behind Director’s family who is currently at first place. Kazuma’s family wins the jakenpon. Then, in the second pit stop, Kazuma seems to have trouble with math [it’s just addition ^^;;] that the Director’s family caught up with them. Fumino narrates that Teppei is always there to smile at them and with his rare request of ‘want to go to this place’, they will do their best for Teppei to attain this thing.

Finally, they are at the third pit stop and they were told by Ryuu that they can rest there for 20 minutes. Director’s family is in first place but the director’s age has caught up with him that he is very tired. Kazuma’s group is behind him as second place. Fumino says that they can still surpass Director because they are only behind by 5 minutes. Kazuma comments that Director seems to be really tired already. He wonders out loud if he is substituting for Emily’s parents. Teppei tells them that Emily’s parents are really busy and he heard that they are doctors. Fumino says that it seems that every family has its own situations. Fumino is surprised when Kazuma wipes her perspiration with a towel. With concern, he asks if she’s alright. Since Director is looking suspicious at them, Fumino quickly steps on Kazuma’s face and says that she’s fine. Kazuma then wonders why the other contestants aren’t there yet. Fumino wonders if their distance is really far and maybe because most of them are children, they might not able to walk/run fast. They were surprised when they overheard Ryuu shouting in disbelief about what a woman[?] said about things being awkward and Ryuu should go to talk with them [other parents] because they said that ‘Teppei and Emily are so pitiful that they weren’t accompanied by their parents so let’s deliberately be late a bit and make one of them get the gold medal’. Kazuma, Fumino and the director are very displeased about this. With curious faces, Teppei and Emily look at them as Teppei asks, “Who did they say are pitiful?” Fumino and the director are flustered and angry as Kazuma tells them that no one is pitiful. Later on, Ryuu, parents and the others arrive at the third pit stop. Ryuu stops so they bumped into each other. It seems that Kazuma and others are glaring and angry at the others. Pushing his glasses up, Kazuma thanks them for their sympathy and because of them, their energy [spiritual and physical] are recharged and this time, they will be the ones chasing after them. He informs them that after everyone has left, they will wait 5 more minutes before giving it their all in going up the mountain. Fumino narrates that they won’t want pity, that meaningless thing but rather, what they want is..and perhaps they might not have another opportunity to have it..

Soon, the two groups can see the finishing line. They had surpassed the other groups who were already tired. Just as they are out to go for the final dash, Emily’s hat gets blown away. Fumino says that they should get it later on. Emily protests that she doesn’t want to because it’s a gift from her parents. Soon, Fumino, Kazuma and Teppei are shock since they all tried to get the hat at the same time. They ends up fall down since it is at the side of the cliff. Emily and the director can only watch in horror as Emily screams out loud. [Superman] Kazuma of course, ends up saving his family by catching them and clinging on a tree. [Kazuma saves Fumino who in turn caught Teppei.] Kazuma reprimands them as to which parent they are imitating, this kind of bold style [of doing things; who else but you, superman =P]. Fumino narrates that even if they are [their situation is] like that, there is still one person who can satisfy them so with that fully smiling face, their moods are uplifted. [I think what Fumino meant from her narration is rather than pity, they want someone who’ll be there for them, and that person is Kazuma.] Ryuu then helps them up. Later on, Fumino is apologizing to Kazuma that he got hurt. Kazuma says that he is alright and it’s a pity that they didn’t win the gold medal. The winner is the director and Emily. Emily happily says that since there are three medals, she’ll give the others to her parents. To their surprise, the director wants to give one of the medals to Teppei for being put in danger a while ago and thanks for their help. Teppei is really happy about this. Kazuma comments that the director is really nice. Fumino urges Teppei to hurry and get his medal. Teppei exclaims that it isn’t his but their [three of them] medal and he’ll hang it up in their room. Teppei goes in front to get his medal. With teary eyes, Fumino says that Teppei’s kind treatment of other people is similar with Kazuma’s. “Thank you, sensei!” Fumino realizes that she’s crying so she apologizes and tries to wipe it. Just when the wind blows and everyone covers their eyes, Kazuma pulls down the tree branch and gives Fumino a kiss [ah, peck? on the cheek? Near the ear? It seems to be like that ^^;] Fumino narrates that whenever, wherever, they are alright so others should be able to clearly see it. Kazuma smiles at her and says, “Thanks for letting me be part of your family. I’ve also gradually become like Fumino, right?” Fumino blushes and is teary-eyed again. She asks, “More stupid, right?” Kazuma says, “Aw..” Fumino tells him to quit laughing. Teppei returns to them as he shows his medal to Fumino. Kazuma just flashes a v-sign at flustered Director who is holding blushing Emily’s hand. Narration: “Papa, Mama. I and Teppei, --and also sensei are doing well!” Last scene, Emily tells her mother that she’ll wears all of her hats from then on including the ‘unglamorous’ ones. Her mother says that she hate those hats before. Emily has become a girl who doesn’t mind too much about external appearance.

Hehe, they are really acting like a family but I guess Director already ‘feels’ it but he doesn’t have any proof yet. Kazuma seems to have become more easygoing that he already has a ready alibi if asked about their relationship and he doesn’t put any effort in hiding it. I guess it is much better this way for it to be more natural that it could be interpreted that Kazuma is just ‘really close’ with Fumino and Teppei. Since Fumino is still overly conscious and nervous, that’s an easy way for their secret to be found out. Well, Kazuma finally got his long cherished dream to have a medal. =P I think the director is pretty nice to give them one. Actually, I think Director is pretty much thinking the same way as the other parents that Kazuma and others isn’t a ‘real’ family but what made Kazuma and Fumino angry about the other parents is the ‘pity’ that they were showed. At least, Director is competing against them as ‘equals’. Actually, I think that ‘pity’ is superficial because it’s more like they can’t beat those other two so they resorted to an alibi about pitying the kids without parents so they plan to deliberately ‘lose’ for them. I think they should all be ashamed of Director and Emily because Director is after all, an old guy and Emily is a girl. The guy is still quite strong to have lasted that long. Well, that isn’t surprising actually..I’ve watched a Japan travel show and in that show, younger people would ride a cable car to get up the mountains then to their surprise, some old people actually climb up the mountains on foot..almost every day. ^^; Well, because of how Kazuma and others acted, I think they had partly won over Director even if he doesn’t want to admit it =P It’s also nice that Emily also changed because of the incident and she would not be that vain anymore especially since Kazuma and others almost lost their lives just from ‘saving’ her hat. Hehe, if Teppei and Emily ends up together, the director will know that they lied =P And, as usual, their lovey-dovey scene is nice..good timing, Kazuma ^^ It’s also nice how they ‘influence’ each other positively. ^^

Quote of the day:
Seize each moment you have to love and honor your family. The opportunity won't last forever. ~ David C. McCasland from Our Daily Bread

Honey Hunt [Chapter 27]
Thursday, October 22, 2009

On the television, Takayuki is being interviewed by a lot of media people as the announcer gives a brief description of Takayuki’s series of concert and his return concert now in Tokyo. They will then have a press conference. Ryouko is watching it on her cellphone. She informs about it to Yura in the dressing room about the huge publicity that her father is getting because it has been a long time since he came back to the country. Reading her script, Yura says that compared to her father, [memorizing] the script for today’s shooting is more important to her. Yura asks if she gets this with one take, she’ll be free for tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow, there will be talk with director Nakazono. Ryouko apologizes for interrupting her and tells her that she’s right. She comments that Yura is quite energetic. Yura happily says, ‘yes!’ because she and Qta decided to meet tomorrow even if it’s just in the afternoon. She wants to be sure that she’ll be free during that time. A guy then calls out to her that it’s time for her shooting. Before Yura can leave, her phone rings. It is just an email from Qta who greets her a good morning, even if it’s already afternoon, and he’s quite gloomy at the recording studio because he doesn’t have time to conceptualize an idea. He ends it by mentioning about the meeting tomorrow. Yura is happy about this. Ryouko calls her to hurry. Regarding about whether she’s free or not, Yura decides to beg Keiichi if he doesn’t allow her. At the hallway, Yura asks Ryouko if Keiichi will return home after his work because she has something to tell him. Yura sadly comments that ever since her father returned, Keiichi is busy with other things. Ryouko comments that is true since their company worked with Takayuki so now that he has returned to the country, Keiichi, as president of their company, will be accompanying Takayuki. Ryouko comments that there is also something that Keiichi wants to tell Yura and that is, Takayuki wants to see her. At the filming set, while Yura is getting ready for the shooting, she thinks that she doesn’t care anything about her father and her father has no business with her either. For her, her promise [date?] with Qta is the most important so she’ll do her best to finish up her work.

During shooting, Keiichi drops by the set. Keiichi[?] comments that Yura’s acting is improving smoothly. Ryouko asks when did Keiichi arrive and is it okay to leave Takayuki. Keiichi says that the press conference has ended so they brought Takayuki to the hotel already. What’s left are just minor stuff so he left it up to some other guy named Ibukaki[?]. Keiichi tells her about Yura’s improvement in acting. Ryouko agrees and attributes it to Yura’s hard work. She tells Keiichi that Yura has something to tell him. During the shooting break, Yura notices Keiichi so she quickly goes to him. Keiichi tells her that she did well regarding delivering the lines and acting. Yura blushes a bit and she thinks that it feels strange because she feels at ease just to see Keiichi again ever since they are separated [don’t see each other) because he is busy with some other work for some time. Yura thanks him. Keiichi tells her that the press conference has just ended and he thinks that it is better for her to see and talk with ‘him’. Yura tells him that if he meant her father, she doesn’t want to see him. She remembered her talk with her mother regarding college and custody rights. Yura says that when they had a divorce and while she is very uneasy, he didn’t come back to see her. She also thinks that her father already has a new wife and child. Yura tells Keiichi that they have nothing to talk about. Keiichi tells her that Takayuki always wanted to see her and he was waiting for her to call him. Keiichi asks her to at least meet with her father while he is still in Japan. “He asked if you can eat dinner with him tomorrow night.” Yura is flustered as she tells him that she can’t tomorrow and it has nothing to do with her dislike for her father but rather, tomorrow she already has an appointment after work. After a pause, Keiichi asks, “with Minamitani-kun?” Yura asks if she can go. To Yura’s surprise, Keiichi agrees. He reminds her of the conditions he gave her before and if she is going to be late, after 11pm, he’ll ask Nanase to fetch her. Keiichi says that it can’t be helped if she has other plans so he’ll find and set up another time for her to meet with her father. Yura is being called to the set again so before going, Yura happily thanks Keiichi and tells him that she’ll definitely follow his conditions. After she left, Ryouko asks Keiichi if this is okay because her excitement about her first love totally dominates [everything]. Ryouko admits that it is helping Yura in doing her best at work but is it really okay that Keiichi can easily say it’s okay. Pushing up his eyeglasses, Keiichi says, “It’s alright, everything has a time limit.” [← do not underestimate the power of a manager who has connections =P ] This surprises Ryouko. Keiichi excuses himself and says that he has to call up someone. Ryouko tells him to wait and what he meant by that time limit, if he did something. Keiichi tells her not to worry. “As a manager, I just did some investigation so that as much as possible, everything will end perfectly.” Meanwhile Yura is very happy for being able to properly talk with Keiichi. [← totally oblivious about what’s going to happen.]

So, the love couple are in a car with Qta driving. Qta says that he’s really happy to be with her that he already put his cellphone on silent mode so that they won’t be disturbed. He then happily asks her to let him see her face. Yura exclaims for him to look in front [else they’ll be in a car accident]. Qta apologizes and says that it isn’t fair that she’s always looking at him. Yura says that it is because it’s the first time that she has seen him drive a car. She thinks he’s so cool. Qta just laughs and says he occasionally drives but because of that, his driving skill sucks that if she doesn’t hold tight [seatbelt?], it will be dangerous. Yura thinks that she has gradually understands Qta about his ‘easy-going’ personality. Qta brings her to his house. Yura becomes a bit nervous if she can just go in without bringing a gift. Qta says that it is alright since she just came from work. Yura is still overly nervous about it that she worries about being disliked by his mother if she didn’t bring something. She begins to wonder if his parents are there and perhaps, even Haruka. She then remembers that Haruka lives at some other apartment. Qta assures her that it’s alright for there are only servants there. His father always comes home late and his mother isn’t at home tonight. Just as he said that, his mother comes out of the house and asks Qta if that is his friend. ^^;; Qta is surprised to see her and asks why she is there. His mother tells him that her ikebana [flower arrangement] lesson is cancelled because the teacher has some other business to attend to. His mother recognizes Yura and exclaims that both of them are indeed going steady. Yura thinks that his mother is very beautiful. She quickly bows and introduces herself. His mother tells her that it is okay and she is happy to meet her, too since she’s so cuter in real life than on the television. His mother invites Yura to chat with her but Qta stops them and tells Yura to go with him. He tells his mother not to mind them. His mother whines that she wants to talk with Yura. Qta pulls Yura up the stairs while his mother asks if she can email to show off to her friends and since Yura is there, how about telling Haruka about it. Qta tells her not to and if it’s too noisy, they’ll go have fun elsewhere. Qta apologizes to Yura for his nosy mother. Yura says that she would want to spend some time to walk with her, too. Qta tells her that there’s no need. He pulls her into his room and hugs her. He then says that finally, he can touch her. Qta then say stuff about wanting to touch her, etc that he feels like he’s becoming a pervert. Yura confesses that she feels and thinks the same way, too. After saying the parts of their bodies that they want to touch, they start kissing. Just when Yura is already aroused, Qta’s phone starts ringing. To Yura’s shock, Qta quickly pulls away from her and apologizes that this is a call that he has to answer.

While Qta is talking on the phone, Yura is thinking that she has heard that music of Qta’s ringtone before. After talking on the phone, Yura is in a surprise when Qta asks her if it’s true that his father has returned to the country. [This part is really blurry but I think Yura fills him in about the things she heard as to what Takayuki was doing like the press conference yesterday.] Qta is already kneeling on the floor and he feels like it is some sort of ‘trance’. [His expression is like ‘wow, my idol is finally here’; it’s like he’s in a high that I find it really amusing->funny. ^^;;] Yura misread this expression that she asks what did her father do to him. Qta tells her that Takayuki really likes his music and he finally got to have a meeting with Takayuki, to arrange for a possible collaboration. To Yura’s shock, Qta agreed to meet with Takayuki tonight. [Lol, that’s a good one, Keiichi]. Before Qta goes out of the door, Qta apologizes again and says that he’ll definitely make it up to her. Since he doesn’t know when he’ll be back, he told her to just ask his mother to help her call a taxi. Door closed with Yura looking totally shock. Yura goes out and tries to call Qta at the stairs but Qta can only apologize to her. His mother tells Qta that she just emailed Haruka. Qta apologizes to his mother and asks her to please call a taxi to send Yura home since he has an urgent business. His mother is also surprised and tries to call him to wait/stop but it’s also useless. After Qta left, Yura nervously smiles and wonders if this is for real when they were just lovey-dovey a while ago. She then realizes that the ringtone a while ago is her father’s music. Qta’s mother has prepared tea and asks if Yura would want to have tea with her. Yura manages to decline and says that she’s also leaving since Qta has left. She bows and apologizes for intruding. Yura is already at the door and she apologizes again as Qta’s mother tries to dissuade her from leaving. The door opens so Qta’s mother exclaims that Qta has returned. Yura says that it is unlikely. She turns around and is surprised to see Haruka. Removing his glasses, Haruka just says that his mother told him to come and he feared that she won’t stop nagging so he came. He realizes that her mother told him so because Yura came. After seeing Haruka, Yura finally breaks down and cries that Qta has really left. Haruka is somewhat surprised and nervous as he asks her why she is crying.

While reading-summarizing this, I can’t stop myself from giggling. It is totally unintentionally funny that Yura got dropped like a hot potato and the reason is her father whom she tried to avoid. Well, Yura doesn’t want to meet with her father but obviously, her boyfriend wants to. =P He is acting like this is the ultimate opportunity to fulfill his dream. Well, this is already mentioned before about how ‘gaga’ Qta about her father so it’s obvious who gets the priority of his time. =P Somehow, I can’t fault Qta for that since he knows his priority and everything he did is aimed at that. The whole incident is also funny because I mean, he left her for her father..not some other girl, not her mother, but her father. It’s really embarrassing and funny. ^^;; Maybe Yura will laugh about it when she’s older. It made me think that he considers Yura as some ‘extra’ activity. Also, it seems that Qta is more into the physical aspect of romance. If they weren’t interrupted, I think they might be doing H again there. ^^; It seems he totally disregarded the fact that his mother is actually there. ^^;; But then, that shouldn’t be so surprising because they did it before in Keiichi’s place. Qta shows again how possessive he is with her that he won’t even allow Yura to talk a bit with his mother. I guess he can no longer wait to have H with her ^^; I think what happened is a blessing in disguise, well of course, it is all thanks to Keiichi =P This incident will help Yura to re-analyze her relationship with Qta and hopefully, she won’t easily ‘give herself’ away. I wonder if what Keiichi wanted to happen = Yura be single again, will happen, because with Haruka there, Yura might shift to Haruka who’ll definitely comfort her and if Haruka plays this right, Yura can easily fall for him after that harsh rebuff. Then, she might end up two-timing Qta. =P That kind of scenario reminded me of what cyberlina mentioned before, Yura might end up like her mother. Basing on this chapter, I guess I’ll have to agree with Haruka x Yura since Qta is too ‘gaga’ over music and her father, and Keiichi does seem to be a bit manipulative. I’m not sure what to think of what Yura thoughts of ‘missing Keiichi’ because it might be interpreted as he’s just her ‘father figure’ or she is just used to him around her. Basically, I don’t think it’s ‘love’. Lastly, this ‘I want to avoid my famous dad who came back to town’ plotline reminds me too much of Skip Beat! when Ren’s father came back. There are some similarities that I wonder if Qta will be the reason for her to meet with her father unless of course, Yura is totally turned off by what Qta did. Well, he successfully did with me because I’ve shifted to liking Keiichi. ^^; That’s one guy who knows how to use his resources =P Hm..is it really because of ‘caring’ for Yura or is it a ‘revenge’ for doing H at his place? =P Hehe, that is one guy whom people won’t want to mess with. So, in the next chapter, it would be Haruka x Yura and Qta x lover Takayuki, lol, sorry, I couldn’t resist =P Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 and 豆芽豆芽 for BW.

