A Dreamer on Drugs 2

At Kyoto Station, Abe and others shout that they’ve finally arrived in Kyoto-!!! “Souvenir picture! *everyone poses* Ah, the memory card is full!” Someone shouts that it is because Abe took a lot of pictures at the Shinkansen.

Miyoshi calls out for them stinky brats to maintain the line for the first day is a group activity! Yashiro holds Shou’s arm and asks if what’s on his wrist is an elastic hair band and does he usually wear that. Shou says ah, that is.. He looks at it and says that it is something to use when he’s lonely. Yashiro is puzzled by that.

Narration: “Starting today, the second year students are going to Kyoto for their two day [actually three days and two nights] school trip. –On the other side, the third year students are in an intense study mode.” Yuki is busy studying with her classmates.

During lunch, Meiko whines that Kyoto is really nice. Sachi says even so, their Hokkaido trip is also fun. Meiko agrees for even if there is no marvelous soundtrack[?], it is very fun. Yuki thinks that speaking of that, last year, she and Shou are simply just senpai-kouhai.

Flashback: Shou told her to buy him a souvenir. Yuki said that she’ll buy one for everyone. <- it should be when Shou has an unrequited love towards her. End flashback. Yuki thinks that it is probably the first time that they are separated far from each other since they had gone steady.

Sachi says that it seems that Emiri said that there are a lot of second year students who’ll take advantage of the school trip to confess. This made Yuki press her the carton of her drink hard that the drink splashed on her face. Her friends ask what happened to her. Yuki assures them that she is fine.

Narration: “Yup, this is the first time.” At Kiyomizu-dera, showing a map to Shou, Abe says that they have 50 minutes free activity so they go to this place. He says that it is a shrine wherein one would ask peach blossoms to form ties [/get attach to someone?].

Shou says that he rather want to look at souvenirs. Abe tells him not to act cool for even if he is famous in Kanto but in Kyoto, they are almost.. Just then, some girls ask if he is Ryuhoku’s Shou. They exclaim that he’s super tall and super sexy!!!

They say that they are from Saitama so can they have a group picture with him.. Abe is stunned by this. Arisa calls out to Shou and says that there are a lot of souvenir stores that way. Shou says okay, he’ll go look.

The Saitama girls viciously glare at Arisa and Satomi for the ‘same class girls’ had appeared. “You people are a hindrance, quickly get lost.” While Satomi is making faces, smug Arisa mentally tells them that they are a million years early to want to make a move on their guy [<- referring to their school] so quickly disappear.

Abe exclaims that hurts, his skin hurts and what’s going on. <- the prickly dark mood between the girls. While walking, Shou looks at his cellphone and there are no phone calls for him. As the school bell rings, Yuki looks at her phone and there are no messages.

Yuki thinks that they should more or less be already at the hotel so should she ask him, ‘Where did you go?’ or perhaps, ‘What did you eat?’ type of stuff. “Nah, forget it. –compared to that, he seems to have said, ‘I’ll call’-something. *uneasy* No. I don’t mind it at all. I don’t mind it.”

Then, a girl tells her friend that Koichi [guesswork name from 小一] sent her a picture of Kyoto and wrote, ‘because Saya isn’t here, it’s very boring’. Saya’s friend ribs her that she’s noisy to death, and quickly go explode already.

Then, her cellphone beeps. She looks at it and it is a message from Shou. ‘I’m already in the room. *picture of a maple leaf on his hand* There’s a face [on the leaf] above.” Yuki wonders what he is doing in Kyoto.

Narration: “It is the first time in very short two days, we are separate by around 400 kilometer but after graduation, I’ll go to college. *scene of Shou eating dinner with the others* With the change of surroundings, we definitely cannot see each other everyday so I mustn’t overly worry over this minor thing..”

While studying at home, Yuki’s phone rings. She quickly answers it. While the others are playing cards, Shou asks how come she answered it so quickly. She says that it is pure chance so how’s Kyoto.

Shou says that it feels so red. Yuki wonders if he is talking about red autumn leaves. Shou asks her if she didn’t go and see Shizuka today. Recalling Shizuka’s invitation, Yuki looks at the calendar and thinks that it will be December soon. She says yes [she didn’t see Shizuka]. He asks what she did today. She says study.

Shou sighs and says that he suddenly missed her so much. This made Yuki blush and mutter,..oh.. Then, someone calls out to Shou that a girl is calling for him. Shou apologizes and says that someone is calling him so he’ll go and call her again. Yuki is shocked that he is actually going [to see that girl].

As Shou goes to the girls, Yuki becomes nervous about what Sachi told her that second year students will be confessing during the school trip. She thinks that it shouldn’t be that.

And that is, a blushing girl asks if they can be together for a while during free time tomorrow like how about having fun with them..how about it? Shou goes, ah--.. The girl says that she isn’t forcing him but it is because right now, he isn’t going steady with any other girl. Shou apologizes and says that he already has someone he likes so he cannot do that.

The girl cries and exclaims that he unexpectedly answered her seriously. The friend tearfully calls out the girl’s name. While leaving, the girl says that it is already okay and she no longer has any regrets.. After they left, Shou looks at his cellphone. Someone asks, “Are you ‘lonely’?”

It is Arisa who asks if he is thinking of Yuki. Shou says that she’s here. Arisa says that she just came out of the toilet and by the way, it is a rare school trip yet he is always staring at his cellphone.

“Even if I’m with you during the junior high school trip to Kyoto-- but it isn’t like that with your ex-girlfriend. *teasingly* Ah- Ah- I’m really jealous to death of Machida-senpai--” Shou says that isn’t a bit funny at all. Arisa says that obviously he won’t smile towards others except for Machida-senpai. Boy, I’m really jealous to death.” <- repeating for emphasis.

Then, Shou reads a message from Yuki saying that he must be very busy in the school trip so there’s no need to contact her tomorrow and she must also properly study, good night.

The next day at school, while studying, Yuki thinks that on days when they are separated, she can quietly concentrate on her studies. “After all, it won’t be just a day or two when the girls are surrounding him..”

Narration: “That’s right. A change of situation. Even if I graduate and become a college student, Naruse is also still a high schooler. Following the change of surroundings, the more we will discover other strange places [/the other’s unfamiliar areas]. *Shou walking around with his group and notices some cute souvenirs* This is our first separation but..

...*Yuki is studying and Shou looks at her elastic hair band on his wrist* starting in spring, this will become inevitable.” The next morning at the school’s shoe lockers, Tonomura, together with his girlfriend, asks Yuki what’s with that expression. Yuki looks very gloomy. She greets the two a good morning.

Igarashi asks if she didn’t get enough sleep. Yuki says yes, a bit..she totally couldn’t concentrate her energy on studying but when she recovered, it is already morning. She looks at her cellphone and says that Shou and the others ought to be coming back today.

There is no message since yesterday but that is inevitable for she told him not to contact her. She recalls about second years confessing during school trip and Shou will call her again since someone is calling him. Then, she imagines him coming back with two girls clinging on him and says, “Yuki-senpai, I’m back--” Crash.

Everyone is surprised when Yuki’s things fall from her desk. Holding her book to her face, she thinks that she had dozed off and this is very bad and quite terrible since it is only just two days when they didn’t see each other yet she is unexpectedly in such a sorry state already..! “No good. I have to go back and study.”

She opens the door and says, “I’m back.” Practicing basketball at the gym, Himiko and the others look at her in surprise. Yuki goes into shock. As Himiko calls out to Yuki, the others think that Yuki just said ‘I’m back’ so is she saying that ‘coming back to the basketball club’, or is she basically a heart-warming person.

Yuki thinks that it is bad for she carelessly went into habit of naturally going to the gym when she thought that she has gone home so she said, ‘I’m back’. It is really a complete mess.

Since the second years aren’t there, Yuki says that only first years are in club activity so how is the situation. Thinking that since Shou isn’t around, Himiko says that she feels that it is quite relaxed with fewer people and even if she doesn’t have Yuki’s capability but she is always striving hard..

Yuki blushes and thinks that she is disturbing them. She apologizes for the interruption and says that she’ll go ahead. Himiko says okay as the others greet her, ‘otsukaresama’ [/good work]. Then, Himiko turns around to tell Yuki that just now, Shou..

To her surprise, Noda says that she already left. Himiko thinks that’s fast. Yuki thinks that Himiko is really striving hard and she must also pull herself together. It is already 5:30pm. Sitting on a bench and looking at her cellphone, Yuki thinks about pretending to carelessly ask him, ‘are you already home?’ and afterwards, she’ll ask him about his school trip.

Yuki notices the picture of Shou’s hand he gave her earlier. She recalls him saying that he suddenly missed her so much. She enlarges the picture. After looking around to make sure no one is around, she takes out her hand and puts it on the picture of Shou’s hand. She thinks that she really misses him. To her shock, Shou bends down to her and asks, ‘what are you doing’. Yuki backs away and asks ‘what are you doing’.

Shou says that she is like a parrot [repeating what he said] and just now, he gave souvenirs to the club members so then, what about her, what is she doing. Yuki is blushing. Holding out his hand, Shou says, “The real person is here, want to touch?” Yuki hits it away and says compare to that, how is the school trip.

He asks what she is referring to. She says how it is, so tell her, where they went sightseeing. Shou says that it is nothing much just temple and shrines-type of stuff. She asks what he ate. He says tempura [deep fried food with batter]. She asks what he bought. He says that it is yatsuhashi and also, yatsuhashi and yatsuhashi.

Looking away, she says what the girls told him. This surprises Shou then he burst into laughter. This shocks Yuki that she asks, what!? Bending down while covering his face, Shou mutters her name. She continues to ask what!? While trembling in laughter, he says no..it’s nothing..here..yatsuhashi..

She thanks him and asks up to when he is going to laugh. He tells her that nothing happened. “While I’m in Tokyo, I always thinking it would be nice if senpai can see this scenery. *stands up* I want to go again next time with you. Right now, what kind of clothes is senpai wearing.

Thinking of seeing you. Thinking of touching you. I’m al-ways *put something on her hand* thinking of you.” Yuki is surprised to see a shell-shaped container with a small brush. She asks what is this and it’s so beautiful. He says that it is a ‘kyo-beni’ [京紅; kyo is probably from Kyoto. Beni = red; brand name. It is a lipstick in a shell-type container. Go here if you want to see the actual product].

He says that even if he doesn’t quite know about it but he feels that she ought to like it very much. “In these two days, I’m always searching around and in the end, I chose that.” Yuki thanks him. Blushing really red, Yuki says that she’ll treasure it.. After glancing at her, Shou says that there is one more thing. She asks what? He says that it is the elastic hair band, here. She says ah..

When she is about to take it, Shou uses the opportunity to grab her and pull her behind a vending machine. Yuki asks what.. Putting her hands on him, Shou says that to make up for the two days of separation, she can caress him as much as she wants. This made her blush that she says that there’s no need..

Shou asks if she’s very lonely. She denies it. He asks if that is true. As she is made to touch his chest, Yuki says, geez, quickly let go.. Shou refuses. “I always won’t let you go until you say the truth.” Narration: “—Until now, I totally didn’t know that the farther the distance, the deeper I’ll long for him.” She mutters...lone.. He says that he can’t hear her.

Irked Yuki shouts, “..I’m..I’m very lonely..idiot..!” This made Shou smile. He says, “Me, too.” Then, while their noses touch, he kisses her upper lip. Narration: “The farther the distance, all the more I have no choice but become aware that I’m incurably in love with you.”

Comment: This chapter shows how Yuki is really falling deeper in love with Shou. If it is the usual, she can still concentrate on her studies. It doesn’t help that her friends mention about the confessions and Shou hanged up on her to talk with the girls. =P

Yuki tries to act that she doesn’t mind but she is jealous. With a bit of nudging, she finally admitted that she missed him. =P In a way, she has Shizuka to make him jealous. He has random girls to make her jealous.

I’m not sure what to think about the ex-gf being mentioned again. Is that to emphasize that Shou is different from being in love before or that is a premonition that the ex-gf will appear soon. Hm..in the Winter Cup?

Anyway, it seems that Arisa is also helping in fending off Shou’s fangirls from other schools. With her friend, she seems kind of a delinquent there. ^^; Well, we have a nice lovey-dovey scene in the end ^^ I think Shou will love it when she leaves kiss marks on him with that lipstick =P Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Missing you could turn from pain to pleasure, if I knew you were missing me too. ~Author Unknown

While looking at the Macbeth’s curtain call, Nogiku thinks, “My dagger..that is, a fragment of that incomparably filthy memory. Before, in order to make me become the substitute of ‘Fuchi Sugeyo’, whether it is clothes, jewelry or even make up, father will demand that I wear or use the same things as that woman. And among these, what he is most persistent with is..”

Flashback: While holding up her chin near her lips, he said, “‘SUGEYO’..except for you, there is no second person in this world who’ll suit this blood-like scarlet lips.” Narration: “Scarlet lipstick. *scene of multiple lipsticks on the table* Of course, this lipstick isn’t the same with Kasane’s for it doesn’t have any power...

...*read a book* But, when I learned that the ‘lipstick’ is the reason for her ability to switch faces, I have noticed that in that house, one of the numerous lipsticks is a ‘lipstick’ that looks exactly the same as the one that Kasane has. *recalls Kasane holding out her lipstick as a necklace* Because I felt that there is a possibility that the crucial clue had something to do with the lipstick so from that room’s dresser, I brought it out with me.

Afterwards, during the Glass Menagerie’s curtain call, I saw that Tanzawa Nina, asking me to kill her ‘Tanzawa Nina’ [real one]. Standing in that radiance and enjoying the audience’s cheer as much as she likes, I’ve thought that for Kasane, those are looks of admiration.. *Kasane happily waved up while Nogiku looked down to her and thought, “..if.”* All of that become a look of contempt and rejection--

...Thus, I finally understood what is the mission that I should accomplish. If I kill Nina, Kasane will definitely want another ‘face’ that she can make use of. At that time, I’ll set myself up as a bait *picture of a moth* and drag her down to the deepest layer of hell. *Nogiku pulling Kasane to the web then there is a picture of a dagger* I’ll use this fake lipstick *drops the lipstick like a dagger*” End flashback.

Nogiku holds the lipstick tight in her hand while everyone is applauding. On the day of the last performance, holding the script, Yoshio says, “Then, the matinee will start soon. After this performance, what’s left is tonight’s last performance...

...You guys probably heard the news about some big shots coming. And because of this, it will cause a change of mood and you won’t be able to concentrate on the role. No matter who the audience is, in order for them to see a more remarkable performance than before, it is fine for you people to just do what you should do!”

Everyone says okay. Then, the staff member says that Yoshio said it so pleasant to hear yet he is the most nervous of them all and one really cannot do anything about it. Holding his stomach, ill Yoshio asks him to help give him some stomach medicine.

At the backstage, a woman’s figure goes in front of Kasane and holds up her chin. Kasane says, “There’s no need to worry, mother. Just like what Fujihara-san said, I’ll do well the thing that I should do. *widens eyes* Afterwards, I’ll surpass you. Look at the radiance and the future that you weren’t able to see, I’ll make them into things that I deserve to enjoy..!”

Wearing a staff member ID, Nogiku thinks that thanks to Kingo, she can easily sneak inside the theater. As she goes upstairs and the drama is starting, Nogiku thinks that right now, there will be two performances for the day. “While the first performance is currently being played, I’ll take advantage of the time when everyone is currently not around. I’ll secretly infiltrate the backstage.” She goes into the dressing room.

At the play, holding a calla lily, Lady Macbeth says, “Come, you evil devils who watching humans attentively. *breaks the calla lily’s stem* Right now, please dispel my feminine weakness. Use the most peak fiendish’s cruelty to concentrate into my whole body.” Nogiku finds Kasane’s bag. She takes out the purse and opens it. She thinks that at that time, Kasane didn’t conceal it and in front of her, Kasane put the lipstick inside here.

Nogiku puts her hand inside the purse. Lady Macbeth says, “Come, gloomiest night. Use hell’s darkest thick smoke to envelop around me. Make my sharp dagger unable to see the wounds that it cuts open.” Nogiku takes out the lipstick.

She thinks that as expected, the case design is the same and even the lipstick color is completely the same. “I’ll exchange the two lipstick. *puts the fake lipstick in the purse* And for the real ‘lipstick’, it is--” Water is splashing on the faucet. Macbeth says, “My beloved wife, King Duncan is coming here tonight.”

Lady Macbeth asks, “When is he leaving?” Macbeth says that it should be—tomorrow. Lady Macbeth says, “Is that so. Then, I absolutely won’t let that kind of tomorrow to come out in the light of the sun!” Narration: “The dream, light and future that Kasane grasp in her hand, I will make them all disappear.”

Using a awl, Nogiku removes the lipstick from its case and washes it down into the sink. She starts to cry and says, “..ah ah, Nina..mother, like this, there won’t be a sacrifice just like you two, who will appear..!!! *looks angry as she looks at the mirror*...

Thus, starting from now on, my grudge will be at its peak of perfection. What’s left to do is the ‘switch’ before the last performance and that’s it. But, at that time, the lipstick that Saki will be holding the fake lipstick...

...That kiss won’t renew and continue the switching time! That means.. He he.. Ha ha ha ha, after the 12 hour morning ‘switch’, just in time for the curtain call, actress ‘Saki’ will become ‘Kasane’!! ..I’ll properly witness it until the very end. The very last moment of Saki’s fate [/life].”

Comment: I guess I was naive to think that Nogiku will only switch the lipstick and give Kasane a mental blow of being seen ugly in front of the audience. Apparently, she is also going to destroy the lipstick which is a good idea if she wants to totally end this.

It is amazing how the mangaka is overlapping Lady Macbeth’s lines with what Nogiku is doing. Also, in this chapter, it also kind of show ‘who is behind’ the two sisters. For Kasane, it is her mother whom she wants to surpass. For Nogiku, it is her father who made her life miserable until his death. Scans by RAD汉化组

Word of the day:

When anger lingers in our heart, it poisons all we think and do; But faith seeks ways to show God's love and keeps our spirit strong and true. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

“To make up for the two days of separation, you can caress me as much as you want. *Shou holds Yuki’s hand to his face* You’re very lonely, right?” Narration: “Two days. Merely two days had made me understood a lot.”

At the gym, the third years call out to everyone and ask if they are properly practicing-! Himiko and the others are surprised. Shouji grabs Abe and asks what kind of response is that ‘Oh wow’. Soon, everyone is greeting the third years. Noda says that they finally have time to come and play.

Kanda says that he is a nice kid like before and didn’t he grow taller again. While laughing, Amamiya calls out where the captain went. With an expression of ‘quickly leave’, Shou asks where Yuki is. Amamiya exclaims sorry, but she didn’t come, for it is only them guys! “Cover up that expression for a bit!”

Shou asks if they don’t need to study. While Shouji is playing with the others, Kanda angrily calls him an idiot for examining students [for college] also needs to ‘relax’! Someone shouts that they play 3 on 3! Another says that relax-something is actually a lie and actually, they just came for a diversion [/relieve boredom]. Shou looks thoughtful.

Narration: “‘Relax’, basically, there is no time to speak of that word. Winter.” At a restaurant, wearing a mask, Yuki looks at her 88/100 test scores and thinks that it is not bad. “The situation is still very good but I still cannot become careless.”

Then, she overhears a couple of girls talking at the other table. A girl says then, it will only be her [<- the friend] boyfriend who’ll first go to college and that’s very lonely, right.

The friend admits that yes, it will be lonely and it would better to say she’s worried- “Sure enough.. before graduation, it is better that I allow him to do something more than kisses, right?” Yuki instantly breaks the pointed end of her mechanical pencil.

As the two girls agree that it will put both parties at ease, Yuki removes her mask and thinks, “No no no no, impossible, impossible, Between me and Naruse, it is absolutely.. *recalls him asking if she’s very lonely* ..‘lonely’.. compared to that, in these two days, it feels closer to ‘worry’.. In the end, what can be done in order to eliminate this kind of uneasiness?”

Yuki suddenly chokes on her drink when Shou holds her shoulders and greets her ‘good work’[/otsukaresama]. Standing up, she says, hey.. She whispers for him not to suddenly touch her.

Shou says that club activity is already over so let’s go home. He asks her why she is wearing a mask. Yuki says that no.it is because she doesn’t want to see been by someone from Ryuhoku.. Shou says that basically, no one will see her and even if they did, one would just say, ‘oh’ and that’s it.

He tells her that she’s such a coward and he’ll go outside first. Yuki curses and thinks that he totally doesn’t understand her feelings.. While walking, Shou says that place has a lot of customers so can she properly studying in that kind of store?

Yuki says that she can and actually, it is quieter than her house so she can easily concentrate. Shou says that he wants to change the topic— “Want to go on a date tomorrow?” Yuki goes !? She asks him how come he’ll think of that and the change of topic is too far off.

Shou says that occasionally she’ll also wants to relax a bit. “Anyway, after you retired, you also totally haven’t rested. *Yuki says no* Besides, tomorrow is a holiday and the club activity is only in the morning. *Yuki says no, about that..* Then, let’s see each other at 2pm at the station tomorrow...

...*Yuki nervously shouts for him to wait a minute..* Yuki-senpai, please do not make a loud ruckus at the roadside.” This made Yuki aghast. “It’s déjà vu!!” [<- in chapter 7, Shou also reprimanded her on something when he asked her out on a date for the first time.]

While choosing what to wear, Yuki thinks, “That idiot.. unexpectedly saying ‘tomorrow’-something. I also need to prepare a bit.. By the way, the first date after the official going steady is unexpectedly quite casual.. ‘first ‘date’...

...‘Officially going steady’ -> ‘date’ -> ‘some kind of progress will happen’? -> ‘perhaps, it is better to let him do something that is more than kisses’.” She becomes aghast as she imagines herself covered in a blanket in the bed while Shou is naked on top of her and calling her, senpai...

Yuki is startled when her phone rings. It is a message from Shou saying that if it will make things difficult for her, then there’s no need to force herself about the date. She recalls him telling her that it is quite good to relax once in a while. She thinks that perhaps, he is doing this for her. She answers that it is okay.

Yuuki freezes when the twins shout, “‘Date’!?” One of the twins shakes her and exclaims if it is with Shou. The other excited twin says that she must give it her all-out effort. “Have you decided what clothes to wear!? Shoes!? Hairstyle!? By the way, I have a very cute outfit that I can lend to you.”

Yuki thinks, “..no, I have a bad premonition..” The next day, Shou is listening to music while waiting. Then, Yuki comes to apologize to him. Shou looks stunned for Yuki is wearing a cute hairstyle and outfit. Yuki says that she is two minutes late.

While Shou keeps on staring at her quietly, gloomy Yuki explains that her younger sisters unexpectedly said that it doesn’t matter if she’s late and even said some incredibly amazing talk about anyone going on a date while wearing pants should commit harakiri [/suicide]-type of stuff, and they helped her in all kinds of dressing up...

Yuki thinks, “He.. He is looking at me.. He is looking at me and is always staring at me. Not saying a single word. As expected, it is very strange, right. Putting makeup on-something, curling hair-something..”

Yuki is shocked when Shou stands up and snorted. He says, “Then, help me thank them.. *whispers to her ear* ..and say, ‘he said I’m very cute’.” This made Yuki blush really red. She thinks that it is no good, she is starting to become nervous and obviously, they already have a dated once before..

Shou calls out to her and says, hand.. She takes his hand as they walk together. She wonders if right now, does it look more like there is a date feeling to it.. Shou asks if she’s hungry. She says no. Shou says that is the same with him since he ate with Abe after the club activity.

In the aquarium, they are looking at some penguins. Shou comments that one looks like Shouji. Yuki asks is that so. Shou says yes and he really wants to make it try to wear a basketball uniform. Shou decides to take a picture of it to give to Shouji.

Yuki overhears some girls saying to look at that tall guy, saw his face a while ago and he is probably a model, is the girl beside him his girlfriend, they probably are since they’re holding hands, and ah, so envious. This made Yuki blush and thinks that it feels, her feelings are a bit..

She starts to pull her hand away from Shou. Noticing this, Shou pulls her away and says that they go look at the sea lion. Yuki thinks, “No..wrong..it is as Shou said, it is possible that I’m a bit of a coward.. *looks at some fishes swimming*...

...Obviously, after graduation, we won’t be able to see each other every day. *surprised that a dolphin falls for Shou* How can I go and hesitate over a small thing like holding hands.. *Shou puts a stuffed toy on her head* From today on— stuff that is more than kissing”

Holding her head, she says, “No, so I’m saying.. do not think of that kind of thing again.” Carrying some drinks he bought, Shou asks, what’s up with her. After thanking him, Yuki says, no, it is nothing, she just recalled a bit the word she learned from yesterday.

He tells her to at least thoroughly forget about studies during this kind of time. He asks when she is going to take the entrance exam. She says in a month. He asks her what course she wants to take. She says that it is sports science. Shou asks why.

She says why..after careful deliberations, she feels that it is probably best suits her.. He asks why. Yuki curses for it is the attack of ‘whys’. She knows that like this, if she didn’t totally tell him, he’ll always just keep on replying, ‘why’.

Yuki says that she feels that giving support to some people who are striving hard is really quite meaningful. “It will be good.. if in the future, I can find the thing that I can do in this field. *Shou seems to have thought of something* No..

...actually, I still totally do not know if I can go there or not..” He says, “You can.” This irks Yuki for he is saying that too casually. To her surprise, he says, “It’s alright. After all, it is Yuki-senpai.” This made her blush and wonder why she suddenly has stronger strength after he said, ‘It’s alright’. He excuses himself to go to the toilet.

Later on, Shou comes back to see two guys whispering. They are arguing who’ll go to Yuki first and is normally saying, ‘hello’, okay or ‘did you come here with a friend’. They wonder what to do for she looks very serious and just now, she is always staring at one place. Shou calls out, “Yuki. Geez- let’s go.”