Quote of the day:
Even when opportunity knocks, a man still has to get off his seat and opens the door. ~ Author Unknown

Teasers: Hapi Mari 10, Black Bird 36 and Dengeki Daisy 29
Tuesday, October 20, 2009

So, after the ‘I’m sick -> take care of me -> we get closer to each other’ chapter, Hokuto has opened up to Chiwa. He even proposed that she cook so that they eat together and talk more with each other. Hapi Mari 10 starts with Chiwa happily finishing the touches up the breakfast – sausages, fried egg and salad. To her dismay and anger, Hokuto just ate a bit and left because he probably has an appointment. I think it’s a weekened..because Chiwa doesn’t have any work so she decided to clean up Hokuto’s ‘horror’ bedroom. When Hokuto returns home, he is puzzled by the large amount of filled trash bags in the house. I’m not sure if it’s revenge or something but Chiwa seems to deliberately do this and she seems to be holding his album pictures when he was in the elementary. Hokuto tries to take it from her but he ends up falling on top of her. Hokuto picks up a picture and both see that it is a picture of young Hokuto with a woman patting his head. Chiwa wonders if it is Hokuto’s mother but then, Taeko said that Hokuto doesn’t have a mother. Chiwa asks anyway about the woman and it is indeed Hokuto’s mother who had passed away when he was still in the elementary. Chiwa becomes a bit awkward about this and Hokuto notices it. The next day, while Chiwa is eating, I think Hokuto tells her to not go to the office. Chiwa seems to think he’s joking but Hokuto grabs her wrist and whisk her off to his car. I think Hokuto says that as president, he is allowing it. At a seaport city, above the grassy hills, Chiwa is shock as to why she is there. Hokuto is carrying a bouquet of flowers and says that they are in a grave. I think Hokuto came for his mother’s death anniversary even if it’s really three days later but this is the only day he’s free. I think Chiwa is asking why she is there since it is a private matter but he said that she’s his wife so she should know this. He pulls her to his mother’s grave which is unkempt and dirty. It seems that Chiwa is wondering why it is dirty when he is after all from the Mamiya (rich) family. She wonders if his father doesn’t take care of the place and if Hokuto always goes there alone every year.

Chiwa starts crying over this and she tells him why when he asked. He then tells her to clean the tomb. Scrub-scrub while Hokuto just sits on a rock and whistles ^^;; Finally, it’s sparkling clean and Hokuto claps and praises her. Chiwa falls on the ground as she wonders if that is the purpose why she is brought there. When Hokuto touches the tomb, I think Chiwa is somewhat moved by it. She thinks about something regarding Hokuto and his mother then she tells him that if he wants to go visit/clean the grave, she’ll go with him may it be next year, the year after, and the years after that. She blushes when Hokuto smiles at her. As they walk away, Chiwa seems to be wondering if they will still be married after next year and so on. Hokuto says something about his background/past and if he didn’t succeed as president later on, he’ll become a fisherman. But some others in BW are saying that he used to be a fisherman so I’m not sure about that. Chiwa imagines Hokuto as a fisherman that she burst out into laughter. She becomes flustered when Hokuto mentioned something about marriage – I can only read about Hokuto being far away. On the way home, it is raining hard. The road is blocked. Chiwa tries to read the map but it seems that she failed. They are forced to say in some Japanese inn. Chiwa is crying about it and Hokuto is aghast. Chiwa starts to blush and everything since they will be sharing one room. After taking a bath, Chiwa seems to be uneasy about sleeping on two futons beside each other and I think she tries to make a border between them. This made Hokuto angry [funny way], Chiwa cries..I don’t know what’s Hokuto’s problem but they decided to wake up at 5am. They ended up talking at night. It seems Chiwa mentioned about Hokuto regretting getting married. Hokuto has finally confessed something about his background, Hokuto is an illegitimate son. Anyway, some say that is why Hokuto desperately wanted to succeed no matter what the cost is and get the company. It’s probably some sort of revenge after how they treated his mother. I’m not sure if that is just a theory or that is what Hokuto said. Then, more blah-blah and Chiwa said something that made him hug her. It’s most probably supporting him and such kind of talk. Chiwa smiles. Later on, it’s 1am, Chiwa has fallen asleep while leaning on Hokuto who is sitting. Hokuto cannot believe this. He can see her cleavage. He mentions about laying a hand on a virgin. In the end, he leans over her and says something. The next early morning, Hokuto is all dressed up. He looks displeased at Chiwa who is sound asleep. He screams for her to wake up and tells her that it is 430 and she should get ready so that they can leave at 5. Chiwa washes up. In front of the mirror, she sees a red mark on her chest, just below the neck. She thinks it is an insect bite but it is actually a hickey courtesy of you know who =P They head to the car. Talk. Chiwa smiles and he also smiles. The last scene is a new guy who seems to be arriving from the airport. He looks like Hokuto in a way so I assume that it’s his father. There is a mention of grave, anticipate, every year. The last mini-scene is Hokuto aghast as Taeko seems to be saying something to him.

Finally, they get some communication across and they get to understand each other more. Hokuto is also slowly opening up to her. Well, his background pretty much explains why his personality is like that. I think Chiwa needs to keep this up for him to break down his defenses =P I think Hokuto’s background seems a bit like OHSHC’s Tamaki. He is an illegitimate son and the family probably has no other heir so they take him up to be the president. It made me wonder if this is part of the reason why he was forced to marry. One, they don’t care really much about him so it’s okay to be forced to marry because he’s illegitimate or two, he needs some care from a woman who can give him some love and support especially since he is the type of guy who can’t even clean his own room. =P Some theorized that the new guy is his brother but I’m not convinced because if he has a brother, why would they want an illegitimate child to be the boss. But then, if he’s the father, why isn’t he the current boss? Did the grandfather disown him? Unless, of course, they have other businesses abroad. If the new guy turns out to be an obstacle, I think they will become closer to each other since it will test their relationship. Hehe, there has been a slow progress already with Chiwa’s ‘boy-friends’ so maybe this time, it will be a bigger one. Lastly, hehe, Chiwa is indeed quite innocent. She has mistaken a hickey for an insect bite..isn’t it strange that it isn’t itchy and there’s no bump? Reminds me of FTAK’s Fumino who needs someone to point it out to her..maybe Chiwa’s officemates. =P Well, it’s nice that they are acting more like a couple now in a way. ^^ Scans by shuro for BW

In Black Bird 36, Misao goes to Kyo’s house and is called by Kyo’s father to have tea with him at the porch. Misao accepts his invitation but it seems that she is a bit cautious of him. There is a mention about Kyo’s mother who supposedly died of illness. I think she asked why Kyo is so cold at times. He didn’t reply. I think she also asked something about him (father) perhaps why he appeared now. He also didn’t reply and just gives her a silly grin. Misao is a bit displeased then he says about something that he’ll like for her to know. They were interrupted when furious Kyo has just torn a tree branch with his own hand. He quickly grabs Misao and takes her away. Tarou cries over the branch while Kyo’s father looks sad-smile. Kyo doesn’t seem to want Misao hanging around with his father. Soon the two are in some sort of argument [not serious/teasing type] regarding asking things with Kyo’s father. Anyway, Misao wants to confirm it with the father but Kyo stops her. Sagami asks Kyo about school and he mentioned about some meeting. I think they talk a bit about the traitor, about Kyo’s father and some rumor. Misao is teary eyed about this and Kyo doesn’t look to happy. Sagami seems to want to talk with Misao alone so Kyo left. Sagami tells Misao that five years ago on a rainy night, Kyo’s mother had died and it seems that she has been given some poisoned drink. Then, after that, Kyo’s father disappeared. Misao is nervous when she heard that for she thought that the mother died of illness. It seems that the suspect was Kyo’s father who was assumed to have escaped after killing his wife. Then, there is a short conversation between Kyo’s father and Buzen. It started with thanks for taking care of Kyo then Buzen asks something regarding ‘willpower/determination’ and Kyo’s father looks dark. Elsewhere, Zenki and Houki are busy getting rid of evil spirits in humans. They mentioned about the police and wonder who’s the culprit causing all of this.

Carrying a small bag with a bento box inside, Misao goes in the house to look for Kyo. She finds him sleeping together with the little kids. ‘Aww so cute’ she must have thought. She puts the bag on the floor and snugs with Kyo. (For me, this is the highlight of the chapter ^^) Saburou wakes up and opens the bento. He proceeds to eat the onigiri but Kyo caught him, probably saying that it’s his. Misao must be wondering why it’s hard since the ‘pillow’ is gone. After eating, Misao asks if it tastes good. Kyo smiles and pats her head. He probably said it is good and I guess he realized that she is trying to cheer him up. Misao is teary eyed again because of what Kyo must have felt when his mother died, etc. Misao seems to have decided to be strong for Kyo when he is..ah weak? While playing? with the kids, Kyo then notices that Misao is gone. Misao is about to call Sagami and probably ask about Kyo’s father but Kyo stops her. He asks if she plans to talk about what happened five years ago. They talk for a while about this and about Kyo’s underlings. Someone in BW commented about Kyo not trusting Sagami so I assume that Kyo is saying that he doesn’t really trust anyone and probably for her not to inquire more about it. Misao hugs him from behind because she can feel his pain. She even climbs up him that Kyo falls down with her. ^^; Misao is crying over this again but he holds her face (pinch so that she’ll pout) then he seems to give her a peck/kiss..(but the lips didn’t touch anything so maybe it is just a sound kiss) Misao is embarrassed and Kyo somewhat smiles. Kyo’s father is watching them from the side. He looks serious and thoughtful. At the window, looking out the pond with lotus plants/flowers, Misao is in deep thought about what she and Kyo talked about strong and weak stuff. Kyo’s father interrupts her and they talk. He mentioned about the five years ago incident and Kyo. In the end, it seems that he said that everything is all Misao’s fault. Hehe, if that is true..I think Misao will never stop crying until the end of this series ^^; Doesn’t she get tired of crying? I think it’s very exhausting. Well, I guess she is the type of girl who’ll cry over almost everything whether something happy or sad happens. Also, being involved with Kyo is a reason for that, too. Someone in BW mentioned that Kyo’s family is so messed up with what happened with his parents and having a brother like that. I agree and given Misao’s character, we are in for a lot of crying and things don’t seem to be getting better. Well, of course, hopefully, after all the crying, there are good things that happened like some parts in this chapter. ^^ Indeed she needs to be stronger for him because I think he’ll also be hurt if she keeps on crying like that or rather always being sad. I hope the traitor isn’t one of his underlings because that will pretty much make Kyo unable to trust anyone given his family background. I guess this is also part of the reason why Kyo can only trust her since he knew her before he became what he is now. Scans by flavia for BW.

Dengeki Daisy 29 turns out to be some sort of ‘break’ chapter. One stormy night, Onizuka and Teru are shock to see Kurosaki coming home all wet and holding a cute puppy. While Teru is drying up the puppy, Kurosaki explains that Takeda called him up and wants to meet with him that night. Takeda mentioned Teru’s name so I assumed that he must have blackmailed him or something. At the meeting place, Kurosaki complained about Takeda being late when he noticed a broken cellphone (flip phone broken in half) and a puppy, looking at him with cute eyes and of course, he took it home. End flashback. It seems that Kurosaki wanted to pass the puppy to Teru so that she’ll take care of it but she shouts about him being..rude? Anyway, they tell her to go out because they are going to talk about Takeda. Teru tries to protest at first but she notices the ‘mood’ of Kurosaki so she did leave the room. They are talking about Takeda and about ‘kill/die’. Teru is eavesdropping outside the room and it seems that she doesn’t think that it is something that they ought to hide from her. So, maybe Kurosaki is thinking that something bad happened to Takeda. Then, there is a scene of Teru and friends wherein she shows them a picture of silly Kiyoshi in karaoke and the puppy. Maybe she is trying to find the owner because police is mentioned. At the teacher’s lobby, Kurosaki and Onizuka are talking about Takeda. Then, Onizuka shouts at Kurosaki for ‘locking’ up the puppy. He actually just cut a small circle on a box for the head of the puppy to come out and placed it that box. (Lol..the guy obviously doesn’t like/isn’t used to animals.) Onizuka takes it out of the box. They talk a little bit more and to his anger, the dog starts peeing on the floor. I think it’s been two days already. Kurosaki comes home tired and worried. There is a scene of Teru and someone bloodied. (I totally don’t recall that scene if it happened before. ^^;) Teru tries to cheer him up that Kurosaki snapped at her. She leaves and Kurosaki is a bit depressed. He tries to touch the puppy but it seems scared.

To his surprise, Teru bends from behind him and got his hand to touch the puppy. The puppy goes to him and Kurosaki ends up blushing. Teru seems to have made a flyer to find the owner of the dog. They put in the name of someone..old guy. He tells her to sit beside him. He pats her head and I think he apologized. Then, they got a call. Kurosaki pretends to be some old guy and he ends up shouting angrily at someone. Soon, disheveled-looking Takeda is reunited with his dog. He even gives Kurosaki a thank-you gift. Kurosaki just slaps him and made him explain what happened. On that stormy night, Takeda tries to get his puppy by climbing over the fence. While climbing over the fence, his cellphone fell down. He got scared by the lightning-thunder that he fell down and hit the cellphone thus breaking it into two. A policeman/guard caught him and drove him away. ^^; End flashback. The two are aghast as Takeda tells them his sob story. In the end, Kurosaki is still on the sofa, aghast and gloomy over what happened. Teru tries to comfort-taunt him. Kurosaki mentions about probably the feeling of holding the puppy. He murmurs something probably regarding Teru and Teru just looks puzzled. I feel sorry for the guy..well, both guys. Kurosaki went on a wild goose chase and Takeda just had a bad day. ^^; I find how Kurosaki ‘boxed’ the puppy, hilarious. Hehe, he is really just a ‘technical’ guy that he is bad with ‘living things’. =P Sorry, I don’t know what Takeda wanted to talk with Kurosaki in the first place ^^;; Scans by flavia for BW

Quote of the day:
For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it. ~ Ivan Panin

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapter 30]
Monday, October 19, 2009

Looking glum, Yukito looks at blushing Kotori who tries to ask what he meant by ‘come here’. Kotori is surprised when blushing Yukito holds the umbrella to her and shouts for her to hurry. Kotori doesn’t know what to do. Yukito has noticed this so he offers her his umbrella. Kotori declines because if she did, Yukito will be the one who’ll end up all wet. After a pause, the two ended up walking home together as they share the umbrella. Kotori thinks that she wasn’t able to refuse him. As they walk silently, Kotori is a bit nervous because it has been a long time since they walked home together. “Because it has been such a long time, I don’t know what to say..and it has been a long time I’ve looked [up close] at Yukito..Ah, why is my heart beating so wildly? Yukito..why are you so nice to me..when you apparently were always avoiding me lately..speak..speaking of that, I also been avoiding you..” Her heart beats loudly when she realizes that her shoulder is touching his. Kotori moves a bit away from him and Yukito noticed this. He asks why she did that. He then puts his arm around her and pulls her near him so that she won’t get wet. This made Kotori surprised that she blushed. Yukito then let go of his hand on her shoulder. Blushing, Yukito just says that if he holds the umbrella to her, he’ll also end up getting wet. Kotori timidly says that is true and she apologizes. Yukito murmurs that it has been a long time since they walked together so he is a bit nervous. Yukito is surprised when Kotori exclaims, “What?” Yukito asks what’s up with that. Kotori says that it is nothing but rather, she is just surprised since she was thinking of the same thing a while ago. Yukito looks surprise at her as Kotori thinks that she should have said that she’s a bit happy. Yukito just says that it isn’t something to be surprise about since that is normal if they haven’t been together for a long time. Kotori just agrees with him. Yukito says that Kotori really likes the [boy] idol-type of guys since [she’s like that] when she met his brother and when she met him, saying as if it is fate. Kotori sadly says that if he said it that way, then he also didn’t.. Kotori remembers the first time they went out to have fun, they learned that their birthday is on the same day, that is fate. Then, there is a short talk about forgetting all about it. Kotori blushes as she wonders what she should do because they are now talking just like before. “Being nice to me, talking naturally, I might have a bit of hope. Hope that we will perhaps go back..but even if we go back [like we were before], and if we still gone steady in that kind of way, I assess that it will still won’t work out..”

Still blushing, Yukito then says that she has changed her hairstyle. Kotori says yes and does he think it’s strange. Yukito says not really. Kotori looks up and says, really.. She is surprised when Yukito asks, “Is it because of that guy?” Kotori asks, “That..that guy is who?” Yukito looks at her and says, “Didn’t that guy from Kousen [High] confessed to you.” Kotori nervously asks, “Ah..you’re talking about him..” She realizes that Yukito has seen that. With a disdain/cold look at her, Yukito says, “At that time, you looked really happy. Are you two going steady? Isn’t that great, if you’re going steady?” Kotori is flustered and displeased by what he said. While wondering why he said that and after seeing that cold stare again, she says, “What..what about going steady..what are you saying, about I’m looking really happy..” After a pause, she continues, “Does..does it bother you too much? Is it because you are bothered too much that is why are you asking?” A bit flustered, Yukito says it isn’t. “I just simply feel that you guys looks somewhat of a match.” Kotori is stunned upon hearing this. Flustered, Kotori says, “That has nothing to do with Yuki..with Ka-ji [kun]. If you weren’t bothered by it then you wouldn’t have asked about it...you were obviously always acting quite cold [before], then suddenly, you acted really nice, it’s very confusing.” Looking at him with a somewhat sad look, Kotori says, “Hey..were you angry because of the break up, that you’ll come to me with an umbrella...and using the opportunity to talk about that Kousen guy? In fact, at that time in the clinic, you are awake right..you are only teasing me that is why you did that..” Yukito is looking away and looks flustered. He didn’t reply. Looking a bit tense [that her fears are true], Kotori asks, “Is..is that what it was? Kaiji..does it make you really happy to see me waver [indecisive]..?” She is surprised when Yukito grabs her wrist and gives the umbrella to her. With an angry look, Yukito says, “You’re right..” Kotori is stunned as Yukito quickly runs off. Narration: “Yes, I deliberately did that. So, that you won’t forget me...so that, even if we broke up, you’ll still think of me..”