The two guys nervously leave and say that she is with her boyfriend and that was super dangerous. Yuki says yes, and how come he didn’t a suffix [on her name for politeness] just now. Shou denies it. This puzzles Yuki. While holding hands and walking in the street, Shou asks what they’ll do next and is there any place she wants to go. Yuki says no, there’s none.

He is staring at her that she asks wha..what.. He is about to say something when he notices something drips on him. He looks up and she continues to ask what it is. And soon, it is a heavy downpour. At an internet café, Yuki dries her hair with a towel and thinks that it is such a blunder for she is so engrossed with dressing up and everything that she unexpectedly forgets to bring an umbrella that she usually has with her.

She asks Shou what place is this. Shou says that it is a manga café. [<- not my typo. I don’t know if it is the scanlator’s mistake or the mangaka since what he said and the sign on the store is different but fyi, both cafes are currently used as ‘temporary’/long term shelters/apartments/hotels since it is cheap.]

Yuki says that she knows that. Shou says, lovers’ room? Yuki thinks, ..okay.. While Shou is reading a manga, Yuki feels uneasy. She thinks that the place is quite narrow. Shou says that it cannot be helped for it suddenly started to rain and the other places are already full.

Yuki says no, this is okay but this is the first time she came here. He says no way. She says that manga-something, she just occasionally borrows from her young sisters.. Shou asks if that for real, she’s missing half of her life. He says that he’ll go and borrow a movie disc. Noticing something, Yuki puts a towel on his head and says that he hasn’t totally wipe his hair dry..

They are surprised to notice how close they are. She blushes and he kisses her. She lets him give her some French kisses. Yuki is somewhat freaking out over what to do. When she recalls the ‘allow him to do more than kisses’, blushing Yuki suddenly stands up and says that she..about..that movie, she’ll go borrow a movie..

She slips on the towel but Shou manages to catch her. Shou looks surprised over Yuki’s surprised-blushing expression. She is startled when he starts to touch her leg. He leans to her and says, “..I’m teasing you. Aren’t you angry?”

Yuki wonders what to do and what does she have to do to eliminate this uneasiness. She mutters that she isn’t angry. While her heart is beating fast and loud, she closes her eyes. Shou reaches out to her. She goes !? when he pinches her cheeks to make her mouth like an octopus’. Standing up, Yuki covers her mouth and asks, what..!?

Covering his face, Shou turns around and says, “Ha--.. get angry, you idiot. Why didn’t you refuse that just now. Such an idiot. Or, are you deliberately doing that? Is it because you know that during this very important time, I won’t do anything? Quite cunning, senpai.”

Yuki exclaims, “What. It isn’t that. I.. ..it is just.. (I’m--) simply a bit uneasy. (I also know that this kind of method is very impulsive but) If nothing much changes, if we can keep up the current situation after graduation.. about separating, is it really alright? *clenches her fist*...

...(in the end, is there some other method that can eliminate this uneasiness in my heart--) I’m very worried..” Shou looks at her and says, “..Is it alright, senpai? *this puzzles Yuki* Yuki-senpai, after you graduate and go to college, will some strange guy play hanky-panky on you, will you become careless once again and fall in love with Kido, that kind of older guy?...

... *Yuki thinks that he is using a suffix again to call her name* I’m also very worried about that kind of thing but I’ll be alright. Because, my eyes.. *holds her face and leans to her* only have to gaze upon you so it is alright.” Yuki blushes. They kiss. Yuki thinks that his words made the ‘uneasiness’ that always linger in her heart to gradually disappear without a trace. After the kiss, she says, “I..I also would probably be alright.”

After a pause, Shou says, ‘probably’ huh.. Surprised, Yuki says, “Ab..absolutely..! Probably absolutely..” Shou says that in the end, it is still ‘probably’. Narration: “Love is invisible so it makes one feel uneasy but, because of this..”

While walking, Yuki says by the way, just a while ago, he was in the middle of saying something to her. He asks when. She says before the rain. He says, clothes. This puzzles her. He says, “I’m thinking that when you go to college, whether or not you’ll continue on wearing..

...No, even if I feel that it really suits you— Yuki-senpai, it is better that as usual, you still normally wear that kind.” Yuki asks what does ‘that kind’ refer to. Narration: “..we’ll definitely be alright. Right now, we firmly believe these words without a doubt.”

Comment: And, thanks to the third year’s visit to the gym, Shou had an idea to suggest that Yuki about relaxing a bit from studies. I don’t quite understand why she would hide from the other Ryuhoku students though ^^; Why would she be shy/coward about it? Well, since she is there, she overheard that suggestion. =P Thanks to her sisters, she is now in proper dating attire.

So, we have a formal date which addresses the uneasiness that both will feel after graduation. In the last chapter, Yuki knows that there will be girls approaching Shou. Here, Shou knows that there will be guys who’ll approach Yuki though it is inconclusive if it is just because she is all dressed up ^^;

I think being in sports does suit her especially with what she did for the basketball club. We still don’t know about what Shou plans to do in the future but we do know what Shizuka would most likely do in the future. If she goes into basketball, I think there is a very high chance of encountering Shizuka. Or, even be in the same team. ^^;

Anyway, it is amusing that this time around, with that kind of scenario of someone/both getting wet due to something, they didn’t stay in a hotel or motel-whatever. For students, I guess staying in a manga/internet café is quite practical since it pretty much have the basic stuff that hotels provide and it’s cheap.

That is quite an opportunity that Shou let pass but I guess, it would be better that it is mutual wherein Yuki is really into it rather than she is just doing it to eliminate her uneasiness. So, they talk a bit about their worries and somehow gave each other assurances.

I would assume the ‘probably’ is due to Yuki’s personality. She’s usually indecisive about the unknown which is here, the future. For now, that is indeed what lovers who are about to separate can only do. Just some assurances and hopefully, everything goes smoothly. Of course, a bit of precaution helps like not wearing any cute outfits that will attract the opposite sex. =P Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. ~ Lao Tzu

Narration: “No matter if I made these hands become stained scarlet, or even if it is built on piles of corpses, I also absolutely won’t have even the slightest remorse as long as I can stand in that highest and most distant place.”

Walking through the hallway with a lot of things scattered around, Nogiku thinks, “Finally, before waiting for the final performance, the last ‘switch’.. That will beat Saki (Kasane) into the hell’s abyss. The last gateway.”

Opening the door to the storage room, Kasane says that this is quite troublesome for how come the light unexpectedly won’t turn on today. Nogiku says that’s right.. She suggests that they move quickly and then get out. Kasane agrees.

Using her cellphone’s light on the floor, Nogiku says that she’ll use this to light up her way. Kasane thanks her. She comments that it is simply like the stage’s interval [/when everything is dark].

Narration: “Earlier on, I already took down the florescent light. It is to make the other party not be able to see each other’s face during the last ‘switch’--” Kasane says that they use that florescent tape on the floor to know where they’ll stand. Nogiku asks if it is this one..

Narration: “Usually, we switch in the storage room and use the first kiss to temporarily change our faces back. Then, it will be okay once we kissed once again... After making the faces switch again, it can be continuously maintained for 12 hours...

...But right now, what’s smeared on Saki’s lips is the fake lipstick that I substituted in secret for the real one. I deliberately made her come into this darkness in order for her not to notice that basically the first kiss of changing the faces back didn’t have any effect...

...*After the kiss, holding her face, Nogiku goes out of the room* Afterwards, what’s next is just to wait for the play to start..” Nogiku calls out to Saki and says that she can come out for there is no one here.

Looking serious, Kasane quietly comes out of the room. Nogiku says then, she’ll go ahead.. Nogiku is surprised when Kasane suddenly grabs her hand and leans on her shoulder. Nogiku asks what’s up with her..

Kasane says that she’s afraid..and this is the first time she’s so nervous. Noticing Kasane’s trembling hands, Nogiku says that today’s performance is truly very important for her.

Kasane says yes. “About that, Nogiku, starting from the ‘The Glass Menagerie’, I always search out for you among the audience during the curtain call. *tear falls down* As long as I think of ‘Nogiku is watching me’.. I’ll feel very much at ease. *holds Nogiku’s hand tightly* So, for today, please always watch me until the end, okay..”

After a pause, Nogiku says, “But of course, we have agreed to walk forward together.” Narration: “That moment, I suddenly imaged a different scenario. If the way we were born or the way we met isn’t like this, can we be like ordinary sisters...

...*imagines young Kasane holding hands with young Nogiku in a field of flowers* Mutually supporting each other as we live on together-- *With a tear, Kasane smiles and thanks Nogiku* Thinking of that kind of impossible thing is also useless, right--”

At the waiting area, holding a couple of drinks, Kingo asks Nogiku what’s up for her complexion looks awful. “Are you alright?” Nogiku says, ya..yes. She drinks the hot drink that Kingo brought. She tells him that ever since that thing with Youji, he started to become concerned about her.

Sitting beside her, Kingo says is that so. “It is possible..that I’ve sympathize with you after you mentioned those things about your father. A man who would torment and violate his own child deserves to be killed. Ah, that kind of bastards is more than one. *Nogiku looks tense* Ugh, forget it. The play will start soon so let’s go.”

Soon, Nogiku is watching the play with Kingo. Narration: “Kasane’s trust. Habuta’s sympathy. But for me, these things are quite convenient. I only have to cooperate and I can accomplish the trap. [/Because I’m a collaborator who can give them convenience, these things merely enabled me to deceive them, that’s all. <- different translator]

In the play, Lady Macbeth leans to her husband and says, “Even if I had already breastfed a baby, I clearly know how cute a suckling child is. *touches Macbeth’s sword* But- I’ll take away its soft small lips from my breast, and smash its brains out.”

Narration: “Such a fiendish demon-- I simply couldn’t believe that just now, this person would still hold me and coldly tremble.. *image of proud Lady Macbeth with a fresh flower* But, following the progress of the story, her ferociousness that is supporting the husband, *image of Lady Macbeth looking ill while holding a withered flower*...

...is also like the pulled tooth of a beast [/decayed tooth] because of mental disorder, and then, totally disappearing--” Lady Macbeth shouts, “Out..this damned spot..! *cries and rubs her hands* Quickly come out! Out! *crying, drooling and writhes on the floor as the audience look very tense* Ah ah! Ah AH! AH AH!”

Narration: “This unprecedented acting [/compared to the previous days’ display], it directly make the audience personally feel the hallucination of blood that Lady Macbeth sees.. This is artistic talent..! *tense* it’s really too remarkable.. and cruel. This lie can be twisted into reality..

...*glares with tears as two figures stand behind her [probably Nina and her mother]* A cruel power that steal other people’s lives in order to exist..!!” With candles all around, Macbeth in his armor says, “Tomorrow. There is still tomorrow and after that, there is tomorrow...

...Day after day, time slowly passes. Always until it reaches.. the morning that is destined to be the last second of time. Put out. Put out. *walks through the barren trees with a sword* Light that merely exists for a moment! [/brief candle!]”

Narration: “Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are led to ruin. *Macbeth faces Macduff and ‘sees’ Lady Macbeth* Just like them, you also. *clapping while in standing ovation with the audience as the cast are in curtain call* Very good, finally about to welcome the end of your life as ‘Saki’, the final curtain call..!”

Saki happily looks at the audience. Nogiku looks at her watch and thinks that there is only a few seconds left before the lipstick’s effect will wear off.. “Come. In the audience’s gaze, finally.. *Saki bows* 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. *Saki looks up again* Finally, everything will end--”

Nogiku is surprised to see smiling Saki still looking beautifully radiant. Nogiku becomes tense and puzzled. Her watch keeps on ticking. She thinks, “The scheduled time has already passed a minute.. a minute and a half..! How come the face didn’t change back!?..

...No, before, there was also a time when there is a little bit of mistake.. Two minutes.. Could it be.. No, that is impossible.. Because, I have indeed threw away the lipstick!! [/exchanged the lipstick] *very tense* It’s alright.. It will definitely quickly..”

Saki looks toward Nogiku and gives her a creepy crazed smile. This shocks Nogiku that she mutters, ..wha.. She suddenly loses her footing so she quickly steadies herself. She wonders why she suddenly feels so sleepy.. “My legs start to wea..ken.. *notices frowning Kingo glaring at her* Could..it be..” She falls over and Kingo quickly catches her.

Kingo whispers, “Don’t you think it’s very amazing? In this final performance, that person is able to remarkably finish the acting even if her heart is definitely cut into pieces because of Nogiku’s betrayal.” While smiling with a tear in eye at the others, Kasane scratches her hand until it bleeds.

Comment: That is such an amazing climax to an arc even if I know that Nogiku’s plan would fail. The drawings are really good especially the scene of Lady Macbeth going crazy and that ‘I know what you did/tried to pull’ look of Kasane’s.

I almost find myself thinking that it would be amazing to actually watch that kind of actress on live theater. Even if Nogiku saw the play a few times already, she is still captivated by it. Yet hated the price paid for it to happen.

So, in this and the last chapter, Nogiku is indeed being alluded to as ‘Lady Macbeth’ who plotted something but ultimately, will fall into ruin. Because she has been exposed, I can almost imagine that Nogiku will indeed suffer the same fate as her mother’s. And, I’m sure that Kasane is really hurt and furious over this that she would even scratch her hand until it bled. Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:

The worst pain in the world goes beyond the physical. Even further beyond any other emotional pain one can feel. It is the betrayal of a friend. ~ Heather Brewer, Ninth Grade Slays

Episode 62 – How do you know (the start of happiness is). While Takane is walking at the hallway, the people are welcoming him even making a mistake of calling him as the young abbot. Takane tells them that the training isn’t over and he still has to go back there tomorrow. He asks if the abbot is already at the dining hall.

A man says that the abbot is already waiting for him inside. Watching from the corner, Junko thinks that putting the successor issue aside, the people in the temple really admires Takane. Tokiko asks Junko if she was able to calmly talk with Takane.

Thinking that not only did they talk but there is also some other things, blushing Junko bows to her to thank her that because of her help, they were able to meet. Tokiko says that obviously, Junko isn’t used to wearing a kimono and she didn’t think that after being in there for such a long time, she can still maintain it in such good state. This made Junko blush really red.

Recalling Takane is reluctant to dress her up so soon and she urges him to hurry up, Junko nervously laughs and says that it is thanks to Takane who help her wear it tidily. Tokiko frankly tells Junko that merely wearing a kimono won’t rise up Hibari’s evaluation of her.

“Honestly speaking, I’m not standing on either your or perhaps mother-in-law’s side. Even if I can understand both of your positions but today, you voluntarily came to learn the work [/etiquette], right? Besides, there is also Takane encountering that kind of situation. For you to have that kind of awareness, it makes me want to encourage you a little bit.” Junko bows and thanks her.

Takane calls out to Junko and asks what she is doing. While pulling Junko away, he apologizes to his mother for being rude. Junko tells him to wait, she is still thanking her. Takane tells her to do it later on and come with him first. Narita greets Junko and welcomes her. Junko greets him back.

Whispering to Takane, she says that this is so embarrassing for everyone is here and a while ago, they are doing.. He tells her that it’s no problem after all, they are a lovey-dovey couple. He advises her to be quite for a while. He opens the door and says that he’s intruding.

While Junko is mentally telling him to wait, the abbot, Hibari and Amane are surprised to see them. While bowing with Junko, Takane says that he’s late in coming to pay them his greetings, and he also apologizes for the many troubles that he cause to the temple. While nervously saying that she’s intruding [<- being polite], Junko wonders if it is alright that there is no practice regarding this and that and they’ll just suddenly come here.

Looking dark, Hibari asks how come he’ll bring this child here in their family dinner. Amane wonders why Junko is here yet he spent half the day looking for her. The abbot suggests that the guest to come and eat with them and then, after dinner, they can talk in his room.

Takane refuses for he’ll finish what he has to say soon so please let him say it in front of everyone. “I’ll continue to strive hard to become the successor of this temple. In addition to that, I also want Sakuraba-san to marry into the family...

...It is only with these things that I won’t compromise. I also don’t plan on giving the position of abbot to Amane.” The abbot sighs and kept quiet. Hibari says no is no but since they came during dinner, then have dinner and leave. Takane calls out to his grandmother.

Junko thinks that it is here, that famous Kansai way of refusal and even if she knows that it means that she [Junko] should immediately leave but she’s afraid that it is very difficult to translate it to foreigners. [<- I think it about Japanese being polite and won’t bluntly say things to offend someone but you have to read between the lines.]

Tokiko urges Junko to come and eat dinner first. Amane tells his grandmother that it doesn’t matter for it is only dinner and they are just going to eat with them.

Amane says that it really makes one unable to comprehend since upon coming back, Takane mentioned about the successor [that it is okay if it is Amane]. “I already prepared myself to come and succeed this temple.” Takane says if that is the case, then he’ll do things better than him in order to make everyone approve since he will put his utmost effort to snatch away that position from him.

Junko recalls Takane telling her that he won’t pretend to be cool and give up. Junko grabs the robe at Takane’s back and thinks, “If that is his wish, I want to support him. Me, too. In order to attain grandmother-sama’s approval of this position [as wife], I have to do my best.”

Back at the café, Momoe gives a shopping bag to Kiichirou and says that these are the things that Yayoi asked her to buy. Kiichirou says that isn’t that a lot and he should pay for it. Shaking her head, Momoe says that it is fine because after all, Yayoi helped her buy the ticket in advance and besides, they talked about exchanging other things so please don’t mind it. Kiichirou continues to protest that won’t do at all.

Momoe tells him that he got her favorite CP coaster and for that she is very thankful of him. Arthur calls out to Momoe and says that he’ll be interrupting. “The time we agreed on has already past. Do the two of you plan on continuing that ‘no no no’ topic? I’m truly sorry for interrupting your conversation, Nogami-san...

...Apparently, your daughter seems to be still sick so I hope she can quickly recover. *Kiichirou thanks him for his concern* Just treat this as a sympathy [/get well] gift. *sparking and smiling* Then, it is almost time for ME to go.” Kiichirou says naturally, and he didn’t know that he was waiting for Momoe, truly sorry about that. Arthur says see you.

Then, he quickly grabs Momoe and drags her away. Momoe bids Kiichirou goodbye. Sweatdropping, Kiichirou thinks that it isn’t necessary for Arthur to be so blunt in expressing his ownership of Momoe towards a middle age father like him and from the looks of it, he is the type who’ll tie Momoe down.

At the street, Momoe laments over the café becoming far away. She calls out to Arthur and says that she always feel that when she is talking with Kiichirou, he’ll always suddenly drag her away.. Arthur says that she is mistaken.

She says that Kiichirou is one of her few students in the designated classroom [/special class]? Irked Arthur says that he only wants to quickly leave this place, that’s all. Momoe goes into shock. She thinks that she was so happy that she forgot. Bowing to Arthur, Momoe thinks, “How could I let an ordinary person [who isn’t into BL] stay at this full of bacteria 2D world for over 40 minutes. Please forgive me. But, please give back my spoils of war.”

Wearing an imaginary protective suit and carrying her shopping bag, Arthur says he always felt that it is unexpectedly quite troublesome but it isn’t just that. “But rather, it is the ‘I have found you and after I hugged you’ thing.”

Flashback: After Arthur hugged her, he is shocked when Momoe pushed him away and said wait, please wait a minute. Rushing back to the café, she shouted that there are two hours [allotted] so there are still 40 minutes left at the café so wait for her to come back and she’ll listen to whatever he says. End flashback.

Arthur reminds her that she said ‘when she comes back she’ll listen to whatever he says’. Momoe says that she feels that indeed, she said that and it is because she is afraid that the things will be sold out so as at all costs, she.. Slyly smiling, Arthur says then, what should be done for what is the price for leaving him all alone as she runs back to that uncle.

Holding up her hand, Momoe says no, she earlier on had already encountered all sorts of things..and she always felt that he is always putting one over her and compared to that, she has a question. “How come Arthur-sama has come here? It is only Lance-san whom I told about it.” Opps. Arthur ponders over what to say.

Just then, Momoe’s cellphone rings. She says that it is from Junko. Arthur tells her to quickly look at the message for it might be an emergency. He says that they first go back to the plan of getting her luggage from home. Momoe tells him to please don’t change the topic and by the way, if he didn’t come here then it wasn’t necessary for him to wait for her for 40 minutes.

Arthur says that after the time limit has passed, she still plans on eating together with Kiichirou right and, geez, in the end, he couldn’t be careless with that uncle so let’s get out of here! Momoe says that she isn’t going and, after all, he [Arthur] is waiting for her. “I..I’m very happy that you came. You unexpectedly run to a place that have such a thick otaku atmosphere..

...and not be stupefied [/disappointed] upon seeing that kind of situation and even helping me with the luggage. (Not only that, you even hugged me/made my heart beat so fast..) You made me so happy that in the end, what kind of trap you are setting up...

...*pause* It is like that. *looking at the side* Perhaps, it is about planning to continue that thing on the train before.. isn’t it so..” Arthur looks surprised and recalls saying while on the train that upon returning back, they’ll immediately continue and doesn’t she want to be kissed until she is unable to stand up.

Arthur says that is because, she.. Momoe says, “Also, in Junko-sensai’s text, she would go back to the temple..so she’s leaving the dorm..that is what she said.” While Arthur looks surprised by that, Momoe is mentally rejoicing. “That’s great- Finally, I’m free! I can play rated 18 BL games as much as I want. I can also read BL books as much as I want...

...And, it doesn’t matter if I tie up my hair and let it be all messy as I wish. There’s no need to be all nervous in dressing up so early in the morning. Obviously, I’m very happy that it is a sigh of relief but I don’t know why I feel a bit lonely.”

Momoe says that basically, she is just accompanying Junko in coming to live together at the dorm so it is inevitable that she’ll also leave. Arthur suddenly puts his finger on her lips before she can say anything else. He says that he has decided on what to do with his right of making her listen to what he’ll say.

“Since Junko-san is leaving, then naturally, I’ll get back that room since it is originally mine. You’ll continue to stay there. You are going to live together with me in the form of share house, ok?” This surprises Momoe that she shakes her head sideways. She says no, no, no, this is too early. Arthur says that she was the one who said that she’ll listen to him...

...If you don’t comply then the punishment has no meaning. Besides, just now, didn’t you say you want to continue that thing in the train? You are the one who seduced me so please take responsibility, Miss Momoe.” Blushing really red, Momoe says, sedu..is that so, she is really being held responsible for that.

Arthur says yes, please take responsibility and it is necessary that they increase their time being together!! Back at the temple, Junko is massaging her aching legs caused by sitting in seiza form for such a long time. She thinks that she has sent a text to Momoe and it would be alright since Arthur is a gentleman.

“Next, I’ll have to go and get my luggage and afterwards, explain to the director and also inform my family.” She looks at cellphone and it is already 10:45pm. She wonders if there’ll be no problem with Takane since he is with the abbot for a long time. Struggling to move her aching legs, she also wonders if he’ll be in dispute again with Amane or perhaps, his grandmother and should she go and take a look.

She is surprised when Takane calls out to her and asks if he can come in. After saying okay, she loses balance and falls flat on the floor. Opening the door, Takane asks if she is alright. She apologizes and assures him that she is fine.

Junko explains that she is just not quite used to sitting in seiza for such a long time so her numb legs couldn’t stand up anymore. After closing the door, Takane says that is embarrassing for it is just for a few hours. He informs her that as the monk’s fiancée, she should be able to sit in seiza for this bit of time [/should adapt as soon as possible.]

Biting her teeth, she thinks that side of Takane really hasn’t changed. She tells him that up to that degree, she can immediately get used to it and she is a woman who can do it [/do it well after having done it before]. Takane smiles.

He pats her head and says that it makes him really happy just thinking that she is doing everything for him but for tonight, that is enough. “If I were to keep on touching you, I probably won’t be able to leave you tonight.” This made Junko flustered that she pushes him away and shouts for him to please, do not say that kind of words so seriously.

“Geez, I feel that doing that kind of thing in a temple is something that I’ll really regret for life. Obviously, these are paper doors and paper windows so there’s definitely poor sound proofing. It is definitely no good. Geez, what’s up with me!!”

Takane smiles and informs her that even if she were to say that but after they get married, they’ll definitely do it every night. She starts ○★※☆. He flicks her nose and says that he is just kidding. Takane thinks even though what he said about at night wasn’t a joke. He informs her that he is going to take the 5 o’clock train tomorrow.

“I heard that tomorrow’s training will be more rigorous than before. Earlier, my awareness is not enough and my understanding is too naïve thinking that it will end soon and I can immediately come back. So, I didn’t go see you and just left. Starting at the first month, communicating with letters is impossible since it is a 100 days of necessary training. *Junko thinks, ‘If it is touching, I definitely won’t be able to restrain myself. I..’*...

...This time, even if I can finish this training smoothly, there is also no guarantee that I can take back the position of being the successor abbot but, at least, to be able to get a niche [/designated position] although I am actually reluctant to have a fight against my younger brother...

...Actually, starting from before, I plan on giving you something. Basically, I should give it to you in a formal occasion.” This surprises Junko that she covers her mouth and thinks that this is really a nice surprise and looking at this situation, it should be her life’s first engagement ring.. Takane gives her a small rectangular box. He opens it and says that even if it is a simple form of marriage certificate.

Junko is shock for it is an ojuzu [prayer beads/Buddhist rosary]. He tells her that this is considered as a long life rosary[? After googling it, it seems to be an o juju, a 21 two-colored rosary beads used in Buddhist weddings] and in this situation, it is indeed an ojuzu. “Until the wedding ceremony, I’ll formally exchange it with a wedding’s o juju. I hope that you can first put this on.”

Junko sweatdrops for this is Takane’s nice surprise – he is also a person who ordinarily gives a ring. She is surprised when Takane bows to her. He looks at her and says, “Sakuraba Junko-san, I’m Hoshikawa Takane who is deeply in love you compared to anyone else. I would enquire this thing about becoming my wife. Will you accept?”

Junko smiles and says, “Yes. *blushes* I accept it. *teary-eyed* Please definitely come back safe and sound. I’ll wait for you.” They both touch the box. Then, Takane touches her fingers. She holds the box as he leaves the room. Narration: “After we touched, the one who doesn’t want to part from each other that night is me...

...Can I really properly leave this person for 100 days? I have to properly restrain myself [/be patient] and properly do my best. *The next day, the other monks are wishing Takane ‘bon voyage’ on his trip.* My own work and the trust of the people here.. *Takane smiles at Junko who smiles back and holds the ojizu that he gave her* ..can I put it all in the bag [/mange to pull it all off]? *Amane yawns and Hibari looks displeased* No, I can do it.”

Comment: And, that is another marriage proposal for another couple. Even with that, they have a lot of trials to face including the grandmother, and Amane. I’m not too sure if her work/Makoto will be a hindrance. Still, it is a good step to be optimistic and do what one can do to make it all happen. It helps a bit to have a little help from Takane’s mother.

I’m not too sure if Amane really wants the temple or just want to make things difficult for Takane. I’m thinking that it is the latter due to what happened in the past when he was ‘abandoned’. But then, maybe he changed his mind? Even as Takane will go through a more rigorous training, I think Junko will also have a hard time with Hibari and Amane. Hopefully, Amane won’t pull something below the belt again like what he did earlier.

As for the other couple, it seems that Kiichirou has already noticed that Arthur is jealous of him and is puzzled over why he’ll think of him as a threat. ^^; I guess Arthur just couldn’t help it since he keep on mistaking Momoe’s ‘fondness’ for the father-daughter as personal interest towards them rather than, in truth, it is the BL connection. =P

It is plus points for him that Momoe thinks well of him for not despising her for her hobby, waited for her for 40 minutes and still want to help her with the luggage. Arthur is also not being honest why he is there when asked. It is understandable because due to his trauma before, he still doesn’t want to show how much he loves her that he’ll stalk her to this place.

And, even if Momoe and his ex are totally different, Arthur still won’t allow himself to seemingly be at the short end of the stick/be more in love with the girl than the girl loves him. Well, before Momoe can slip away, luckily for him, he has a trump card to use to keep Momoe with him.

I’m not too sure if that is a good move since he is kind of ‘forcing it’ on her but then, perhaps, Momoe isn’t really aware of her feelings for him. She did wondered why she’ll feel lonely when she should be very happy for she can do whatever she wants again. As we all know, when Arthur is plotting something, it has a tendency to backfire on him. So let’s see if he’ll get lucky this time and there will be progress in their relationship. Scans by 月球坑组

Word of the day:

You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can choose your outlook on life. ‘Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28)’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

Nogiku wakes up. She groans and sees a chair in front of her. Then, her eyes widen. She is gagged. Both her hands and feet are bounded by tape. She starts to become nervous. She tries to free her hands and feet but it is of no use. She mustered up her strength to sit up.

Nogiku realizes that she is in a room with a bed, a cabinet shelf, a table and chair and a heater[?]. There are no windows in the room. She starts to panic and recalls her own mother whose feet are chained. She loses her balance and falls down. She wonders why and what had happened!? “Where is this..?”

Nogiku is startled when someone calls out, “Hey, don’t be so afraid.” It is Kingo holding a mug. He assures her that he isn’t after her life. “Ah..it is also normal for you to be so confused. *Nogiku glares at him* That facial expression is asking me to explain the situation on what had happened...

...*puts the mug on the table* ..it cannot be helped. *pulls the chair to sit down* Then, I let me explain it to you from the start. It is because you said that line. *sits down and cracks open some peanuts* I heard it from Kasane. In order to cheer her on and give her support, you said this line—

‘Even if the past and sin won’t disappear- you also should be able to walk on- Because I will accompany you in that hell, and we’ll walk in it together-’ ..isn’t that right? *Nogoku looks nervous*...

...-I also heard that line from Kasane’s mother. It’s truly quite nostalgic. That had made the young me at that time feel quite unwell [/nauseous] so even if I want to forget it, I couldn’t. Although, it is thanks to you that Saki came back to life...

..but, *eats peanut* generally speaking, in giving someone encouragement to do one’s best, would one use the words that was said by a man whom one hated so much to the point of killing him? Besides, the most important is this ‘Even if the past and sin won’t disappear’ part...

...Because Kaidou knows his own wife’s ‘past’ and ‘sin’ so he said that line. *cracks open another peanut* So, you also felt that line will be effective in resolving Kasane’s worries.

..that also means, you actually always knew Kasane’s sin of ‘causing Tanzawa Nina’s death’. *Nogiku looks surprised and tense* ..if it is so, then it is very strange. *stands up* I had been meticulously planning all the way because I do not want you to know about that matter...

...Then, how come you know about that matter? Thus, I suddenly thought of it. Basically..it is like you are simply always waiting for Nina’s death. Also, the time when you appeared [at the beach] is also too coincidental. Then, what does all of this mean.. I immediately went to investigate.”

Flashback: After dropping Kasane off, Kingo told Kasane that he’ll go somewhere. Somewhere else, Kingo apologized for suddenly coming over and disturbing her. Narration: “I went to a FARAWAY NURSING HOME where Nina’s mother is living after she moved out from the city to the countryside--”

Nina’s mother says that it is fine and because the weather today is quite good..her mood is also a bit better.. Holding a small bag, Kingo said that this is the thing/s that he mentioned to her on the phone. “Even if it has been such a long time already but these are your daughter’s personal item/s that she left at the rehearsal place.”

While holding a piece of paper, Nina’s mother looks at a piece of glove. Kingo said, “Although it isn’t a clue regarding your daughter’s whereabouts..” Nina’s mother replied that it is alright. She tearfully holds the glove and repeated that it is alright. “I’m already quite grateful to you..!!” Kingo observed the room.

Then he said, “..by the way, this place..even if it isn’t quite bad but isn’t it almost a bit lonely. (There is totally no television, radio or even newspaper-type of thing. I reckon that it is for her not to think of anything related to Nina that she deliberately kept away from anything that is related to news [about Nina])...

For you to be like this right now, it is better for you to be able to talk with someone.” After a pause, Nina’s mother said that it is because no one would listen to what she says.. Kingo looked surprised.

He asked, “No one? How about your husband? *no reply* About that.. But, it is also impossible that there is totally no one, right. *slightly nervous* No matter what, there is also ONE PERSON WHO WILL..”

After some pause, Nina’s mother said that thinking about it, before she moved to this villa, there is actually a girl who enthusiastically listen to what she said. “But, I don’t know why.. Afterwards, I can no longer contact her.. Right now, I don’t know if she’s doing well or not, NOGIKU-CHAN..” End flashback.

Bending down to Nogiku, Kingo says that Nina’s mother moved to the villa after Nina’s death. “The time when you contacted her and the time of Nina’s death.. and also the time when you propose to help out Kasane. The above mentioned things exposes the fact.. [/Even if it is all a coincidence but] I’m afraid that Nina was..”

The door clicks open. Kasane arrives and looks at nervous Nogiku. Kingo greets Saki ‘good work’ [/otsukaresama]..but Kasane quickly passes by him. She goes to Nogiku to remove her gag. While Kingo watches them, Kasane hugs Nogiku and says, “It turns that you are my younger sister.” Nogiku looks surprised and nervous.

Holding Nogiku’s upper arms, Kasane whispers, “Nogiku, were you the one..who killed Nina?” After knitting her brows, Nogiku says, “..it’s Nina..she herself wished for it..” Kasane suddenly pushes Nogiku away from her and slaps her really hard. It causes stunned Nogiku to fall back on the floor.

While Kasane glares at her, Nogiku sits up and says, “Do..do not..don’t come near me!” Kingo smiles over this and thinks, “That’s good. It is like that. It is also good for you to properly hate Nogiku’s plot. Everything will become a nutrient for the perfect [/completion of] ‘Saki’--”

Comment: That was really sharp of Kingo. That line turns out to be the thing that caused the failure of Nogiku’s plot. Nogiku has every reason to be scared and everything. That place is definitely some sort of basement. It does seem that she will end up with the same fate as her mother’s.

The same goes with Kasane. She had become quite cold here. I guess that slap is because she still believes that Nogiku is lying to her. That is also understandable for it will be very hard to believe ‘comatose’ Nina to have wished that. One can even assume that is Nogiku’s alibi for killing Nina. And of course, Nogiku’s plot was just exposed and it would be very foolish for Kasane to suddenly believe what she’ll say.

I feel uneasy with Kingo looking happy like that and seemingly want Kasane to cross the line by being filled with hatred. It seems that the two women are repeating their mothers’ paths. And, Kingo is acting like Atae as the one who was goading Izana on at the expense of Nogiku’s mother. Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:

Two people don't see same event as opportunity. When one see it a problem; other look to capitalize it for optimum benefit. ~ Ashish Patel

At Han residence, Kouju worriedly calls out to her brother and asks if it is true. “Princess Shuon is really currently staying in the palace..!” Holding a tea tray, Suigetsu explains that the princess suddenly feel unwell while watching the sword competition.

“So, for some time, Kouju, your trips to pay a visit to Lady princess consort is also somewhat restricted.” Aghast Kouju says, “How can that be, that princess has unexpectedly sneaked into the palace like this.. The love triangle with His Majesty in the center is immediately going to become white-hot [/passionate]..!?

...*images behind Reishou is haha proud Shuon and worried Yuulin* Love’s trial has arrived! *teary eyed* Ah, I, Han Kouju, really want to become a soul in order to quickly go to Lady princess consort’s side to support her..!!

...*imagines herself as a soul with a brush and paper to take notes while watching Shuon and Yuulin in fighting poses* I really want to thoroughly observe *slamming table* and record everything in detail from the front line-!!!” Suigetsu muses that his younger sister is becoming more and more serious [about this]...

At the harem. Drip drip. In the bath, scowling Shuon asks why she must take a bath together with her. Pouting Yuulin says that it is because possibly, Shuon is scared to be alone.. She assures Shuon that it is alright and anyway, it’s big enough [for them]. Shuon goes hmph and goes to the other side.

Yuulin thinks that Shuon’s mental state [/nerves] is still edgy. Narration: “My name is Tei Yuulin. Yesterday, I picked up the princess who was attacked by an assassin. [= picked up, like picking up a stray cat to be taken care of] Together with this kid -> Mana...

...There is a very high possibility that within the diplomatic group, there is an accomplice leaking secrets who has an assassination plot. Thus, from the looks of it.. she has received quite a huge shock. The whole day, she’ll just quietly contemplate.. The assassin has already run away...

...The maid who delivered the letter has also concealed her whereabouts. There is no clue at all. *pondering* Li Jun-san and others feel that there should still be other accomplices hiding inside who are helping out.. *looks at depressed quiet Shuon* But, no matter what is said, for the princess, someone from her home country will unexpectedly..

...she definitely feels bad [about it], right. It is good if I can somewhat make her liven up [/restore her vigor] a bit..” Later on, a gloomy displeased Reishou asks, “..how come my princess consort is taking a bath together with the Enha princess.”

This somewhat surprises Yuulin. Frantic rabbit Yuulin excitedly gestures and exclaims, “!? What are you saying!! We’re both women!? Your Majesty, you.. Really-- Just for a little bit, the princess’ heart is going to open and isn’t this very good!

...*Wolf Reishou is fuming.* By the way, right now, she is properly eating so there’s no problem! But yesterday, it seems that she totally didn’t sleep that made Mana, that child, to also become very worried. So, I suggested to the princess, ‘Today, let’s go sleep together, how about it’ but she has already refused..”

↑ chibi Shuon angrily said, “Ha!?” <- veto expression of really loathing it!! Reishous says, “Ah.. my bride shouldn’t be excessively taking care of someone..!! Yuulin, this time, it is Enha’s own problem. Do not get too deeply involved in it already.”

Yuulin says, “..yes, but, about that, seeing that strong-willed princess sink in such deep low thoughts.. I cannot help..” Reishou sighs and asks if she couldn’t let it be.. Yuulin apologizes for saying willful things..

After a pause, he hugs her tight and says, “..not so, that is being you. It is just that, this kind of situation also won’t stay like this for such a long time. One must have some countermeasure in dealing with it.” Yuulin looks worried-surprised. Later that night, Mana peeks in to see gloomy Shuon quietly sitting in front of a table. He just quietly watches her.

The next day, angry Hiroku insists that they at least let them see the princess’ face. “What is the current condition of Her Highness?” Smiling Jun says that regarding the health situation, he can be at ease for the princess has stabilized and she has been steadily recuperating.

“It is just that Princess Shuon and the Princess consort seems to be kindred spirits so they want to properly chat for Hakuyou and Enha’s goodwill exchange. Undoubtedly, this is a very good phenomenon, isn’t it so?”

Later on, at their room, Kagou complains over what’s going on. “That princess! How is it possible that she’ll faint upon watching a sword competition? And also, what’s up with that kindred spirits with the princess consort...

...*frowning Hiroku looking really gloomy* Even if the youkai princess consort had used sorcery but this is also very strange, right!” Haru agrees. “But, as long as the princess is still in the hands of the other party, we also cannot do anything..” Hiroku angrily says, “..Hakuyou scoundrels..where’s the good will exchange [in that]..!”

In a room with Jun watching over, Reishou talks with Shuon. Reishou says, “Princess Shuon, first and foremost, it is the duty of my country as an ally to make the princess return back into her country safe and sound. ..regarding this assassination plot, if you have thought of any clues then I hope that you’ll definitely inform us about it.”

Shuon says that she is still confused. “There is actually not one bit of clue that can be made common knowledge to you.” Reishou replies, “..then, let me change the question. Princess, what is the ‘real’ reason for your journey with the diplomatic mission this time around?

...*Shuon looks surprised and coldly trembles since Reishou goes into wolf mode* And the king’s eldest princess [/princess royal].. Is it directly related to the commotion in Enha’s internal court?” As her heart beat fast, trembling Shuon denies it by asking what he is saying, what commotion in her country..

Slightly smiling, Reishou asks, “..You cannot let the ‘Wolf King’ know of your home country’s weakpoint, huh? I can also understand that. But, even if you’re not so alert [/vigilant], I also currently just wholeheartedly hope to maintain good relations towards Enha...

...besides, my princess consort also said that she’s very worried over the girl in front of her eyes who had lost her fighting spirit. *Shuon looks surprised* Even if you do not trust me, ..I hope that you can trust her sincerity [/good faith].” Later on, breathing hard from climbing up a tree, Yuulin says that Shuon really loves to climb up high.

On top of the tree, Shuon scowls and shouts, “Ah ah darn it. What is this!! How come the princess consort can climb up a tree!!” Surprised Yuulin says that it is only that part that Shuon has no right to tell her off! Standing below the tree, Mana is looking nervous. He was the one who told Yuulin where Shuon is.

Sparkling Yuulin suggests that Shuon come down and eat some snacks. “Today’s snack has fruits added on the baked dessert. It’s very delicious! How about it!” After scowling for a while, Shuon face-palms and shakes her head. She says, “Ah, really, it’s enough already. This is already silly to death. No matter how I refuse this princess consort, she’ll always stick around!”

Yuulin tells her wait a minute, it is because she is responsible for her. Shuon shouts, “Let me say this clearly first! I do not like such high places! Rather, ever since before I like watching my country’s territory from up high so I’ve formed this little habit!” Yuulin says, “Ah, that is also saying that you really love Enha.”

Shuon admits that it is so and she wants to protect her country. “For that, I even specially run all the way to this kind of place. *aghast*...In the end however, it is like that..someone from within the country wanted my life. I’m really like an idiot.”

Yuulin looks sad for her. She asks, “You said want to protect..what is going on? Ah, if it is classified information, I won’t tell it to anyone.” Shuon sighs and says that it is alright. “Even if I want to hide it from the ‘Wolf King’, it seems like he, more or less, knew about it. Right now, my country’s court is considerably unstable...

...My father the king had collapsed. After that, the originally submissive [/respectful] minister started to display arrogance. At the same time, a nearby small tribe is also starting to cause disorder. And in all of this, there are also a rumor spreading that the neighboring country’s ‘Wolf King’, who has saved up its nation’s power, is preparing to attack my country...

..father king is determined to strengthen the alliance with Hakuyou. Thus, I thought to just simply offer my hand in marriage to the ‘Wolf King’ and it will be good that Enha will be protected from outside. Everything is for the method that I have thought of...

..pressured down to the side like this by the opposing clamor--” Yuulin thinks that Shuon, all by herself, in order to protect her country. “Obviously, she is a girl who is of the same age as I. But to carry such a huge responsibility..”

Shuon says, “..but, this plan is already no good. *grinds teeth and Yuulin looks surprised* I didn’t think that unexpectedly, [they] will dare assassinate me.. Someone from Seki’s royal family. A delusional scoundrel who’ll dare do this still exists in Enha...

...How can I not go back and properly tighten up their skins. Finally, my brain has already calmed down. First, I’ll use these hands to slaughter that [undiscovered] traitor within the diplomatic group.”

Yuulin nervously asks if she already more or less know [/guess who it is]. After a pause, Shuon looks at her hands and says, “Kagou, Hiroku and Son Haru. *looking dark* No matter how I think of it, it is only those three who can grab that opportunity and predict my actions.”

Yuulin goes into shock for weren’t those three the ones whom Shuon particularly trust that she even purposely drew them out [from the group] to introduce them..! “Because there are so many people in the diplomatic mission, wanting to say it should be someone else saying it!” [<- /I thought it ought to be someone else. Sorry, I’m not quite sure about the last line.]

Looking deranged in anger, Shuon declares, “No matter who it is, I absolutely won’t be lenient. Dare betray me then I’ll make him his life a living hell [/wish he was dead].” Yuulin looks aghast and says, ah—

Narration: “-Princess Shuon, other than suffering a shock because of the assassination plot, it is better to say.. *Mana is having a cold sweat from Shuon’s declaration* she is so angry that she already blew her top [/driven mad..]”

At Han resident, Kouju stops writing and thinks that she doesn’t know what’s happening right now in the palace.. Teary eyed, she says, “In the harem, there is a conflict between women unfolding. It should be good that Lady princess consort is somewhat barely passing the sorrowful days.. Because of love, doubt.. misunderstanding...

...are born. It is because of a despicable hoodlum that caused His Majesty to get caught in a dreadful trap.. *imagines Reishou being tied up by thorny vines and Yuulin tearfully calls out to him* The plot easily captured the two.. played around by fate.. But, only this, I know really clearly and that is, the two’s love will also prevail over anything..!...

...*sparkling while holding a long scroll* Lady princess consort..! I’ll be here praying for the victory of your and His Majesty’s love...! No good..my train of thought is gushing out quite tremendously that, if I’m not careful, I’ll finish writing a book..”

Narration: “—the situation at the harem has a really huge disparity with Kouju’s imagination.” Reishou looks really gloomy. The waiting ladies nervously say, “No..so we’re saying that right now, because the clothes got all dirty from climbing up the tree so the two..”

Drip Drip. In the bath, Shuon says that in short, she had honestly say it out openly so it can be considered that the favor of she and Mana receiving Yuulin’s care is already cleared up.

Holding a snack, Yuulin says ah, she’s talking about that, so that’s how it is. Eating a snack, Shuon says that she also concedes that the food here is very delicious as well as the snack! Yuulin says yes, it is because she’s hungry so she had become weak!

She thinks that this is very good for Shuon is already eating a lot. Yuulin is quite satisfied. Narration: “The princess who was picked up had become a bit lively and she’s actively preparing for a fight.”

And gloomy Reishou returns back to work. With his hands on his head, he complains, “So I’m saying, how come my princess consort is taking a bath with someone else..! Obviously, she’s [newly] married!” Jun tells him to calm down for this is for goodwill exchange.

Comment: Hehe, and it is indeed different from what Kouji is imagining. It is Yuulin who was ‘taken away’ by the ‘hoodlum’. ^^; I’m trying to read between the lines over what Reishou is complaining about. Is it because he wants to be the one taking a bath with Yuulin? =P

He doesn’t want someone else to be taking his precious time with Yuulin. And, he was shock that Yuulin offered to sleep with Shuon. Basically, he probably wants to do whatever Yuulin is doing with Shuon. =P And, because of this, Reishou would most likely help as much as he can to send Shuon back to her country. =P

I guess that is partly the reason why Reishou went on wolf mode on Shuon. =P Aside from the fact that, Shuon is getting Yuulin involved with Enha’s internal dispute. It is understandable that he’ll be worried for it was an assassin who will most likely harm Yuulin to get his/her way.

It turns out that the three are the possible suspects. Which one could it be? And it seems that Shuon doesn’t take threats to her life lightly though I’m not sure if she’ll actually do it as she said. I think Reishou is the same if it weren’t for Yuulin around him.

I guess Reishou and Yuulin do make a good combo. Reishou handles things upfront while Yuulin does the back channel diplomacy/anything behind the scenes in resolving the other things. It is like what happened with the Dark Merchant before.

So, Yuulin won Shuon with her kindness and perseverance with the help of some delicious food ^^ Anyway, they’ll do a counterattack soon. I wonder how they’ll lure the traitor out. ^^ And, I think the other party will also have to do something since they’ll be in deep trouble over that failed assassination attempt. Scans by 水月梅漢化组

Word of the day:

Life rewards those who persevere. ‘And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

The Himesaka girls has started to play their piece, Three Variation [/Adaptation]. Chika and others look tense over the music. Kazusa and others are in total concentration in playing their piece perfectly. Chika and others felt being pulled back by the music’s force.

Tsukagi wonders if this is for real because these guys are not only playing sixteenth notes but it is also flowing [/smooth and easy] and clearly distinct. “Obviously, the number of people [in their group] are a lot yet controlling [/pressing] the note as well as the tuning are not even disorderly to the slightest degree since it is all adjusted to uniformity..!!”

Sane, Michi and Kouta are tense as they wonder how they [Himesaka] are moving their hands. Hiro thinks that they are playing so fast yet how come no one had knocked down [/break] the bridge [of the koto]. Watching backstage with the adviser, Hozumi thinks that everyone is so amazing. She mentally cheers them on, gambatte, gambatte.

The adviser glances at Hozumi and recalls that time. Flashback: Hozumi told the adviser that she wants to be in the logistics. She said that during the Nationals, the non-performing members would help out at the side so she wants to also help everyone like that during the preliminaries.

Looking somewhat surprised, the adviser said that even if it is alright and perhaps, it is best that she can come to help. Then, the adviser asked if she isn’t forcing herself after all, she was the one who dropped her off [from the performance] so it is possible that she isn’t suited to ask this but, if she feels bad..

Hozumi admitted she feels bad..feels very bad but after two days from the announcement of the selection results.. Flashback 2: Hozumi is hesitant to open the door to the club. She is surprised when Rui suddenly put her arms around Hozumi and greeted her a good morning. Rui asked if she heard that starting today, the practice time has greatly increased.

“That is because of Kazusa and Wakaba, those two whose relationship is quite bad. Yesterday, they directly went to find sensei to talk it over.” Hozumi said is that so..those two.. Entering in the club room, Rui told Hozumi not to let her hands’ feeling become too rusty [/out of practice]. “We will still play together during the Nationals.” Hozumi is surprised as her friends smiled at her. End flashback 2.

Hozumi said, “In the end, I’ll definitely regret it if I only have those feelings of disappointment while passing this period of time until the end of the preliminaries. I also have comrades who are able to say that kind of words to me. I also want to be with everyone in doing their utmost best during this time.” End flashback.

The adviser looks back at the performance and thinks that no matter what, she also wants to make these children participate in the Nationals, please. Suzuka thinks that always until now, there is no trace of it being disorderly. Yamamoto thinks that it’s so amazing. Satowa thinks that it is almost the start of the third part—

The Himesaka girls strum their koto at the same time. Everyone is shock by the force of their music again. Tsukaji thinks that on top of the string breaking sixteenth notes, there are irregular pressing of half notes or perhaps whole notes. “And all at the same time, with so many people, are they humans!!?”

Komaki asks what is this..the koto..playing it quite amazingly.. Kinoshita looks really aghast as she wonders that for them to play this..they are high school students like them, right..? “And, they are playing the same musical instrument like ours, right..?” Hozumi is teary-eyed over the performance.

Looking really determined, Kazusa thinks, “Won’t say again BECAUSE WE ARE HIMESAKA and lower our guard. IT IS BECAUSE WE ARE HIMESAKA SO WE’LL WIN!!!” As Chika’s group watches, Chika thinks, “..so amazing. ..ah, this is.. yes, I also understand. This is the timbre that can be played due to ‘not knowing how many ten thousand times I’ve practiced this’.”

And, Himesaka finishes playing. Nene and everyone applaud. Sou [judge] comments that no wonder it is.. Kazusa looks at Wakaba who smiles back at her. Kazusa sees Hozumi with their adviser clapping. Seeing Hozumi’s smiling expression made Kazusa smile.

After clapping, Satowa[?] thinks that even if this group played quite meticulously on top of it being very uniform but they unexpectedly practiced up to this point-- Chika says that until now, he once dislike their [Himesaka] performance but the performance just now is really good! The others look surprised at his comment.

Sane, Michi and Kouta tearfully scold Chika for being an idiot for what’s up that he’ll suddenly approve of the opponent and approving of them is equal to losing!! Chika shouts for them to shut up, good is good! “But our performance is better!!” Suzuka lets out a laugh. This irked Chika that he asks what is Suzuka laughing for.

Suzuka says that it is nothing, ya, he felt that part of Chika is really good. Michi says that it is the part of being too frank to the point of being stupid. Sane says an optimistic idiot. Kouta says that he also likes that part of Chika. Boink. Boink. Boink. With bumps on their head, the three shouts that they were obviously praising him.

Takezou shouts where Chika is going. Chika angrily shouts, toilet!! Someone tells him to quickly come back for the next one will start soon. Chika shouts he knows already!! Satowa just thinks, geez.. Looking nervous, Tsukaji mutters that Kanagawa’s king is really impressive.

While Komaki is raving over how cool koto is, Tsukaji thinks that merely losing once can arouse the king up to this degree. “‘Three Variation’ demands a pair to match each other. It is already quite difficult but unexpectedly a group of high school students can perfectly play it using that many people. Surveying the Nationals, it is also estimated that one couldn’t find a second group [like this]...