At home, Masaya raises his eyebrow as he sees Yukito coming in all wet. Masaya asks if Yukito just went to a wet meditation. [Ah, it’s like in a Buddhist retreat wherein guys will sit under the waterfall to ‘charge up’/meditate; just like in Kaichou wa Maid-sama school trip] Yukito didn’t reply. Masaya tells him to take a shower so that he won’t catch a cold. While taking a shower, Yukito thinks, “I did that kind of thing again..I’ve hurt her again. I’m not angry, and thinking that they were a match is also a lie. I only don’t want her to be with any other guy, why did things turn out this way..I only want to say, ‘I’m sorry’. About the things that happened before, I’m sorry. Wanting to say that one sentence and yet I wasn’t able to say it, I’m really stupid.” Yukito laughs and says out loud, “I’m really..hopeless..how pathetic..” Sitting at the coach, probably watching television, Masaya tells himself that Yukito still won’t come out and he’s been taking a shower for a long time. He also wants to take a bath. Masaya is surprised to hear some laughing. He looks towards the bathroom and looks aghast when he realizes that the laughter is coming from inside. Inside, Yukito is laughing then he stops to think again. “Kaji..that girl called me ‘Kaji’, and her face has a very pained expression..so, it’s already no good [too late], right..?” He clenches his fist and thinks, “I should calm down. If we break up like this, then it’s really hopeless, right?” He remembers Masaya asking if he is on ‘wet meditation’. He starts to imagine that he is doing just that. ^^; He thinks, “That’s right! This is a meditation, meditation..! I’m now on a bumpy mountain path, undertaking a one-man adventure trip..! If I can’t climb up this mountain then I’m not a man. I will not escape! I will not lose! Fight full strength--~~!!!” He starts opening the shower faucet. Masaya is now standing in front of the bathroom. He thinks that the laughing sound has stopped and he can only hear the sound of the shower. He opens the door and says, “Hey, I’m going to open the door—ah..ah?!” He finds Yukito passed out on the floor. [Lol, defeated =P ] Holding his brother up, Masaya shouts out loud what’s Yukito doing and why is it [/why is he showering in] cold water.

Yukito is sick in bed. Masaya checks his temperature and it is 38.7C. Sitting on the bed, Masaya complains why he had such bad luck that he has to wipe [dry] his [younger] brother’s naked body, put him in bed and dress him up. “What kind of game is this? What kind of stunt, could it be your really in a ‘wet meditation’? You’re always dripping wet, are you an idiot?” Yukito can only mutter that he’s too noisy and quit saying ‘idiot, idiot’. Standing up with a proud look, Masaya says that it’s inevitable that he has to look after him and it seems that he also has to feed Yukito some food. Masaya is surprised when Yukito grabs his shirt’s hemline and says, “Don’t..go..” Masaya looks back at Yukito who says, “Ko..tori..” At school, Kotori overhears a couple of guys talking that Yukito is absent since he isn’t in the clinic. A guy wanted to lend Yukito some of his notes so he ended up lending it to another guy. Kotori wonders if Yukito is absent because he had a fever since it is raining really hard then and he ran without an umbrella. “What should I do? Should I send him an email and also, I should return his umbrella to him? But..Yukito is angry..regarding the break up that day..what I said..” She is holding her cellphone on the table when it suddenly rang. She is tense when she notices that the caller is Yukito. She wonders why he is calling. While thinking what she should do, she answers it. “He..hello..” The other party says, “Ah! Hi, is this Kotori? This is Masaya, the brother of that stupid [younger] brother.” Kotori is surprised to hear that. Kotori ends up sitting beside the bed of sick Yukito. She thinks that she unexpectedly went there. Masaya enters with a tray of food. Masaya apologizes to her for using Yukito’s phone to call her and she must have been shock. Kotori says that it’s alright [polite response]. Masaya tells her that if she doesn’t mind, please help herself [with the food]. Kotori thanks him. Masaya says that it’s great that she can come because he has prep school today and he’ll come home late. “I’ll be leaving a little while so, I’ll be asking you to take care of him. His fever is really high so the towel gets wet at times.” Kotori says, “Ah, okay, I understand.” Masaya goes out of the room. He starts smiling and feeling really satisfied. “Hehe, I’m just a nice guy.”

Sitting in the room, Kotori wonders if it is okay for her to be there when Yukito is obviously very angry. “But, since I already came..and I’m also worried about him..” She touches his face and says that his fever is really high and it seems that the towel is really wet. She takes the towel and wrings it dry. She thinks that he wouldn’t have a fever if he didn’t lend her the umbrella. “Even if he said those things, his actions are still really kind that it really confuses me.” She puts the towel back on his forehead and says, “Yukito, you’re such an idiot..” Reddish faced Yukito groans in his sleep. This made Kotori blush. While hearts are floating out, she thinks, “Ge..geez..his face is so reddish, that he really looks enticing..I’m really so silly.” To Kotori’s surprise, Yukito starts muttering, “Keshi...Keshi..That..Keshikeshi..what’s up with that..also, that guy..from Kousen..” Kotori think this is really baffling. “I obviously changed my hairstyle before coming..I’m the only one whose heart is beating fast, [you’re] really cunning..” Kotori then bends towards him and kisses him on the head, above his right eye. She then moves away and covers her mouth with her lips. Yukito is still sleeping. Still blushing, Kotori says, “..This is a tooth for a tooth..for what happened in the clinic..” Yukito thinks it feels hot. “Above my eye...something soft..what is it?” He ‘sees’ smiling Kotori who is looking at him. He is surprised that he shouts, “Kotori..?!” He suddenly sits up and hugs Abe. Still hugging hugs Abe, Yukito pulls him down on the bed. Yukito seems to want to kiss him since he is pouting. Abe tries to free himself as he shouts, “Hey..Hey hey! I’m not the person you’re thinking of..” In the end, Abe hits Yukito on the head so that Yukito would let him go. Holding his head, Yukito complains that it hurts. Abe apologizes for hitting a sick guy. Yukito wakes up and says that it is Abe. “Where is that person..?” Abe asks if he meant Kotori. Abe tells him that when he came, only his brother is there. “Did she come?” Yukito can only say that he doesn’t know. Abe wonders if Yukito is just imagining it. Abe tells him to lie down if he wants to sleep. Yukito thinks that it felt so realistic a while ago.

With a silly look, Abe points to him and says, “By the way..from the start, I’ve been very curious, that..why are you holding a lollipop while you were sleeping. So cute ♡” Yukito opens his eyes wide to see that he is indeed holding a lollipop, a Chupa Chups lollipop. He sits up and exclaims, “What--?” He notices that it is a strawberry cream flavor. He thinks, “So..she did come?” He mutters that compared to what he imagined, he still likes Kotori. Abe asks, “What?” Yukito laughs and says that she is obviously an otaku girl who is so into girl [dating] games. Abe just says, “Yuki..” Yukito says that he’s going to find some work because he wants to earn money for lunch. “And I want to save money, then later on, test for a license to drive a motorcycle, buy a motorcycle..” He thinks, “And later on, one day..” He imagines himself and Kotori riding on a motorcycle. Yukito smiles and says, “Ah, that, even if I don’t know if that will happen..but, it’s okay no matter what..I’m afraid that even this little bit is also good, if I’m able to do some remarkable thing, perhaps I’ll become a bit mature..and perhaps, there might be some changes..” Yukito thinks, “Because the current me can only make her show that kind of [sad] expression...can only hurt her..” Abe then calls out his name as Yukito becomes dark and passes out. Abe starts screaming if Yukito is alright. Kotori narrates that after then, she didn’t get a chance to see Yukito and soon, summer vacation is near. At the hallway by the window, Kotori talks with Natsume about how to spend the vacation since if she always stays home, her mother will nag her. She asks if Natsume will be working. Natsume says she is and usually, she has more jobs in summer vacation than she normally has. She tells Kotori to set some time when they can go out together. Kotori agrees with that. Natsume shows her a magazine with an ad for Memories of Falling in Love 3 and tells her that it will come out on autumn. Kotori can’t wait to get it but then she doesn’t have money so she has to think of a way to earn money. Kotori says that maybe she’ll find work. Natsume seems quite surprised that Kotori wants to work. Kotori just says yes.

Kotori thinks that even if she can heave a sigh of relief because she won’t be able to see Yukito for a few months, but if she is always at home, she’ll definitely think about the stuff regarding Yukito. “..And..I felt that lately, Yukito is making some progress..and I’m still at square one [original spot]..” Abe then asks if they are talking about a summer job. He asks if Kotori is going to work. Kotori says yes but she hasn’t decided what to do yet. Abe then cheerfully asks her about working at a certain place he knows. “My friend is working there and I heard that place’s staff isn’t enough. It’s a fastfood restaurant. How about it?” She looks at Natsume who tells her that it is a good idea because Abe’s friend is there so she can be more at ease. After thinking a while, Kotori agrees. Abe says, “Really? That’s great. Thank you!” Kotori thinks that she doesn’t want to miss this opportunity. Later on, Abe comes back to tell her something. Kotori is flustered when he asked if she is still angry at Yukito. Abe apologizes for asking that question. “That..perhaps I’m..meddling in other people’s business, but no matter what, that guy is also hurting..that..as a guy..” This surprises Kotori and it made her flustered. Abe continues, “I’m also not saying that you forgive him, I only want you to know that..then, see you, gambatte at your work!” At the locker room, a guy asks Yukito if he knew that they have a new worker and it’s a girl. Yukito just says yes. The guy says that he’s quite eager to know what kind of girl. Yukito says he doesn’t care. The guy asks what’s with his reaction, is he pretending to be cool, and aren’t you really happy about it. Yukito says that he’s so annoying. A guy shouts out who is going to accompany the newcomer. Yukito turns around and says, “Coming..” His eyes widen as he points to equally surprised Kotori. The two Kaiji-s exclaim, “What?!”

Hm..I wonder why it is so hard for Yukito to say the right things and why he kept on saying the wrong things. Is it a problem with their communication? It seems fine at first during their walk, so maybe it is more of his jealousy and pride that is getting in the way of their reconciliation, well, on his side. When Kotori has confronted him about why he tried to do that before and about that other guy, Yukito clammed up and won’t admit it. Well, just like what Kotori noticed, he may say mean things but his actions show his concern for her. He rather leaves the umbrella with her rather than for him to run away with the umbrella. As for Kotori, I think she wants something else to happen because she feels that if they didn’t resolve their issues, everything will just happen all over again and they’ll end up hurting themselves. That is exactly what happened at the latter part of their walk in the rain. He assumes things and says things which in turn hurt her and she says things that would indirectly hurt him. Well, maybe just by her pained expression, he is already hurt. I guess this is a case of love wherein yes, they love each other but then, there are some obstacles that they need to overcome. Maybe, they aren’t that ready for a relationship. Yukito is indeed going to the right direction on deciding to ‘improve himself’ first before committing himself with Kotori again. It’s really good that he knows that he is wrong. The shower scene is really funny. The two are the same because they have a tendency to imagine things. Lol, the author even tossed in some fanservice. =P It’s so nice of Masaya to care for his brother and even calling Kotori to come though I feel that it is more like Masaya is doing it just to feel good about himself ^^; The kiss and the lollipop are nice touches for this otherwise typical ‘sick-take care of me’ shoujo scene ^^ Hehe, I think it’s different because currently they are separated yet the things that Kotori did still give Yukito hope that she still cares for him. This leads to his desire to be a better guy for her. Hehe, Kotori just rationalized it as ‘revenge’ for kissing her hand before =P Well, the author seems to want to say that even if they are ‘fated to be together’, they still need to do something for that to happen. In this case, it is thanks to Abe who plotted for the two to be together during summer vacation even if they’ll probably take summer class together since they flunked the exams. =P But still, more time together might help them patch things up faster. That is also what I liked about this series, the friends actually have a ‘role’ in helping out the main couple ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW

Quote of the day:
To fail but then survive, to disagree but yet understand, and to be sad but be happy, remember it is the outcome that you reach together that is important. ~ Author Unknown

Skip Beat! [Chapter 148] Teaser
Saturday, October 17, 2009

It is confirmed. The spoiler is real. I’ve seen the scans in BW. I’ll base some of the text from this additional summary from 2ch shared by someone in baidu. Ah, it might be in the wrong scenes though ^^ Anyway, at the recording studio, Shou’s cool serious face before becomes a smiling clown/joker face. He keeps on giggling. Shoko and Haruki seem to have gotten used to this. Haruki mentions something about Kyouko. Shoko just thinks that Shou is just really confident and probably because he won against Ren that is why Shou is in that kind of mood. While tinkering with the sound board-whatever it is called, Shou remembers Kyouko’s shock face. He starts talking to himself and there is a scene of chibi Kyouko acting like a princess. He imagines her from shock to furious + erupting volcano. Then, there is a picture of a spider web as Shou probably thinks “Hate me more! Kyouko, you should only think about things regarding me.” Then, there is another illusion of romantic dream by former Kyouko [still student] who is so into Shou that she is finding something in the trash..in the toilet, it seems. Then, she is happy to find the chopsticks that she’s looking for. Present Kyouko looks dark with a giant popped vein running across her face. She is picking up her chopstick that has fallen under the table. She is still totally furious about the kiss and her happy romantic dream of last year. “Quickly reviving from that blow, I’ll still eat something. I’ll absolutely not forgive!!”<- from the summary + erupting volcano. A note of Shou happy about this/this is what he planned. Ren and Yashiro look down the table and ask what’s taking her so long, probably. She holds up her chopstick and says that she found it. After Kyouko stands up, they talk for a while then she overhears a couple of girls probably talking about eating something sweet and delicious. This has revived Kyouko’s kissing incident since she was just eating something delicious then got kissed. Yashiro claps to snap her out of it. She excuses herself and probably says that she’ll get another pair of chopsticks. Ren and Yashiro who were eating with her realize that kiss incident has not been erased in her mind. Ren looks serious.

Kyouko throws away the chopstick wrapper and still thinks about things regarding Shou, just as he wanted. After taking a new pair of chopsticks from a basket, she then sees a long spoon among the spoons basket. She measures it. She looks at Ren then she sweetly smiles. Before they leave, she tells Ren “Tsuruga-san, please wait for a while, I have something to give you..” At Ren’s dressing room, she brings out a small glass wherein the stem of the glass is roses-decorated and wine jelly in it. It looks pretty and nice since it showcases Kyouko’s craft talent ^^ Kyouko says, “If I also prepared chocolate for you, it will definitely just trouble you so I thought of making something, different from chocolate, to give to you.” Ren seems happy about this. She then gives him a spoon but it seems to be a special kind of spoon, dark colored that Ren looks puzzled as Kyouko seems to be explaining about it. Kyouko is happily explaining things. Thinking “..could this be a ‘special’ treatment towards me.”, Ren realizes that this is a dangerous situation. After a lot of practice[?], Ren just calmly replies that it is ‘very delicious’. Kyouko’s face blushes and smile, “Really?! I don’t know if it suits Tsuruga-san’s taste..I was quite nervous that it won’t do..” Ren thinks, “--..no no..even with that kind of expression, I still won’t waver..” Then, Kyouko’s expression changed again to her irritated one as she remembered Shou again. Ren is now looking really serious and somewhat dark as he puts the spoon in the empty glass. He thinks that the thing regarding Sho still pollutes her mind. It seems that it is triggered when Kyouko said ‘taste’ and she remembered the taste of the chocolate. Ren says, “Miss Mogami..” Kyouko looks up to see Ren bending towards her face. Last scene is blank with a Japanese word <- according to Kili and misao, it's 'eh'. Next chapter: 12/05

Shou is, ugh, I really want to punch that face..you might laugh now but you will be crying soon..well, I hope so. He seems more despicable now than Reino. Hehe, that is such a tease, ‘will they kiss or not’. The author is such a S[adist] that she goes into another hiatus with that kind of a cliffhanger. Indeed, the gelatin is the final weapon meant for Ren to finally show his feelings or finally piss him off because Shou is ruining his moment with Kyouko. =P That wine jelly in that glass pretty much screams the special treatment that Ren is receiving. I like the contrast on how ugly Shou can make Kyouko and how pretty and cute Ren can make Kyouko. The author seems to be saying how hate can make someone ugly and being in love can make someone beautiful. Hm..I wonder if Ren will later on said that he is just testing her if she can keep what she ‘promised’ about not being kissed again. If a kiss does happen, I think it might make or break his relationship depending on how Kyouko will react. Since she already likes him, there is a high chance that she’ll react positively but then, she doesn’t want to fall in love again so.. Unless of course, someone interrupts them. This series is hard for me to predict but after such a long arc about Vday, something big is sure to happen coming out from this. =P So, HOPEFULLY, after that long wait, the author will FINALLY give us a BIG progress of Kyouko x Ren relationship. ^^

Quote of the day:
I've had a few arguments with people, but I never carry a grudge. You know why? While you're carrying a grudge, they're out dancing. ~ Buddy Hackett

Sensei, Kiite yo [Chapter 1]
Saturday, October 17, 2009

[Hehehe ^^;; For those waiting for some other series, I’ll get to them soon but I’m doing this first so that I can get it out of my system. =P This series is of course another sensei-student love story but some changes here and there, I thought this isn’t such a bad series. The story is about a bookworm honor student falling for her teacher after her unexpected discovery of what he does in his free time. The premise of this chapter is how 2000 yen has changed her life. ^^ This is serialized in Betsucomi. The Chinese title is “Sensei, Listen up, Yo”. The author is Makita Nao. Scans by Miya for 動漫花園S組.]