...Even if one cannot say ‘playing orderly’ is the whole performance but to be able to uniformly deduce it up to this level, it cannot be helped for people to be become amazed [by it]. It is impossible that there is still a high school that can surpass them!!” Fujimoto stands up from his seat. Kinoshita is still aghast for she couldn’t believe that the level of the preliminaries is this high.

“Even if I saw the DVD of the previous preliminaries at the club room..but it is totally different when it is heard onsite and no wonder it is the timbre and resolution.” She snaps out of it when Fujimoto calls out to her and says that it is almost time for them to prepare so they should go.

Kinoshita says yes. Then, she looks surprised. She looks at her trembling legs. She wonders what to do for her legs are trembling and she couldn’t muster up her strength [to stand up]. Kinoshita apologizes to Fujimoto and asks him to please go ahead. This irks Fujimoto and asks she shouldn’t be going all stage fright after reaching this point.

“What kind of joke is this. Isn’t it because you said that no matter what you wanted to appear onstage in a tournament. That is why I came along with you. *Kinoshita looks surprised* Geez..let’s go, Kagari.” Kagari asks if they are going, what about Kinoshita. Fujimoto shouts who cares about her. Kagari asks, huh-?

Kinoshita thinks, “Ever since from the start, my name is always bypassed. *the teacher scratched his head and said, strange, who else didn’t he call [during roll call] and Kinoshita raised up her hand to timidly say, ah..* When dividing into groups, there is also no one who’ll think of me. *other girls ignore her*...

...I’m always a dispensable existence. I already really hated the me who is like this. People who are engrossed over something *a girl painting* people whose members [of the team] mutually helping and working together. *guy with his basketball teammates* In my view, these people are quite dazzling and they make me envious...

...*the adviser said, ‘ah, you want to join the Nationals preliminaries. Is that so? That exam study leave. Ah, you guys also didn’t participate in some club activity. In the end, it is very good to join one.’* -Wrong *Fujimoto complained that the tournament is very annoying and Kagari asked if it is that kind of ‘holding a club activity’ feeling’* I--”

Kinoshita starts slouching and lowering her head down. Then, she sees Chika’s face. Startled, she immediately sits up. Chika asks where she is feeling uncomfortable. This puzzles her. Chika explains that he saw her always lowering her head and she is quite listless. She says no, she is okay and she doesn’t feel uncomfortable anywhere..sorry..

Standing up, Chika says okay, then that’s good, he’ll go to the toilet. Before he leaves, he notices Kinoshita trembling. He asks where are her school mates, aren’t they around. She tells him that they went ahead to the tuning room. He asks her if she doesn’t plan on going and isn’t she going onstage.

She says, ah..she..right now, she is very scared and her performance is really awful so..her legs won’t listen to her..she couldn’t stand up. She wonders what she is saying for obviously, he is someone whom she met for the first time--.. To her surprise, Chika grabs her arm and pulls her up. He says that she’s standing already. Surprised Kinoshita says ah, yes!!

Chika asks if she wants him to carry her to the tuning room. Kinoshita assures him that she is alright. Turning around to leave, Chika says ah, is that so. She calls out to him. He turns to ask, ha? She is surprised that she would call him. She struggles to say..ah..that is..no..nothing..sorry..thank you..

Chika tells her, “In the performance later on, let us do our best.” She says eh. He already left. Recalling him telling her ‘let us do our best’, Kinoshita becomes teary-eyed for it is the first time someone said those words to her. Then, she notices that her legs are no longer trembling. She takes her bag and goes upstairs.

At the hallway, Chika wonders what’s with that ‘let us do our best’ and is it the first time he said those words. He blushes for he suddenly feels a bit embarrassed. Recalling the time when they were so nervous and Kinoshita saying ‘legs won’t listen’, Chika thinks that everyone is like that.

Soon, fourth group, Kanagawa Kisa High’s ‘Spring Poetry Anthology’ is being performed. Kinoshita joins her club members. Irked Fujimoto asks what, he thought that she was so afraid that she run back home. “Can you properly play?” Kinoshita says yes, she’s truly sorry. Fujimoto says okay, quickly get ready.

Recalling what Chika told her, Kinoshita calls out to the two and says, “In the performance later on... let us do our best... After all, this is the last opportunity when all three of us can play onstage..” She is surprised when Fujimoto asks what she is saying.

“I’m really disgusted with that- such insincere lines. Do you feel that no matter what you have to first say some nice words? Forget about that kind of words and quickly get ready!” Kagari tells her what’s the use of saying ‘do your best’ but rather, it would be better to hurry and finish this so that they can go home because there is a television drama that she wants to watch.

Kinoshita becomes downcast. She thinks, “‘Let us do our best’ –ah ah, as matters stand.. what am I still expecting. ..really like an idiot. As matters stand, I’m still dreaming.” At Houdzuki residence, Akira is hurriedly walking through the hallway. She didn’t think that the practice time would drag so long and she has to quickly go to the venue.

Akira notices her grandmother coming out of the room. Doujima quickly goes back in. Akira wonders if she is still angry although, this is inevitable.. Then, she looks at the other room. In her room, Chiharu has just received Satowa’s letter. She starts to read it.

Comment: And, Himesaka is the school to beat. Not only the students but also the adults are all amazed by their performance that seems to surpass human level. It turns out that be a very complicated and fast piece that I guess it is really amazing that they played it without any mistakes.

It made me think that no matter how the competition ends, they can have a career in playing koto. Actually, to be this dedicated and hardworking to achieve this feat, they can become successful people in the future.

Hozumi’s attitude after not being selected is also quite good. She doesn’t want to sulk and be jealous but rather, she makes it to a point to be part of the team. It helps a lot that the others will make sure they’ll get to the Nationals where she can join and play with them again. She would to repay that touching gesture.

As usual, Chika is being cute with his comments. He’s really quite optimistic to the point of being a naïve idiot. Of course, that is good in a way rather than become like Kinoshita. Kinoshita is in such an awful group. They just want to do it and get it over with. It cannot even be called a group like the others are. She does long to have friends and that is probably why she joined a club. She hopes that their relationship will become better because of the competition but as shown later on, they aren’t into that kind of things.

So, I’m wondering is the mangaka just showing that not all groups are like Chika’s and the others’? There are groups that who aren’t really into competing and aren’t really close to each other. I would think that their music will reflect on that. Hm..I wonder if this is Kinoshita’s last opportunity to play because if it isn’t, I’m thinking that she might want to transfer school to Tokize.

As for the mother, I’m not sure if she’ll still be stubborn and won’t go see the performance. Also, will Akira urge her to go? Maybe force her to go? I think the next chapter will start with whatever is written on the letter. Scans by 二次元秘店汉化

Quote of the day:

The words you write or speak to others can leave a huge impact and create a lasting memory--either good or bad--so it's super important to choose them wisely. ~ Peter Economy

Chapter 27: After the ‘kiss’, it was revealed that it was only on the cheek. Yuuma just warns her to be on her guard because if she’s too near, he’ll have ‘that kind of thinking’. This irks Tsubasa that she says who cares about him and left.

Going out of the storage room, Yuuma learns from Yoshinari that Aki was about to go inside to return the ball. At the train station, Tsubasa meets up with Aki. Aki asks why she is alone. She is puzzled but realizes that he is referring to Yuuma. She says that she changed her mind [about going with Yuuma].

Tsubasa asks him if he’s hungry so she gives him a candy of mango flavor which she thinks is the most delicious flavor. He thanks her. He starts rambling about ‘right now I still don’t quite know’ so he is always thinking over it but finally, he understands.

Aki looks at her and is about to say something. Since he is always looking at her, Tsubasa blushes. Her heart beats so loud that she couldn’t hear anything. And, Yuuma arrives and asks what they are talking about.

Yuuma asks why Tsubasa didn’t say that she’ll be going ahead. He wanted to bring up that topic earlier so Tsubasa immediately tries to shut him up by saying that it is erased from her memory and they just treat it as if nothing had happened.

Tsubasa asks if he put ice on his hand. Yuuma says no because didn’t she left first. So, she decides to buy some ice and tells Aki to leave ahead if the train arrives. Aki asks if he can also wait for her. She blushes and says okay, she’ll quickly come back.

Yuuma asks if he isn’t going ahead and isn’t he hungry. Aki says no. Yuuma says that he seems to be in a bad mood and did he go in the storage room earlier when he and Tsubasa are inside. Aki admits that he did.

Yuuma starts to say that it is strange that he’ll [Aki] be jittery when it has nothing to do with him whatever happens between him [Yuuma] and Tsubasa. Or, is he saying that right now, he thinks that Tsubasa still likes him. Aki says that he didn’t think of that, it is simply because he likes Tsubasa. This surprises Yuuma.

Chapter 28: Yuuma says that Aki finally admitted it and they are love rivals. He also likes Tsubasa so if he [Aki] can quietly back off then that will make him happy. Aki says that he knows that right now it is already too late but if Yuuma makes Tsubasa feel troubled then he won’t back off.

Tsubasa returns and finds the two guys in a dark mood. Tsubasa feels uneasy sitting between the two guys in the train. Yuuma is about to get off the train when he asks Tsubasa to come fetch him again tomorrow. Tsubasa tries to decline for he seems fine and didn’t she say that she doesn’t care about him.

Yuuma says that even if she said that, but she’ll still come right? And, he thanks her for the ice. This surprises Tsubasa and makes her gloomy for she felt that she lost. Aki asks about Tsubasa fetching Yuuma every morning. She says that it is only while he is still injured and since it is his right hand, it must be quite inconvenient. Aki says that Yuuma looks fine.

Tsubasa says that’s right, he looks.. Then, she thinks that in the end, he was injured because of her. Soon, they reach her station. Aki tells her that when Yuuma’s injury get well, can she accompany him for morning practice, even if Yuuma won’t be happy.. He says that he feels lonely without her. Blushing, she shouts that she’ll definitely go, promise! He holds out his pinky finger.

After the train left, Tsubasa also holds out her pinky finger. Then, she becomes puzzled over why Yuuma will be unhappy. Tsubasa arrives home. Her mother mentions about Hayabusa eating first and he’s already sleeping for he’ll be entering the next school year. Tsubasa goes in to her younger brother’s room. She leaves a note of encouragement and some candies.

At school, Yuri talks with Tsubasa about the need to recruit new members for their club. Then, they got Aki, Yuuma and Yoshinari to help them out. While some [junior high] people are checking if they passed in the high school, club members are trying to invite the new students to their club. Tsubasa is worried about her young brother if he already knows the result.

Some girls want to join the basketball club because of Yuuma but Yuuma tells them to join the female basketball team. Yoshinari scolds Yuuma for being cold. Yuri thinks that even if Yuuma is good in getting attraction but it has an opposite effect with women.

So, Yuuma suggests this.. He holds hand with Tsubasa and says that it will deter the girls if they think he is going steady with the manager. Tsubasa tells him to let go but he claims that his right hand won’t move as he wish.

Tsubasa exclaims that with such strength, it is definitely well already. She is all nervous until Aki separates them. Yuuma asks what he can do for him. Tsubasa notices that there is something wrong between the two. Aki suggests to Tsubasa that they go to the other side.

Tsubasa tries to explain that Yuuma is just joking and it doesn’t have any special meaning. Aki apologizes if he did something unnecessary. She says not at all, and she is in a difficult position when he couldn’t let go. He offers his arm for her to try to pull. She did with all her strength but she couldn’t do it.

Aki suddenly pulls her to him and says that her strength is too weak. This made her drop the flyers. Hachiya found his name in the list. A white-haired guy was given a flyer. While Aki helps Tsubasa pick up the flyers, a girl finds the basketball manager position interesting.

Chapter 29: On the new school year, Tsubasa and her younger brother goes to school. Hachiya leaves his sister to go to his class. Tsubasa and others are nervous about being separated. They meet up with the other guys. Tsubasa hopes to be in the same class with Aki. Yoshinari is in the same class 1 with Aki, so is Yuri and Yonehara.

Everyone is in section 1 but Tsubasa couldn’t find her name. Aki comforts her by saying that they can see each other during club activity. And to her shock, Tsubasa learns that she’ll be in the same class as Yuuma in section 6. He is about to reach for her hand but she quickly backs off. Yuuma says that she learns well and it is good to be vigilant.

Tsubasa thinks that Yuuma’s injury is already well so she won’t let him pull her by the nose again. And, she is stunned that he is her seatmate. Yuuma keeps on smiling over this and says that they’ll be together in class and during club activity.

To Yuuma’s irritation, Ran is also in their class. Ran wants to be good buddies with them since they don’t know a lot of the other students. Tsubasa agrees but Yuuma doesn’t want to.

Soon, everyone goes to the gym. Hayabusa joins the club along with his friend, the white haired guy. WH says that the siblings look alike. While the other greets Hayabusa, the girl who picked up the flyer arrives and says that she wants to become the manager.

They introduce themselves and why they want to join. White haired guy is Tendou Ayumu [guesswork from 天道歩]. Girl is Souma Hina [guesswork from 相馬陽菜] who is influenced by her brother in playing basketball. Her brother is the one from some other school whom they played against in the Winter Cup [I think].

And rather than cheering for her brother whom she thinks is a clueless narcissist idiot, she wants to help Tsubasa’s school in defeating her brother. Tsubasa lets Hina be in charge of the timer. Soon, Hina is watching the game. When Tsubasa comes to check on her, Hina starts saying her somewhat negative assessment of the players.

This made Tsubasa reprimand her for being rude [to her senpai] even if analyzing is a good thing. She also defends Aki. Hina apologizes and starts to say that she likes Tsubasa. She starts being friendly with Tsubasa by wanting to call her by her first name.

The coach arrives and they are going to have a competition to check their skill level. During the game, Hina is watching Aki. After the game, Tsubasa is quite pleased with Aki’s scores. Hina immediately goes to Aki. She asks for his full name then starts raving over how amazing he is and he can definitely defeat her brother. This made Aki smile and thank her. While they keep on talking, Tsubas starts to feel a bit uneasy.

Chapter 30: Yuri suggests that they hold a training camp inside the school and they’ll stay at the school’s dorm. Also, there will be a welcome party for the newcomers. This is the usual practice every year wherein at night, they’ll have a fun activity. Tsubasa asks Aki about this since she didn’t join the club until later on.

Aki had just realized that it is so. He comments that it feels that she was with them from the start. Yoshinari comments that speaking of last year, Tsubasa is known as a stalker of a second year student. Hina talks about this stalker thing and says that it is normal for if one likes someone. If one isn’t proactive about it, then nothing will happen.

She says that she is the type who’ll go in an all-out offensive. With that, Hina asks if Aki is also that kind of type. He seems like a herbivore but during the game, he is a carnivore, and that is a compliment. Tsubasa feels uneasy over Hina’s praises to Aki.

Yuuma comments to Tsubasa that it really makes one uneasy, right. He says that there’s nothing to worry because Aki is at his wits’s end towards a rampaging girl who won’t take into consideration of the other party’s reaction. But, speaking of that, it seems that it is only with a rampaging girl whom Aki can become intimate with. In the end, he is a person who’ll wait for others to make the move.

Yuuma says that perhaps those two suits each other. Blocking what Yuuma said from her mind, Tsubasa just exclaims that it is a good thing for the members to become in good terms with each other! She tells herself that there’s nothing to worry about, this is good, and training camp is going to be fun!! Soon, everyone goes to their dorm and Tsubasa tells them to go to training after they leave the luggage in their rooms.

Soon, the guys are jogging in the forest. During the 10 minute rest, Hina gives some water to everyone. Hina is being overly familiar with everyone by calling their first names. Yuri comments that the first years really strive hard but aren’t the second years a bit jaded.

The two second years say that they just don’t treat it as the real thing. Hina asks is that so then when would they treat it for real. If they do not treat it for real during training could it be that they can do it during the competition. Hina suddenly feels the mood becoming bad. Tsubasa immediately diffuses it by telling Hina that they are going back to the gym.

After training, the guys are taking a bath. The other guys are complaining over Hina. Yuuma comments that girl’s personality can antagonize people. Aki just keeps quiet. In their room, Hina talks with Tsubasa over what she puts on her hair to make it soft. Tsubasa shows her the hair essence she uses and suggests that Hina tries it out.

Yuri tells them that it is time to go to the dining hall. When Tsubasa goes out of the room, she is surprised to see Aki who asks if it is already time to eat. She tells him that the managers are still going to prepare dinner. He smiles and says that this is the first time when they get to talk with each other. She says yes for they are quite busy.

Hina comes out and says that the hair essence is really fragrant. Tsubasa says that’s great. Tsubasa is surprised when Aki tells Hina to come over to him after dinner. Hina says okay and what’s up. He says that he’ll tell her later on. Hina asks Tsubasa what is it. Tsubasa just repeats what she said.

While eating Yuuma says that he’ll share half of his food to Aki. Yoshinari says that Yuuma really eats quite little. Yuuma says that it is Aki’s appetite that is unusual. Tsubasa eats absentmindedly. She is very curious over the reason why Aki would call out Hina. She thinks that it is because she [Tsubasa] is being complacent.

They only meet during club activity and there were no other girls whom Aki had a good relationship with. She was depending on her manager status to create a special bond with Aki but right now, it is already--... Soon, everyone meets up. Aki and Hina are not there but they arrive soon enough.

Yoshinari says that they are going to have a test of courage game as the welcome party. While Tsubasa is freaking out, Yoshinari starts telling them about the story some ten years ago, the basketball club manager has died in the gym’s storage room. It is because after the club activity, she stayed at school looking for her whistle.

Unfortunately, while looking for it, she died because of an accident. So until now, she’ll appear at night. With blood all over, she would ask, “Have you seen my whistle.. The one who hid my whistle is you, right..? The one who snatched away my whistle..IS YOU!!!”

With Tsubasa and a few others getting scared, Yoshinari says that they are now going to draw lots to form groups of two to offer up a whistle. Ayumu asks Hayabusa and Tsubasa if they are afraid. Trembling, the two denies it and say that it is just very dangerous at night. Hina asks where Yuri and the other third year students are. Yoshinari says that they are probably sleeping.

And since Tsubasa didn’t join it last year, she has to play with them as the first year. The pairing is a second year and a first year student. Tsubasa becomes excited because she’ll have an opportunity to be with Aki. She is curious what he and Hina had talked about. Aki got number one. Just when Tsubasa is about to get her stick, Hina says that she is also number one.

Tsubasa is in shock. Hina thanks Aki about that thing a while ago. Tsubasa gets one of the sticks. Yoshinari says that it is number 2. Who is number two? Why, of course, it is super lucky this year, smiling Yuuma-kun. “I’ll be under your care, Sonokawa♥” Tsubasa is aghast and surprised.

Comment: And, we have a four sided love polygon. Honestly, it isn’t quite fun to read how Hina is able to ‘outplay’ Tsubasa. Still, even if I know Yuuma doesn’t have a chance but he is getting a lot of ‘lucky scenes and breaks’ so I’ve decided to briefly summarize this again.

After the confrontation between the guys, Aki is still not that proactive. Now, a new character is here and it is leading to some misunderstanding and uneasiness on Tsubasa’s part. I think Aki just talked with Hina about being too outspoken that rubs others the wrong way. Anyway, from the looks of things, those two won’t be getting together yet and if they do, it is most likely, the end of the series. Scans by all★wink汉化组

Word of the day:

You may not be able to choose your lot in life, but you can choose how to handle your lot. ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink’ nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

[Free Talk: For the latest Skip Beat 236 summary, I’ll just wait for the English scanlations for it since I think it will be out very soon..maybe tomorrow or the day after. So, better use that time and energy for something else. The gap between their release and my summary is just too close. ^^;

I have only two pending summaries left which are kind of dark stories so let’s do something lovey-dovey in the meantime. Again, I didn’t read this series from the start. I just browse through the chapter and it seems to be something that I can summarize without knowing what happened in the earlier chapters.

This chapter is very important so I decided to summarize it for the readers who like this series. Of course, the impact of the lovey dovey is greater for the full time readers ^^ Since it starts with a major spoiler, the summary is in the link.]

After Natsuki confessed, Anna says, “..I also really like you..” This made Natsuki blush as blushing Anna is in tears. Natsuki couldn’t believe what he just heard. Still crying, Anna says again that she likes him and this is also what she wanted to tell him.. Natsuki really couldn’t believe it that he falls backwards and hit his head on the floor. ^^;

Anna immediately goes to him and asks if he is alright. He says that he is fine. He apologizes for startling her. He wonders if he is being tricked..is this for real? He asks her why she is crying. Anna says that it is because she is so happy. She tells him that until now, she totally doesn’t understand what is love so she kept on pondering over it while searching for the answer..

Afterwards, she finally become aware that she likes him that it made the world of her inner heart start to have a very big change that it either suddenly brightens up or suddenly becoming bleak..but right now..it is the brightest moment of her life.. She never thought of encountering this thing that can make her happy so her tears won’t stop falling. Anna comments that he’s also [crying].

Wiping his tears, Natsuki apologizes and says that he didn’t know that it turns out that is how she thinks of him. He thinks that he had always thought that it would be great if it is true.. He apologizes for this isn’t a bit cool. She says not really.. Realizing that this isn’t a dream, he asks her when she realized it. She says that it is probably after that time during last year’s Christmas.

Natsuki nervously asks if it is after that and didn’t he cause her a lot of trouble. She says no, not at all and actually, it should be said to be a turning point [/opportunity].. He wonders what’s going on for Anna is blushing really red. She goes to her and finally whispers it. Blushing really red and trembling, Natsuki stutters about them kissing. She asks him if he didn’t recall it anymore. Natsuki says yes.

He starts to become dizzy that he would..? He clings on the fence and says that he is really awful.. She tells him that she didn’t mention it to reproach him, she.. He asks if she didn’t hate him after doing that mean thing to her. She says yes.. He turns to her and apologizes for doing such a mean thing to her.

Anna tells him not to apologize so seriously when obviously, he already doesn’t remember it.. He protests that she ought to be startled by it, right!? Anna admits that she was startled but from then on, she started to mind his affairs. And with all sorts of thinking, everything is for [/what led to] today-- She simply wants to know why he kissed her so she blurted it out without thinking.

This made Natsuki mentally apologize to her for making her thinking of it too much. She apologizes for always not saying it and keeping it as her secret. He says how can that be..actually, he planned to confess to her during Christmas so perhaps, he unconsciously have that idea and wanting to express this feeling so he kissed her. He apologizes again for causing her all sorts of trouble because of him.

Anna touches his hand and tells him not to say anymore, it is her fault. He holds her hands and says, ya.. “I’m really thankful.. that you were able to like me. But from today on, please talk with me more. I’ll listen to anything you’ll say and I’ll say anything to you. Besides, for me, Kobayakawa, your smile is the most important of all!! I’ll put in my utmost effort and properly cherish [you]-- From today on, otsukaresama!! [/I’ll be under your care].”

Anna smiles and says, okay!! This made Natsuki smile and think that in the end, he likes her smiling face the most. Anna comments that she feels a bit embarrassed and she doesn’t know what the others will say. Natsuki thinks that her fully smiling face looks truly happy and so cute..

Natsuki wonders if that time before, is also this kind of feeling now.. He says that he is still a bit frustrated that he forgot the kiss.. Anna seems to say that it appears that perhaps she also forgot a bit.. He nervously asks if he can. She says that it is because she likes him so.. He approaches her and leans to kiss..

But unfortunately, they hear the door creak and someone says, Anna-chan.. The two looks at the door to see Tomoya covering Mari’s mouth. Yukiko is behind Tomoya. This embarrasses Natsuki. Then, Tsuyoshi, Keiichi and Nozomi are also there. Mari tearfully rushes to Anna and hugs her. They hug each other. Natsuki cries for the mood is actually good.. He asks why they are watching. Keiichi says that it is a coincidence. Tomoya says that they were always helping them until now.

Natsuki says that it would be good if it was later on and in the end, it is still the same as usual.. Throwing confetti, Yukiko and Nozomi happily congratulate Natsuki. This made Natsuki thank them. Yukiko grabs Anna and tells them to continue that thing a while ago. Natsuki tries to decline that Yukiko asks what, is he shy and it can be helped so she suggests that they demonstrate it.

Tsuyoshi says that it isn’t good to disturb them like this so he’ll go ahead. Yukiko pouts and says that he ran away. Yukiko goes after Tsuyoshi. At the PA system, someone is calling for Keiichi as to why he isn’t on stage. Keiichi says that he forgot so he bids Natsuki goodbye. Since Keiichi is leaving, Nozomi also left.

Mari tells Anna that in a while, she’ll participate in a beauty contest so will she cheer for her. Anna says of course. Mari thanks her and says that she’ll [Mari] will definitely do her best. Since Mari is leaving, Tomoya goes after her for he’ll also go onstage in a while. Mari shouts who cares about him.

Natsuki comments that they only come to cause trouble. Anna says, and left so quickly. Anna starts laughing and says that it is really quite interesting!! As they hold hands, Natsuki laughs and agrees with her. Walking downstairs, Yukiko says that Natsuki and Anna are really good and they don’t know what will happen later on. Tsuyoshi tells her to go in the classroom for a while. Wearing a school uniform, Yokiko asks what this is, this school’s uniform.

Tsuyoshi says that he borrowed it from Nozomi so how about it. Yokiko says that she is like a classmate. She glomps him and says that she’s so happy. She calls him Tsuyoshi-chan and ah, she called him wrong, it should be a Naoe-kun. Then, she suggests that he sit over there. She happily says that this is like being seatmates, and it is this kind of feeling.

Tsuyoshi says that if she keeps on looking at him, won’t the teacher become angry. Yokiko says but she wants to always look at him like this. She asks if they are classmates, will he fall in love with her? He stands up and says who knows about that. She laughs and says that he’s running away again..geez..not a bit frank.. And, Tsuyoshi bends down to kiss her.

Meanwhile, Tomoya says that bridal Mari looks really cute. Mari tearfully says what’s good about it when she doesn’t have a chest, compared to Anna.. Using tissues to wipe her tears, he tells her that the make-up is already done so how come she’s still crying and it will be a waste..her eyes are becoming swollen.