Narration: “Sensei, someone who hasn’t fallen in love, is [that person] really scary?” Sixteen year old Satonaka Shi is looking at the bulletin board wherein the results of the last term exams are posted. Students are passing by and talking about how they did in the exams. They then murmur that Shi has once again topped the exams. She always studies and they would want to borrow her brain. “Ah, I actually don’t want to become such a boring person with no boyfriend.” Shi didn’t mind them as she walks at the hallway and thinks that she made four mistakes in the exam. Shi thinks, “This country has already changed. Saying that just by studying well, one’s life will be smooth sailing is just a lie being told to kids. What’s popular and important these days is all about falling in love. I have no fate in love since I’m a ‘person who can study’ and also, ‘a person who only studies.’ All day long, I’ve been called ‘boring’. My future will also be generally also be tragic, like the adults nowadays.” She goes into the faculty room and tells Nishioka-sensei that she has brought gathered the data and she’s now giving it to him. Shi thinks, “Remaining single all of my life, not minding other laughing, I’ll live a life of going back and forth from office to home. Then suppose..” The teacher turns around from his desk and smiles brightly as he thanks her for she has saved him. He is a nerdy/goofy looking teacher complete with eyeglasses. He also congratulates her for being number one in the exams. Shi just timidly thanks him. Narration: “Nishioka Senshiro. 24 years old. My homeroom teacher since spring. (Teaches mathematics)”

Then, she notices Senshiro’s coat is caught inside his belt. Raising up her hand, Shi lamely tries to tell him about it when a couple of girls exclaim out loud that Senshiro’s coat is caught between his belt and he’s such an oldie. They tease Senshiro that if he is always like that no one will love him. A girl is holding a pen and tells him to give his hand to her. Senshiro is shock that the girl drew a heart shape and the word ‘girl’ inside it on the back of his hand. The girl says that it is a love charm. “Within three days if it didn’t disappear then you won’t have a girlfriend.” She also says that she just used a marker pen. The other girl gives him a thumbs up and says, “Gambatte 24 year old virgin.” Freaking out, Senshiro shouts for them to wait for that [topic] is his privacy [private affairs]. He then hits his shin on the box. He starts shouting and cursing that it hurts. Looking bored and holding a box of bandage [band-aid], Shi just says that she’s going ahead and she’ll leave it near the computer. Narration: “If I’m loved by someone, will my future change?” At the shoe lockers, Shi is reading a Japanese history book while taking her shoes. She then sees a lovey-dovey couple and thinks that the girl looks sparkling. Narration: “If it is written in books about a way to fall in love, I would have quickly study about it. I obviously, also want to have a romance.”

At home, Shi has a ‘ugh’ look when her brother welcomes her home and asks her to give him 2000 yen. She walks away and says that she’s hungry. Holding tickets, her brother shouts how she could snub her own brother. He exclaims that he told her about this yesterday that she’ll buy entrance tickets to his band’s concert. He asks her to please buy since the sempai of his band is sure that the concert this time will be.. Shi just says, “No way and also, I’m not interested. Hey, did mom cook already?” Her brother is shaking in anger. He mutters, “..You’ll die alone.” Shi stops and looks at her brother. “..huh?” With emitting dark aura, her brother says, “Seen it..I’ve seen it. As your brother, I have seen my [younger] sister’s miserable future. Someone like you who have no compassion, you will definitely die all alone in your house..!!” Shi is totally shock as she imagines herself dead in the house and only to be discovered three days later by the police. Shi sweatdrops and denies that will happen. Her brother continues to say that she’s pitiful and it is because she’s like that, in school she is normally and sarcastically called, a ‘boring person’. “So, how about it. Don’t you hate that? This ticket is one step to changing yourself. Turn over a new leaf, Shi..!! For only 2000 yen, you can change your life.” Narration: “And so, being lied by my brother, I came to this place.” It is a seedy place for a live house whose concert is entitled Black Lice. Standing in front of the place alone and holding the ticket, she can’t bring herself to enter. “Why is it all adults?” There are men drinking and smoking and some women wearing sexy outfits. “Yet, why am I really happy.” She notices that the ticket price is 1000 yen. She realizes that her brother has just ripped her off. “...I want to go home.” She angrily thinks that her life can’t change easily like that. Shi freaks out when a guy with a mask [looks like the guy in Detroit Metal City manga] holds her shoulder and says that she seems to be holding a ticket so why doesn’t she go in. The nice guy holds her hand and walks her inside. Shi mentally screams, “No~~” Inside the packed place, Shi felt that her ears are going to explode [from the noise]. She feels that she has had enough. “I really don’t understand. How can this kind of thing change my life?”

After a curly haired guy and his band sang, some girls are saying that Senshiro is next. Shi’s eyes widen upon seeing a guy singing while playing a guitar. His hair is covering his eyes. Girls are screaming. Shi thinks, “What..? What is the meaning of this? I know this voice. I heard it somewhere before...” She then sees the guy’s hand has a heart with ‘girl’ written inside. She remembers the love charm. She screams, “Nishioka-sensei..!?” She looks aghast when the guy stops singing and looks at her. His eyes widen and says, “...Satonaka..-student?” Everyone is looking at Shi. Narration: “The world apparently, is really wonderful.” At the alley, after the place is closed, Senshiro asks if she could please say something. Shi is still in shock and tries to say something. Senshiro bows to her and exclaims that he doesn’t have any reason to explain to her. “I’m your homeroom teacher, Nishioka, I’m at fault!! Why am I apologizing?” A bit embarrassed, Senshiro tells her that he is into bands when he was still a student. He didn’t tell anyone because he doesn’t want to cause a hassle and it will make his work troublesome. Shi thinks that he’s a double-life* teacher. [*something like a fake teacher up front; not too sure] A couple of guys call out to him as Shiro. One guy shouts that he shouldn’t sexually harass a female student in that place. Another guy calls him a sex maniac. Embarrassed, Senshiro shouts that they’re annoying and they’re a group of idiots. He shouts for them to scram as the two teases him that he’s scary while they are laughing. Shi thinks that she doesn’t know why but it doesn’t feel boring. Senshiro then apologizes again to Shi for he felt that he has to apologize to her. Senshiro looked surprised when she says, “—then, ‘romance’. As an apology to me, I want to have ‘a romance with sensei” Narration: “Is this for real? Two thousand yen can change a person’s life?”

At the school’s hallway, students are greeting Senshiro when he sees Shi who tenses up upon seeing him. She passes by him as they exchange greetings. Senshiro then whispers to her, “After one hour, go to my office at the second floor.” This made Shi flustered as she thinks that she just got invited. “Sensei unexpectedly accepted my proposal. Ah-what should I do? A teacher is unexpectedly frivolous?!” There is a scene of Senshiro flashing a v-sign and said, ‘yes’. “Could it be that sensei also likes me..” She sweatdrops and ponders about this. Her thinking is interrupted when a couple of girls say that she’s lost in thought/daydreaming again on her table and no wonder she’s such a nerd. Shi is embarrassed as the girls are giggling. Shi thinks, “No matter what they say, I have a boyfriend now. I won’t be a boring person anymore because starting from now on, I will carry on a forbidden kind of love.” At the ‘prepare [tests]/data’? room, Shi knocks and asks if he is there. She opens the door and notices that he had music headphones on so he didn’t hear her. When she calls out to him, he notices her. After removing his earphones, he smiles and welcomes her. “I’ve been waiting for you.” Shi’s heart beats loudly. She becomes nervous that they might do some of those obscene things since he is her boyfriend. To her shock/aghast, he gives her a stack of summer homework booklets. He laughs and says that he forgot to give it yesterday so will she help him distribute it. “So, I’m depending on you.” Door slams. Shi thinks, “..What?” Then, there are some scenes of Senshiro teaching and just passing by her. Shi is aghast as she thinks, “What..why..why am I totally not treated like a girlfriend!!” In his office, Senshiro says, “Eh-I’m already doing it – ‘treating you like a girlfriend’. My standard in life is to totally ignore the girlfriend. It’s an amazing style of treating the girlfriend. If you don’t hurry and go home, the gate will close.” Shi is flustered and angry when he says that if she can’t endure that, they should break up. Clenching her fist, she thinks that Senshiro has planned to trick her from the very start because she is a kid so he’s teasing her. “But..” Shi says, “I understand. If that’s how it is, then I’ll treat you how one treats one’s boyfriend.”

Senshiro is surprised by this. To his shock, Shi tries to kiss him. Flustered, he tries to hold her back. He nervously asks what she is doing and tells her to stop. Shi says, “I’m going to kiss you. Isn’t this what lovers do? Why are you evading it?! ..No matter what, you answered me then. If you are an adult, you should take responsibility.” Blushing, Shi wonders if he can fulfill this simple wish. To her surprise, Senshiro says, okay, he’s going to stop ignoring her. He corners her to a table and removes his glasses. He says, “First of all..I want to tell you that right now, I’m not your teacher. You’re the one who wanted me to do this so don’t cry about it later on, okay?” Senshiro holds her face and leans to kiss her. She is surprised. She closed her eyes and thinks, “No way..could it be that he’ll really kiss me..!!!” She is surprised when Senshiro pinches both her cheeks and says, “Big Biscuit—face” After he let go, She holds her pinched face and says, “..eh..?” With puppy eyes and flowers all around, Senshiro says, “Could it be that you thought that I’m going to molest you? I only do that kind of thing with the person I like--” Shi exclaims that she thought that it’s for real. Senshiro sighs and tells her, “Okay, Shi. This isn’t like you so forget about it.” Shi is stunned when he said that. He goes to the window and complains that it [weather] is hot. Shi then asks, “..is it because you think I’m very boring?” Senshiro is surprised by that. Shi shouts, “You were thinking that, weren’t you?! Even if you are a teacher, you also think that I’m just a selfish [girl] bookworm!! I can only study and studying makes me very happy.” She thinks that all this time, she is just reading books so she is different from normal people and actually, she doesn’t want to want to be in love. “At the back of wanting to give up, I truly want to have a romance.” Crying, Shi shouts, “Why does everyone call me ‘boring’? Do I really have a fault? I really..”

Her heart beats out loud when Senshiro holds her head and pulls her to him like a hug [but not really a hug]. He says, “It’s alright. Shi isn’t one bit boring. You’re just a normal girl longing for love. Not only in studies, I know that you are a very nice kid.” He pulls his pants up to show a bandage on his shin. Holding a box of bandages, Senshiro laughs and says that it was bleeding when he bumped it and thanks to her, she put that box beside the computer. Holding the box, Shi says he’s welcome. She has totally forgotten about it. He pats her head. He smiles and says, “You should have a bit of confidence, Shi. So-called love is something you should start together with the person you love. If it’s you, even if you don’t threaten the other party, you’ll have a spectacular kind of love.” Shi blushes. Putting his glasses on [teacher mode on], he tells her that he’ll walk her to the gate. Shi sweatdrops and thinks that Senshiro is cruel for not keeping his word. “When I see sensei’s smiling face, my face immediately becomes red.” While walking, Senshiro is chatting with her about it is going to be night soon yet it’s still hot. He says that it is really great that her condition is really simple for he is afraid that he might not have any countermeasure for it. Shi thinks her face feels hot. She looks up to see the shoe lockers. She thinks that they’ll arriv at the gate soon. “..Already arrived..just being ‘hugged’ bysensei, my heart beats so loudly.” She looks at Senshiro’s back and thinks that she never had this kind of feeling. Senshiro then calls out to her. Pointing to the door, he tells her that they are already here so isn’t she going out. Shi is shock by this. She wonders why she is feeling sad. She then says that it will be summer vacation soon and she notices it only now. She thinks, “Yes, if it’s summer vacation, I won’t be able to see sensei temporarily. I want to talk more with him..” Senshiro is surprised when Shi says that she likes his singing voice. Senshiro laughs and smiles. “Thanks. That’s quite sudden!!” Shi’s eyes widen and she blushes. Shi thinks, “This is-- in an instant, I have the feeling of love.” To Senshiro’s surprise, Shi says, “Can you go steady with me? ..I want to have a real romance with sensei. I like you..” Narration: “At the start of summer vacation, Satonaka Shi has fallen in love with her teacher.”

I got interested in this series at the part when I learned he is a singer. I like the idea of how a 2000 yen changed her life. It is inevitable that she is being looked down by others since everything is focused on ‘love’. Since she just loves to read and study, she seems to be the ‘odd one’ and she is left out. I think it doesn’t help things that she doesn’t have any friends. She has succumbed to the peer pressure of always being called boring. I think it is awful and inconsiderate for those people to gossip about her out loud with no regard that Shi is hearing all what they are saying. I guess that is their way of bringing her down because they are jealous of her academic achievements. Of course, anyone would be scared of dying all alone. It does seem to be really pitiful to die and only to be discovered later on by the police or neighbors because they smell some foul odor. Her brother really knows her well to know what will make her buy the ticket. I think that it is because she has a good relationship with Senshiro, being an honor student, that she asked him to be her boyfriend. Senshiro probably decides to play along because he probably realized that something is bothering her since he probably noticed that she isn’t acting normally. Before, it is a plain teacher-student relationship but thanks to his kindness and encouragement, I think it is inevitable that she would fall for him. I do wonder if Senshiro’s silly and goofy side is a fake. It did made the other female students think he is a virgin because he can’t even dress properly and he does seem nerdy. Interesting enough, it seems that Shi only changed her impression of Senshiro after seeing him without the glasses. After the concert, he is drawn much ‘handsomer’ rather than ‘nerdy’. Senshiro does seem to have a silly side at times so maybe it is part of his personality. Well, thanks to having an ‘alter ego’, Shi realizes that he isn’t that boring after all. I’m surprised that she has already confessed at the end of this chapter. I wonder if he will accept since it might just be infatuation and she was just really lonely then but then, I don't think he can just turn her down since he might feel guilty for making her fall for him. =P Hehe, maybe there will a suggestion of ‘trial dating’. This series seems promising that I'm curious how things will go and how it will differ from the other teacher-student series out there. Since she already confessed and there doesn’t seem to be any other obstacles as of now, I think this might be a short series. It is only belatedly I realized that Betsucomi does have short stories...I thought it is all long ones ^^;

Word of the day:
We are all subject to social pressures. If we are true to ourselves and to God, we'll be able to withstand the strong pull of the crowd. ~ Mart De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Free Talk: About WJ Summaries
Friday, October 16, 2009

Anoh..I kept on ending up with a backlog per month = ‘manga dump has begun and I’m not finished with the last month’. ^^; So, I decided to stop summarizing Weekly Jump to give me time to catch up and hopefully, give me some time to summarize some other series that I want to write about. ^^ To those who were reading those summaries, I'm sorry about that but of course, I'm still reading those series so it's okay to tag about it if you got something to say about what happened ^^

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru [Chapter 7]
Friday, October 16, 2009

A scene of Shun playing his guitar. “Being free and unmindful only comes out while I’m working. In fact, my real self is pretty much a serious, hard working type of guy.” Shun is playing his guitar at a recording studio. This manager[?] puts a bottle of Pocari Sweat [Japanese health/sports drink] in front of him to drink then he leaves the room. [Since I’m bad in differentiating characters in this series that at first, I actually thought Shun was Yuu. ^^; I think it is the] youngest-looking member of the band asks the manager if Shun is still practicing. The manager says that’s true. The youngest member says that Shun is really super diligent. He asks why a company [business office] like this, didn’t promote this side of Shun in order for others to have a better impression of him since he seems to be just a frivolous guy. The manager agrees and says that even he feels that this should be paid attention to but Shun hates/doesn’t want to do that. After playing, he touches the music sheet and says that the music is really cool. He wants to play it with his own hands. Shun is playing when he looks at the side, he looks surprised. He takes off his headphones and says that he was startled. He asks since when Souichirou is standing there. Souichirou says that he should be the one who is startled because Shun’s playing has greatly improved. Shun is happy to hear that as he says that it is because Aki’s new music is explosively cool. “This time, I want to play this music on my own..” Souichirou takes out his cigarette and lights it. Shun is stunned when Souichirou laughs and says, “Stop joking around. You should also think of the feelings of the audience who shell out money for the product, only to listen to a super amateurish guitar performance. It’s pitiful, right? It’s okay for young master Shun’s playing to just be handled by a super~ professional guitarist in the recording room.” Souchirou puts his hand on Shun’s shoulder and says, “Okay. Don’t worry!” Shun still looks stunned. After Souichirou takes his hand away, Shun says, “That’s right--!” The two start to laugh out loud together. Shun then excuses himself that he needs to go to the toilet. Souichiro says okay. After Shun leaves, Souichirou smokes then he looks serious.

Shun is still humming as he passes by the hallway. He greets a guy a good morning after the guy greeted him. Inside the toilet, Shun’s smile disappears as he kicks the door of one of the toilet stalls. He seems frustrated as he faces the mirror near the sink. His hand is shaking. He tells himself, “..do not be mistaken. This isn’t that old geezer’s fault.” Looking at the mirror, he says, “Being able to only play the guitar terribly and hopelessly, it’s your own fault. It’s my own fault.” A tear drops on the sink. Shun wipes his eyes with his arm and takes out his cellphone from his pocket. He emails Aki that he has heard the music and it is really super~ cool. He continues typing and a tear is welling in his eye again. He sends the message then closes the flip of his cellphone. He looks up and sighs. At Tower Records [music store], Aki is looking at some CDs when he receives an email from Shun. Aki becomes flustered upon reading Shun’s email which reads, “The new music is really super~ cool. Wait until the printing tax [or sales], please buy me a devil fruit* that can make my guitar playing skills become better (^3^)/ -End-” [*devil fruit seems to be a reference to the manga, One Piece wherein if the fruit is eaten, it can give a person special powers.] Aki scowls as he reads ‘guitar playing skills become better’ again. He puts his cellphone on his head then glances at the Sex Pistols’s ‘Kiss This’ album. He listens to it as he thinks that Sex Pistols’ Sid originally can’t play much bass. Even if Sid’s bass isn’t up to par with the music, people do not doubt he is the main character that forms/binds the band. He wonders what the fans felt as they listen to the album that totally didn’t record Sid’s bass. There is a flashback of Souichirou saying that this so-called business of depending on music to eat has nothing to do about whether you can play well or not. Aki had asked him to please teach him as to what then is the thing that has something to do with [music if it isn’t playing well]. At the elevator which is going down, Aki thinks that after Souichirou told them that it doesn’t matter if their skill is really awful, but [they?] still want to sharpen their skills through practice and later on..

Aki arrives at the first floor where the new releases & recommends section is located. He overhears a couple of girls talking while standing in front of Crude Play’s promotion cd section. One of the girls says that Crude Play’s music unexpectedly has a trait of being strong. “I absolutely like Shun’s guitar playing!” The other girl asks if he can play. The girl exclaims that Shun can for he plays together with Kaoru although he usually just acts as the lead singer. “I also like Shinya’s bass.” “I also heard that Teppei’s drum playing is on a high level since my boyfriend also plays in a band--” Aki seems flustered as he thinks, “Wanting to stand on stage with full of confidence and pride, we want to play by ourselves.” Flashback: “You really never once felt that it is strange?” Souichirou asked younger Aki in school uniform. “Piano or violin types. So many people since their youth started to receive high quality education. After passing the sound test[?], they will practice as if it is a matter of life and death. Even if it’s like that, in the end, it only amounts to a handful if one is to depend on it to eat [as a livelihood]. Then why a guy who only played in a band as an assistant [/part time?] and started in middle school or high school “with friends forming a band together ☆”, to a degree, can also unexpectedly become a veteran? You, whose ears are really sharp, should clearly know this within your heart. The chords that emerge from [what] you guys play and [what] the veterans play. That talent is genuine and that thing deserves to be listened to by the customers.” End flashback. Aki emails back, “Where are you right now?” Shun emails that he is in the office/company. The door to the toilet opens. Shun glances sideways to see that it is a fat youngster. It’s Sou. After a pause, Sou points at Shun and shouts, “Crude Play!! Shun!!! What the~~the real person is really good looking!!!” Shun sighs and tells Sou that it is rude to point at someone and didn’t his parents taught him that. Still freaking out, Sou apologizes profusely as he bows that it is because he is totally shock upon seeing Shun himself.

Shun continues typing on his cellphone and asks, “..are you a high schooler? Were you lost that you ended up here?” Shun stops typing when Sou tells him that Takagi-san/Souichirou called him there. Shun looks at Sou then resumes typing on his cellphone. Sou keeps on looking at him. [Ah, Sou is the type of character whose eyes are always closed so I assume he’s staring at Shun that] Shun closes the flip of his cellphone and asks him, “What is it?” Shun then stutters that it is nothing. Shun asks if he is part of a band. Sou says he is. Sou clenches his fist then asks, “..do I look like I can really play a musical instrument? Takagi-san said that even just from the point of view of being fat, it is already a potential [strong type].” Shun says, “You..” He wasn’t able to continue when to his surprise, Sou asks, “[He] said that in Crude Play, only Shinya plays the bass himself, is this true? We, the three of us, obviously have just bought our guitars and are super amateurs but according to him, we have a very good selling point [external appearance] so he’s going to start their career [debut].” Flashback: Souichirou talked with the three youngsters at the lounge. He told them that even if their company has Crude Play and Mari, these two big billboards, but if it’s all good-looking guys and beautiful girls, it would seem that the company is only producing idols. “So, I always wanted to find people who have a different kind of feel. The daughter of a vegetable store owner in the street market* and a youngster whose family sell fish, this is also a good setting.” [* I translated that literally and it could be a name of a place in Japan ^^;] Riko and Sou perk up since Souichirou is referring to them. Souichirou added that Sou is pretty much in the right kind of fatness and the one beside him, [Yuu] seems to be very good-looking that girls will wildly scream ‘ah ah’ [go gaga] at him. Riko seemed to be flustered and tense. Souichirou noticed this and told her not to show that kind of expression. “Riko-chan, your market value is naive and innocent temperament and this delicate, slim [petit] body figure isn’t a match with a youngster’s voice..because this sound is.. a ‘genuine [high quality] product for a reasonable price’. So..” End flashback. Sou tells Shun, “[he] said that, for the first time, ‘Crude Play’s Aki will be a producer in launching a band.” Shun is shock to hear that. He then looks flustered as he grins his teeth and mutters, “What..kind of joke is this..!” In the last scene, Aki goes in inside Office Takagi’s building. Blurb: “The cruel fate of the business of becoming famous has started to move!! Next chapter, Excitement!!”

First of all, this series is indeed a bit confusing because the timeline tend to jump around and it isn’t continuous. I’m expecting for some sort of confrontation between Riko and Mari after the last chapter then suddenly, it focuses on Shun. That is part of the reason, I confused Shun with Yuu when I read the first few pages. ^^;; I wonder if this technique of storytelling is good since it is confusing but if it’s effect/reason is for the readers to re-read the earlier chapters, it has succeeded. I found myself re-reading it because I felt that I had missed something but then, I didn’t really ^^; I’m wondering why Aki didn’t join Crude Play but it seems that it isn’t revealed yet. I think this author really researched the music industry and it does seem to be going for a realistic feel to it. I do think what Souichirou is doing is actually true in real life. I guess Riko and others are a bit surprised by what Souichirou said because rather on their talent on music, he focuses more on the ‘packaging’ – their background and appearance. If it is ‘sellable’, he’ll help make your debut even if you are not really talented. Actually, from his current talents, it seems that only Aki is the genuine one. Of course, Mari is also one, too but then, she doesn’t seem to want to sing the songs that Souchirou want her to sing since she depends on Aki to write her songs. Souchirou is such a shrewd businessman. He knows what can click with the audience, he knows his music and business, and he can be very blunt. Everything seems to be all about profit. Maybe this is part of the reason why Aki doesn’t like since Aki does seem to be the type who isn’t into music for money and fame. I think Souichirou is the ‘bad luck’ in Aki’s life. Aki wasn’t able to ‘have’ Mari because of Souichirou and now, Aki will be rivals soon with Shun’s Crude Play. Hm..but then, they will be in the same company ^^; I wonder if Aki can actually decline it. I’m not sure if he is a permanent part of Souichirou’s company or just a part-timer. From the first chapter, Aki mentioned that he likes to write songs about everyday life so I think his type of music fits Riko’s band more than the other two. Riko’s band is more on the ‘typical’ like ‘we are just like you’ so it’s more believable if they sing those type of songs. Also, Aki has a lot in common with Riko’s band. They are also poor just like Aki was and they don’t have formal training in music, just starting a band. I think Souichirou knows this so he grouped them together. It will be like the cover page of chapter 3 will become real. ^^

Now for Shun, I think he got himself into a real predicament. It can’t be helped that he’s frustrated because he obviously loves music and he is willing to practice but still, his skills aren’t up to par. I guess because of formal music, it is more like being spoon-fed about all sorts of technical stuff and repeatedly play things that his skills isn’t that ‘deep’ as compared to someone joining a band who would be more ‘creative’ and would base things on listening rather than reading music sheets. From my point of view, it seems that Shun agreed to ‘debut’ even if he isn’t that good yet. He agreed to let others play the real music because he wants to be famous immediately. It is really a hard offer to resist because that opportunity might not be there anymore since it is really hard to ‘get in’ this cutthroat-type of competition in the music industry. From the way Sou asked him about it and the two fans’ talk about Crude Play, it really does seem that they didn’t tell the people that they weren’t the ones who played the music..well, for the album. If that is the case, I doubt they had a live concert unless it is pre-recorded. I think the fans will be angry if they learned about this for they were taken for fools. A band is supposed to play their own music. It does seem that Yuu is right that they are like an idol group – who just sings the songs. Actually, I’m surprised that it turned out that only one of them really plays the music himself. ^^; I wonder for how long can they keep up this facade and why did Souichirou tell Riko and others about it. Is it because Riko and others will be doing the same thing, too? I also wonder why Sou is telling all of this to Shun. My theory is that Sou would want to know his opinion as to whether they should accept the contract or not since there is a high chance that they will also not be playing their own music. They might find themselves in the same predicament as Shun. Maybe he also wants Shun to know that Aki will be part of their group..for what reason? Ah, maybe so that there will be no hard feelings or jealousy later on? ^^; I do think that there will be jealousy since Shun and Mari want/need Aki and I guess Aki didn’t expect that he might soon be working with none of those two. Ironically, he’ll end up with his current girlfriend’s group when he wasn’t serious with her from the very start. Is it a challenge to Shun? But then, Sou doesn’t seem to be the type to do that. I wonder what Shun will do after knowing this. Will he confront Souichirou? Will he dissuade Aki? I think that Aki and Shun’s friendship is really deep that Aki is worried about Shun’s frustration. Anyway, I can’t wait to see Aki’s reaction on various things that are going to happen soon like Riko being discovered by, of all people, Souichiro and he ends up being with some other band which isn’t Mari’s or Shun’s. Hehe, if Riko’s group and Mari haven’t left yet, then, the whole cast will be under one roof. He’s really the man between all of them and whatever he does, I’m sure he’ll end up hurting someone. Well, I can’t wait to read what happens next..hopefully, it won’t go back to Riko and Mari meeting, well, if it doesn’t, it won’t dwell too much on it especially since I can’t wait for Aki to learn about Riko’s favorite hobby..well, he already knows but for him to finally confirm it with his eyes and ears =P Scans by 豆芽豆芽 for BW and 動漫花園S組.

Quote of the day:
Reality isn't the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are. ~ Robert J. Ringer

Skip Beat! [Chapter 148] Unconfirmed Teaser
Friday, October 16, 2009

This is an unconfirmed spoiler found by lee002 of BW in 2ch. It might be untrue because it is too early and the spoiler is too short. Kyouko’s gift to Ren is grape wine jelly/pudding. ( <- final weapon from last chapter?) Then at that time, Kyouko remembered Shou’s kiss incident. (do not know what is the incident that made her think that way) Seeing her looking violent/ghostly like that (the reason is obvious), Ren wants to kiss her. But will he kiss her? Until the next chapter and it seems that it will be after a month..12/05. The theory is that the jelly will be the final weapon to finally make Ren do something. It might be his Valentine’s gift…not birthday gift.

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 8]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Still in the well, Caesar is holding Nakaba. He wonders, “What’s up with this girl? Just now, I felt she’s very indifferent, and right now, she also has that sincere expression.” He remembers her looking blank as she says that she might kill him. “She even said those things..” Nakaba looks at him when he calls her name. He then hugs her and thinks, “But this girl doesn’t hate me. Ah-- she’s so cute. But..” He then pulls away from her. Nakaba looks a bit sad as she tells him not to touch her. Caesar thinks that it seems that Nakaba is confused about something and why does she have that kind of expression on her face. Nakaba is surprised when Caesar touches her face. He smiles and says, “Are you pushing me away again? Even if you push me away, I will still move towards [to touch] you again and again.” Nakaba seems troubled by what he said. Then, she hears someone calling her name. She looks up to see Loki who asks her, why she is in that place. Loki says, “I’m going to quickly rescue you, Princess Nakaba. Just wait a moment..Princess Nakaba.” As Nakaba and Caesar are looking up, Caesar angrily says, “I’m here, too, servant.” Afterwards, Loki helps the two up the well. Loki says that it’s good [that she’s safe]. “You really made me worry since you said that you aren’t going so when I didn’t find you on the bed..” Nakaba feels guilty as she just says ‘yes’ to Loki. Loki tells her that they should go back. While they are walking away, Nakaba looks back and sees Caesar is looking at her. Nakaba thinks, “Ah, Loki, Loki obviously came and rescued me but in a split-second, I felt fear. You who should be important to me than anything else, I felt fear--”

The next day, Loki wakes Nakaba up. He apologizes for waking her up but Caesar has come to see her. With Belias, Caesar apologizes to Nakaba for disturbing her but they are going to a gathering at the main hall. Caesar says that it seems that his father wants to tell her something and also, about her servant.. Caesar calls Belias who brings some clothes to Loki. Loki is told to wear those clothes. Caesar says, “The princess’ attendant, half-human, Loki, I appoint you that from now on, you will be one of my army’s soldier.” As Caesar is about to leave, he says, “Do not misunderstand. I didn’t do this for you. It’s for Nakaba. Being active within Belquat, compare to a half-human envoy, the rank of a knight is more convenient.” Nakaba is a bit worried as she remembered Loki telling her that his goal is to help Caesar so that he’ll trust him. Nakaba looks surprised after seeing Loki wearing his new knight clothes. [Looks a bit big for him ^^; and] he’s still wearing his own knife. Loki says, “Let’s go.” On their way to the main hall, Nakaba thinks that Caesar is stupid for bestowing this rank to Loki so that he’ll be close to him yet while wearing these clothes, Loki is still an ‘enemy’ and Loki could even kill him. At the hall, they finally arrive. The royal family including Cain and Louise are there. King Conan calls out, “That girl has come. Dye her hair.” Caesar and Loki are surprised while Nakaba says, “What..?” Soldiers suddenly grab Nakaba. Cain doesn’t seem to have any expression while Louise seems a bit worried for Nakaba. Loki shouts what they are doing. The Crown Princess says that their allied nation, Ritanaire* has send an envoy to come in a few days. [*invented name and that’s the closest that I can make up based on the Chinese name, ‘Li-te-a-na-er’] “For the royal court of Belquat, the red-haired princess brought from Senan is a disgrace, right?” Caesar protests, “Queen mother! Even though you are the Queen mother, you shouldn’t do this kind of thing..” His mother shouts back, “Silence, Caesar! This is the king’s command!” Caesar exclaims, “Nakaba is my wife! I won’t allow you people to do as you please!” To Caesar’s shock, Conan tells him to kill Nakaba. “I only want that red color to disappear, whatever kind of method doesn’t matter to me. You choose.” Caesar is flustered as he can’t say anything back.

The crown princess orders the maids, who were carrying a pail of black dye, towards Nakaba. Nakaba is aghast as she looks at the black dye. She mutters, “No..no..” One of the maids grabs her braided hair [and unbraids it]. They start dipping her hair into the dye as Nakaba kept on shouts, ‘No!’ Loki can only look at the scene while Caesar seems to be looking away. Conan is very please as he exclaims, “Ha ha ha, the roots of the Raksasa* grass are a very good dye! That eyesore red will quickly turn into black!” [*in Chinese, the name means a demon in Buddhism or a ghost who plays tricks in the temple. Not sure if it’s the same word in Japanese.] Nakaba falls on the floor as her long hair is now all black. [The top hair is just smeared with black but still red] With tears in her eyes, Nakaba holds a part of her hair and thinks, “I originally really hate my own red hair..I have thought countless times that it would have been better if it isn’t this color, but, even if being look down in contempt, we still live together until now, my red hair. Miserable, pitiful, I and my red hair.” Nakaba is crying out loud. Caesar has drawn his sword and pushes away the soldier who was near him [to probably stop him if he does something foolish]. Caesar looks really flustered then starts laughing out loud. “Ha ha ha ha ha..I..living in this kind of world, it’s totally meaningless!” Cain and Louise seem to look as if Caesar lost his mind. Nakaba looks surprised as Caesar cuts off his long hair. Caesar thinks, “—No wonder I feel so empty. What red, black, it’s totally stupid. Yet, what is really stupid, is me who couldn’t protect the girl I like. Since this is the case, for Nakaba, I will change this country. If it’s for this, that I’ve lived a life as a royalty, perhaps it’s not bad [after all].” Loki approaches Nakaba and helps her sit up. He calls her name once. She calls his name, too when she notices him crying. Nakaba mutters, “Stupid, why are you crying?” Loki holds her head and kept on apologizing to her. Nakaba wonders if these two guys really treasure/value her red hair. “Then, I..”

The two guys are surprised when Nakaba suddenly stands up. She says, “Loki, give me a sword.” Loki is a bit puzzled but he obeys her. She holds the sword and charges near Conan that they are now face to face. She thinks, “In that case, I..don’t need to value it.” Looking straight into the stunned king’s eyes, Nakaba cuts off all the black dyed hair and drops the hair on the king’s lap. Nakaba walks away as Conan tries to recover from his shock. He shouts that Nakaba is audacious [uncontrollable and bold]. After a pause, Conan asks, “Do you want revenge?” Nakaba says, “No.” She turns around to face the king and continues, “I will show you that I, with this red hair, can live dignifiedly.” Nakaba thinks, “Human, half-human, royalty, commoner, all for one’s honor. I will use these eyes to go and find that kind of world.” The two guys hold her – well, Caesar’s hand is on her waist while Loki’s hand is on her back. [Love and support ^^] She smiles at them as they slightly smile back at her. Nakaba thinks, “As I definitely become someone who will change the royal court, I will definitely find happiness. That is definitely..not too far away.” The three then glances towards the King. [Haha, for their Kodak moment =P If this is elections of some sort, it will be like, remember these faces, we will change the country/world. ^^ Sorry, I couldn’t resist.] The scene changes into Nakaba’s room. Nakaba tells Loki that just like that, they are put in locked up in their room and soldiers even guarded outside the door. Sitting by the window, Nakaba says that it has been 5 days and they haven’t gone out yet. Loki tells her that it’s inevitable because she did that kind of thing in front of the king and [I’m not sure about this] not being punished [severely?] is already a special mercy/favor.