Still crying, Mari says that Anna will be happy right.. Tomoya says that she definitely will, and Natsuki is a good person so it will be alright. Mari says that Natsuki told him the same thing regarding him [Tomoya].. Tomoya smiles and says then, Mari will also definitely attain happiness.

On the stage, Keiichi is the host of the beauty contest. Nozomi holds on to some glasses girl and screams about Keiichi being a host. She raves that he’s so handsome and what to do for the love rivals are increasing!! She hopes that one day, she can be like Anna and the others. Back to Natsuki, he and Anna are smiling as they go down stairs from the roof. Narration: “The early summer’s sun has finally ushered in the two’s spring.”

Comment: Ah..finally? So, one couple left to pair.. Scans from 若飘落落 of baidu.

Quote of the day:

If you love someone tell them. Forget about the rules of the fear of looking ridiculous. What is truly ridiculous is passing up on an opportunity to tell someone that your heart is invested in them. ~ Author Unknown

Flashback: Kyouko is talking on the phone. She told Yayoi that the place where she is staying had contacted her today and said that even if they are both busy, but she [Kyouko] also wants to greet her before the day she arrives..

After Yayoi said something, Kyouko instinctively bowed in apology for causing them so much trouble for running away from home. Unfortunately, Kyouko is sitting in front of the table so she ended up hitting her forehead on it. Hearing the loud thud, Yayoi asked what that was. Kyouko said that it is nothing and compared to that, she has time on the 22th of this month so if Yayoi approves of it, then let her go back to apologize to her..

Yayoi said that even if she is happy about that but that is no good. Kyouko becomes gloomy for she thought that Yayoi won’t let her in their house again. Yayoi explained that the one who should apologize should be them for definitely, their son got her involved and furthermore, ran away with her.

Even if they don’t ask in detail, they can come up with that conclusion so even if they were to kneel down to her in acknowledgement of this mistake, Kyouko also doesn’t have to feel guilty. Yayoi said that no matter how she asked that son of hers, he would give a half-hearted reply of ‘not seeing Kyouko anymore and I don’t know where she is’.

Yayoi found that so irresponsible that if she didn’t give that stinky brat a good spanking on the butt then she won’t feel at ease. Kyouko smirked for she really wanted to see that scene with her own eyes wherein Yayoi is giving Shou a good spanking with a futon tataki.

Yayoi is shouting for Shou to prostrate down 100 times and do it quickly but Shou refuses. Kyouko found it amusing to see Shou’s objecting expression. Yayoi admitted to Kyouko that honestly, if they can meet with Kyouko this month, she wants to bring Kyouko back.

Yayoi assumed that it is possible that even if Kyouko wanted to come back but because of many misgivings, she won’t.. Kyouko mentally admitted that when Shou abandoned her, it was like that.. Yayoi said but Saena had asked them to give it up and let Kyouko do what she likes. This surprises Kyouko. Yayoi told Kyouko that Saena said that ‘Kyouko seems to have a dream that she wants to come true and it seems that staying in Tokyo is more convenient.’

Kyouko asked if that is..today..? Yayoi said yes, probably an hour before. Yayoi also said that she heard from Sanae that they saw each other and talked about a lot.. Kyouko admitted that it is so. Yayoi exclaimed for she is currently doing something so they’ll talk again on the 22nd when they will come over to see her. She apologized for being in a bit of a rush.

Kyouko apologized for disturbing her when she’s busy. Kyouko thought that tonight, she merely wanted to ask them when they are free but in the end, she didn’t think that.. Yayoi laughed and said that it is alright. It has been a long time since she heard Kyouko’s voice that is full of energy that it makes her feel very at ease.

Next time, they’ll slowly chat while having some tea for there are so many things that she wants to ask of her. That is to ask in detail about what is Kyouko’s ‘goal that she wants to fulfill’. This made Kyouko gloomy that she wonders if by simply telling Yayoi about her goal would cause her to have a fatal encounter..

She imagines furious Saena asking what she is doing for she is absolutely not allowed to talk of the situation in detail and if she wants to say it, first quit those ‘doesn’t seem like work’ jobs. After hanging up the phone, Kyouko thought about what Yayoi said about wanting to bring her back.

She thought that if it was last year, no matter how much she hated Shou, it is very hard to imagine that she can convince Yayoi to let her continue to stay in Tokyo. It is also hard to imagine that she’ll regard her ‘revenge’ as totally different from her budding feelings for drama. After all, it isn’t really pure that she wants to depend on her acting skill to bewilder Ren.

Recalling Yayoi saying that Shou is irresponsible for saying that he doesn’t know where Kyouko is, Kyouko thinks that even if she doesn’t know since when he has been saying that but could it be that he is always protecting her in some way. Protecting her ‘very difficult to find’ future that is ‘able to put into use’ [her ability?]..

Flashback 2: While playing a console game, young Shou said that even if Kyouko is always a parrot and totally do not have a egoistic stand but after she grows up, didn’t she think of something she wants to do or perhaps what she wants to become.

Kyouko said that she has a dream. Shou asked what is it but Kyouko is hesitant to tell him since she is embarrassed. He insisted that she tell him since she knows about his dream. Kyouko continued to protest so Shou claimed that he felt a bit hurt so they’ll sever ties and don’t talk to him again. This made Kyouko frantic that she admitted that her dream is to become Shou’s bride.

To Kyouko’s shock, Shou scowled and said that he really hates girls who say that kind of boring things. Wants to be the wife of a famous musician in the future = want to have a ‘three meals without worry and can freely have an afternoon nap’ leisurely celebrity life when she is just in grade 5. Shou angrily shouted that she’s really awful for depending on him to support her. End flashback 1 and 2.

We are brought back into the present time with Kyouko’s vicious kick on Shou’s shin. Kyouko thinks that thinking over it, she felt that starting from that time, his attitude gradually become ‘cold/indifferent’ and ‘hurtful’. “You really hate it, right. Hate a person who lost one’s egoistic individuality and having an empty heart.”

Shou asks what is she is suddenly doing.. Kyouko said suddenly doing..that is her line. Taking advantage when one is down and out, not only once but even twice..thus, she won’t be Kyouko if she didn’t give him a kick. She is even so nice to come and visit him to make him feel at ease so at least, he should be thankful.

Shou shouts as if he’ll thank her, big idiot and quickly get off his foot for doesn’t she knows how many times expensive his shoe compared to her dirty sneakers. Kyouko calls him fake young master and tells him to shut up for he is getting in such a bad mood over this kind of shoe when basically, he has no right to become a young master..no, at that time, he basically cannot be called a human so it is right for him to receive a scolding.

Kyouko informs him that his mother seems to be coming to Tokyo on the 22nd. She had talked with Yayoi yesterday and met to talk WITH THAT PERSON. This shocks Shou for that is a huge development and where did that gloomy her at that time get that energy and power from.

Kyouko says that she got Saena and Yayoi’s understanding so she won’t go back to Kyoto until she fulfills her ambition (dream). Kyouko think that if it weren’t for Shou’s continuing lies, there won’t be a her who can say this words.

Recalling Shou telling her not to think too much and just carry out the future she decided on, Kyouko thinks that even if from the start there is a high possibility that it is simply a prank.But actually, perhaps, there is a a high possibility that she want to give a thumbs up and praise him like ‘not bad’ but in the end, she still couldn’t do it upon seeing his face.

Continuing to dig into his shoe, Kyouko thinks that for a young girl’s lips, there’s no deadlines [/to get justice] nor accidents or perhaps any other way of saying it. Shou shouts for her to stop that. She shouts for the fake young master to shut up for it costs around 80,000 at most whereas a young girl’s lips are more expensive. Shou shouts that is a long time ago and do not to lump him together with a junior high for his shoes is 5 times more [expensive]!!

Upon realizing that it cost 400,000, Kyouko immediately retreats for that amount is greater than her own lips. Looking at his shoe, Shou complains that it is now deformed and drooping. A person like her who basically couldn’t become a lead character cannot buy and get her hands on such things.

This made Kyouko scowl. She says that she basically doesn’t want something like a stupid shoe that is stupidly expensive that the stupid him would like. Putting his shoe back on, Shou tells him to quit with the stupid for that is just the barking of a losing dog. Kyouko tells him that from here, afterwards, she’ll fly even higher and her plan has already been decided from here on. It is alright for him to be there leisurely ridiculing her for she’ll immediately surpass him.

Upon seeing her confident smile, Shou also smiles back and says if she can do it then go ahead and show him that she can. Before she can even carry out that next plan, he has already flown in a much higher stage level. To Shou’s irritation, Kyouko ignores his speech by not listening to him and has started to say her thanks to Shouko for obliging her request and bids her goodbye. As Kyouko leaves, Shou gives Kyouko the middle finger and calls her losing dog to remember this. Shouko tells Shou to stop it for that isn’t something one must do to a girl.

Looking at him, Kyouko thinks those are the lines usually used by a losing dog and he’s really an idiotic young master. While Shouko urges Shou to eat the food she brought before it gets cold, she laments over how troublesome Shou becomes as if he is an elementary kid when he’s with Kyouko. They cannot let his fans see that..

Recalling Kyouko’s declaration of not returning to Kyoto until her ambition is fulfilled, Shou smiles. While walking, Kyouko types up a message. Somewhere else, a female interviewer is asking about Chidori’s goal (dream) whether it is something personal or regarding work. Chidori says yes, there are lots but first of all, she wants to consider whatever role she takes up to become a part of her soul, an actress that would train and admire it.

Chidori mentally laments that she failed to get that result with ‘Yumika’. The interviewer raves that is amazing and no wonder she is upcoming eccentric actress for saying things differently. So, if she were to integrate what Chidori said about the ‘Love Me section’, a Love Me member is the one who’ll carry things out to completion with love. It is the so-called, professionalism.

Irked Amamiya thinks that it is totally not that and is she even properly listening to what she said but then, it is too annoying to clarify it so she’ll leave it be. Kyouko has arrived and apologizes for being late.

The interviewer says that she came early so she decided to interview Chidori first. She introduces herself as Ishikawa. While Ishikawa takes a picture of the two Love Me members, Makino and Sudo watch them and said that it seems that a staff member of ‘Are you serious’ introduced Chidori to her [Ishikawa].

It is for some magazine which features strange goods, interesting activities and everything that is strange. The two thinks that Chidori is eccentric and also a Love Me member. It is the same with Kyouko. After a pause, the two find it strange for they don’t feel like they are envious of the two. After the interview, Ishikawa thanks the two Love Me members and apologizes for they must be busy.

She asks if she can take another picture of them after the shooting so that they’ll be in their drama outfits. Later on, Chidori thanks Kyouko for accompanying her during the interview even if she feels that it isn’t an advantageous interview.

Kyouko says that it isn’t really a bad thing since it is related to ‘Are you Serious’. Chidori tells her that she had tactly refused it and her excuse is, she is still a newbie in Love Me section but in the end, the other party got more interested that she even got Kyouko involved in it.

Kyouko tries to be optimistic by saying that it would be profitable if the publicity bring up some effect on their drama which is still in episode 2. Chidori darkly says that she doesn’t think so and it will only suffer losses. Kyouko mentally admits that it is so, so she also wasn’t able to refuse. That is because she doesn’t want ‘Love Me section’ to become famous and because she feels that kind of thing won’t reach that person’s eyes.

There is a scene of furious Saena telling her not to ever mention that Love Me section type of thing. Chidori comments about hearing for the first time about Kyouko’s goal. Embarrassed Kyouko says that she doesn’t want to say such an arrogant declaration in front of her.

Chidori says that if actresses who think that they are famous, she might sneer at them but if it is Kyouko, she feels that she can do it. Flashback to Kyouko saying that her ambition is doing well whatever role given to her and to become the most amazing and strongest top quality actress that will represent Japan.

Kyouko says that even if she doesn’t know about the future right now but she is actually feeling very confident in this next audition that she is preparing to participate in. As Kyouko and Chidori join the cast, Kyouko thinks of Ren. She feels that compared to anyone, she understands ‘Momiya’s feelings and she can perform it well.

All the more she feels that she doesn’t want to give that role to anyone else but-- During lunch break with Hiou, Kanae gets a message that seem to displease her. Hiou asks what it is. Kanae stares at him and calls his name. This made Hiou blush and asks what it is.

Kanae says that there is something she wants to specially ask of him.. She shows him a message from Kyouko asking Kanae’s help to ask Hiou to ask his grandfather to teach her fighting skills in order to increase the gap from the others [in the audition]. During Box’R shooting, Kyouko thinks but she already won’t think of unnecessary things.

Right now, being in this kind of situation, she won’t waste the reality of standing here right now. “I will thoroughly carry out the ambition that I’ve decided on.” After the shooting, the director asks if everyone is already here. Sudo says that Kyouko and Chidori aren’t here yet and it is because that person from the magazine are taking their pictures.

Inside, Chidori calls out to Kyouko in the dressing room and asks if she is already ready. Kyouko apologizes and says that she’s ready. Chidori asks if she is on the phone. Kyouko says that she is only checking her mail. Upon seeing Kyouko’s expression, Chidori smiles and asks if something good happened. Kyouko smiles back and says it seems so. Kanae emailed her that it is okay with Hiou’s gramps.

Comment: Just as Brittany guessed, the one whom Kyouko is on the phone with is Shou’s parent. From their talk, Yayoi seems like Kyouko being overly apologetic and everything. Did Kyouko get it from her? I can almost imagine her keep on bowing like Kyouko does when they meet. Maybe they’ll bump into each other’s heads while bowing simultaneously. ^^;

I wonder if the spanking will really happen. It will be amusing if fans saw that. =P Actually, depending on the body build of Shou’s father, maybe he can pin Shou down while his mother does the spanking. =P Nevertheless, we have to acknowledge the fact that Shou did help Kyouko out a lot from behind the scenes. She was able to pursue her budding interest for acting to the point of being in this position right now.

It might not be related to her revenge on Shou but it is related to Ren. Ah, the evident shift of interior motive. In that childhood scene, even if Shou has a point but I think he totally missed Kyouko’s main point. She wants to be his bride because she loves him and it isn’t about wanting to be a parasite from all his hard work as a celebrity.

It is quite ironic that he would say that when later on, he was the one leeching on her until he became famous. So, now he likes her because aside from all that, she now has an ambition for herself? So, Kyouko is venting some grudge on that kick and stomping of his expensive shoe. I guess telling him about his mother can be said as a warning? =P If only Shou knew where did Kyouko get the energy to pull herself together from the time he last met her =P

Anyway, it seems like a ‘new start’ of challenging each other again on who will be on top. Will Kyouko finally succeed? It has been a year and a few months since the last time she declared that. Nevertheless, Shou is quite pleased with what happened. I guess he’s okay with that as long as a certain self-declared rival isn’t mentioned =P

As for the interview, it might have a reverse effect on what they’ll expect. I’m somewhat confused though as to why they accepted it even if they really think that it isn’t quite advantageous to them. Is it some positive thinking that it will help them because whether good or bad publicity, it is still publicity?

Regarding her role, Kyouko was thinking of Ren then mentioning that she can understand Momoji’s feelings. I’m sure she is thinking of using her ‘unrequited’ love for Ren in acting out the role ^^ Ambition is there, preparation is there, so it is time to become an acclaimed actress in the whole country and make Shou eat his heart out ^^ Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. ~ Bill Bradley

While Kasane glares at Nogiku, Kingo holds Kasane’s shoulder and tells her to calm down a bit for it don’t do her any good if Nogiku’s face is injured. While Kasane stares at Kingo, he says by the way..

“From the very start, I felt that you are hiding something from us. I didn’t think that not only did you kill your own father but you would also go as far as to kill Tanzawa Nina in order to get close to your sister. I wondered why this kind of person didn’t lay a hand down on her sister whom she happened to encounter. You probably felt that what Kasane feared the most isn’t ‘death’, right.”

Looking down on Nogiku, Kasane says that is so. Holding frightened Nogiku’s face, Kasane says, “Having this kind of ugly appearance at the most important moment onstage, exposed in the eyes of the multitude of people in front.. just thinking of it sends a cold chill all over my body. It also means that compared to death, you want me to taste the flavor of suffering and agony, right..?”

Sitting on the chair, Kingo says that speaking of that, during the time when Nogiku is going to carry her plan out, it naturally become obvious. “And besides, you also said it. ‘I really anticipate seeing that person’s acting talent going to the highest climax..’...

...Those are such casual words for it is simply like anticipating the ‘end’. You probably felt that because of that thing with Saginuma, you already dispelled our suspicions so you got careless, right. But, it’s very unfortunate. On contrary, that kind of thinking towards us has been advantageous to our side. We can make you feel that we ‘already believe Nogiku’...

... –In short, in order for Kasane to fall into the trap, you’ll come up with one action after another. But, on contrary, it exposes your fox’s tail [/evil intention]. *Nogiku grinds her teeth in frustration.* But even if it is like that.. Always until before the last performance, this SISTER of yours foolishly kept on trusting you.”

Nogiku looks surprised as she looks at Kasane. Kasane says Kingo made her do only two things. “During the switching for the performance at the storage room, I’m going to let you see me putting the lipstick inside the small purse. And also, it is only on the day of the last performance when I’ll replace the lipstick in the pouch with a fake one...

...if nothing happens, then any suspicions towards you will naturally be eliminated.. I always thought that but before the last switch, I have seen the lipstick in the pouch with my own eyes-- *Flashback: Kasane looked at the lipstick. Then, she dropped it* It is not the fake lipstick that I’ve prepared...

...*Kasane is in shock as tears fell down her eyes. End flashback.* Thus, I finally understood. I..no.. *smiles at scared Nogiku* I’m just an idiot who doesn’t know anything at all!! Up to now, don’t you feel that I’m really ridiculous, right?...

...With such ugly looks yet you’re able to deceive me round and round that I am going into the trap by myself..! (I didn’t think that your smile and kind words, all of that is unexpectedly just pretend for this ruthless plan.) ..during the last switch in the storage room, *grabs Nogiku’s arm tightly* it has been such a great help that the room is pitch black...

...*scene of Kasane grinding her teeth as she is going to kiss Nogiku* Even if it is me, I actually couldn’t suppress this kind of excessive humiliation at that time..!” Nogiku is shock as she thinks then when Kasane was trembling, wasn’t because she’s nervous..?

Kingo says that afterwards, just now, he finally told Kasane that Nogiku is actually her younger half-sister [/same father but different mother] and also the possibility that this younger sister has killed Tanzawa Nina. Nogiku looks down. Kasane releases her and stands up. She says, “Nogiku, starting from here on, there’s finally no need to lie to each other so let’s be frank with each other in this basement.”

After looking surprised, Nogiku grinds her teeth and asks, “Are you finished acting [/saying that long winded story]? *glares at glaring Kasane* ..acting [/talking] as if you are the victim! Obviously, all of this is retribution due to the sin that you and IZANA committed!”

While Kingo quietly looks on, Kasane asks, “..Izana?” Somewhat smiling, Nogiku says that she still really doesn’t know anything. “Could it be that you didn’t think of it before? In order for your mother to become ‘Fuchi Sugeyo’, she made use of my mother and even caused her to die [/used her to death]..!!”

While Kingo watches her, Kasane says is that so. “It isn’t hard to imagine that kind of goal [person] exists [/that it has come to this]. Really pitiful..but, what about it? Without your mother’s face, mama.. will definitely have no way of keep living on as a human. *Nogiku looks shock while Kingo smiles upon hearing Kasane’s reply* Thinking of it that way, this is an inevitable sacrifice isn’t it so? Even if you hate her, I can also really understand it.”

Nogiku exclaims that she’ll unexpectedly say that it is inevitable..? Kasane says, “But, Nogiku, your hate towards my mother doesn’t have any relation towards me and also, Nina.” Nogiku shouts what is she saying, of course, it is related!? “Right now, aren’t you using IZANA’s lipstick..”

Kasane tells her that the one who caused misfortune on Nogiku’s mother isn’t her [Kasane]. “It is simply because the person you hate is already dead so you are venting all of your anger out on me.” Kingo comments that is precisely so [/inevitable]. Kasane glares at Kingo and tells him that he also doesn’t have the right to say that to someone else.

“Do not lump me together with you who is still infatuated with a dead person. *Kingo looks displeased* I’m using the lipstick for me to be able to exist on in this world at this very moment (right now) and that’s all there is to it!!” Nogiku mutters, “..you..you are simply a monster [/freak]..are you even still human!!”

Kasane glares at her and says, “Hmph, it is also useless to continue the conversation. Anyway, you cannot understand the many pains of an ugly person (monster).” Kingo asks if she’s going back. Walking out, Kasane says yes.

Before heading out of the door, Kasane says, “Ah, one more thing. Nogiku, if you want to hurt your own face or perhaps, something much serious like commit suicide, it is fine for I’ll simply just look for another prey. *looks at surprised Nogiku* There’s basically no need to worry. I already won’t choose another method again. [/The lipstick is still in my hands and I already won’t have any other misgivings.]...

...If you still want to die then at that time, you can go ahead and do just that. Anyway, there’s nothing much to you except from being futile life.” Kasane left as Kingo shouts for her to wait up. As Kingo follows Kasane and closes the door, a tear falls from Nogiku’s eye.

While walking upstairs, Kasane tells Kingo that he seems to look happy. “Is it because you won the bet?” Kingo chuckles and admits that it is part of the reason. Holding on the door knob, Kasane says, “About whether or not, Nogiku will betray..

...Even if I lost the bet because I believed in her, *opens the door* but that is because you already prepared to deliberately frame me. [/but that is because you earlier had proof of Nogiku’s betrayal so you proposed that bet to me.]” Kingo asks if she is angry. Kasane denies it.

Kingo says, “‘If I win, then we’ll lock Nogiku up. If you win, ‘I’ll tell you the truth about your mother’. *grabs Kasane’s wrist that Kasane shouts for him to let her go..* Even if I’m the one who won.. okay, because it happens to be a good opportunity. *leans surprised Kasane slightly back* I’ll tell you about that woman [/what kind of woman she was], IZANA.”

Comment: There are two translations in some parts since I’m basing it on two Chinese translators ^^; Anyway, I think this is a very crucial point in Kasane’s life. Because of Nogiku’s betrayal, she has already thrown away her hesitation of using others. Whether it is temporary or permanent, time will tell because she definitely do not want to trust/be fooled by someone again no matter how nice they are to her eve if they are sincere or not.

I think the only person who was genuinely nice to her was that girl whom she switched faces with for the second time. I would presume that at that time, she couldn’t bring herself to be with that girl. With Nina, it was a mutual benefit until Nina had a meltdown. She has her misgiving yet she totally believed Nogiku. I guess it must be some sisterly bond but after this, it is probably no more of that for Kasane. She’s on her own. Even if Kingo is helping her, he obviously has his own reasons for doing so.

I guess Kasane is fine with ‘parasitism’ which what she seems to imply with her talk with Nogiku. It is indeed morally bad yet it exists and is need by some living things to survive. Well, even humans in some other forms. In a way whatever Nogiku did/plotted had the opposite effect. She tried to make them believe her by being somewhat frank. She is also being assured by their actions and words that they believe her but it makes them more suspicious of her.

Just when she wanted to ‘stop’ this monster, as she unwittingly predicted earlier on, Nogiku ended up making the monster stronger or really created a monster of Kasane who will use other people with the help of the lipstick and she would keep doing so regardless what the ‘preys’ do to themselves because of it. I guess that attitude made Kingo really happy for it must be the same with Izana’s.

Somehow, based on the title of this chapter, I would think of Kasane as some poor victim of a horror movie who after being bullied and betrayed, in the end, becomes a ‘monster’. Something like, Sadako of the Ring or Carrie. She can now go from one prey to another without remorse.

Still, I would think that all of it is temporary because the face is the only thing that is switched, the body doesn’t. What then when Kasane becomes old? Until when will she keep on doing that? Get a still somewhat good looking old woman’s face so that she can still act?

Indeed, there is nothing much to say if Nogiku started calling her a ‘monster’ and probably won’t try to understand her. So, it is quite tragic that Nogiku is very hung up on the past and revenge that it ended up back firing on her. I wonder what she’ll do now? Will Yuuto somehow help her out later on?

I get the feeling that Kingo left out Nogiku’s story about what the father did to her. That might help Kasane understand Nogiku’s anger and revenge rather than it being just about her mother. Anyway, it’s time to know more about Izana. I guess Kingo decided to finally tell her because of Kasane’s current attitude. Of course, it will be beneficial to his goal. Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:

Anger, resentment and jealousy don’t change the heart of others-- it only changes yours. ~ Shannon L. Alder, 300 Questions to Ask Your Parents Before It's Too Late

After Yanagi came back to the country.. In the club room, Yanagi happily holds up Kujou’s hand and announces that they have started going steady. Miyabe congratulates him. Eating a biscuit, Fujimoto asks Souma to pass over the tea. Handling a thermos to Fujimoto, Souma says that this biscuit is very delicious.

While Tachibana is sobbing, Fujimoto agrees with Souma. This made Yanagi shouts for them to properly listen to him. And, he thanks Miyabe. Fujimoto sighs and says what should they say for they finally did..and they simply have that kind of feeling. Souma says that they had more or less heard it already from Kujou so it doesn’t matter if he didn’t say it. This made Yanagi gloomy.

Then, he notices Tachibana muttering, “..why..how come Kujou-chan found a boyfriend yet I’m still single~~!! Bwahuhu- This world is simply trash.” Yoshida exclaims that Momoko-sama has become irritable..! Otaku senpai prays that she cools down..! Tachibana shouts that she isn’t that fiendish!! Yanagi asks this is..

Souma explains that it is because she let out a lot of her [moody] feelings on Christmas Eve. Yoshida tries to call her Momo-chan but Tachibana snaps at him to shut up, call her Momoko-sama and also, praise me to death! Otaku senpai stutters that she is very cute.. Tachibana shouts that she knows that earlier on!! Souma comments that is the most miserable scene ever.