To Loki’s surprise, Nakaba looks out the window and points out, “Hey, if we dropped down a [rope] ladder there, we can get out right? That envoy from the allied country is enough to keep them busy, how about we go out for a while and quickly come back?” Hopefully looking out, Nakaba thinks, “And, I want to see Caesar.” Loki smiles and says that it seems that she has become carefree/optimist. Nakaba laughs and says that maybe after cutting her hair, her feelings also become lighter/relaxed. As they climb down from the window using a ladder, Nakaba thinks, “I like Caesar. So, for Caesar, for Loki, for them to have sufficient happiness, I will do my best. I will look for something that I can do.” Wearing a hooded cape, Nakaba walks through the courtyard/garden and comments that she wasn’t able to properly look around that place before. From the corner of trees, she bumps into someone. An [Arabian-looking] boy apologizes and asks if she is alright. Nakaba thinks, “Oh no..could it be..the envoy from the allied nation--” Hair..hair..lots of hair in this chapter =P Actually, what’s happening in this series is what I wanted to happen in Vampire Knight so, I’m happy since the story is indeed going where I wanted it to go ^^ Yes, I got my wish for Loki to change clothes but the clothes does seem a bit off..I mean, it doesn’t seem to suit him because it made me feel as if it is ‘heavy’ that he can’t move around much. Haha, the other two now feels ‘lighter’ with their new haircut. =P I think this is the first series wherein there is a drastic ‘makeover’ for the cast in less than 10 chapters. ^^; Could it be that the author got lazy from drawing long hairstyles =P Her haircut reminds me of D Gray-man’s Rinali. Hm..there seems to be similarities between the trio of Allen, Rinali and Kanda, and these trio ^^; Well, so much for worrying about falling for Caesar and betraying Loki, Nakaba is finally free of that, well, probably for now, thanks to Conan. It reminded her that she has better things or rather important things to do right now.

Amusingly and probably ironically, because of what Conan did, Nakaba and Caesar are finally enlightened on realizing the purpose of their lives and come to the same conclusion as what Loki had - they want to change this crooked world. They do not want to just be helpless and be ‘victims’ again. They realize that they have their own respective powers to do it. Of course, I think they will not agree to the kind of uprising Loki plans. I’m curious though how they are going to go about it. In this kind of set-up, I think Nakaba and Loki have more to lose including their lives as compared to Caesar unless his father disowns him. I don’t think Caesar can afford that because he needs his title to ‘change the world’ so maybe now, he’ll serious try to get the crown from his brother. Also, because of what happened, I think the two guys will set aside their differences for the meantime as they would want to do their utmost best and capability to protect Nakaba since this incident is very insightful on how helpless they can be. Thankfully, it is just Nakaba’s hair being dyed..what if it is something worse? Okay, maybe if it is something worse, they would have really done something right away. ^^; I wonder if Loki will also let go of his plans for revenge. I do think that he has probably let go of his plans on using and killing Caesar for his own plans because Caesar has proven where his loyalty lies and this is with Nakaba. I think both guys are ‘using’ each other in a way because they need each other to protect Nakaba. There are things that only Caesar can do and there are things that only Loki can do. I think it’s nice how the author showed how love can make someone ‘weak’ as well as ‘strong’. After Nakaba realizes that she is in love with Caesar, she does seem weak and couldn’t decide on what she wants to do. She’s always tormented and conflicted but after what happened, she becomes strong because she wants to do something for the people she loves. I guess she doesn’t want a repeat of what happened in that incident wherein she realized she doesn’t want these guys hurt because of her and they will be there for her.

Interestingly, it is Nakaba and Caesar who are ‘reckless’ in this chapter for doing that in front of the king when it is Loki who used to do that. I guess Loki already learns from his lesson that given his position, he shouldn’t just charge towards the king with hopes that he can get away with it. He was lucky last time. Loki is shown as ‘weak’ in this chapter. I guess he cried over not protecting/stopping what they tried to do to Nakaba though I wonder if he didn't help because of the little 'rift' between them since he realizes that Nakaba likes Caesar. Maybe he also apologized because of not prioritizing her. Hm.. this love triangle might actually be the type wherein the girl gets both guys =P Also, I wonder what Conan will do afterwards because I don’t think that he is the type who’ll just sit down and let what they did pass. Cutting of their hair in a defiant way is pretty much a protest and can be interpreted as ‘rebellion’ of some sort. I assume that it is either he look down on them and don’t think they can harm him or he is just waiting for the visitor to leave then he’ll deal with them. I'm still a bit unsure what to think of Nakaba sneaking out. It's good that she is now proactive but then, if they are caught, it will only cause more trouble which might land them into a worse condition/punishment than just being locked up. ^^; Well, I guess she is going to risk it rather than doing nothing which she had been doing years before. So far, the culprit who tried to kill Caesar plot has been pushed aside and Lito is missing in action. Is it a coincidence? I like that this author is slowly building up her cast because I tend to be confused when authors suddenly dump lots of characters at the same time. I’m actually surprised about this allied nation envoy because I thought they are in an island with two nations fighting so where did this allied nation come from? Could it be that it is a huge world out there? I wonder if the author will make the trio tour around the world or something and with the knowledge they gain, they can widen their perspective and use it to change their ‘world’. Hehe, I’m just entertaining the idea of the three cosplaying/wearing all sorts of different outfits later on =P Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Quote of the day:
Purpose is what gives life a meaning. ~ Charles H. Perkhurst

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, October 12, 2009

Bleach [c. 377] starts with Kensei sending Wonderweiss flying after punching him. Beaten up Mashiro asks if he is avenging her but Kensei denies it. He then goes bankai as he prepares to beat up Wonderweiss. Meanwhile, Aizen seems unfazed as he looks at his former comrades. Shinji warns everyone especially Hiyori not to fight Aizen up close because it is suicidal. Aizen starts his taunt by address Shinji as captain who cares for others. Aizen tells them that no matter how they approach them, it’s all over for them and there is nothing to be afraid of since 100 years ago, they’ve already died. This made Hiyori attack but ends up being separated from the bottom part of her body, thanks to Gin. Shinji goes to her. Hiyori apologizes and Shinji can only hope for Ichigo and others especially Inoue to return soon in order to save Hiyori. Okay..that was pretty lame and stupid. The lesson here is be patient and in fighting, use your advantage. Aizen used his advantage of being able to easily provoke someone like Hiyori so she is easy picking and his opponents are narrowed down with two out of the way since I think Shinji will be busy worrying about Hiyori. Apparently, Hiyori has forgotten Aizen’s two underlings. Just like Kensei, he is going to use his advantage of bankai and whatever else he has, against ‘rash’ Wonderweiss before he gets the upper hand. Of course, in times like this, a ‘healer’ is really needed. Hehe, I guess ‘healers’ are useful after all. I guess both camps lack the foresight of needing such characters here and maybe they are too overconfident that they won’t need ‘healers’. Even if they have some weak ‘healers’ there but I guess it is only Inoue who can undo the major damage that Hiyori got..actually, I think it’s pretty fatal aside from the blood loss but then, this is manga. =P Well, it seems that Ichigo is going somewhere but then, ah, he isn’t the one they need right now. ^^;

Then in Naruto [c. 467], Sakura, together with Sai, Kiba and Lee, prepare to go and meet up with Naruto to talk with him. At the inn, while Yamato is trying to pacify the owner, Naruto is thinking about what Madara told him about Sasuke and his hatred. Naruto decides that he has to talk with Sasuke to confirm things. Back to the meeting hall, Raikage isn’t interested in what Madara has to say so he attacks but to his surprise, his attack just passed through Madara. It seems that Madara’s eye is some sort of blackhole which acts like a vacuum to suck in Sasuke and Karin to safety in some other dimension. Well, he saved Karin is to heal Sasuke. Madara tells Raikage to listen to him first before he lets Sasuke talk with them. The others realize that Madara’s power is the ability to manipulate space-time continuum. Madara admits that he sent Sasuke there to improve his skills and probably take them as hostage but it seems that Sasuke can’t handle them. Mizukage asks why he needs hostages. Madara claims that he has to make the moon’s eye plan go smoothly. Tsuchikage asks why he has to do such things since he seems to be totally powerful to be able to pull whatever he plans off. Madara admits that he is currently weak after his battle with the first hokage. It seems that this plan is to help him regain his former powerful self and make him one with the world. Madara claims that he has read some sort of stone monument left by Rikudou Sennin which can only be read by those who has mangekyou. He says Rikudou Sennin has saved the world before from a monster called Juubi, ten tails, the fusion of all nine tailed beasts. He did that by sealing the Juubi into his body. Rikudou fears about the possibility of it escaping upon his death so he divided it into nine pieces and scatters it around the world while his body is hidden in the moon. Madara plans to revive the Juubi and be its host. He has learned of a technique which can cast his eye on the moon that will enable him to control everyone in the world so everyone will be one with him = peace. Of course, the kages and others don’t agree to that. Madara threatens war if they don’t give him the hachibi and kyuubi. Raikage is pretty stunned that his brother is using what happened to be ‘free’ and goof around. Since the kages refuse him, Madara officially declares war. I see, so Madara wants to talk because he is trying to be diplomatic if he can get away with it just by talking so why not. Of course, no one will agree to it. His scheme seems surreal but I guess the bottom line is different people have different thoughts of ‘uniting the world’. Madara’s way seem to be ‘illusion’ and it made me think that it’s like to ‘drug’ people to be in a ‘high’ so they are now all happy and at peace. Well, hasn’t Madara thought that if he does it that way, he’ll be utterly bored later on? He might just end up like Bleach’s Barragan. About the war, would it be like Madara + tailed beasts vs everyone else? One village against one tailed beast? From the way things are going, I guess it will be Naruto who will have a grand plan which most people will probably accept. Actually, Madara’s plan can actually make everyone unite in a way since they will all be fighting against a common enemy. In movies, that will be like fighting against aliens. =P

In One Piece [c. 560], Hancock gives Luffy the key to Ace’s handcuffs. Grateful Luffy hugs her tight which the others think that he did some sumo wrestling moves on her because she feels faint. She then proceeds to fight Smoker to prevent him from hindering Luffy. Luffy has caught up with Ivankov. Doflamingo informs them that Kuma has already ‘died’ because he gave up his consciousness to become a total ‘human weapon’ of the government who follows whatever their orders are. It seems to be in exchange for something. Since Kuma starts attacking them and the others, Ivankov decides to fight Kuma and make him remember. With orders to move on, Luffy and others start moving towards Ace. He is then met by Buggy’s group who plans to make Buggy’s name known worldwide. Then, Luffy’s group is now going to face against Hawkeye. Meanwhile, some other pirates are stopping Crocodile from harming or getting near Whitebeard. Jos manages to stop Crocodile but before he can hit him again, Doflamingo saves Crocodile and offers him with a proposal of joining together. Hancock shows again why she can be a contender as Luffy’s ‘leading lady’. She is really helpful that I wonder what will happen to her after this ‘war’ since Smoker would obviously rant on her but then, maybe the marines are willing to look the other way because they need Hancock’s powers. They would also not want rumors/news about a shichibukai helping Luffy. I’m actually entertaining the idea of Hancock joining Luffy’s crew just to see Sanji become green with envy =P Hmm..the way the fight is going, it seems like the others will just fight the ‘obstacles’ as Luffy keep on going forward but then, I wonder if Luffy will really engage a fight with Hawkeye. Maybe, Marco will come and help him here. As for Crocodile, I wonder if he will accept Doflamingo’s proposal. These two seems to be a match since they are both despicable and they will ‘use’ people for their convenience. Hehe..maybe later on, they’ll ‘kill’ each other if they have no use for each other anymore. ^^;

While in Beelzebub [c. 32], the other delinquents are shock that Aoi’s group is teaming up with Oga. Aoi just tells Oga that she is just returning the favor. Aoi and her other two friends show what they are made of by defeating some delinquents. Meanwhile, Tora is busy preparing fireworks to cheer up BL. It turns out that he half-heartedly tells the other delinquents to show what they can do before joining his group because they kept on pestering him to be his underlings. Tora plans to fight the last one standing. After the fireworks are lit, Tora faces Oga. I like how these girls in this series can fight. ^^ Using four guns is pretty cool. Once again, Tora is quite adorable..how sweet of him to try to cheer BL up. ^^ I wonder if those who want to be under him know this side of this. In contrast to Tora, Hajime and Tatsuya are the typical delinquents who just want to be the ‘boss’ of everyone and can be quite despicable. Well, I think Oga and Tora will have to fight because of Oga’s pride. I think even if Oga asks Tora to give BL back, Tora won’t. Since both seems a bit ‘stupid’ in a way, they might just want to fight in order to ‘win’ BL. ^^; I guess it is amusing in a way for it isn’t always we get to see two delinquents fighting over a baby.

After some initial reactions to Hibari’s handcuffs weapon in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 261], Daisy thinks that it isn’t threatening even if he has no information about it from Byakuran. While they were fighting, Hibari manages to ‘catch’ Daisy with the handcuff but Daisy just detaches the hand and forms a new one. Daisy manages to land a punch on him. Dino and others realizes that Daisy manages to regenerate fast because of his sun attribute. The detached arm tries to attack Hibari but Hibari manages to destroy it. Daisy comments that Hibari’s box weapon is no match for his abilities so he should just give up and tell him where Uni is. Hibari says that he is going to give up on the tonfa-s and just concentrate on ‘arresting’ him with the handcuffs. They were surprised when he now has two handcuffs. Daisy is confident that no matter how many handcuffs Hibari has, it is useless against him. Hibari uses his cloud attribute to cover Daisy’s body with handcuffs which has become like a full-body restraint. Hibari then pulls the handcuff, causing Daisy’s body to be crushed but Hibari doesn’t plan on killing him. Dino thinks that Irie’s speculation is true about vongola boxes that weren’t created in parallel worlds can’t be defeated by Byakuran. Daisy passes out and Hibari takes his ring which enables Daisy ‘not to die’. Dino informs their victory to Tsuna and others who were elated. To their surprise, Kawahira is leaving and just tells them that they can do whatever they want with the store. When they ask who he really is, he just says that he is the son of the former owner of the place. He just says that Tsuna owes him then left. Tsuna shouts at Reborn for pointing his gun at Kawahira earlier when he helped them but Reborn says that he doesn’t like Kawahira. At some forest mountain area, Kikyou and Bluebell see something. They find Torikabuto guarding Byakuran who is in a cocoon-like thing. Byakuran is ‘meditating’ as he peeks into the parallel worlds to find where Uni is. After the cocoon splits open, Byakuran who looks tired informs them that Uni is in a real estate agency owned by Kawahira. The handcuffs body-restraint made me think of the iron maiden ^^; Well, Daisy does seem the most pathetic of the funeral wreaths. I do wonder if they need to worry though because based on Hibari’s fight, they do seem to have the edge. I guess Byakuran has the element of surprise so if all of them just crash in on Tsuna and others, they might win..but then, they have to be careful else they might hurt or accidentally kill Uni. ^^; As for Kawahira, I guess Reborn is cautious of him because he is too secretive and if he is right, maybe Kawahira has ulterior motives for saving them.

Finally, in PSYREN [c. 90], while Haruhiko waits outside, Lan and Kagetora investigate the orphanage. They learn from a man that the place is being closed down and he is just helping out in moving out the things there. They were given permission to look around but some of the files and albums are already missing. Outside at the wooded area, Junas is burning some books. He calls Miroku about some intruders and he wants to kill them but Miroku tells him not to for his main mission is to find the ‘creator’. Just then, a couple of guys reprimand Junas for not helping. He almost kills the guy if the other guy didn’t stop him. Haruhiko sees everything but manages to hide before he is noticed by Junas. Haruhiko then sees a little girl on the top of roof. He tries calling her but she runs away. Later on, Haruhiko belatedly tell the others what he has found out. Lan decide to look for the kid. He finds her making her drawing come to life. Just then, he was stabbed by Junas. Lan manages to use his trick room to counter a fatal blow. The man and other helpers arrive but Junas just kills them. I guess the ‘creator’ that Miroku needs is that girl who will later on be known as Capricio. Junas seems to be a real problem that I wonder if Kagetora and others team up, will they survive? Anyway, whatever happens here might change the future since they have seen Junas and Capricio. If Kagetora and others can get Capricio, then, maybe, psyren won’t have much tavoos.

Quote of the day:
Advantage is a better soldier than rashness ~ Author Unknown

Teaser: Akuma to Love Song 59
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Do not read if you can't handle cliffhangers. Please don't tag/ask when this chapter will be summarized in detail. I don’t know since the Chinese scans release is erratic like this month, only one chapter when last month, there were three chapters. Thank you for your cooperation. ^^ Scan by yukitokaji in BW

In the last chapter, Shin is going to play at his father’s concert and upon seeing Shintaro getting too close with Maria and other circumstances that happened, he finally made a move. He invited Maria to the concert. In this chapter, she talked with her friends about it and seems to go shopping with Shintaro. Later on, all dressed up and wearing the cute shoes that Shin gave her, Maria goes to his house. Shin talks to her from the window. The two are a bit embarrassed when Shin mentioned that she is wearing the shoes. Maria said something and turned to leave but before she could, Shin calls out, “Kawai, I want to use music to convey something a message to you..so..in other words..the music I’m going to play today is for you, so please come and listen.” ← the only line translated into Chinese. Shin blushes as he turns away and closes the window. Maria blushes as she walks away. She decides that what she’s wearing and hairstyle won’t do. She called Yuusuke to meet at a beauty parlor. Yuusuke arrives and meets Shintaro. Maria comes out and she’s made up really cute-beautiful. Her hair is all fixed up nicely and she is wearing a short gown. I think she called them up to see what they have to say about her appearance for the concert. There are lots of talk mostly between Maria and Yuusuke but according to someone who commented in BW, Yuusuke has given up on Maria. Maria sings a song which seems to be dedicated to Yuusuke while holding hands with Yuusuke and Shintaro. Some people are listening including a hooded guy. After two guys left, Maria is walking alone near the stairs, probably at the park. She’s really happy about what Shin’s music will be about when the hooded guy covers her mouth and pulls her away, to the bushes?..since some tracks are leading there. Kidnap? Attempted rape? Her right shoe is left on the scene. My reaction is a long scream of ‘nooo’. ^^; Haha..is the author saying that Shin x Maria is not meant to be? Something always happens when they are going to get together. ^^;; Anyway, I think whoever saves her might ultimately be the ‘one’ even if it’s already obvious who that person will be since those other two guys seem to be ‘just friends’. Well, this incident might trigger Maria’s ‘erased’ memories. Will the third attempt for these two to be together be the charm? Hopefully, someone saves her and nothing really bad happens. So, we can only wait and imagine what’s going to happen next. =P

Word of the day:
In whatever way God blesses us, He longs for us to be joyful and generous as we pass it on. ~ David C. McCasland from Our Daily Bread

Akuma to Love Song [Chapter 55]
Saturday, October 10, 2009

Shintaro holds Maria’s face towards him as he leans as if to kiss her. Everyone looks surprised that they weren’t able to react. Maria says, “St..op Stop!” She puts her hand up and seems to have slapped him away. Maria is surprised by what she did as Shintaro complains that it hurts and she’s quite merciless but he anticipated that. Before he can finish what he is saying, Shin has already punched him which surprised the others – well, only Maria and Tomoyo are shown. Grabbing Shintaro’s collar, Shin angrily says that even if he [Shintaro] already knew, he still try to lay his hand on Maria. “Why don’t you disappear! Forever. Don’t come near her again!” Maria shouts at Shin not to use his hands used in playing the piano to hit Shintaro. Shintaro says that he is just joking since he isn’t seriously forcing Maria. “I just want to play a small practical joke.” Shin doesn’t believe him as he shouts that he’s lying. Shin is surprised when Maria says that Shintaro isn’t lying for he isn’t going to kiss because he didn’t use force. Maria says that she only pushed Shintaro away since Shintaro only wanted her to pay attention to him so he deliberately try to intimidate her. Shintaro didn’t answer. Shin asks if she is protecting Shintaro. Yuusuke breaks it up by telling Shin to let it pass if Maria said that’s what happened. “And also, you shouldn’t be that angry, right?” This surprises Shin. Pointing at Shintaro, Shin tells him that he, too, did something over the top. Shintaro timidly says that he just wants to honestly convey his feelings. Shin exclaims that Shintaro is a fool for trying to talk big shamelessly. Serious Yuusuke tells Shintaro that he understands him but everyone went there to have fun including Maria. Shintaro says that it seems he has also angered Yuusuke. “Did I ruin the mood that much?” Yuusuke just smiles and says that it isn’t so. But, Ayu shouts that is true and it is only because Yuusuke is so nice that he is embarrassed to say it bluntly. Shintaro sadly says, “Is that so...I understand. The one who dampened everyone’s spirits should disappear.” Shintaro starts to walk away. Yuusuke tries to call out to him but Shin tells him to let Shintaro be. Maria can only sadly watch Shintaro leave as Tomoyo tells her to help them barbecue.

Maria thinks that Shintaro is always alone and always anticipating. Remembering what Shintaro said about wanting her to be his lover and he has no other wish, she wonders why he has that kind of expression when he hasn’t blend in with anyone yet. [I think she means that Shintaro looks dejected when he hasn’t blended in with the others yet.] It’s already night at the beach. Shintaro is standing by the seashore near the beach table. Shintaro looks flustered that he kicks the table. He panics when the table is about to fall over so he quickly grabs it and fixes the umbrella again. He sighs and bends down while muttering about unexpectedly doing that for real. While carrying some plates, Maria asks the others about looking for Shintaro. Ayu tells her to leave Shintaro be for he’ll come back on his own. Maria protests that Shintaro hasn’t eaten any barbecue yet. Ayu tells her that he’ll just come back to eat. Yuusuke then tells Shin that he’ll help him tidy up outside. [I think, scans are a bit blurry there.] While the two guys went outside, Ayu tells Maria that she is still angry at Shintaro and also when they were buying swimsuits, he only looks after Maria. Maria says that it is because Ayu has decided to buy yellow swimsuit so she won’t listen to what the others will suggest. Embarrassed, Ayu shouts that akuma Maria is too fussy. While washing the dishes, Tomoyo says that she also thinks that Shintaro is a bit strange. She tells Maria that she should be angry when Shintaro mentioned about the first night and enjoying as a midnight snack, he tends to have an indecent feel/connotation to it. [I’ll be alternating words indecent and erotic but they all mean the same word.] Ayu asks if a midnight snack is indecent. Maria says that is just the way Shintaro communicates and there’s no malice in it. To Maria’s surprise, Tomoyo complains that Maria tends to side with Shintaro more. Looking away, Tomoyo says, “Ah—forget it, when I’m just very worried about you.” Maria tells her to wait and why she says it that way.

Washing the plate, Tomoyo angrily tells Maria to just go and get along with Shintaro. Maria tries to pacify Tomoyo and tells her that isn’t what she is saying. Ayu comments that Tomoyo is angry and it is because Shintaro likes Maria so she can’t hate him. Maria tries to say that it isn’t true but Ayu sides with Tomoyo and tells Maria that Shintaro is a sex maniac. Maria exclaims that guy is a bit indecent but.. Then, the two guys arrive and wonder what the fuss is about. While Maria and others are talking, Maria is thinking how is she going to tell them that Shintaro isn’t a bad guy and even if he is a bit indecent, although he is a bit indecent but..indecent, indecent Kurosu.. Everyone is stunned when Maria determinedly says, “For Erosu, obscenity is his strong point. Erosu’s obscenity is the open and candid type of indecency and Erosu doesn’t have any bad intention! That kind of indecency is a broad minded type of indecency, is Erosu’s stong point..” Shaking [trying to stop herself from laughing], Tomoyo asks her who is the Erosu she is referring to. This surprises Maria and she thinks, “indecent/erotic (Ero) + Kuro-(Su) → Erosu.” Maria blushes. Ayu laughs out loud that Maria got confused with the two words. Tomoyo also laughs out loud that Maria is unconscious of it yet she says it so naturally. Maria’s embarrassed reply is that it is because she’s so anxious. Smiling, Yuusuke also laughs and says that Erosu is a very fitting name so he’ll also call Shintaro as Erosu. Maria is surprised by this as she says that he’s quite bad. Yuusuke says that it is alright because calling Shintaro like that is a way for them to get along with each other. This surprises Maria. Yuusuke exclaims that they have decided to call Shintaro, Erosu. Ayu says that it can’t be helped because he makes a good laughing stock. Tomoyo says that after akuma/devil Maria and Nippachi, it’s a continuation of nicknames. Soon they all agree with Yuusuke’s suggestion about creating an opportunity to bring Shintaro back. While they are happily talking, Shin just sighs and let the others be. Maria thinks, “This is great, what is this? Laughing at one’s nickname can also carry out a lovely transform--”

At some forest area, Shintaro is already hungry but then he is embarrassed to go back. He overhears some laughter. He is surprised that everyone, except for Shin, is playing with firecrackers. Shintaro blushes and exclaims to himself, “Wearing swimsuits and lighting up firecrackers?! It seems that they are having fun! Ah—Kawai-sempai is very lively ♡ No wonder, it’s the swimsuit that I chose. It really suits Kawai-sempai. [An arrow points and says that it isn’t true] Eh?” Shintaro sees Shin sitting at the beach and looking at Maria. Shin is blushing a bit. Shintaro exclaims that Shin is stealing a glance and definitely underneath Shin’s skin is a wolf.. Shin suddenly looks away from Maria and Shin looks surprised as he remembers Shin angrily telling him not to go near Maria again. He looks a bit sad until he overhears Yuusuke saying that someone moved the umbrella on the beach table. He fixes it as Maria says that she didn’t notice and Yuusuke is really keen on details. Carrying a small cylinder, Tomoyo calls out to Maria that they light a fireworks’ rocket. Yuusuke offers to help them. Shintaro then sadly tells himself that is true, for everyone there, Maria is a very cherished ‘special’ person. The fireworks lit up in the sky. Maria and others see [stupid-looking] Shintaro looking at their direction. They exclaim that he is there. This seems to scare Shintaro that he tries to run away as he wonders why they are after him. Yuusuke manages to catch him. Shintaro comments that Yuusuke runs fast. Shintaro is surprised when Yuusuke shouts, “I’ve caught you! Erosu.” Shintaro mutters, “Ero?” then starts looking left and right. Yuusuke tells Shintaro that he is referring to him. Looking back, Yuusuke happily tells the others, “See! He did come. Using an indecent/erotic method is the way to entice and capture Erosu. Girls wearing cute swimsuits is the ultimate ecstasy ☆” Ayu teases Yuusuke for saying this in front of Erosu. Tomoyo says that they used fireworks in order to create an erotic ambiance. Shintaro looks a bit confused as he exclaims, “Who the heck is Erosu!” The three say, “You’re really slow[-witted]!” Shin seems to just sweatdrop. Maria offers her hand to Shintaro and says, “Welcome back.” After looking surprises, Shintaro breaks into a smile and says, “Ya.” Maria narrates that Shintaro is always alone before and for the Shintaro who is able to blend with the group, he looks really happy. “This isn’t just my misconception.” Maria then notices that Shintaro looks surprised. Shintaro says, “Sempai, at the back...the villa is on fire..?!” Near the barbecue at the porch, there is smoke.

Well, Shin really lost his cool there. I think it is part jealousy and part wanting to protect Maria from her past. And Maria is too concerned about his hands when she should be thinking hard as to why Shin did that. It is too obvious that he has feelings for her because he is acting like a jealous boyfriend. =P The way Shintaro is acting, it seems that he really lacks EQ just like Maria ^^; He pulls that stunt off and doesn't think that it's wrong. No apology? Oh well, he does seem to be remorseful. I think it is understandable for her friends to be angry because Maria seems to be trying to protect him even if she is just explaining things, leaves a bad taste to the others' mouth because it would seem like they were a fool for being worried about her. It is a good thing that Maria said that funny thing/nickname as an ice breaker before things get too 'heated' thus ruining their trip. With that nickname = more friendly terms with each other = lower the barrier between them, he will be part of their group and they will not be that annoyed with him anymore especially since they now know his nature as being indecent ^^; That part actually reminded me of Naruto’s Sai who is trying to reach out to Naruto and friends by giving them nicknames. I think the plan to lure him out is quite amusing. Yuusuke is really the ‘peacemaker’ of this group and I guess it helps that he always plays the ‘nice guy’. Of course, Ayu is his defender. For me, it seems that Shin is a distant type of guy because while they are all together and everything, he stands out for not ‘blending in with them’. It seems that he is an ‘adult’ among ‘kids’. Regarding the blush and look away, I want to think that Shintaro is surprised by that because contrary to what he expected, Shin doesn’t think/want to think indecent things with Maria. With three girls and three boys, life would be easier if they would just be paired off instead of three guys vying for just one girl =P Haha, but then, that will make a predictable story and this way, it will keep the readers guessing who’ll she’ll end up with. Hehe..I wonder how Shin’s father will react if they really did burn the villa down. =P Scans by 星空ツ泪 in BW

Word of the day:
When the Holy Spirit fills us, He will energize our life; He will help us serve each other, spreading peace instead of strife. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Papillon -Hana to Chou- [Chapter 28]
Friday, October 9, 2009

Title: Deep Regret. Hana feels like laughing after Rena told her that Hayato is a murderer. Rena looks away and says that she doesn’t believe her. Still ‘laughing’ in a way, Hana denies it and asks who did Ryuu killed. Rena says her [elder] sister. Seeing Rena’s expression, Hana sobers up and asks why [he killed her]. Before she leaves, Rena just tells her to ask the guy himself. Later on, Hayato looks listless as he walks home when someone put something behind his back and tells him to put his hands up. He turns around to see Hana who used her cellphone to poke him at the back as if it’s a hold-up. Hayato asks what she is doing. Hana says that she’s waiting for him. Hayato asks her if it is alright for her to be moving like that. [She is injured after all] She tells her not to worry about that. “Did you really kill Rena’s sister?” Hayato looks surprised at her question. At home, Rena is in front of her dressing table’s mirror. There is a scar below her neck. There is a picture of Hayato in between Rena and her sister, along with some other people as if they are on some sort of trip. She closes her eyes and remembers some strong waves and she’s calling out to her sister. Back to Hayato and Hana, Hayato asks if Rena said that. Hana says, “Yes. Aren’t you going to deny it?” To Hana’s surprise, Hayato says that if Rena said that, for her, that is the truth. She says what he said has a deep profound meaning to it. Hayato asks if Ageha knows about this. Hana says she doesn’t. She gulps and asks him if he would want her to tell Ageha. To Hayato’s surprise, while holding her phone, Hana threatens to call Ageha. Hayato looks away and sweatdrops. “What a hassle.” Hana’s eyes are glittering. She tells him, “In that case, you should just obediently do what I say!!” Hayato asks, “Do what?” A bit nervous, Hana says, “Of course--go steady with me. In short, it’s okay even if you become a two-timer.” Hayato has a somewhat surprise-moved expression on his face. He says, “You..even if you heard that I killed someone, you’re not afraid of me?” Hana replies, “Of course not. Saying that you killed someone. But honestly, it is just an accident, right? How the hell can Kyuu-chan do that kind of thing.”

Hayato looks surprised at Hana as she laughs the whole thing off. With a sheepish look, Hayato asks, “Sanagi-chan should think that way, too, right?” [Sanagi = pupa/chrysalis in Japanese; Hayato’s nickname for Ageha.] Hana is shock. Hayato laughs and says that it is no big deal if she tells Ageha. Hana is embarrassed at her mistake. Holding on the wire fence, Hana laments about this as she whines that she thought that she could finally ‘get’ him. Hayato asks, “Do you think that by threatening me like this, will make me love you? Why do you still want to get me as if your life depended on it?” After a pause, Hana says, “It’s because there’s only one lucky/happy chair.” Hayato asks, “Lucky chair?” Hana explains, “Since Ageha returned back home, everything has changed. Before, everything belongs to me but right now, she steals [them] from me.” There is a flashback of young Hana ‘protecting’ her chair from Ageha. “If I didn’t win against her then I have no way of attaining things. I can only steal, right?” Hayato says, “So that’s it. For you, Sanagi-chan is a threat but there isn’t only one lucky chair. Since childhood, you and Sanagi-chan have your own respective lucky chair. Even if Ageha has found her happiness, your happiness will not disappear. The two of you can attain your own [individual] happiness.” Hana is flustered and doesn’t seem to want to accept that. She exclaims, “If that’s the case, [you should] give me happiness!!” Hayato looks somewhat serious and says, “The person sitting on your chair, isn’t me.” Later on, at a bar, Hayato seems troubled and he isn’t touching his drink. He looks at his cellphone and there’s a picture of a woman in it. He then calls Ageha. Ageha is thrilled over it that she exclaims on the phone upon answering it. Ageha happily says that the timing is really great since she was just thinking of him so she was really shock. Hayato smiles upon hearing this. He asks her if she is free after work tomorrow. Ageha says she is. Hayato tells her to accompany him to some place. Ageha happily comments that it is quite rare for him to take the initiative to invite her. “What’s up?” Hayato just says, “Ya..there’s something..I’ll tell you tomorrow.” Ageha is puzzled.

At the meeting place, Ageha is pleasantly surprised to see Hayato carrying a bouquet of flowers. Just when she is about to get the flowers, Hayato turns around and says that they should go. Ageha asks where they are going. Hayato tells her that she’ll know when they get there. A bit disappointed. Ageha realizes the flowers aren’t for her. They ride a train and walk in a small town. Ageha thinks that he didn’t talk after that. She wonders what happened, why won’t he say anything and where would he want to go with those flowers. Ageha goes into shock that they are in a cemetery. She thinks, “It’s a cemetery, again!! Why?! Is it because it will be Obon festival soon?! Or guys just like cleaning/visiting graves?” [In case you forgot, Shinobu also brought Ageha before to the cemetery to visit his deceased mother. Obon festival is the time to visit one’s dead relatives/ancestors day.] Ageha is surprised when Hayato starts putting the flowers in the family grave of Kitajima. She asks whose grave is it. While Hayato is ‘praying’, he tells her that it is his ex-girlfriend. Ageha is surprised. Hayato shows the picture of his ex-girlfriend on his cellphone. “Her name is Arisa. Her younger sister is the Rena whom you’ve met in the hospital. Today is her death anniversary.” He tells her that he would have wanted to tell her some day and he ends up telling her earlier [than expected]. Ageha looks a bit sad about this as she returns his cellphone to him. She asks him when did Arisa died. Hayato says, four years ago. She asks if it is because of some illness. Hayato tells her it is by an accident. “During a trip by the riverside, there is a heavy downpour which made the river overflow. The waters quickly rose and by the time I noticed it, I already didn’t see her around...I was with her and yet, I wasn’t able to help her. Ageha is a bit flustered as she wonders if this means that he still loves Arisa. Just then a butterfly flies by and rests on the gravestone. The two see it. Hayato then says, “When Arisa passed away, I originally planned not to go steady with anyone again..” Pointing at Ageha while talking to the butterfly/gravestone, Hayato continues, “I’m sorry, Arisa. This girl is my current girlfriend.” Ageha starts bowing and exclaims, “Ah, I’m Ageha. I totally feel that I have to apologize..” The butterfly then flies away. Hayato tells Ageha, “Did you know that the fluttering of the butterfly’s wings can create a tornado?” Ageha says that she doesn’t know. Hayato explains that the fluttering movement of the butterflies in China can create wind so after an extent of time, it can influence [weather] to the point that it can cause a tornado in New York. Ageha exclaims, “What!? Is that true?!” Hayato says that he isn’t very sure about it in actual situation and it seems that it is called, ‘chaos theory’ and it is also known as the ‘butterfly effect’. “Even a small butterfly has an opportunity to create a huge change in the future. It totally feels..a bit like you.”