Flustered Tachibana shouts so she said that she’ll reflect upon herself and she obviously got a poor harvest[/road to failure?] but they are still like that. The senpai-s are making some idiotic poses and calling out to Momo-chan-sama~ <- Tachibana got some disciples. Kujou says that their relationship [Tachibana and senpai-s] has become good so that’s great. This made Tachibana angrily scream that it is here, and she hates that kind of thing!!

Yanagi wonders since when did their relationship become good..no way.. [<- not sure if he’s referring to what Kujou is talking or it is about Kujou and Tachibana.] Souma thinks that there is not a shadow left of the first impression. After looking at Souma, Yanagi says does he really think that he [Yanagi] will inform Kujou about his studying abroad that way.

After a pause, Souma stands up and says that it is quite a pity that it isn’t like that. Yanagi says that he’s fooling him again. To Yanagi’s shock, Souma goes to Kujou and tells her that while Yanagi is away studying abroad, they go and hang out alone together. Yanagi shouts what did he say..

Looking sly, Souma pulls Kujou to him and whispers, “That’s great [you got together].” After looking surprised at smiling Souma, Kujou also smiles and says yes. Holding Souma’s shoulder tightly, dark Yanagi tells him to come over here. Souma calls out to Kujou that on the day when she got tired of this stalker, then she can come and find him at any time. Yanagi says, why you..

Fujimoto says that speaking of that, those two’s [Y&S] relationship is still really good and Souma is quite happy [/having fun]. Kujou agrees. Fujimoto smiles and tells her that it’s great. Kujou smiles and says yes. At the canteen, Kujou couldn’t eat properly because Yanagi is staring at her.

He thinks, “It is absolutely hard to imagine that this Kujou is unexpectedly the Kujou who likes me..” Kujou asks him what is it. Yanagi asks, “Kujou, do you like me?” Blushing Kujou hesitantly says, “li.li..it’s like, okay?” She is surprised when he covers his face. He looks at her again. While chuckling, Yanagi says, “Ah- yes- it turns out that you like me--”

Kujou wonders what’s up for she felt that he’s very sickening. To her surprise, Yanagi asks, “Do you like me?” <- kept on asking Kujou over and over. Kujou tells him isn’t that over yet and quickly eat already. The bystanders think that is sickening..sickening to death..

While walking, Yanagi tells Kujou that he’s free this Saturday. Kujou says is that so, she plans to clean the house that day. This made Yanagi say that he’s also free on Sunday! Kujou says is that so, then she is also free that day. “Yanagi, since you are going to study abroad, you should study more.” This shocks Yanagi.

To her surprise, he angrily shouts, “Ah, enough, idiot!! Your brain is quite intelligent yet you are still an idiot!! How come you’re like that!? ..I’m asking you out on a date!” Kujou casually says that since it is like that then he should just directly say it.

He angrily shouts for her to, at the very least, notice this very small thing!! He blushes and asks if she’ll go out. She blushes and says that she will. He says that because this is the first, so he’ll leave it to her where they’ll date. <- putting on airs. Kujou says she understands.

On Sunday, while waiting for Kujou, Yanagi thinks, “Finally, the first date. Naoto, this is very crucial since we are just starting to go steady. Do not display that seemingly indulging attitude in the past!! From today on, I will be seizing the initiative..!!”

Kujou calls out to him. She is surprised when Yanagi gloomily kneels on the ground and thinks, “My girlfriend is so cute-- *stands up* Hey- Kujou is unexpectedly wearing short pants!? And besides, she combed her hair to my favorite braided pigtail!? Is it for me!?” Yanagi tells her okay, get in the car. She says okay.

In the car, Yanagi asks where she wants to go, amusement park or watch a movie. Looking at a book, Kujou says, let me see.. Yanagi is surprised for it is a ranch. Elated Kujou says that she really wanted to come over and see this. “I want to press out some cow milk, want to pick some eggs and I also want to try making cheese.” Yanagi realizes something and asks, could it be that she is dress up like this is..

Kujou says that it is for her hair not to become a hindrance and she is scared of making her skirt get dirty. Actually pants will do but her mother prevented her from wearing it. Yanagi thinks that it turns out that it isn’t because of him.

Kujou smiles and tells him that let’s go, for she wants to go around the place. Yanagi says ya, okay.. He finds Kujou in high spirits to be quite charming. He holds out his hand to her and says, then.. Looking at the brochure, Kujou just quickly walks away and tells him to hurry. Yanagi is speechless. Soon, they watch a man shear a sheep. Kujou picks some eggs and Yanagi got attacked by a chicken.

While, Kujou is milking a cow, sweatdropping Yanagi thinks that this is basically quite far off from being a date and this kind of activity was done during junior high.. Kujou then shouts that the milk came out. Yanagi tries to call out to her but serious Kujou tells him to shut up or she’ll get distracted. While Yanagi is shocked by that, the breeder tells Kujou that she’s quite skill in that.

Later on, holding a mug, Kujou says that this is the milk she got just now so try drinking it. She also apologizes for leaving him all alone. Irked Yanagi shouts what is more important, boyfriend or the cow!! “Do you even understand? This is the first date. For the whole two hours, you left your boyfriend at the side...

...This doesn’t make sense, right. Besides, you even ignored me and went on to flirt around with the breeder, you fickle girl! From earlier on, I really hate that side of yours.” Kujou calmly says, “..Yanagi, there is basically no way to compared you and the cow. Besides, I also felt that it is indeed not good to leave you aside for two hours. *holds pouting Yanagi’s shoulder* Besides, the one I like is you and I’m not being fickle. Okay. If you understand that then drink this milk.”

Yanagi nods and thinks, so cool.. [<- or the bystanders think she’s cool. ^^;] Later on, Kujou gives Yanagi a cone of ice cream to make amends to him. Biting into the ice cream, Yanagi says eating ice cream on winter..even if it is very delicious.

He wonders why Kujou would unexpectedly choose a ranch for their first date and not chose something that will have a [nice] atmosphere like amusement park-type of place.. Kujou tells him that there’s ice cream on his face. He says, no way.. She smiles and points to his face and says, “It’s here. You’re like a child.” This moved Yanagi.

Just when Kujou is saying that next, they’ll go to a place where both of them can enjoy.. She is surprised when Yanagi is leaning to kiss her. She tells him to stop and immediately headbutts his chin. Kujou asks what he is suddenly doing. Complaining that it hurts, Yanagi shouts that is what he wanted to ask her. Emitting killer chi, Kujou darkly tells him that he’s not allowed to do that kind of thing in front of others.

“It is already quite embarrassing at the airport and I already do not want to do that for the second time. For a while, I was impulsive and confused that we kissed. *scene of happy Yanagi swinging Kujou around and Kujou noticed the people around are looking at them* I won’t do that for the second time.”

Not discouraged, Yanagi says then..then okay, in short, it is okay if it is when the two of them alone, right! To his shock, Kujou also refuses it when they are alone. Yanagi asks then what place is good and by the way, obviously this is a date but there isn’t a bit of mood at all!? Is that deliberate!?”

Blushing, Kujou says that it is because she’s very shy..even if she knows in her heart that lovers who are going steady will do that kind of thing. Idiot Yanagi blushes and thinks, ah..is this for real.. He asks could it be that is the reason why she chose the ranch. Kujou says that she indeed really wanted to come but there is also a bit of that intention..

She looks at him and apologizes. He holds her hand and says, “..Then, how about this? ..do you hate it?” Kujou says no. He intertwines his fingers into hers and says, “Then, how about this?” She says no, she doesn’t hate it. <- idiot lovers whom married couples are concerned over.

While Yanagi asks where they are going next, a married guy thinks that is a nice pass by the boyfriend and he’s satisfied by merely holding hands..he [married man] was also like that before.. A married couple thinks that before, they also went through that.

Then, Yanagi notices Kujou squeezing his hands back. This made Yanagi blush. Looking at Yanagi, Kujou wonders what’s up with this kind of feeling. “It’s really amazing that it makes my heart tighten up.” Later on, while driving the car, Yanagi says that they walked a lot.. Holding a box, happy Kujou says that it’s quite fun. Then, Kujou says that there is an observation deck there. Yanagi asks if she wants to go and see.

After going to the deck, a strong wind blows so Yanagi shouts that it is so cold!! Looking at the sunset, Yanagi says, “Ah- after half a year, I’ll be in United States--.. at the opposite side of this ocean..” Kujou asks if he has already decided to succeed his father’s family business. Yanagi says yes, thanks to her.

Kujou asks, why her. He laughs and says that he won’t tell her. “I won’t run away again. ..of course, honestly, I’m still very uneasy and I also don’t have self-confidence.” Yanagi blushes when Kujou takes his hand. She says, “Eh, I unconsciously did that.. *blushingly looks at him* ..want to touch you..”

Moved Yanagi bends down on the railing and says, “..ah- geez. I planned not to do anything today..” Puzzled Kujou tells him to let go of her hand. She is surprised when he looks at her. He corners her to the railing. She says, about that, Yanagi.. He lightly touches his forehead on hers. She tells him to wait.. He tells her that just now, is her bad.

Kujou says, so she said, in front of people.. He says that is there anyone here? “Aren’t we all alone? ..do you hate it?” She blushes and says that kind of asking is also quite cunning.. He kisses her forehead. Holding her face, smiling Yanagi asks, “Kujou, do you like me?”

Thinking that this kind of Yanagi is quite vile, Kujou says, li..li..like.. And Yanagi leans down to kiss her. Afterwards, with a bump on his head courtesy of Kujou, teary-eyed Yanagi hugs Kujou and says that he doesn’t want to go to the United States.

Saying that he’s heavy, Kujou tells him if he is serious about what he said then she is mistaken about him. Yanagi says that he knows..and he is just saying it [to see her reaction?] Kujou says that since he has already decided to succeed the company then it is necessary for him to strive hard. “I’ll also have much to learn.”

Yanagi thinks, “Saying those kind of words on the first date.. ..but, I like that about her.. starting from the time I felt that I hated her to death, although I also walked through a considerably long way to arrive at this stage, it is only just this intention[/feeling] of not wanting to lose to her that has never changed.” Noticing him looking at her, she asks him what’s up? Yanagi smiles and says that it is nothing.

With outstretched arms and pouting lips, Yanagi says that he’ll do his best in studying so won’t she kiss him for the 6th time? Pushing his face away, Kujou tells him not to take advantage and also for him to count how many times it is, that is really sickening. Disgusted Kujou walks a bit farther from him.

Yanagi exclaims there’s no problem counting it up to ten, right!? Chibi Fujimoto says there’s a problem. Yanagi pouts and says he knows already. Looking at him, Kujou says, “..Actually, it isn't the 6th time, it is already the 7th time.” Trembling surprised Yanagi asks what does she meant. Kujou thinks that it is on the forehead though. Yanagi asks ah!? “What’s up with that!? Could it be she’s saying that it is with someone else..” Kujou smiles and says, “..secret!”

Narration: “In all likelihood, no matter how much time passes..” The scene changes to an apartment, a man in a suit opens his room 301 mailbox. A mail is addressed to Souma Kei. Older Souma smiles because it is a wedding invitation from Naoto and Mikoto for June 15. Next chapter, the finale..!!

Comment: And, for this chapter, it is seemingly same-same yet things have also subtly changed. Yanagi is still being teased by most of the club members especially Souma. The senpai-s still annoy Tachibana to death. And, Yanagi still annoys Kujou. =P Even if everything is like that, it isn’t exactly the same as before. I guess for the two, even if they have some qualities that they don’t like, overall, they like each other as a whole ^^

I guess Yanagi is still in slight denial that he kept on asking Kujou to say she likes him. About Yanagi’s ‘in love’ antics, I guess it might depend on the other party if that is sickening or not =P Or, one can say, they’re just jeaous =P Hm..I don’t recall a farm date before in shoujo..or if there was, it must have been really rare because that isn’t exactly romantic. It is nice that Kujou is becoming more sensitive about her new status of being a girlfriend but still, it is still a long way to go.

The way Yanagi whined and Kujou pacified him, the joke is about their gender roles are reversed. ^^;; Apparently, Kujou is shy about PDA or any affection. Probably not used to it? Yanagi is trying to push his luck on it yet in a gentle way ^^ Well, it’s good that they are communicating more so that there won’t be any no long term misunderstandings.

Unlike the usual, Kujou is quite supportive of him studying abroad or rather, would want him to go. Given her personality, it is inevitable. And, I wonder if they’ll know of each other’s little secret later on ^^ So, the next chapter is the last one, the wedding. So here's hoping for it to be an unforgettable one. ^^ Scans by 红莲汉化组

PS. This is a side story about Souma. I don’t think that it is very important but for those who are interested. I’ll mention it briefly.

Side Story: Lately, Souma is waking up early because his sibling called him. After quarreling to give the phone to him, the father asks if Souma is awake and they sent him vegetables yesterday so remember to give some to his friends. Then, after some more talk between his family, sleepy Souma notices that it is still 6:30am. He angrily threw away the phone.

Since he can no longer sleep, he decided to wake up. While making breakfast, he thinks that weren’t vegetables sent to him before. Not long ago, he called his father to thank him for the vegetables and said that it is very delicious. From then on, they keep on sending him vegetables. Getting ready to leave, he thinks every January, he is bound to go back to the province. After coming to Tokyo, he even thought that he definitely won’t go back.

At school, Souma’s friends are talking about how expensive vegetables are. Recalling his father telling him to share, Souma is about to suggest it but suddenly says that it is nothing. Until now, he couldn’t dare destroy his first impression image <- pretending to be a city guy when he was using an old fashion dialect [/way of talking]. Actually his friends had somewhat noticed it already but they are kind enough to protect him [by not exposing that they know that he isn’t a city guy].

At the bench, Souma thinks that he basically is in no position to talk big with that girl but even if it is like this, then.. Soon, he gives a bagful of vegetables to Kujou. He tells her that they gave him a lot so he’s sharing a lot to her. Kujou thanks him. Souma wonders if this isn’t a bit strange for he is purely giving something to someone..that’s right, it is as a kouhai..something like a birthday gift!

Kujou says that she is very happy for his family’s vegetables are really very delicious. He recalled her telling him that she really wants him to taste it so she chose those. He thinks that he got to compromise with his father because of Kujou’s words. From the start, he only wanted Yanagi to taste suffering so he approached her.

Recalling the things he did and was about to kiss her, Souma suddenly covers his reddish face and bends down for he’s ashamed of doing do that kind of thing. Kujou asks what’s up. He says that he is really apologetic to her. He thinks meeting this person, liking her, being rejected by her, so there is the current him.

He smiles and tells her that in the end, he still really likes her. This surprises Kujou. He says, how can he say it..with regards to character? He wonders what’s up with him to say these kind of words to the girl who rejected him but..right now, he doesn’t detest the him who is like this. Kujou smiles. Coming out from the tree, Yanagi shouts what they are up to and what are the two hiding from him. Souma wonders if Yanagi put a GPS on Kujou. The end.

Quote of the day:

The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love. ~ Henry Miller

Standing some distance from the house, freckled man points at the boy and shouts, “What? You don’t know? Could it be that you forgot to keep close watch at that cheating couple? You’re waiting at home?”

The boy says that didn’t he say that he’ll call for a doctor and he [boy] can already go home. Freckled man shouts for him to shut up. “First of all, properly do your part. Don’t you want your share? Huh? *Jamalta tensely looks at the boy.*...

...Do you think that it is enough to do that cheap trick at the market! *Saga realizes that it is when the boy pulled her mask and scarf down* Quickly chase after those people! If we let them run off then everything is for naught! It also won’t do you any good!”

The boy says that he won’t go for his mother isn’t feeling well. “I’m staying here to take care of her. “The one who let them get away is the one who’ll go resolve it.” Freckled man says, what, you deadbeat kid..

Another man grabs freckled man and tells him to wait, where he is doing. “What will you do if you get infected by the curse?” The freckled man clicks his tongue and looks at the boy.

The boy opens the door wider. The freckled man sees the boy’s mother lying down behind him. Upon seeing the black marks on the mother’s wrist, the freckled man got nervous.

He turns around and shouts that this time, there won’t be any share for him so wait and see, stinky brat. After the freckled man and his companions left, the boy closes the door and says that he said that he isn’t part of their group. “I’m different from them.”

Jamalta angrily punches the wall above the boy. He angrily says, not part of the group, that’s really absurd. “We are now in this plight and that is thanks to who? Huh? Not part of the group?”

The trembling boy tries to protest that he.. Jamalta grabs the boy’s collar and angrily says that he’s pretending to help in order to deceive them, right, this ridiculous boy!

Saga shouts for Jamalta to let the boy go. She says in short, right now, he helped them and he is also forced to act against his will [/has no other choice] for his situation is also not good.. Jamalta angrily asks what, hey, this kid is planning to sell her off. “What curse when he basically doesn’t want to help us.”

Saga says that she knows and he didn’t do that thing. Jamalta tries to grab the boy and says, didn’t do? “On what basis, do you trust this boy!” Pushing him away, Saga exclaims that she has something to say! “I..I have something to tell him. Don’t be reckless, okay? I beg of you, okay?”

Jamalta thinks, what..? Saga goes to ask the boy if he’s okay. Jamalta thinks, “Hmph..okay. The situation became like this is also not totally because of this boy. It starts from the time we came back with this person.. no. *Saga asks the boy if he’s listening. She tells him that Jamalta is quite scary when he’s angry*...

...it is from the time I brought this girl out. *recalls young Saga falling into the river that he bit his lips* Starting from that time, everything is all messed up and it is my fault. *scowls and tightly clenches his fist* Darn it.” Mino quietly watches as Jamalta looks away from Saga and the boy out of frustration.

Then, someone asks for water. Holding up her fingerless hand, the boy’s mother asks for water. The boy quickly calls out to her. He helps her drink from a bowl. Saga looks tense. The mother says that she heard that the doctor is coming.. “It hurts..please..don’t torment me anymore..”

Teary-eyed, the boy assures her that it is okay and for real, he’ll find someone who’ll cure her. “Whole body is white.. white curse..” He looks at Mino. Saga tells the boy that it isn’t a curse. “Mino, he simply just looks all white and it isn’t any so-called curse...

...In the very far northernmost place, the people living there are white. *Mino looks at Saga* The people there are like Mino. It’s very far.. And it isn’t the same as this place. *tightly holds her collar* So, there are so many things that we really don’t know...

...From books, I also heard of mysterious places or perhaps beasts.. Maybe, there are also people who have black [marks] on their body. Away from here, that very far place.” Mino recalls the time when Saga would happily tell him something while gesturing to some faraway place. Then, he saw how she seems to longs for it. End flashback.

While Mino looks somewhat bothered with that memory, the boy asks what she is saying. Saga says, so..perhaps, his mother wasn’t cursed. Clenching his fist, the boy asks, “Isn’t a curse? Then why? Why would the land catch fire? Why would the village catch fire? The people died...

...Why did they burn my mother? If it isn’t a curse! *crying and angrily looks at surprised Saga* Why did these things happened!! *calms down a bit and wonders why.* (Why did my mother become like this? Mother didn’t do anything!) *clenches fists and bends down on the ground in anger* If it isn’t a curse.. (what should I do to save my mother?)”

Mino holds the boy’s shoulder and says something. Trembling, the boy asks wha..what? Mino tells Saga something. Saga translate it by saying that he [boy] said that the land caught fire..perhaps a black thing is buried inside.. The puzzled boy says, yes.. Mino says that he has thought of one possibility but first, he has to personally confirm it.

Just when Saga is translating what Mino says, she said..huh, personally go? Saga tells the boy that it’s great, there’s proof that it isn’t a curse so he also comes to lead the way. Jamalta thinks that they have gone insane. Mino tells Saga to stay here. Saga refuses for she wants to go with him.

After putting a scarf on his head, Mino looks serious then he bends down to her. Touching her injured foot with an almost broken shoe, Mino asks her if her feet don’t hurt. “I’ll pick some herbal medicine that can heal injures then, I’ll come back.”

Upon seeing her injured feet, Saga starts to feel sharp pain on her feet. This surprises her as well as Jamalta. Mino takes his leave. Saga suddenly falls down on the floor as Jamalta somewhat catches her.

He turns around to see Mino leaving the hut. Trembling Saga asks Jamalta to please go with Mino. “I beg of you.. I’m fine..” Jamalta looks worried. Then, he looks at the boy’s mother. And, he starts running towards the door. Saga looks flustered as she covers her mouth.

Comment: Ah, I guess she is crying..maybe she’s suppressing the pain? Shocked that she didn’t notice that she’s already injured? Crying over how useless she is?

I’m actually wondering how come her shoes had become like that whereas the other two’s shoes seem fine. Is she wearing indoor shoes? I mean, she’s a princess so her shoes must be delicate indoor type rather than rugged for outdoor use. Maybe, it is because she doesn’t know how to walk in a rugged terrain?

Anyway, the boy didn’t earn Jamalta’s trust over what he did but it seems to for Saga. I cannot blame either one for they have their reasons. Knowing of the harsh life, Jamalta won’t easily trust anyone. Saga isn’t and well, it’s a kid who does seem to have done those things in order to save his mother.

The boy is also quite clever that he’ll partly show his mother in order to make those guys leave. The superstition worked on their favor. Still, what if it wasn’t a curse? Does that mean it will make those people who caused this want to help out the mother? From what Mino is saying, I guess he meant coal. After googling it a bit, it seems to be a coal seam fire/mine fire. And, perhaps, it stopped coincidentally after they burned his mother.

Ah, Jamalta might try to resist this turn of events but alas, fate is taking control of things that he seems to be just going along with it. He just couldn’t say no. ^^; From what Saga said, I wondered if Mino realized why Saga wanted to leave the palace. It is her dream after all to travel to faraway places.

I guess Saga will probably be safe there since the people are scared of the curse. Also, I wonder why the boy couldn’t understand Mino. Is Saga the only one who can understand him? Hm..checking the previous scans, he doesn’t talk with Cheongye. So, Saga is the only one, I guess who can understand him since he didn’t have formal education. Scans by 水神汉化组

Word of the day:

In the pain and struggle of living without answers, we can always find comfort in our heavenly Father. ‘Not ours to know the reason why unanswered is our prayer, but ours to wait for God’s own time— To lift the cross we bear. —Anon.’ ~ Our Daily Bread

In a maid uniform while carrying a tray of sweets, Yumi says, “Hello everyone. Screaming class is already in session. In this world, people would earn money by getting a job. There are also all sorts of type of jobs. *smiles* What kind of job do you want to do?” Lesson 10: Bishoujo’s (beautiful girl) Parttime Job.

A guy confesses to beautiful girl named Yoshizawa [guesswork from 吉澤; surname]. Yoshizawa apologizes and says that she already likes someone else. The other girls in section 1-3 say that Miki [guesswork from 光希; her name] Miki unexpectedly rejected Suzuki-senpai [guesswork from 鈴木]. And, before, she also rejected other guys. She’s obviously very popular so why won’t she get a boyfriend?

Miki says it’s nothing for she’s simply not interested, that’s all. Just then, a short haired boy arrives and greets Miki a good morning. Miki says, ya- Her friends say that Miki and Otsuka’s [guesswork from 大塚; surname] relationship is quite good that it seems that they were childhood friends. Miki wonders what’s with her ‘ya’ when she should say a lot more than that.

She finds this silly to death because before, their relationship is obviously very good [when they were kids] but right now, it had already become two worlds [/have their own worlds]. She really would want to go steady with him.. Then, she overhears that Akio’s [昭雄; guy’s name] friends saying that it will be his birthday next month.

Eavesdropping Miki thinks that she already knows that. Akio’s friends ask him what he wants. Holding a magazine, Akio says he wants this. It is a baseball glove that costs ¥38,000. His friends call him stupid and he should get his mother to buy it for him besides how can they even afford to buy that!? Miki thinks that Akio unexpectedly wants something, and that’s quite new.

Then, she has an idea. Miki asks her friends if they know of any parttime job that they can introduce to her. Her friends are surprised that she’ll ask about it all of a sudden. Miki wants to buy that as a gift for Akio. She imagines that Akio will be moved to say it’s amazing and, he’ll thank her. Akio would say but of course, for he is her childhood friend.

Miki thinks that their relationship will return to like how it was before.. Friend 1 says that she works on a convenient store but the hourly pay is so low. Friend 2 says that she works at a bakery and even if the pay is low but she gets to have free bread.

Miki wonders if there is no job where one can get paid a lot. She searches for a high paying job on her phone. There are midnight parttime jobs, pachinko store [pinball game usually a form of gambling].. Then, she finds an advertisement for an easy way to earn a high amount of money. She clicks the link. It is a parttime job limited to bishoujos. One can earn money by simply chatting with a man.

The advertisement is looking for a 16-22 year old girl and one can earn from ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 for every chat. She wonders if this is that commonly seen terrible news [on the television]. The advertisement says that she only has to video chat on the phone for 5 minutes. It is safe since there’s no need to see each other personally. Thinking that it is safe, Miki decides to try it out for she can chat for a few minutes so it will be alright.

She goes near a river below a bridge where she is alone. After looking around, she decides to call the number. She decides to immediately hang up when it becomes fishy. After a few rings, someone answers the phone. An old man introduces himself as Yamada Ichirou [guesswork from 山田一朗]. Miki thinks that it is actually quite ordinary.

Ichirou says that she’s very cute and her skin is so white. She also has this divine feeling to her. Miki just says ah..yes.. Miki couldn’t bear it anymore as she starts to find out that 5 minutes can be quite long. After a lot of conversation, Miki manages to endure until the end. Ichirou says that he really likes her.

She is surprised and nervous when he suggests that they try other ways of communication and he’ll pay her a huge reward. Miki tries to decline but he says that he’ll have a price list. Miki mentally tells him to listen to her. He shows a list to her. Write on a dairy for a day = ¥500 a day, copy his name on the notebook 10 times = ¥1000 each, carry the same article [/thing] = ¥2000 and eat the same food on the same day = ¥2000.

Miki is puzzled for what does that mean. Is doing that kind of things also work? Ichirou says that he’ll email the list to her later on. He thanks her for today’s chat. At home, Miki looks at her bank book and ¥5000 was deposited in her bank account. She thinks that if this keeps up.. She looks at the calendar. It is Akio’s birthday on the 15th.

So, she decides to do what is on the list. She writes on the diary, writes Ichirou’s name on the notebook, wear the same watch as Ichirou’s.. And money is deposited in her account. At school, her friends exclaim over her expensive watch. Miki says that her father gave it to her. Miki thinks that Ichirou ought to be very happy that there is a girl who is willing to do this kind of things with him..

And, even if it is mean to say it but he is really a super patronizing client!! Then, Akio notices some girls whispering. Later on, just a little bit and Miki is about to reach the target amount that she needs. She sleeps with a smile that she’ll be able to buy Akio’s gift.

Then, she has a dream. She finds herself in a messy house. She wonders where she is. She sees her own pictures put on the wall. She wonders what’s going on. Then, she sees a mirror. To her shock, she has Ichirou’s face. This made her suddenly stand up in fright. The teacher and her classmates are surprised. Miko apologizes.

She wonders what was that just now, the dream felt so real.. She overhears some girls whispering that it is enjo-kosai [/compensated dating; practice of older men giving money and/or luxury gifts to attractive women for their companionship or possibly for sexual favors. Source: wiki] Miki is puzzled by that. Later on, after the school bell, Akio asks Miki to come over with him. She blushes for she thinks that he..

Akio says that he heard that lately, she is working on some suspicious parttime job that she probably cannot tell her parents. This surprises her. She says that she’ll do something bad..could it be that he called her out for this..he wants to say that to her. Is he doubting her? He should know that it is impossible for her to do that kind of thing.

Seeing Akio’s doubting expression, Miki laughs and says that she’s really stupid, right. She doesn’t want to talk with him again. And, she left. That night, Miki throws the baseball magazine in the trash bin. She finds it really funny. Seeing Akio’s expression, she has been treated as that kind of disgusting person in class, a girl who would casually go for enjo-kosai. She becomes flustered that he unexpectedly looks at her that way.

As she wipes her tears, she gets a call from Ichirou. Recalling Akio’s expression, Miki no longer cares even if she gets hooked up on the street. Planning to accept whatever the request is, she answers the phone. Ichirou says otsukaresama [good job] and today, she had already completed the last job. “‘Seeing my dream’, really otsukaresama to you.”

Surprised Miki thinks that speaking of that, was there such a thing in the list. “No, wait, how come this guy.. know that I had a dream?” Ichirou says that he wholeheartedly thanks her during this time that she accompanied him. “Miki-chan is a very special girl. All of my assets are already transferred to your bank account. Please use it as you wish. Then, goodbye.” He hangs up. Miki thinks that until the very end, she still doesn’t know what he wants to do and is this some new game.

She sighs and thinks that she’s too stupid. She sold herself for that kind of baffling thing and in the end, she no longer wants to think of the aftermath. She wonders how to properly resolve this misunderstanding with Akio. She suddenly feels dizzy. She steadies herself on the railing.

Just then, a couple of old men are asking if she is alright, she’s very cute and is she feeling unwell. They offer her some money so why doesn’t she rest at that side..? Akio suddenly goes in front of Miki. Miki is surprised to see him. Just when she is going to reach out to him, everything turns black. Her hand also became older. She wonders what’s going on. Where is this..? Akio..?

Miki finds herself in the same place that she saw in her dream. She thinks that it is this dream again and it makes her feel uncomfortable yet strangely enough, it is quite real. She looks at the mirror with Ichirou’s face. She pinches her face and it hurts. She backs away in disbelief. A stack of books fall down.

Miki reads a book. “My dream 3-5 section Yamada Ichirou. I really like a beautiful girl. Actually, I really like it so much that I want to make myself become a bishoujo. My dream is to finally become a bishoujo one day.” Miki wonders what is this. Her hand touches another book. It is all sorts of black magic book, and study on deconstructing the soul which is related about writing a dairy, wearing the same thing, etc.

In horror, Miki thinks, “Ah.. *eyes widen* Could it be that this is..” Written in the book, the very last step to try and test out the soul exchange. For the first time, it feels like one had a dream. After the second soul exchange becomes successful, it is already forever irreversible. Tense and shocked Miki has realized that she had sold herself to that guy..!?

Meanwhile, Akio is walking with ‘Miki’ and asks if she is okay. He apologizes for today and he is just very worried about her. “You absolutely won’t do that kind of thing, right.” ‘Miki’ says yes. She happily says how is it possible that she’ll do that kind of ‘selling herself’ thing.

Yumi says, “When people feverishly loves something, there will be ‘want to be together with the other person forever’ ‘long to become one’ in one’s heart. Lastly, this kind of feeling will develop into ‘want to become the other person’. Hi hi do you also feel that way. This is a fitting job if one yearns to chase after money. *smiles* But, everyone, do not forget in any profitable endeavor, there is always an accompanying risk. Then, that’s it for today. See you in the next class.”

Comment:Honestly, even if there are no scary ghosts or anything, this is really creepy and scary. I feel sorry for Miki. Not only did she no longer have her own body, she is also penniless for that guy transferred all of his money to her now his account. It’s really not fair.

Somehow, this story reminds me of scams wherein one will invest something very small. In this case, just writing diary, wearing a watch, etc yet the price is too steep. Well, the price is usually known later on when it is too late. The other party has already taken ‘everything’/a lot and left. Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Deception may give us what we want for the present, but it will always take it away in the end. ~ Rachel Hawthorne, Dark of the Moon

Outside the hut, Jamalta walks fast and calls out for Mino and the boy to wait for him. “Don’t go! This isn’t something that we should care about. Besides..leaving the prin..that girl by herself there, is very dangerous!”

Jamalta grabs Mino’s shoulder but Mino viciously hits it away. This surprises Jamalta. Mino glares at him then turns to leave. Jamalta thinks that expression, he ought to be angry with him.

“Speaking of that, that guy has that kind of attitude from the start. It feels that it isn’t just simply a servant giving consideration to his master.”

He recalls how Mino helped Saga when climbing up the mountain, the time when they bicker over not wanting to go back to the palace, the time when young Saga gives him [Jamalta] the earring and..

Flashback: Crying Saga said that she’ll definitely save Mino. “Please bring him out of the palace.” Then, seeing unconscious Mino’s back, Jamalta asked her what’s up with these wounds.

After a pause, Saga said that it is be..because of her.. She touched feverish Mino’s face and quietly wiped her tears. Just before Jamalta goes to sleep, Saga slept beside Mino. End flashback. Jamalta had thought that it was just an ojousama’s whim. “From the looks of it, it isn’t that simple.”

Back in the hut, Saga is sobbing. She sniffs and wipes her tears. She asks how come the tears are always falling when it is just a bit of wound on her feet.

“No, it is because I’m tired that I cried.. it is simply.. After Mino comes back, what to do if he misunderstands... *holds her feet* ..but *recalling how Mino looked at her and left, tears start to fall again* Compared to the wounds on my feet, is he still angry because I left the palace on my own? I know that it is too sudden...

...*recalls Mino telling her from now on, it is simply a struggle.* Idiot, it is good just to go with good intention. *recalls Choegeum smiling sinisterly* I do not know how to survive. Also, how sister left the palace..”

She recalls her hanged sister, and also Cheongye shouting what is Saga treasuring when Mino is going to die because of her. It is because of her ignorance and selfishness when she basically has no power to protect him.

She also remembers Nan saying, “Saga, my beautiful younger sister. Why are we born women? What can we do in this world? Can you find it? But, no matter how one strived hard, yet I cannot find it, at that time..the heart had also already become empty.”

Crows are flying and Nan’s lover is crucified behind current age Saga. She imagines the lover as Mino. As Mino opens his eyes, Saga closes her eyes. “There is only suffering.” End flashback/imagination.

Clenching her injured foot tight, Saga thinks, “No, sister.. I..will find it. *looks at the moon from the hole on the roof* I won’t be like sister, that kind of losing one’s self. I won’t return to the palace. I absolutely cannot get caught and be brought back there. I will always be together with Mino.”

While Mino looks at the moon above, Jamalta stops walking and asks, “Leader? That guy said that he can undo the curse? Ah, then there is no difference with a shaman.” The boy says that it isn’t so, it isn’t the same!

“That person really knows a lot.. He always appears and disappears unpredictably! He also brought back my mother back to life when she is close to death, using needles.. Acupuncture and moxibustion..? Jamalta thinks that in the end..that kind of ability is used to deceive..

“Why would that amazing person gather the village’s hoodlums to abduct and sell women?” The boy says that it is simply when he [/they] lack money that [probably for the treatment]...so they get some ransom from that girl’s family..

Jamalta sighs and thinks that it is a swindler. He tells the boy, “Whether you believe him or not, it is your issue but your mother isn’t doing well. *the boy looks surprised* Living for every minute and every second is torture, so don’t be too greedy.”

The boy wasn’t able to answer as he keeps on walking with Jamalta. Mino just looks at Jamalta as he follows the two. From above some trees, freckled man and his gang see the three passing by. The freckled man is furious that stinky brat is unexpectedly with those men.

“That bastard dare trick me..” One of the men asks what to do. The freckled man whispers that he didn’t see the woman and she ought to have stayed in that house. “The two of you go and capture her. The rest of the men will tidy up those men.”

The other men are a bit hesitant but the freckled man urges them to quickly go. Soon, he and the rest are following Jamalta and the others. At the hut, Saga hears the boy’s mother coughing. Scooping some water into a bowl, Saga wonders what to do..is she thirsty.

Just when she is about to give the water, Saga stops for she got frightened by the woman’s terrible burnt wounds. She [Saga] no longer knows if she’s a living person or not.. As she hesitated, the mother asks if she is a doctor.

Saga asks, what? The mother says, “ha..ple..please..” Saga says, “Ah, here is some water..” The mother says, “ki..kill me.. *Saga looks surprised* It’s so painful.. release me..” Saga tells her not to say that kind of words..

“You have to be together. I know you are having a hard time but it is absolutely impossible without you. Do not leave your child all alone.. Do not let him be all alone by himself. It is quite scary to be all alone. [I’m not sure if Saga or the mother said this ->] People will..eventually become all alone.”

The mother holds up her hand and pulls down the bowl. Saga seems to be lost in thought when the water from the bowl is all poured out. After looking surprised, Saga continues to look stunned until someone calls out, “Woman! We know that you are in there! Quickly come out here!”

Saga looks at the door then she backs away in surprise. She wonders what to do? The two men outside shouts that they have her companions and if she doesn’t want them dead, she should immediately come out!

Saga thinks, “What? Could it be that Mino? *about to hold the door* No! *stops and recalls Jamalta asking if she doesn’t understand that she is their target* Perhaps..if I’m capture, the situation will only become worse? *trembling while biting her nail*...

...But, if this keeps up, Mino will get hurt! What to do? *sees them through the hole in the house* Huh!? They’re approaching here already! *backs away and sits near the boy’s mother* No..don’t.. *hears noise from the door* Don’t come over!! *holds head and closes her eyes* Don’t!! Mino!!”

Just then, a man whose face is covered suddenly stops touching the ground. His companion asks what it is. The man stands up and says that it seems that he has heard a sound.

Comment: My guess is those two are from the palace and they are the ones sent to track down Saga. Of course, the question is, which side did they hear? Saga’s or Jamalta’s? I get a feeling that if given a chance, the freckled man will tell the spies/pursuers about Saga and her companions.

So, even if Saga has that kind of resolve not to end up like her sister, at the end of this chapter, it proves that reality isn’t kind. She just got out of the palace so in that house, what can she do? At least, I give her credit for not stupidly going out just because the two said they got Mino. She realized that it will make the situation worse. And at least not shouting for proof since it will reveal that she’s there.

I do not understand why Saga looks stunned when that water is poured. Did the mother drown in that water? Probably not..maybe it is the metaphor of life being poured out? I understand why Saga would say that. Actually, it might be unconsciously because after all, what that mother wished for is exactly like her sister’s. They would rather die due to their suffering and leave the other person all alone.

Anyway, I do wonder if those men will enter the house or if Saga will remember that they are scared of the mother. Ah, it depends if she heard the reason why the freckled man didn’t enter the house since they seem to be talking to themselves at that time. Will she use the mother as her ‘shield’? I’m not sure dust is believable as the black curse. So, I really wonder how she’ll get out of that predicament. Will it because of someone else, herself, with the mother's help or they’ll just go away?

As for Jamalta, ah..he really has trouble with youngsters not listening to what he say. He did try to warn about leaving Saga all alone. I guess there will be some regrets later on over that. Jamalta has realized that there is something between the two rather than what he previously thought. Does he feel like the third wheel?

He also knows that the boy is deceived. I’m not sure if the leader is a real doctor. If he is, I cannot help but think that he’ll be part of their group. Still, Mino already has some knowledge regarding medicine. Maybe they need someone cunning in order to make things easier for them? I mean avoiding hindrances, etc by outsmarting people?

From that picture, I would think that the leader can add some comedy in the group just like how Machanyuta was. They are all so serious. Still, what is that guy’s goal. I guess time will tell if he is a villain or not.

As for the freckle guy, maybe they can scare him and the others if they rub their bodies with the coal if that is the black thing they mentioned. =P Still, Jamalta can fight and Mino has a strong body so I think they can manage. Scans by水神汉化组

Quote of the day:

Feeling powerless is the result of yielding to fearful thinking. ~ T.F. Hodge

After Shouta’s father enters the hospital room, his wife sits up and calls out to him if he came to bring the new change of clothes. Shouta’s father is just silent. To her surprise, her husband isn’t carrying anything.

She asks about Touta if he ate and did he [father] defrost the food from the refrigerator. The father asks back, refrigerator..? She exclaims that didn’t he hear her say that before she got confined and wasn’t it eaten!!! She laments over what they ate and where is Shouta, wasn’t planned that he’ll be coming over today.

The father said that Shouta brought Sawako over last night. This shocks the mother for they took advantage of the time when she wasn’t around. She accuses him for being so cunning.. The father asks what she is saying. He asks her if he doesn’t listen to what others say.

The mother confirms that he indeed never listens but how come he is mentioning it now. He says that Shouta had lowered his head and asked him to let him go to college. “Was I always tying Shouta down?”

The mother says that he worries too much. He says that it is because there is something about him that is similar to her so he worries. She tells him, “Even if it is not bad to cherish him but doing it excessively would in the end, cause trouble and put you two in bad terms. That kind of thing has happened for so many times already.”

The father says that compared to Shouta, he is more worried about her. The mother smiles and says that he always is. While walking home, the father recalls when young Shouta gave him some gifts for Father’s Day and a rice cracker when he was a younger boy. Then, he recalls Shouta asking him to let him go to college.

Later on, the mother welcomes Shouta and Sawako in. Shouta brings her the new change of clothes. The mother thanks him and thanks Sawako for visiting her. Sawako says that while she [mother] isn’t tired, she’ll go ahead first. The mother laughs and tells her not to mind. Sawako gives the mother a bouquet of flowers.

The mother thanks her and says that they are very beautiful. “I’m very happy. It turns out that this is what it is like to have a girl in the family.. ha ha, if our family has a girl, papa would perhaps won’t be that stubborn.” Shouta thinks that is possible.

The mother says that she came to her house yesterday. Sawako says yes, sorry, while she is away.. The mother says, geez, she told her not to mind it. She tells her that she’ll be discharged soon so she can come over again.

Shouta asks if she heard that from his father. The mother says that he came over this morning. The mother asks Sawako if she knows that Shouta’s father name is Shouichirou [guesswork from 勝一郎; literally ‘victory one son’] and doesn’t it specially suit him. Sawako agrees.

Shouta asks what his father told her. The mother asks if he is curious. Shouta immediately denies it then admits that he is..but..he can also guess that his father definitely didn’t say anything. To his shock, the mother laughs and says that he is really the same with his father.

She asks him how he views his father. He says a stubborn father. The mother says that’s right. Sawako thinks that it is a family conversation. She starts to back away but the mother asks where she is doing.

Sawako says that she is wondering whether or not she should leave.. The mother says that it is fine, she can stay here. Shouta smiles in approval so Sawako stays.

Shouta admits to his mother that perhaps, he actually doesn’t understand his father. He knows that his father doesn’t have any interest in him and he also doesn’t know what he should do to make him happy.

This made Sawako recall Shouta saying that until now, he never feels that his father is satisfied over the things he does. To his surprise, the mother says that his father is definitely surprised and most probably, he is very happy right now.

She tells Shouta that after going home, go and take a look at the topmost drawer of the bedroom’s wardrobe closet. She apologizes for she had also thrown some of it away..

The mother smiles and says that Shouta really makes him [father] feel satisfied..and he [father] always did but it is just very hard to see it--.. Flashback: On a grassy field, younger Shouichirou looked at three names of Kazehaya Shouta written in three different ways.

1. 勝太 [ victory + excellent; first character the same with the father’s] 2. 将太 [leader + excellent] 3. 翔太[soar/fly + excellent; this is how Shouta’s name is written] Then, there is a scene of baby Shouta whimpering. He suddenly shouted that the baby is smiling!!

The mother said that it is unconsciously. End flashback. The mother smiles and says that ever since before, Shouichirou is easily misunderstood by others. She tells them that when Shouta was born, he prepared three names.

She thought that he would choose the name that has his own name, ‘Shouta/勝太’ but upon seeing his [Shouta] face when he was born, Shouichirou choose the name that she felt he really won’t choose. There is a scene of Shouichirou carrying the baby and looking at the name sign, ‘Kazehaya Shouta/翔太’ on the wall.

The mother says, “It isn’t about wanting you to attain victory. It isn’t about wanting you to become some saint [/great man] but rather, it is hoping that you can freely soar--...” There are flashbacks of Shoichirou looking so happy that toddler Shouta had stood up and clapped.

Then, he scowled while telling his wife that today is the first time Shouta hit the baseball. The mother smiled over this. Then, there is a scene of Shouichirou telling him to do whatever he wants!! End flashbacks.

While walking and holding hands, Sawako calls out to Shouta and he keeps on saying ‘ya’. Then, he holds her hand tightly. Sawako wonders what’s in the wardrobe closet. He says that he’ll check it out and after he saw it, he’ll report to her.

While Sawako is mentally saying ‘that’s great, Kazehaya-kun’, Shouta says that it’s fortunate that she’s around. Soon, Shouta pulls out the drawer of the closet that his mother told him about. He finds albums with a note that it is Shouta during kindergarten, drawings and notes written by Shouta when he was a kid and also his notebooks during elementary. Shouta is speechless.

Flashback: The mother complained to Shouichirou over the snacks that had already expired 6-8 years ago yet he is still keeping them. She told grumpy Shouichirou that he unexpectedly collected so many and she told him to eat them when he got them. Then, he shouted what she is doing.

The mother apologizes but she’ll have to throw away these foods. He refused to let her for those are his. While the two tugged over the box, the mother said that he can no longer eat them but he insisted that those are his. As compromise, the father told her to bring him a camera.

Soon, the mother took pictures of the father with the snack and a note when he got the snack like when Shouta is around two years old, during kindergarten, grade three’s father day. The mother told him to smile a bit. Embarrassed, the father said that she’s annoying! End flashback.

Shouta is startled when his father asked what he is doing. He is surprised for his father is wearing a Hawaiian t-shirt. Shouta timidly says that is during the school trip..he wore it..and it is the first time he saw him wear it..

The father grumpily says that this is his clothes so he got any objections. Shouta says no..rather than object.. Shouta starts laughing out loud. The father exclaims what so funny! While he kept on laughing, Shouta tries to say that it isn’t about being funny but it really suits him. Even if before he thought that it will suit his father but he didn’t think that it would really suit him. Shouta exclaims that he was right in choosing this gift!!

After Shouta stops laughing, Shouichirou asks if he wants him to agree to him going to college. Shouta nods. Shouichirou says that he has a condition. “You’ll move out and live by yourself! You’ll do groceries and cook your own food. Laundry and clean up as you go pass the days alone!”

Blushing a bit, Shouta bows and thanks him. His father shouts that it is too early to thank him and he should say that once again when he passed [the college entrance exam]!!

Shouta smiles and says that he’ll absolutely be able to pass. The father says that he can talk big.. Shouta says that it is because he is like him. The father says forget it! “Get out of the way! *takes something from the drawer* ..hey, does this have an expiration date?” It is the massage coupon.

Shouta smiles and says that it can be used anytime. Soon, Shouta massages his father’s back while he kept on complaining that Shouta isn’t doing it properly. That night, Shouta tells Sawako on the phone that he hopes that his father’s muscles aren’t become sore after the massage. Sawako tells him good job [/otsukare].

Shouta says that although he always wanted to become independent but it turns out that his father also wants him to become independent. “It is the first time I felt that our two’s orientation [/inclination] is identical. I will do my best. Next, it is simply working hard to pass the college entrance exam.” Sawako thinks that finally, Shouta has made up his mind.

“The obon festival has already ended. The last summer vacation has already ended.” The school bell is ringing. The students are filling up the form regarding the school their aspired school/course. Sawako puts her pen on the first blank space. The teacher tells them to please start filling it up. Serious Sawako thinks that next, is her turn.

Comment: I guess we can consider that as a father day’s-type of chapter. ^^ It turns out that the father is just misunderstood because he couldn’t easily express his feelings.

I guess he is trying to make Shouta become responsible by assigning so many things to do.And since his father isn’t praising him or anything, Shouta felt that he wasn’t pleasing him.

Still, the father is cute in his own way whenever he did his own way of showing his affection to Shouta. ^^ And, it is only now when Shouta finds out about it. So, it is indeed thanks to Sawako and the mother for clearing out the misunderstanding. So the father-son relationship ought to improve later on. ^^ Scans by 夜莺工作室

Quote of the day:

A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be. ~ Frank A. Clark

While people are clapping for the newlywed couple, Yomi greets, “Hello, everyone. Horror class is staring. Ku ku ku, a happy bride and the person important to her making a promise of love but, even in this kind of happiness-filled place, there is also a scary trap that will unexpectedly attack you. For this chapter, we’ll talk about this kind of story. Lesson 11: Bloody Bride.

A girl happily gushes over how beautiful Miharu is. Narration: “Today is my cousin’s wedding. Starting from the time I got the invitation, my mood is super intense. The church is like Cinderella’s castle. Delicious fruit juices. The staff members are dressed up as servants...

...The wedding ceremony is really awesome♡ *looks at Miharu happily showing off her wedding ring with her groom* Everything is so beautiful.. It is good if one day, I’ll also have an opportunity to have this kind of wedding..” The host tells the guests to come over to the wedding [reception] venue—

Just as the girl is walking with the others to the next venue, she steps on something on the grass. She looks down and notices that it is a ring. She picks it up. The ring has three gems [/diamonds] on it which made her think that it could be a wedding ring!? She looks at the back of the ring and sees an engraving, K&S.

After looking around, Hana slips the ring on her left ring finger. She gushes over how she also seems like a bride♡ Then, a woman calls out, Hana [guesswork from 花] quickly come over. Hana nervously says okay, she has to quickly take it off. To her surprise, she couldn’t remove the ring.

At home, Hana’s mother tells her husband over how beautiful Miharu was today and the wedding is really amazing~~ Hana continues to try to remove the ring but it won’t budge. Her mother asks what’s up with her just now for she won’t say anything.

Startled Hana says that it is nothing and she’s going to sleep. She wonders what to do. Lying down on her bed, Hana thinks that she couldn’t tell her mother for she’ll just reprimand her over doing something strange again.

Teary-eyed Hana decided that no matter what, she’ll have it removed tomorrow no matter the method is.. Soon, she is sound asleep. In a dream, Hana opens her eyes and finds herself wearing a wedding dress and walking with someone [probably her father]. She wonders if this is a dream.

There is another man in front by the altar who said, “I’ll come for you..” Unable to see the man’s face, Hana wonders, who.. Then, she wakes up. She sits up and thinks that at the end of the dream is a wedding ceremony..

Looking at the ring on her finger, she finds that too strange but the bridegroom’s voice is nice to listen to even if she wasn’t able to fully see his face.. She becomes nervous as she thinks, ah, first don’t think of other things for she must get this thing off as soon as possible.

The puzzled doctor says that there is no way to remove it since it is dead set on her finger. A puzzled welder/mechanic says that it is really strange for no matter what he does, it couldn’t be cut off. He asks what kind of special material is that ring made off?

Hana and her mother are aghast. Hana couldn’t believe it. While walking, her angry mother exclaims that she really doesn’t know what to say to Hana and she wondered what was Hana hiding..

That night, Hana looks at the ring on her hand and wonders, why..how to do, could it be that she’ll wear it throughout her life. She thinks that it is impossible that she couldn’t take it off forever. She assures herself that it will be okay..

When she slept, Hana hears someone saying, “I’ll come for you.” Opening her eyes, Hana thinks that it is this dream again. “Huh..this time, it seems that I’m closer to the groom.” She sees the groom smiling. And, she wakes up. Sitting up, she thinks that dream makes her feel uncomfortable.

At school, Hana’s friend asks what happened to her left hand. Hana had bandaged the fingers of her left hand. While erasing the blackboard, Hana says that she careless got injured last Saturday. Her friend asks if isn’t serious. Hana just looks tense. She thinks that even if she knows that it is impossible but that groom, if the owner of this ring..

She recalls him saying, ‘I’ll come for you--..’ And, she has that dream again. She becomes very scared for compared to yesterday, she is closer to the groom. “Why.. what’s going on..” Hana screams, “I..am not your bride.. (Quickly wake up. Wake up from this dream!!)” The bloodied groom [face not shown except for the mouth] is standing beside sleeping Hana. He says, “This time, I am coming for you.”

Hana opens her eyes wide and sits up. She looks around but no one is there. While the clock at 1:24 am is tick-tocking, Hana is visibly shaken and scared. The next day, Hana calls her cousin, Miharu on the phone. Miharu thanks her for coming to her wedding last week.