Pointing to herself, Ageha asks, “Me?” Hayato smiles and says, “That’s right. No matter what you do, you always go straight ahead and no matter what hinders you, you still won’t give up. Like this, bit by bit, it accumulated. I don’t know when it had become huge in my heart. Right now, I really like you.” This made Ageha blush and be pleasantly surprised. She cries, “Sen-” as she is about to hug him when Hayato who has a playful look says, “But Arisa is still far superior [compared to you].” Ageha stops the hug midway as she sweatdrops. Hayato says, “Perhaps, for my convenience, I shouldn’t have said these things to you.” Hayato looks away and Ageha looks flustered. She replies, “It doesn’t matter. Of course, more or less, there’s an influence [/effect on me] but I’m very happy that you wanted to tell me. Thank you, sensei.” Hayato pulls her head to him and says, “Thanks.” They were interrupted when they hear a pail of water dropped on the ground. They turn around to see Rena who also planned to clean/visit the grave. Rena exclaims what Hayato is doing at her sister’s grave. She quickly grabs the flowers that Hayato put on the grave and throws them on Hayato’s face. Pointing at Hayato, Rena shouts to Ageha if her younger sister has told her that Hayato is a murderer. Rena then leaves. Ageha seems to want Hayato to chase after Rena but he is busy picking up the flowers so after looking back and forth at the two, Ageha decides to go after Rena. “Wait a minute,” she calls out to Rena. Aghea apologizes for making her feel unhappy. She tells Rena that she just heard about her sister today and it is only an unfortunate accident. Rena exclaims why it is an accident. Ageha asks if it isn’t. Rena just asks if Hayato told her that. Ageha says yes and that he wasn’t able to save Arisa when he was with her. After a pause, Rena says that it isn’t about Hayato couldn’t save her but rather, he didn’t save her. “When the river waters rose, they were quickly swept away by the waters. In order to save himself, that guy let go of my sister’s hand.” There is a scene of Hayato holding on a rock as Arisa held up her hand and Rena who is also cling on a rock, shouted for her sister. “See, Hayato only said the part which will make him look good.” Flustered, Ageha says that even if it is like that, the situation then is quite critical/urgent [can’t properly think]. A bit flustered, Rena says that she has the freedom to think what she wants but she can’t forgive Hayato not only for that. “After my sister passed away, he started courting me. Even if you die, Hayato will easily just find a replacement. He is that kind of person.” Ageha is flustered and surprised upon hearing this.

Hehe..it seems like Hayato has a harem ^^; Three girls and one guy in a chapter. Maybe it is to counter Ageha’s own harem ^^;; I realize that even if Hana does such cruel and selfish things, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike her. Strange..maybe because there are some sides of her personality that I liked or I can understand where she is coming from/why she is acting that way. I like the part wherein she believes that Hayato couldn’t have done that thing. I think that she is the type who isn’t easily swayed by what others say but rather, she would rather have ‘proof’. I think this is part of the reason why she tends to ‘test’ her ex-boyfriends. Ironically, she seems to like Hayato so much that she is now giving him permission to two-time even if she detest that so much from her ex-boyfriends. So, in her own selfish thinking, it is okay for Hayato to two-time Ageha but not, if it is vice-versa. ^^; Maybe she is thinking that by doing that, she has more ways in getting Hayato. Of course, the reason for everything she has been doing boils down to her insecurity regarding Ageha. For a girl who used to be the ‘one and only princess’ who suddenly have a ‘rival’ who gets to have/part of what she owns, she is pressured and threatened. It does seem like the wicked stepmother-Snow White story. It seems that she thinks that ever since Ageha appeared, the things that should go to her got ‘side-track’ to Ageha. Of course, this way of thinking is confirmed when her first love, Shinobu fell in love with Ageha. Just like what she told Hayato, she felt compelled to ‘steal’ what belongs to Ageha because in her mind, Ageha is ‘stealing’ what’s hers. Well, this time around, Hayato didn’t fall for her scheme and it does seem that Hayato has clearly turned her down. But then, I think Hana also has Ageha’s ‘perseverance’ so she might not easily give up especially since Hayato is so far the ‘ideal’ of all guys she had met before since he understands her. Maybe Hana should start thinking of the possibility of Hayato just being a ‘brother’ as in ‘brother-in-law’. =P I mentioned that partly because I like the interaction of their conversation. Well, Hana has only herself to blame since all of this happened because she ‘stole’ Ryuusei from Ageha. From the way Hayato is acting regarding Arisa’s death, I’m inclined not to believe what Rena said about Hayato courting her after her death. Hayato tends to be playful and everything but I highly doubt that he is the type who’ll ‘act/pretend’ as if he is in grief regarding Arisa. Because of his sister-in-law’s concern for him, I think Hayato isn’t that ready for a relationship but as he said, Ageha has most probably won him over. The transition from Arisa to Ageha isn’t that complete yet but it’s getting there as long as Hana and Rena don’t do anything which will hinder them. The butterfly visit is a nice touch because some people believe that butterflies are a person’s soul. It’s like Arisa approves of their relationship. ^^ I can feel Ageha’s freaking out over going to a cemetery again. Lol, it’s really amusing. I imagine that she’s thinking like am I the type of girl who makes guys want to visit graves + some confessions about themselves regarding me? =P I guess what’s fun with Ageha’s character is that she easily freaks out..hehe, just makes one want to tease her just as Hayato is doing. It does seem that she has a ‘dog-type’ of personality while Hana has a ‘cat-type’ of personality. Hm..I wonder how she will take what Rena said. Maybe that accident doesn’t bother her much but having an easy replacement if she dies, that might. Lastly, the author seems to be using butterfly terms in this story that I wonder what’s next after ‘butterflies in the stomach’ and ‘butterfly effect’. Scans by fema for iieye and yukitokaji for BW.

Quote of the day:
You can’t have rosy thoughts about the future when your mind is full of blues about the past. ~ Author Unknown

She Is Mine [Chapter 4]
Thursday, October 8, 2009

Realizing that Haru is really been ‘electrified’ by Mirei, Ryo nervously wonders what he should do now. He doesn’t know what to say to Haru especially since Haru is so in love that hearts are emitting out of his body. In the end, Ryo just asks if that is okay. Haru exclaims his disbelief that he only said that for he should have said other things like wishing him luck [gambatte] or helping him. So, Ryo just lamely says that he’ll wish him luck. Haru is flustered about that then he seems to realize something. He asks if Ryo likes Mirei, too. Ryo shouts it isn’t so, but rather, because Haru suddenly told him that he quickly thinks of Mirei again after she left, he doesn’t know how to react to that. Haru says that he was just anxious because it will be very troublesome if they like the same girl. Ryo looks a bit nervous and just says that he also doesn’t want that to happen. Haru just laughs and agrees. He tells Ryo if that’s how it is then he can go on ahead with no worries [about the future consequences] later on. Ryo tells him to do what he wants. Ryo wonders if Haru is really serious. Haru then asks what he should do in order to make Mirei like him. He suggests that they think of it together. Ryo just says that he doesn’t know. The next day at school, Mirei sees the two walking at the school hallway. Haru tells Ryo that he thought about it a lot today and no matter what, he thinks that Mirei treats him absolutely just as a friend. He plans to investigate some things about Mirei like what type of guy is she interested in and other stuff like that so in that way, things will slowly progress. Haru exclaims that it is scary if he suddenly confesses and she rejects him. Ryo just looks at him and thinks that he already suffered a ‘defeat’, his invalid confession, when Mirei told him about what she thinks of his kiss [chapter 1]. Mirei pats his shoulder and happily says that she had fun yesterday. Haru looks stunned as he just says, ya. She tells them that they had a good impression on her grandma that ever since then, she always hears her grandma talking about them so next time when they are free, they should drop by again. Mirei is surprised when Haru says, “If Mirei invites me then, no matter what time, I’ll go.” Ryo looks a bit nervous. Mirei just says, “..ya, even if I don’t invite you, you can go see grandma anytime.” The two boys are speechless.

During PE, the teacher tells the student to do some calisthenics [sit-ups] by pairs. Ryo calls Haru as if to say something but then, he says it’s nothing. This made Haru shout that he’s annoying. Haru tells him that it is alright for what happened just then is just a very minor setback. Ryo says that it’s alright even if his ego is bruised. This made Haru pull Ryo hard that Ryo shouts that it hurts. Haru apologizes to Ryo and asks him to come a bit late during lunch because he would want to have some time alone with Mirei. Haru says that he knows that if he gives up midway, he won’t be able to convey his feelings and this time, he’s going to do a straight ball. Ryo just looks at him then says that a straight ball can be hit. This made Haru angry [since Ryo doesn’t think he can do it]. During lunch period, Haru asks where they are going to eat. Mirei says that the weather is nice today so how about they eat outdoors. Ryo then says that he got something to do. When Mirei asks where he is going, Ryo couldn’t answer. Haru gives an alibi that Ryo has to go to his friend who is in the other class. Ryo just agrees with that. Mirei asks if Ryo is going to borrow AV and it seems that he really likes those. Ryo exclaims that she’s wrong. Mirei just tells him that they will be at the courtyard so he should hurry. While they walk away, Haru turns around and ‘mouths’ that Ryo did well. Ryo just sticks out his tongue at him. While walking away, Ryo thinks that if Mirei is a bit normal, then she’ll be very cute. He wonders where he should go to pass the time. Outside, under a tree, Mirei comments that Ryo is too slow. She then notices that Haru is looking at her. Mirei says that she has another piece of banana but she is already full so she gives it to Haru. Haru asks Mirei if she always help out at home during Sundays. Mirei says no for yesterday was the time when she occasionally make dinner but usually, she’ll go out with her friend. When asked about the friend, Mirei tells him that they aren’t together during high school but they started to become really good friends when they were in the elementary until now. Haru realizes that Mirei did have a friend. He is curious about the friend but he decides to ask something else. He asks her if she wants to go out and have fun on Sunday. Mirei says okay. He asks if she would want to watch a movie or take a walk/shopping, and it’s okay wherever Mirei wants to go. Mirei smiles brightly and says okay. Haru asks again and Mirei confirms it. Haru blushes as he is really thrilled about this outcome until Mirei says that they wait for Ryo to discuss where they should go. Mirei says that no matter where it is, if it’s the three of them, it will be quite fun. She begins to wonder which place is a good place to go. Haru tells her that it won’t be the three of them but just her and him, only the two of them for he only just wants to see her. Mirei is surprised when Ryo asks if it’s okay if it’s only to see him. Mirei is puzzled and she asks if Ryo doesn’t want to go.

When Haru is saying, no but that guy is really..., he notices Ryo nearby that he calls out to Ryo who was startled. Mirei tells him that he’s late so Ryo apologizes. Haru thinks that Ryo came at such a good time. Haru tells Ryo that they were just talking just now about going out this Sunday. Haru looks at Ryo’s eyes as they make mental contact – “You know what to do, right?” Ryo declines and tells the two to just go on ahead. Mirei looks surprised and asks him what he plans to do on that day. Ryo couldn’t answer so he just vaguely says that he got something to do. Haru tells Mirei to think of a place to go and he’ll think of one, too. The two guys walk ahead as Haru puts his arm around Ryo to thank him for a job well done. Mirei just looks at them and thinks that it feels weird. [Not sure but I think she’s referring to the two guys’ closeness ^^; or she’s suspicious of the two’s actions] The next day, Haru praises Ryo for doing well yesterday and he asks Ryo to do what he did like yesterday. Ryo says that it’s quite troublesome. Haru tells him that it is really easy since he just needs to casually let them be alone together then make some space for them. Ryo then notices Mirei walking up ahead. Looking at Mirei, Haru says that’s true. He then looks at Ryo who wonders what’s up with that [blushing] expression. To Haru’s surprise, Ryo tells him to go ahead and walk with Mirei to class as he put his bicycle aside. Haru exclaims that Ryo is so nice and he shouldn’t say about it being troublesome. Ryo says that he’s annoying and just quickly go. Haru thanks him. He runs and catches up with Mirei. He greets her a good morning. Looking around, Mirei asks where Ryo is. This surprises Haru. Mirei asks if they didn’t go to school together. Haru just says no, Ryo is already here but Ryo is still there putting the bicycle aside and Ryo told him to go ahead. Looking back, Mirei asks if it is alright not to wait for Ryo. Haru says that it is totally okay. He asks her where she decided to go on Sunday and if there is any place she wants to go. Mirei then notices Ryo is coming so she calls out to him and greets him a good morning. Ryo greets back. Looking at Haru, Ryo mentally asks why they are still there. Looking away, Haru mentally tells him to shut up. In class, while the teacher is teaching match, Haru is thinking. He remembers Mirei asking for Ryo. Haru turns to Ryo who is sitting behind him then stares at him. Ryo asks what the matter is. Haru turns around and says that it is nothing.

At the roof, while reading a book about where one can go to have fun, Haru asks Mirei where would she want to go: amusement park, oceanarium/public aquarium, zoo or seaside. Mirei says that she likes them all. Ryo wonders what kind of book Haru has. When Haru lifts the book up, it turns out to be a book about place where one can go and have fun. Realizing that Haru is really giving his all for this, Ryo tells them that he’ll go ahead and the two of them should just slowly decided on that. Haru seems glum when Mirei asks why when it’s better for him to be there. Ryo tells her that it’s okay if he leaves. Mirei tries to protest but Haru tells Mirei that it is alright since the two of them will decide on it. Mirei looks surprise and just says yes. While gesturing for Ryo to go/shoo away, Haru tells him to go. While Haru is looking at her, Mirei just says about where they would go. On Sunday, Noki comes out of her room and tells Ryo who is playing a console game that she is hungry. She tells him to cook something. Ryo says that he can’t right now because he’s playing. Noki says that it’s going to be noon soon and isn’t Haru coming. Ryo says that he isn’t because today, that guy is going on some sort of date. Noki exclaims what that is. She shouts for him to explain. Ryo complains about the hassle. After the explanation, Noki asks where they decided to go. Still playing and somewhat annoyed with his sister, Ryo says that it seems that they went to the Rinkai Koen/seaside park [which has an aquarium]. To Ryo’s shock, Noki wants to go see since right now, she isn’t doing anything and she also wants to meet that girl. Ryo exclaims for her to really, please don’t and what if she is discovered. Noki says that it is alright and if he wants to go, too. Ryo exclaims what she meant by it’s alright and how he could even go. To his horror, Noki tells him to forget about lunch, she’s going to change her clothes. Ryo can only shout for her sister to wait in a futile attempt to stop her. At the park, wearing sunglasses, Noki comments that the place is bigger than she thought. Ryo who is wearing a cap didn’t answer. [I’m not sure if the sunglasses and cap is meant for disguise or not.] Noki tells her younger brother that they should go to the aquarium first. Ryo says it’s okay but then why the aquarium. After a pause, Noki says that she really wants to see it. Ryo then looks up the sky and wonders what he is doing.

Elsewhere, Haru and Mirei are watching a penguin swim. Mirei says that the weather is good so it’s swimming. Haru just smiles at happy Mirei. Later on, while carrying two cans of drink, he then overhears a couple talking about Mirei who looks cute and her hair is long hair makes her seem like a doll. The girl says that she wants her hair to be long like that. Mirei is checking out some merchandise at a store. Feeling happy over what he overheard, Haru approaches Mirei and tells her that he brought drinks. Mirei thanks him. Looking at the merchandise, Mirei asks out loud what she should do next because there are so many fun things to do and they won’t be able to check out all of it. Mirei then says that it [the thing she’s holding] is really cute. Haru mutters his agreement that is cute. Mirei happily says that’s true. She tells him to look at the fish’s expression. Haru says that he doesn’t mean that but rather, Mirei is very cute. Mirei looks surprised. Just when Haru seems to say something [probably a confession], Mirei looks at the side and says, “Ryotaro..?” This surprises Haru as Mirei quickly puts the merchandise back and runs off. Haru drops the cans of drinks and runs after her. Then, Ryo is surprised when someone grabs his arm. He turns around to see Mirei. While breathing hard, Mirei happily exclaims, “So, it’s really Ryotaro!!” Mirei asks why he is there and if he is already finished with what he had to do. While looking away and thinking that this is really bad, Ryo just says no. Mirei happily says, “Seeing you from that side, I thought that it’s someone really similar to you and it turns out to be really Ryotaro.” Haru looks surprised and nervous about this while Ryo is either aghast or blushing [but I think it’s the former].

So much for precaution, Haru didn’t expect Mirei to like Ryo when they already cleared the possible conflict if they both fall for Mirei. I somewhat feel sorry for Haru since he is indeed trying hard but then, it’s obvious that Mirei thinks of him as a friend and whatever it is that he tries to tell her about romantic stuff, she either interprets it wrong or she ignores it. Haru already notice the signs but then, I guess he chose to ignore it and thinks positively that he still has a chance. I think this set-up is difficult for Haru because if Ryo is with them, he can’t have time alone with Mirei but if he isn’t, Mirei tends to ask and look for him which would probably just make him more jealous as compared if Ryo is with them. For Mirei to know that it’s Ryo just by looking at him from behind and she kept on asking for him, it is obvious that she is interested in him though it seems like it is unconscious/she doesn’t realize it yet. Is it because he was introduced as a virgin in class? I think ever since then, she seems to be quite attached to the two guys. Maybe that is what inspired her to introduce herself in class that way. Ryo is indeed a good friend and he does seem to be really close with Haru that they can communicate just by their expression. I guess Noki has a point when she mentioned the possibility of the two being ‘lovers’. Even if Ryo isn’t interested now but I think, sooner or later, he might fall for Mirei. Ryo does seem to be the type who doesn’t want to be troubled but nevertheless, do it for the sake of others like helping Haru and informing his sister about the ‘date’. Also, since he doesn’t like troubles, he isn’t attracted to Mirei since she is ‘different’ especially since his type seems to be ordinary girls. Even if it isn’t that, I think he would be very hesitant since he knows that Ryo really likes her. I’m also curious about Mirei’s friend. Is the friend a boy or a girl? Is the friend ‘different’ just like Mirei? I do wonder if the love relationship here will be all one sided like Haru -> Mirei -> Ryo -> Mirei’s friend. If it’s a girl, then we will have to pairs but if it’s a guy, then it might be somewhat complicated since this might turn into a harem. My guess though that it’s a guy because Mirei doesn’t seem to be able to blend well with other girls. Lastly, Noki is indeed such a busybody. She is really bored that she would like to meddle in other’s business but if they touched on something about her affairs, she gets mad. ^^; I have a feeling that Mirei and Noki might get along with each other. =P Scans by elinor for both BW and Iieye translation group.

Quote of the day:
A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else. ~ Len Wein