Hana says that she’ll be boldly interrupting her but actually, there is something strange that she wants to ask of her. “It is regarding the wedding venue. I want to ask if you heard of any strange rumors?” Miharu asks, huh? Hana apologizes for there is something that worries her. Miharu laughs and asks what’s up with her.

Miharu tries to think and she remembers. “A staff member had told me.. A very long long time ago, in a wedding that is going to held there, the groom got into an accident on the day itself.. *scene of a man crossing the street and there is a car in front of him*...

...It is said that not long after, the bride also committed suicide to follow him [in the afterlife].. That wedding venue had become an urban legend.” Hana asks if two’s name is written as K&S. Miharu says that she isn’t quite sure..but she heard that it is a good looking [handsome guy and beautiful girl] pair.

And the phone is hanged up. Hana thinks that this ring belongs to that person and she was mistaken as the bride. Soon, the teacher says that HR (extracurricular activities) is up to here. Hana is nervous as she hopes that school ends quickly so that she can get this ring off as soon as possible.

After the teacher dismisses the students, Hana immediate grabs her bag. Then, there is a ringtone of church bells from a cellphone. A girl informs her friend that it is a wedding march tune. Hana scowls for she hates that music..

A friend calls out to Hana and says that her outfit today is so cute. “It is simply like a bride’s.” Hana nervously looks at her white dress with a bow. She thinks that she was semi-conscious this morning when she chose the dress but why is it this kind of dress..

Hana trembled that her friends ask what happened and is she feeling unwell. The teacher asks if she wants to go to the clinic. This made Hana look aghast. Running through the hallway, she wants to quickly change her clothes.

Then, she notices that everyone is lining up the hallway. They are smiling and look happy for her. Hana realizes that this is like walking up the altar wherein the people are all at the side looking at her. She quickly starts running with hopes that someone save her.

She reaches the clinic. Taking a sharp scissor, she gets ready to use it to remove the ring from her finger. As she is about to swing the scissors down, Hana tearfully shouts, “I am not your bride..”

To her surprise, the ring suddenly slides off her finger. As the ring falls on the floor, Han is relieved for she is saved. Then, to her horror, a handsome guy, whose bleeding head is cracked open, picks up the ring and says, “I’m really sorry for making you wear the ring by yourself. Let me help you in putting it on again.”

And, the priest says that the two can now offer their vow’s kiss.. Trembling Hana says, “Ah..I..I’m not..” The groom puts the ring on her finger. Then, there is a loud scream. The guests are smiling and they become ghostlike figures with a smile.

After school dismissal, a boy is tying his shoes by the shoe lockers. He notices something on the floor. He picks it up and wonders what it is. Seeing the K&S initial on it, he says that it is a ring.. And behind him is a bloodied bride.

Yumi’s narration: “No matter to whom, the time when one receives a ring is a special moment. *has a ring on her finger* Everyone also treats it seriously so do not easily wear a ring that isn’t given by the person you like. Huh? You’re asking me if it’s okay for me to wear it? Ku ku..you say.. The lesson will end here. Let’s see each other in the next class.”

Comment: So, I guess the moral lesson here is do not randomly wear a ring especially if it is a wedding ring with initials and its history is unknown. I cannot help but think that she should have pawned it instead. ^^; Still, I wonder if the ring that boy found is one and the same. And, if the boy is baited, will the ring stop looking for another victim? Somehow, I think not. Scans by 离境汉化组

Word of the day:

When you covet someone else’s things, thinking that they’re better than your own, just remember that God’s gifts to you were designed for you and you alone. ~ Hess from Our Daily Bread

Episode 63 – FEVER PITCH (The Second Kiss). There is a balance scale wherein on one side is ‘free otaku lifestyle’ and on the other side is ‘existence of love’. Narration: “Up to some extent, my fujoshi nature has earlier been exposed to him. But where will I hide the BL magazines that I want to buy at the summer-winter manga market [/comiket]...

...Next month, I have already made a reservation for the 2.5D stage [/musical] play that will be held on two consecutive days. I also plan to go to a collaboration café and also collaboration onsen. Next month, there is also a new BL game that will be released...

...If I were to live together with Arthur-sama, then that would be impossible, impossible, impossible, impossible. MY SHADOW HERE IS BUT PITCH BLACK!!” Momoe looks at Arthur who is napping beside her at the train. She thinks that the problem is not only that because according to this progress, upon returning to the dorm tonight, will she really be welcoming the real ADULT CEREMONY!?

Looking inside her blouse, Momoe also thinks that her underwear is a hideous mess and don’t talk about some amazing underwear for basically this is just more on functionality. “Flesh-colored tank top!!! The is really bad and I should have, more or less, something of a sexy kind..”

Then, sleeping Arthur leans on her. After looking surprising, Momoe thinks that it is such a soft blond hair and he always has this pleasant fragrance. Blushing a bit, she wonders if she is going to do it with this person. “Honestly speaking, after the KISS, up to what kind of process should one have to pass for it to reach that kind of end result [/sex?]. From my manga knowledge, it is probably the mood, right? I know that, right?...

...But reaching this kind of specific time, I basically couldn’t imagine it. Therefore!! I should at least wear a nice underwear!!! At least, make the underwear a bit formal!!!” Then, she wakes up Arthur because they already arrived at their train stop. While walking, groggy Arthur apologizes to Momoe for sleeping and asks her to let him carry her shopping bag. Momoe apologizes for the inconvenience.

Momoe thinks that before they reach the dorm, it seems that there is a fashionable underwear store here and there ought to be that kind of store!! Momoe apologizes for making him help her carry her things and making demands though she wants to buy something at the convenient store so please go ahead first..

To her dismay, Arthur grabs her wrist and suggests that they go together. Intertwining his fingers into hers, he says that she shouldn’t be planning to run away right and they have already returned up to this place. Momoe says no, no, she doesn’t plan on running away. Arthur says, ok good then, they have to quickly go back and take it slowly after all, today is the start of their living together.

Momoe tearfully thinks that like this, all the more she should go buy. Noticing a Victoria-underwear store but couldn’t go inside, Momoe can only lament that not only is her first battle’s outfit all junk but there is this awkward silence[?]. Arthur tells her that there is a seven [<- name] convenient store in front.

Waving her arm, Momoe sheepishly says no, there’s no need anymore and she’ll just buy it tomorrow on the way to work. She nervously thinks that this is really bad, because to start with, it is basically a very low womanly level that ought to be upgraded from negative [value]. She has a quick drying sweat tank top and underpants = zero sexy points.

Momoe tries to recall if she had bought a bit cute design underwear before.. Meanwhile, Arthur wonders what Momoe is planning. “She said that she’ll go to the collaboration café but actually, she went to meet with that middle aged man. But, she quickly chose me again and from the looks of it, she still hopes to continue the follow-up of the train kiss...

...Yet, right now, it seems that she wants to run away from me.” He sighs. Holding up his other hand, Arthur tells Momoe that he surrenders. This surprises Momoe that she wonders what’s up. He tells her that for today, they don’t have to mutually probe each other out.

“Even if it is half-jokingly and half-serious, that kind of degree, it is also fine. *Momoe goes huh* Honestly, I also don’t plan on really using that power to force you to live together with me. *Momoe goes huh!?* But, Miss Momoe, it seems that you really won’t come back yet you are here. *Momoe continues to go huh!?*...

...When it is time to sleep, I’ll go and get you. I’ll ask you if you’ll come to my bed.” Momoe says, “No problem.” While Arthur looks surprised, Momoe is amazed with herself that she would unexpectedly answer immediately and could it be that she is exerting herself too much. She looks puzzled over Arthur’s baffled expression.

Arthur says that Japanese people really like using that statement and what is the meaning of her ‘no problem’ that she said just now. Suddenly, Makoto kisses surprised Arthur’s cheek and welcomes him back. “I really wanted to see you. You also quickly come and drink together with us♪♬♪” Arthur shouts what he is doing, how come he is drunk like that and right now, it is obviously still early. Blushing Momoe is really happy over that and thinks that it is quite amazing.

Makoto calls out to Momoe to come over for a hug. Arthur immediately tells Momoe not to come to this side. After Momoe’s shopping bag was tossed to her, Lance apologizes to the two. While being hugged by Makoto, Arthur asks Lance what’s up with this. Lance explains that Makoto is causing a ruckus this evening and afterwards, he drank too much.

While Lance help him go back inside, Makoto urges Arthur that they go drink and he really doesn’t know how to drink yet let’s go drink like the mood of a temple girl ha ha ha. Arthur says that Makoto really drank a lot and it has been a long time since he has seen him in a drunken state. Lance says that it is because his good rival came this evening.

Momoe thinks that isn’t this, a so-called good opportunity. “Even if I also want to continue following this scene closely (as a fujoshi) but!! I have to take this opportunity to go back to the room to at least, find a pair of top and bottom underwear that has the same color!!!” Just when Arthur is saying if the so-called rival is Takane, Momoe is going towards the opposite direction.

She calls out to Arthur and says that she’ll first go back to her room. While Makoto is asking Arthur who is cooler him or that monk, Momoe tells Arthur that she’ll leave her things then she’ll go down to the bar so wait for a while. Immediately going into her room, Momoe has to quickly find if there is anything suitable. Looking through her bags, she tries to find one.

This and not is no good. Wearing this black is a bit too.. And finally, she finds a good pair. Holding it up, she happily thinks that it is more or less passable. Just then, Arthur knocks and says that the door isn’t locked so he’s coming in. This made Momoe’s smile freeze. Entering the room, Arthur says that she obviously said that she won’t run away yet she ran off half-way through.

With her hands behind her, Momoe says that she’s not running away. Scratching his head, Arthur asks how come she is standing at the corner. Momoe says that right now, she is preparing. He asks preparing for what. She says for the aftermath of the kiss that will make her unable to stand. After looking surprised, Arthur scowls.

While Momoe decides to first put the underwear in her pockets, Arthur says that she is breaking off someone’s tempo again like this and geez, she is obviously just a newbie. Touching her face, Arthur says that she’ll casually say those words and what is he to do if he got pushed over [/gone overboard?] and caused her to become unhappy.

Momoe says that it is fine and it is as she said a while ago. Momoe is surprised when he flicks her nose then kisses her. She is surprised when he said that there’s no need for ‘it’s alright’. He kisses her again. He says that he isn’t asking about those. He kisses her again. Momoe thinks not yet? “Isn’t this like penetrating deeply? Not only is it simply just that gently countless repeated moving [/touching emotions], and nothing more, right?”

Then, Arthur does a bit French kisses with her. When Momoe is breathing hard, Arthur smiles then pushes her away. He says that’s it for now. “If you want more of that, then don’t say something like ‘it’s alright’. Please, say out the words that I want. If you cannot say the magic-type of words that I want, then things will be postponed until then.”

Aroused Momoe unsteadily leans on the side. Unable to keep on standing, she sits down on the floor. She wonders, “Magic-type of words? I’ve already said that it’s no problem and I won’t run away. Aside from that, what else should I say.” Arthur smiles at Momoe and says, “Come, let’s go back downstairs at the bar. Right now, Lance is quite perplexed [about Makoto?].”

Comment: Ah, Arthur. You keep on trying to read between Momoe’s lines when there is actually nothing there. She is saying what she means. ^^; He really got so used to the games couples play that when Momoe says something, he keeps on thinking there is something else to it or she is just being vague.

He even assumes that it is a Japanese’s polite way of talking in order not to offend him. Of course, it cannot be helped since Momoe is giving him mixed signals which he is obviously interpreting the wrong way. Nope, she isn’t trying to escape, she’s worrying about her underwear for tonight. ^^;

But yes, Momoe’s dilemma is understandable. How can she say that is what’s worrying her both the underwear thing and also about living together with him. Anyway, she might see something to her fetish at the bar. Apparently, Makoto can be quite affectionate when drunk..hehe, is it only towards Arthur?

So, there will be three guys there and Momoe will most likely have them for herself ^^ That means, hoping that she’ll get to see them doing something towards each other rather than to her =P That might preoccupy her temporarily while wondering what are the magic words that Arthur wants to hear. ^^;

Ah, but then, I think there might be an embarrassing moment involving putting the underwear in her pocket. Perhaps, that will finally lead to the resolution of this misunderstanding. =P Scans by 月球坑组

Quote of the day:

Kissing is like drinking tea with a tea strainer, you can never get enough ~ Bob Hope

Yuki recalls how she and Shou reassured each other that it is alright and Shou saying that he always just gaze on her-- Thud. Yuki has fallen from her bed. Hugging her pillow, Yuki gloomily thinks that her it is that again. These past several days she is always in a kind of baffling endless heart pounding mode and it is probably because of that date..

Recalling their kiss, she blushes really red. Then, she notices that the sky is still very dark so what time is it.. She is surprised that it is 5am. It has already been her habit to wake up early for morning practice. She thinks that if she couldn’t sleep then might as well go study. Her heart kept on pounding but she had become a bit at ease.

At the gym, Himiko and Abe are surprised to see Yuki visiting them at the gym while everyone else is busy practicing. After the girls greet each other a good morning, Abe asks what’s up, is she going to viciously lecture the new basketball club.

Yuki says that she isn’t going to do that kind of thing. Holding a big plastic jug, Yuki says that she made lemonade for everyone to drink. Then, she glances at Yuki who passes the ball to Noda. Noda manages to shoot the ball into the basket.

While some guy says that the situation is quite good, Shou calls out to nervous Noda and pats his head. Shou tells him that he did that beautifully. Noda is all pumped up over the compliment that he’ll keep on doing his best. Yuki muses that it feels like Shou had become more like a captain yet it seems not quite right. [<- probably unused to Shou being like that?]

Swinging his uniform, Shou says that they’ll have a 5 minute break. Yuki finds it fascinating yet it is really quite repulsive..no, it isn’t at all repulsive.. Going out, Yuki says then, good luck to everyone. Himiko says that she’s leaving when everyone is going to have a break.. Yuki says no, she still has something to do..

While Shou is glancing at the door, the others are asking who brought the lemonade. Looking at her cellphone, Yuki thinks that there is still an hour before class starts so she’ll first lend the library key and stay there for a while. She is surprised when something suddenly hugged her <- basically Shou is slumping his whole body on her back.

Shou asks if she came to see him. Yuki angrily denies it for she just gave them something, some lemonade. Shou asks what she’ll give him. She tells him that she said that she brought lemonade. He asks how about something just for him. She angrily says that there is no such thing..

Shou kisses her cheek and lets her go. While Yuki blushes really red over that, Shou says that today, after class, training will be up to 630pm so how about her, will she always be staying at that store to study. Yuki says about that, she is going to cram class today. He asks if the cram class is going to start today.

Yuki says yes, and it will probably end at around 9pm so he should go home first. He says that he’ll wait for her. After a pause, she says no, it’s very cold. He tells her that he’ll wait in a store. She says no, for flu tends to spread [during this season] and besides, he is definitely very tired after the practice.

Shou asks what? He asks if he is in the way if he waits for her, is Shizuka coming. Yuki shouts no, she is concerned about his health. Shou says that since she is putting it that way, if he didn’t go home together with her, he’ll feel unwell all over and even want to puke. Surprised Yuki mentally tells him not to talk nonsense.

At Misuzu gym, Shizuka’s practice is doing well. During the break, a guy tells Shizuka that the situation is very good and if they maintain that, they’ll definitely get a good performance in next week’s Winter Cup. Kira laughs and says that speaking of Winter Cup, did Shizuka cleverly invite that girl out?

Shizuka tells him to shut up with that way of saying it. The other guy asks if Shizuka has a girlfriend. Kira says no, it isn’t like that at all. Recalling inviting Yuki to watch, she said yes and she thought that he hated her, Shizuka wonders if Yuki will come and watch.

When she asked him whether or not he hated her, he seriously thought over it and noticed that it isn’t like that at all. In the end, it isn’t..next time they meet, he’ll definitely figure it out what his feelings towards that person is. And cram school has ended at 9:15pm.

After fixing her things, Yuki thinks that even if today is the first cram class but perhaps, rather than studying alone, this is more effective at this last stage. Outside the building, Yuki takes out her cellphone and wonders if Shou is already sleeping or she should send him a message that she just finished [her class]. She felt that this morning, Shou had racked his brains to get her consent.

Flashback: Shou claimed that he’ll have a fever if he didn’t go home with her. Yuki asked how can that be. Shou claimed that if they didn’t go home together, he’ll die. Yuki insisted that he go home first. End flashback. Yuki thinks that there is club activity practically everyday and not so long ago, he just became a captain so she doesn’t want to add more unnecessary burden on him.

Seeing a message from Shou at 18:45 saying that club activity is over, Yuki sends him a message that cram class has just ended and she’ll immediately go home. She freezes when Shou who is sitting at the side says, otsukare [good job].

After a pause, she asks what he is doing. He says that he’s waiting for her. She says not, ‘I’m waiting for you’ so what is he doing. Shou says so he’s saying that he’s waiting for.. Yuki scolds him that she said not to wait for her and go home early so why didn’t he listen. Also, he’ll catch a cold sitting in this kind of place.

Shou tells her that a while ago, he was always in the café. Yuki shouts it isn’t that!! She reminds me that there is a morning practice tomorrow and he is the captain, he is the core of the team so properly rest is also part of his job. Yuki really couldn’t understand this idiot..

Standing up, Shou says that she is definitely thinking how come this idiot cannot understand. This surprises Yuki. Shou says but the idiot is her for does she even knew how many more days when they can be like this together. Yuki tries to answer but he says forget it, it’s cold, he’s going home. Yuki thinks that this is bad.

While taking a bath, Yuki thinks that indeed, how many more times they can meet each other like this before graduation. Being in the same school, they can pass by each other, occasionally talk, go home together.. Yuki recalls Shou admitting to her that he is very worried after she graduates and goes to college.

She realizes that she is always ignoring his feeling and in his own way, Shou is striving hard to cherish their continuously decreasing time [together]. Blowing bubbles in the water, Yuki thinks no..she knows that..and even if she knows but no matter what, she cannot make him always wait for her until the end of the cram school so she has to take out some other time..

To her surprise, third triplet suddenly opens the door and calls out to her. She says, hey, are you stupid? He tells her that it seems that their mother is busy at work so he’ll be asking her to prepare their bento for tomorrow. Yuki says that she knows already so quickly close the door.

Then, Yuki realizes something. While cooking, Yuki thinks that even if they cannot be together after school, there is still lunch break. No, even if the risk is quite high but at least, before graduation, she’ll try this out once..for this is a required item for lovers studying in the same school..! That is ‘Eat bento together’!!

The lunch school bell is ringing. From the corner, Yuki looks at class 2-C and thinks that even if she aggressively came to this place but how would she find the opportunity to grab Shou. She is surprised when Arisa slightly pushes her and calls out to her.

Arisa asks what’s up and it’s rare for Yuki to come to the second year class. Yuki says no..today is..that.. Noticing the bag that Yuki is holding, Arisa calls out that senpai Yuki is calling for Shou and she heard that senpai is going to lecture him. Shocked Yuki tries to stop Arisa but Shou had already come out of his class.

Arisa laughs and says then, she’ll be going ahead. Shou asks Yuki if she already ate lunch. Yuki is all tense for this is no good because in this kind of situation, a lot of people will pay attention if she says, ‘let’s eat lunch together, how about it’.. She tries to be brave but they were interrupted by a couple of girls [seems to be Arisa’s friends].

They call out to Shou and say that they think that he is definitely so slow that he won’t have time to buy lunch so here you go. They greeted Yuki and shove a piece of bread to Shou. They say that they already help him buy curry bread. Shou says amazing.

They say that it isn’t ‘amazing’ but it should be ‘thank you’. As Shou starts to eat the bread, Yuki tightly holds the bag. Shou asks her what is it, is it about the club activity. In the end, she says that no..it’s nothing. She totally wasn’t able to grab the opportunity. While eating lunch with Yuki, her friends ask where she went.

She says nothing. She thinks that no..it is because even if she isn’t quite sure but it feels that he is always surrounded by girls. Ultimately, the only place that she can think of where they can be alone is the activity room but perhaps, Himiko is working there and besides, it won’t be natural for someone who already retired to be there..

Looking at the bag, Yuki thinks that she can still say these words of ‘continue to strive hard tomorrow’ several times. Recalling Shou telling her if she knows how many days they can still be together like this, Yuki slightly scowls and thinks ‘tomorrow, tomorrow’ what is that for she doesn’t have the luxury [of time] to say those words.

After school dismissal, at the shoe lockers, Yuki thinks that she has one leftover bento but forget it, when she’s hungry at cram class.. Shou calls out to her and says that it is great that she didn’t leave yet and did she look at LIME [pun for LINE; internet messaging app]. Yuki admits that she didn’t. He calls her stupid for she should look.

Yuki asks what about club activity. He says that it is a rest day and it seems that there is an emergency maintenance. She says is that so. He leans to her and says ya, so..before the start of her cram class, he wants to be with her. This made her blush and drop the bento bag.

Picking it up, Shou says that there is still something inside, didn’t she eat? She says that.. Shou says by the way, she didn’t come to tell him about the gym’s maintenance during lunch so what’s up. Clenching her fist, Yuki blushes and says that is..she wanted to eat lunch together with him..so she made..bento.. This surprises Shou.

Taking the bag from him, she hurriedly says no..it is alright if he doesn’t want to and she’ll just bring it with her to the cram class and eat it as dinner.. To her surprise, Shou grabs her wrist and tells her to come over here for a while. She tells him to wait..they’ll be seen..wha..what..

And, they head out the emergency exit. While walking upstairs, shivering Yuki says that it is really cold out here. It is shady yet windy. Shivering Shou says yes, so there is absolutely no one who will come here on winter day. To her surprise, he says to let him see that bento.

Sitting beside him, Yuki says that it is okay but it doesn’t have any interesting stuff inside. He asks if it is ordinary. She says that it is very ordinary. He opens the bento box. There is rice, pickled plum, salad, sausages, egg roll [/tamagoyaki] and fried chicken [/karaage].

Yuki is puzzled why he would take his cellphone and take a picture of it. He asks if she made all of it. She says yes. Opening his mouth, Shou asks for her to feed him. Yuki really wanted to say, ‘are you stupid?’ but then, he is waiting for her to do it.. So, Yuki uses a toothpick to pick up the egg roll and feed Shou with it.

After he ate it, Yuki blushes really red and her heart is beating like a deer in front of headlights..it hurts.. she wonders why. <- discovering a weak point. Shou is happily eating the bento by himself when Yuki hears some cheer at the side. She sees Himiko leading the cheering squad below. Yuki says that one can clearly see the club room from this place.

Shou says yes, he always used to watch from this place. He confesses that during first year, when there is no club activity, he’ll go there to cool off in the shade. Then, he’ll think, “Ah- that manager is still working during rest day’-something upon seeing Yuki cleaning the club room’s door.

Yuki nervously asks if he was always watching, stop that. Covering the bento box, Shou says that it is useless to say that right now. Incidentally, there was an occasion when he found that that she likes Kido. So from then on, every time he goes here, he’ll always think of this thing.

“Ever since the time I fallen in love with senpai, every time I go to this place, I’ll always think of her.” This surprises Yuki and made her blush. Just then, a strong wind blows. Shou puts her in his jacket. This made her blush as she says, ..wait. He tells her, “So, most probably, even after you graduate, I would only have to come to this place then I’ll have this kind of feeling of being with you..”

Yuki thinks, “There’s no need to worry. It is totally our misconception that we feel that time is becoming short. It is alright, Naruse.” Yuki says, “[about]..tha..that..you..you’re not..allowed to bring other people here..” She slightly pouts and looks at him. He smiles and rubs his head on hers.

He laughs and asks if that meant, ‘not allowed to bring girls in the room’. [<- ah, maybe it meant in this place? ^^;] Yuki angrily says she didn’t mean that and quickly let her go, for the static electricity is really intense. Narration: “Our time together isn’t at all decreasing but rather, it is accumulating bit by bit.”

Comment: And, that is another lovey-dovey chapter. Though the theme is quite similar to how it was before. There is some hesitation and uneasiness from Yuki’s part though when confronted, she’ll immediately deny that she is doing it for him. Yuki means well since she is concerned about him. He also means well since he wants to spend as much time with her as possible.

After realizing what his intention is, Yuki decides to compromise by having lunch together instead. Then, back to the hesitation and uneasiness and confrontation but this time, she becomes more frank. Hehe, usually happens at the near end. And yes, everything goes well from there on. ^^ Of course, with lovey-dovey scenes ^^

I guess the only time when she isn’t that uneasy and hesitant over showing her affection is the time when they can make their relationship public. Well, from this chapter, we learned how Shou learned about Yuki’s feelings for Kido and how he start to fall for her. He turns out that he’s always watching her there aside from during club days.

Her ending narration is indeed a positive way of thinking regarding their situation ^^ As for Shizuka, I thought he already knew but it seems that he is still unsure over his feelings for her. ^^; So, the Winter Cup thing is probably his closure regarding Yuki. The next chapter will be out in Japan on June 20th. Scans by 红莲汉化组

Word of the day:

Don’t call attention to the negative. Try to bring out and accentuate the positive! ‘Whatever things are true..noble..just..pure..lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8’ ~ 101 mottos for success by J. Richards and M.S. Fontaine.

Namaikizakari [Chapter 43]

Kasane [Chapters 71- Fangs]

Namaikizakari [Chapter 44]

Kasane [Chapter 72 - Demise]

From Five to Nine [Chapter 62]

Kasane [Chapter 73 - Awakening]

Ookami-heika no Hanayome [Chapter 81]

Kono Oto Tomare [Chapter 46]

Review: Tsubasa to Hotaru [Chapters 27-30]

Review: Nijiiro Days [Chapter 47]

Skip Beat [Chapter 236]

Kasane [Chapter 74 - Immortal]

Last Game [Chapter 55 + Souma's Side Story]

Blue Glass [Chapter 17]

Zekkyou Gakkyuu Tensei [Chapter 10]

Blue Glass [Chapter 18]

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 109]

Zekkyou Gakkyuu Tensei [Chapter 11]

From Five to Nine [Chapter 63]

Namaikizakari [Chapter 45]